Introduce Yourself to the Group

[P.G. Sundling]

1. P.G. Sundling

2. One script (Dropship) and one award-winning political thriller novel (The Internet President: None of the Above).

3. I want to apply what I learn to my novel, Hot Nights and Cold Wars: None of the Above 2. I write in a terse, cinematic style that makes people think of screenplays. The long-term plan is to adapt the novel series to long-form TV.

4. My first novel is nothing like the other millions of books because it blends a dozen different genres, tone shifts, and enough non-fiction that some readers have fact-checked me. I’m doing some unique things with my series too.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 9 months ago by  P.G. Sundling.

[Sean Gagnon]

1. Sean Gagnon

2. 2 scripts written

3. To use the material to prepare myself and my scripts to be at a pro level for when I enter the TV market with four different pilot scripts.

4. I used to be a day player actor. Here’s a link to my IMDB page under my acting name Sean O’Brian.

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1694574/

[Edward Gadrix]

Eddie Gadrix

3 scripts completed (one 1-hour TV pilot, 1 feature, and 1 short

1 adaptation from a stage play filmed and produced in 2021.

2 projects are currently underway.

I hope this course will take my writing to greater heights. Moreover, notwithstanding this course seem more toward action, suspense, and drama, I’d like to consider a comedy or (feel good) serialized project. I’ve had an idea for some time now that would fit for a TV series, and this course might be the inspiration and foundation to launch it. We’ll see.

I’m a musician (jazz trombone) as well as a writer. Resident, Metro Hotlanta, GA (Hollywood South)

[Timothy Barley]

1. My name is Tim(othy) Barley

2. I’ve written five full-length screenplays, cowritten one more, have co-written one one-hour sci-fi drama TV series and have a head swimming with so many more…

3. …that although I’ve worked in TV production on a writing staff, I’d like to use the format to formulate the ideas in #2 into sellable series.

4. I’ve been on “Jeopardy!,” “America’s Most Wanted,” still maintain an 8-handicap on the golf course, and play beach volleyball, living a block off the beach in Hermosa Beach, CA, all while writing away.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 9 months ago by  Timothy Barley.
• This reply was modified 2 years, 9 months ago by  Timothy Barley.

[Ellen Dolan]

Hi,

My name is Ellen Dolan

I have three scripts written. One is in the hands of producers now but my TV pilot script can’t seem to take off.

I really need help with structure. I am self teaching through courses like this.

I am a washed-up, old showgirl. Thirty years on Daytime and now I am writing. I hope there is nothing strange or unusual about me.

[David gollob]

David Gollob

i have two feature scripts

i want to pitch a limited series to streamers.

you can read about me on imdb:

https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm12579734?ref_=nm_nv_usr_profile

[Linda Anderson]

Hi Screenwriters,

My name is Linda Anderson. I’ve written 4 screenplays and 4 stage plays. In the Writing Incredible Movies class, I’m adapting into a screenplay, the New York Times bestselling memoir that my husband and I co-wrote. In this class I’m working on a TV pilot and series.

I’m co-author of 17 books about the remarkable relationships between people and animals. We wrote these books over a twenty-year period. They were published by numerous publishing companies and translated into multiple languages. It was quite a ride. I’m looking forward to learning all I can about how to write and sell successful screenplays and TV series. It’s on my bucket list!

[Elizabeth Dickinson]

1. Elizabeth Dickinson

2. I’ve written 3 full-length screenplays, 3 short screenplays, 1 solo stage show, 1 play, 1 completed novel, 1 in-process novel, a serial pilot and 2 additional episodes.

3. I hope to get much more clear about the framing for my tv pilot, take my writing to the next level, gain representation, get my work produced, and work in a writers’ room for historical fiction/fantasy.

4. I’ve run for political office and have won a number of amateur ballroom dancing championships. Additionally, I have worked as a professional actor (member of all the unions), a counselor and life coach, a lobbyist for progressive nonprofits, a landlord, and as a community activist/organizer. I’m also a member of Screenwriters Workshop, where I give and receive feedback on my work, have taken over 2 dozen writing courses from multiple organizations including the Loft Literary Center, FilmNorth, UCLA, etc., and have placed at semi-final level for most of my screenplays. My favorite genre to both read and watch is historical fiction/fantasy. I enjoy writing both novels and scripts and find I can sometimes solve creative problems by switching back and forth by writing the same work in both formats.

[Wendy Weising]

Hello there,

My name is Wendy Weising. I have been working on several scripts but have never tried to sell them. I want to do better. I’m taking this class to be all in. I want to try to write or update my scripts so that I can sell them.

I live in Tennessee but haaaaaate turkey vultures (They are everywhere). My family likes to tease me by sending pics of them to me.

I’m so glad that you all are here being brave with me!

[Stuart Voytilla]

Hello fellow screenwriters!

I’m Stuart Voytilla and I’m based in San Diego, CA. I’ve finished a draft of my seventh? screenplay/teleplay.

For this course, I’m looking forward to developing a strong series and pilot — but more personally important — building my confidence with the pitch.

Something special… I was an extra on Raiders of the Lost Ark — our university was used to establish Indy’s university. We worked with Frank Marshall who directed two scenes outside our music conservatory. They used one for Raiders. Surprise, they used the second one in Indy IV.

Looking forward to working with all of you.

[Tolan Furusho]

Hello, everyone. I’m Tolan S. Furusho

So far, I’ve written three screenplays; The River – LOGLINE: Guilt ridden attorney seeks solace on a mountain river and meets the woman of his dreams; only to discover that her only child was killed by a client he set free.

El Blanco Dragon – LOGLINE: With no one willing to pay his ransom a mild mannered engineer unleashes his inner dragon and joins his captors to save their village from the evil druglord.

Buried Secrets – LOGLINE: Attorney-client privilege, the shallow grave of a young girl. A racist attorney, shunned by his community risks his morals, ethics and life to find a way to disclose the secret to save his black client’s life and expose the killer.

I hope to learn how to develop a TV pilot so I can send it to my buddy who’s the head of Amazon Entertainment. Last thing I want to do is send him something shoddy.

I enjoy three things: Fly fishing, karate and writing.

[Carl Estevez]

1. Name? Hi everyone, I’m Carlos Estevez

2. How many scripts you’ve written? The first script, although I assisted clients in developing their successful screenplays.

3. What do you hope to get out of the class? I hope to gain critical frameworks to complete my pilot and build professional relationships within this group.

4. Something unique, special, strange, or unusual about you? I’m a Life Specialist who has helped a-list clients in the film and music industry manifest their dreams.

[Ian Poitier]

Hello everybