Introduce Yourself To The Group

[Deleted User]

Hi, my name is Karen Crider and I am a lifetime writer. I have written a total of six , but one died, and is no longer with us. I enjoy writing comedy, fantasy and drama. I hope to add to my experience level in screenwriter. I am largely a poet, so everything I write puddles into metaphor. Nice to meet everyone…

[Diana Collins]

Hey Karen, I’m a lifetime writer as well. Lots have died. LOL. love the poetry side – great as creative outlet. Nice to meet you (virtually) too. Best, Dia

[TOM Stingley]

Tom Stingley and I have written three scripts that all need rewriting. I hope to learn writing more beneath the surface and work as a professional with my producer contacts. I hope to publish my first book this year.

[Diana Collins]

Hello Tom, working on that as well. Good goal. Also good luck on the book! Bye, Dia

[Nathaniel graves]

My name is Nathaniel Graves but I don’t answer to that — I renamed myself Neil back in HS and it’s been following me about ever since. I bet I’ve written enough scripts to climb halfway up my shinbone. Maybe 15 by now. I hope to get my script that I’m working on now into presentable shape to circulate. Something unusual? I used to play ice hockey in college but got wrecked up trying out for the football team. So, wounded, I joined the newspaper staff and my writing efforts eventually got me into scriptwriting.

[Greg Kanaga]

Hi Neil.

Would you like to partner up for the course?

[Diana Collins]

Hey Neil, wow – loads of scripts! Love journalism, being on the paper staff brought you around to the career you are in now – so that’s a great thing. Bye, Dia

[Benito Selim]

I’m Benito Selim, I’m from the San Francisco Bay Area.

I have written several shorts most of which I have expanded. I have a total of 8 scripts. 3 Features, 3 TV Pilots, 1 Graphic Novel, and 1 Spec script.

I have taken three classes with Hal and Chery in the past and since January this will be my third just this year; I love the information given and really hope to become motivated again and spark that flame of creation back up. I am ready to get my scripts back out there and hope it’s good enough to be optioned and even get writing assignments.

I am fascinated with true crime and how serial killers operate (not that I’m praising them) just can never understand the why to their crimes. I’m a huge horror fan (both film and TV) I love supernatural and ghost stories, growing up in a haunted house, plenty of stories come to mind. I’m excited to get this class flowing and get my career started.

[Diana Collins]

Hello Benito, sounds like you’ve been busy writing and taking classes! GREAT for you! Keep going. If you haven’t taken the prop series or masterclass, I highly recommend them. I don’t like horror, but I love supernatural and (not tooooo scary)ghost stories. SO what’s the story on “growing up in a haunted house”? Dia

[Fernando Silvestrin]

Hi, everyone!

My name is Fernando, and I’m originally from Brazil. I’ve written two TV Pilots, and I look forward to applying the rewriting techniques in this class to get these scripts into good shape and writing samples. I was a magician in childhood, so I guess that makes me strange or unusual. Great to meet you all!

[Diana Collins]

Hey there Fernando, congrats on the writing TV Pilots. I wrote a series as well, but fell through the cracks for a bit. Back on it now. What are your pilots about? Use your ‘magic skills’ to elevate them and get them into production! See you in class, Dia

[Vincent Diggins]

Hi, my name is Vincent Diggins. I am working on my second script. In want to learn how to make my script better by rewriting in an effective way. I have three cats who think I spend too much time writing and not enough time giving them treats.

[Diana Collins]

Hi Vincent. So funny – I have two kats and a Kid – they wonder the same thing. LOL. Best, Dia

[Elizabeth Corinth]

Looking forward to this class and to getting to know everyone! I’m Elizabeth Corinth. I’ve written one short film script, in addition to about ten playscripts. I’m looking forward to better understanding the various components of a screenplay and how to make each one particularly compelling. I create escape rooms as a hobby.

[Diana Collins]

Hi Elizabeth, love the photo with baby! Have you ever produced any of the playscripts? Also, what kind of escape rooms do you create? Sounds interesting. I’m also a designer and do a lot of meditation / relaxing ‘spaces’ for clients. Best, Dia

[Elizabeth Corinth]

Hi Dia! A couple of the scripts were produced but just by college classmates — nothing professionally. My main escape rooms are for my kids for their birthdays, though I have also sold tickets to one for a school auction, and made some for my family for a holiday get-together.

[Judith Watson]

To start the class out, please introduce yourself below. That will give you a chance to be part of this group and learn how the forums work.

Tell us the following:

1. Name: Judith Watson

2. How many scripts you’ve written? 6; I like writing horror or thrillers.

3. What you hope to get out of the class? I hope to write a great script of which I can be proud. Also, I am looking forward to seeing everyones great ideas and working together.

4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? I love the Basenji dog. A barkless dog who sleeps in a circle like a cat.

We look forward to working with you all!

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  Judith Watson.

[Diana Collins]

Hey Judith, like your goal #3. Me too. Also – Basenji dogs are great! Looking forward to seeing your work, don’t write horror or thriller, but enjoy reading them. Best,Dia

[Frank Gaide]

Greetings everyone.

My name is Frank from Boston.

I’m a wee bit older than most of you. Retired Firefighter. Retired Production Designer. And concentrating on storytelling via the screenplay now. I have finished five first drafts — but never a rewrite! Bad me…

Gotta say that my interests swing from action/adventure to psychological/thriller to romantic comedy. I’m hoping to discover a genre that really suits me and my voice and my lampooning sensibility.

I have finished other workshops Hal and Cheryl. They were all extremely informative and exhausting… but rewarding! My wish is to overcome my fear of the rewriting process and turn one of my first drafts into a great read.

Amen!

[Shannon Phipps]

Hi Frank. Would you like to partner up for this class?

Shannon Phipps

[Diana Collins]

Hi Frank, wow – two great careers! Lots of writers I know are retired and working full time on writing – lucky guy! Agreed, classes are informative and exhausting! I decided to practice my reading / listening / reply skills and say hello to everyone. Have no fear, SU is here! Best, Dia

[Heather Hood]

Hi everyone,

My name is Heather. I’ve taken The Profound Screenplay with Hal before and with that guidance was able to whip 2 of my six screenplays into being able to place in a few contests this year. But… there are still comments like “on the nose dialog” and “some characters need more depth” coming back. So obviously I’m missing something somewhere and I hope to tackle the heavy lifting in this course.

Oh ya, I write novels and short stories too. Most of my screenplay ideas are novels that worked better as a visual medium.

So pleased to be working with all you brilliant people!

[Diana Collins]

Hey Heather, CONGRATS on the contest wins. Keep going! I love writing shorts and novels as well. Working on a trio series for a publisher now. Looking forward to reading your work.

[Heather Hood]

Thank you. Can’t wait to see what this course brings!

[David Mailman]

Hello to everyone.

I am a retired professor of physiology at the University of Houston. After I retired, still wanting some creativity in my life and believing films to be the highest art form, I started working in films. I wrote, directed, or videoed six narrative or documentary shorts that were shown on local TV. I made a feature-length documentary DVD on Houston’s Maritime Museum and related nautical history. I worked on two- “real” films on the craft table, set dresser, face-in-the-crowd, and general factotum.

Afterward, I started writing movie scripts. The skills needed in science writing are the opposite of those needed for screenwriting. Surprisingly, it’s hard to go from the rigor of science into the anarchy of imagination. But I love movies, so screenwriting was the way I chose to spend the rest of my retirement. One would guess I’d choose topics that involved lab experiments gone bad, where the protagonist turned into a superhero or a fly, but for some reason, most of my scripts are teenage adventure stories. I suspect there’s a message in there.

After I started screenwriting several years ago, I realized I had a mystery. Why was I writing teenage adventure stories when I’m 84 years old? I finally realized I grew up very inhibited. My escape was to read adventure books. I started college when I was 14 and spent the next 55 years in a lecture hall or laboratory doing medical research. I loved every minute of it. I retired and spent several years making very amateurish films. I stopped until I got bored with inactivity. That’s when I started writing and now, I realize what I’m doing is reimagining my teenage years.

I have one script in the fourth draft. Four others are in advanced treatment.

[Diana Collins]

Hello David – wow what a list! congrats on all the work you’ve done. Love that your writing a ‘young’ mind. Looking forward to seeing your work. Bye, Dia

[Michael Egenolf]

… anarchy of imagination… love that!

[Susan Silver]

Hello, all!

My name is Susan Silver, and I’m in Eugene, Oregon (but moving soon to Tampa). I’ve tried my hand at a TV pilot and outlined the first season of a show about immigration, along with excerpts of about a dozen scripts! The project I’m bringing to this class is my very first completed film script, and I’m excited to whip it into the best possible shape. I’ve taken multiple ScreenwritingU courses, and I’m always impressed by the insights and knowledge they offer. In this class I also hope to bond with and learn from other dedicated writers. Something unique? In my wild youth, I used to race with my pet goats at festivals and once won first prize (a wreath, which the goat promptly ate).

[Diana Collins]

Hello Susan, good on the TV pilot and show, sounds like loads of work already done. Love that your a return student, as am I. Feel the same way – great experience here at SU. The goat thing made me laugh, thats what they do LOL. Anyway, looking forward to reading your work. Best, Dia

[Greg Kanaga]

1. Name. Greg

2. I’ve got more than a dozen partly completed scripts and five ready for professional rewrites.

3. What I hope to get out of the class is to sell my scripts for million$.

4. I’m a former forest fire fighter, airline pilot and actor. I’ve taken classes and performed at the Groundlings Improv theatre. I’m a composer/singer/songwriter/drummer. My toys include vintage cars, dirtbikes and a Shifter Kart. I’m currently remodeling my house in the high desert (myself). I’m a survivor of clinical depression and rescue/ foster/ find homes for abandoned cats and kittens.

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  Greg Kanaga.

[Diana Collins]

Hey Greg, agreed – lets sell our scripts! Sounds like you’ve had an interesting life with loads of experience to draw from, how cool is that? We love little animals (well ALL animals) but have two cats at the moment. Always finding homes for strays too. Looking forward to reading your work. Best, Dia

[Leo Sopicki]

NAME: Leo Sopicki

SCRIPTS: I’ve written 5 feature scripts and a bunch of short scripts. Several of the shorts have been produced and won awards at film fests. During the pandemic I wrote shorts for a YouTube channel.

THIS CLASS: It’s time to get those feature scripts sold, so I will be making them awesome over the next 10 weeks.

ABOUT ME: I like to <CENSORED> with <CENSORED> <CENSORED> and then <CENSORED> while singing A Horse With No Name.

[Diana Collins]

Hello Leo, good on the 5 scripts and shorts! Agreed, time to elevate and sell! Best, Dia

[Althea McPhail]

Hello all! My name is Althea. I live in the metro Atlanta area. I’ve written a web series and 2 screenplays. The second one is the one I’m going to rewrite with the aid of this class.

Writing is my second career. I still work as a semi-retired physician (Pathologist) and full-time grandmother.

I’m excited to do the deep dive and growth necessary to improve my writing I’m looking forward to learning from everyone.

[Diana Collins]

Hello Althea – great goal, I’m excited to dive deep into my scripts as well and find the best elevation I can. Congrats on doing this AND being grandmom – think how cool they’ll think you are when your script gets produced! Best, Dia

[Althea McPhail]

Hi Dia,

Nice to meet you! This is the first class I’ve taken with this format so I’m glad to hear you found previous classes helpful. I’m practicing my open-mindedness because professionals rewrite!

[Diana Collins]

Yes! Your write (haha!) Acyually these are the best classes. I took a pro-series 8 years ago (YIKES!!) and my classmates and I really connected and there are SO many of them who are doing great now. I highly recommend any of the classes – as long as you get involved and read, read, read, edit, rewrite – etc – you’ll do fine. Thanks for your note. Part of our success is connecting and learning from each other. Best to you, Dia

[Judith Watson]

Hi Althea, Glad to have you aboard and am looking forward to working with you. I am a grandmother also. best, Judith

[George Strakosch]

Howdy! I’m George Strakosch. I’ve written one screenplay, two pilots and countless scenes for comedy troupes over the years. I’ve taken a number of classes with Hal and Cheryl, most recently the Binge-worthy Bootcamp two years ago. I’ve learned so much and I’m ready for more.

I am taking Professional Rewrite Class to learn this skill while using it to elevate the pilot I wrote in the Binge-worthy class. I’m exciting to work with all of you as we help each other grow as writers.

Let’s have fun!

[Diana Collins]

Hey George, sounds like you like comedy – that’s great, we all need a good laugh now-a-days. I’ve taken classes with SU as well, but it’s been a long break for me. Glad to hear your continuing to elevate your script. looking forward to reading.Best, Dia

[Diana Collins]

Hello – I’m Diana, I also go by Dia. I’m alumni; have taken classes/pro series and learned tons! Have about a 1/2 dozen feature scripts in various stages, dozens of segments (which I consider scenes), short stories, etc., Years ago, I created an Educational/Inspirational Global Travel Show and wrote 18 segments focusing on amazing locations, native culture and wildlife. While in the midst of shooting the sizzle reel, I was diagnosed with multiple brain tumors and life came to a screeching halt. As one of my biggest passions, I look forward to completing this project and producing it. In this class, I hope to elevate my scripts in order to be sure they are the best they can be, and marketable. Unique about me: I’ve trekked all over the globe and I’m most happy with a rucksack and my hiking boots exploring a jungle or way-out-of the-way exotic place somewhere deep in nature. Looking forward to working with you all and reading your work.

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  Diana Collins. Reason: updated with info, didn't have time to write previously

[Frank Gaide]

— PS74 for me. And I thought my group was a long time ago. lol. Many of my comrades went on to MC. I chose to wait until discovering more about rewriting. That’s the ticket! Best wishes over the next 10 weeks.

[Diana Collins]

Yes, it was 2014. Lost the last 8 years, then covid mess, it’s been a while.

Glad to hear to most went on – same here. Looking forward to the class as well.

[Shannon Phipps]

Hello all! I’m Shannon Phipps.

I’ve written four feature scripts, four web series with 8+ episodes each, three pilots, and two show bibles. I also wrote a ton of completely horrid scripts that I pretend I never wrote so that I can face the blank page without shame.

I hope to complete a better feature draft of which I’ve written four drafts, and it’s still not ready. Ugh! I need help figuring out how to solve some problems in the script and hope this course will give me the skills to do it or at least improve skills other than my other avoidance tactics including, but not limited to, spice rack organizing, behind the refrigerator dusting, and water bottle palm balancing.

I was teased and tortured (not literally) by my twin brother for the first 20+ years of my life which is why comedy is my favorite thing to write…and what I’m best at writing. (This bio is not a great example, so don’t judge!!)

I look forward to working through this course with each of you.

[Diana Collins]

Hello Shannon, your opening sentences really made me laugh. I know the shredder very well. The thing is – every word we write propels us towards greatness, so we need to write the ‘crap’ to get it out and gone. Love that you write comedy. I can’t. looking forward to working with you as well. Best, Dia

[Frank Gaide]

Hi Diane… just want to thank you for all the thoughtful greetings! I also completed a Pro Series workshop. What class are you affiliates with? It would be a joy to discover we graduated the same one.

[Diana Collins]

Hey Frank, thanks for the note back. I was in PS43. Had an AMAZING GROUP!! but unfortunately was LONG time ago… had a medical issue that sidetracked me from moving next into Masterclass. Which one where you in?

[Frank Gaide]

Hi Shannon… Let’s give it go! Perhaps we can swap stories on how best to procrastinate? ; )

[Frank Gaide]

Hi Diane… just want to thank you for all the thoughtful greetings! I also completed a Pro Series workshop. What class are you affiliates with? It would be a joy to discover we graduated the same one.

[Gregory Kiernan Ballines]

Hi everyone!

My name is Greg and I’ve written 7 scripts up to this point.

I was part of the Masterclass 15 with Hal and now I’m looking to rewrite my script from that class that I know is a high concept.

One interesting thing about me is that I have eleven siblings. So yeah, that’s a lot.

[Diana Collins]

Hi Greg, I took the pro series, but missed the masterclass I wanted to join. Will do someday soon. 11!! Yikes, I had 6 and that was tough. LOL. Best, Dia

[Patricia Snyder]

Hi all! I’m Patti Snyder and, like several others, I am retired and feeding my creative juices after 30 years practicing law. I’m on the 2nd draft of my first screenplay and after sitting in on a few free classes of Hal’s, decided that this Professional Rewrite class has the potential to move my TV dramedy pilot forward. I’ve done freelance proofreading and editing work and that led to getting a job writing real estate ad copy, the first time I’ve ever received renumeration for my creative writing! I’ve been lucky to live on a tropical island in the Florida Keys (and yes, Florida Man is a real thing!), and have a lifetime of material to exploit from my residency.

I’m really looking forward to this class and working with everyone.

[Carol Capomaccio]

Hi! I had just started a rewrite of my feature length script when I listened to Hal’s call about SU’s Professional Rewrite class. Needless to say, I signed up immediately- then got Covid! Slowly, but surely I am emerging from a Covid fog bank and into my life again. Looking forward to diving into my script and supporting others to achieve their goals. I am drawn to the sky- thunder cloud formations, endless horizons, the moon & stars against the depth of darkness- out there ‘beyond the beyond’ is my home, for sure. My guilty pleasures include drinking fine, reposado tequila and watching reruns of The Office.

[Diana Collins]

Hello Carol, love your intro. Am into the same things – except the reruns, LOL. Anyway, have you posted your day 1 assignment? Didn’t see it, but would like to read. Thanks, Dia

[Marti Wheat]

Hi all, my name is Marti Wheat and I have written three scripts, two of which need rewriting. My primary focus for this class is to rewrite a script that has garnered a bit of interest from a few producers and to then use what I learn from that experience to do an overhaul on my other scripts.

Something unique about me is that I have an animal rescue organization and am an avid scuba diver.

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  Marti Wheat.

[Diana Collins]

Hey Marti, I sent you a message but it didn’t appear here, so thought I’d try again. I didn’t see your Day 1 assignment posted, and am interested in seeing if you may want to partner. I am also a diver, and love animals and wildlife. I’ve worked with rescue and in conservation most of my life. Let me know when you post, I’d like to see what you’ve written. Thanks! Dia

[Marti Wheat]

Hi Diana,

Thanks. I would love to partner with you. I posted my Day 1 assignment (I think). I’ll go back and check. I put it somewhere… 🙂 Best, M

[Diana Collins]

Hey Marti – I’m having problems with notifications – didn’t even know you’d replied. ALSO – the date / time stamp on the forums is completely messed up so am not sure when you replied. Do you have a partner yet? I’ll go look for your day 1 now. Easier to exchange via email, mine is OrionWildife3@gmail.com or 818-741-0740

[TOM Stingley]

HELLO I’m Tom Stingley and have been through the ProSeries but have yet to have a script that does not need rewriting. Hope this class is the key to being more professional.

[Michael Egenolf]

Hi everybody, My name is Mike Egenolf. I’m little late getting started because I was down with Covid this past week but am feeling better. I have written a dozen scripts, several novels, and I have three published sports books. Over the last two years I have had two scripts finish as finalists in screenplay contests. I am taking this course to refocus before rewriting one of those scripts that was recommended to Hallmark. Something unusual??? I am actually the only person in the US with the full name Michael Egenolf. My son’s name Ian Michael Egenolf is also unique in the US. Looking forward to diving in!

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  Michael Egenolf.

[Abhishek]

Hi, My name is Abhishek Mishra. I am a writer, and I will remain a writer in all true senses for the rest of my life. I have written one feature-length script and six short scripts. Other than this, I have outlined four of my stories, and soon I will complete the script for the same. I hope I can learn the techniques and nitty-gritty of rewriting a script, and I am looking forward to rewriting my feature-length accordingly to make it more plausible and compelling. Ideas often come to my mind flawlessly, and I can efficiently structure all of them and create an outline for the same seamlessly. I love reading and writing mysteries, drama and thrillers, and with this learning, I am excited to take my ideas and concepts to the next level.

[Rachel Zaffina]

Hi my name is Rachel and I have several drafts written, none of which are completed. That’s why I’m here. I want to learn how to reach the core of my stories and express them in interesting, spell-binding ways. As for something unique about me: I am a Gemini (sign of the twins) and oddly enough I share the same birthday with my best friend. That’s it for me. I’m looking forward to this class and learning more from all of you.

Thanks,

Rachel Z.

[Joe Donato]

I am Joe Donato and I lived in the Hudson Valley, NY for 10 years (1.5 hours north of Manhattan), but grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs. After completing the ProSeries during the Pandemic, I finished the first drafts of 3 scripts and made a vow to have all of them rewritten and market-ready by the end of 2021. Its now June of 2022 and they all still need work. So I took this class to help push me to getting them up to snuff.

Interesting fact:: my first script (which I first wrote 20 years ago) was a finalist in the Big Apple Screenplay competition this past month. The night before the deadline we had to do the 4 hour drive to Philadelphia, but i asked my wife to drive the whole way while I sat in the passenger seat and feverishly rewrote. She really supports me! I submitted it at 1:30 am, eastern time, an hour and a half before the deadline.

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  Joe Donato. Reason: becaue I'm a perfectionist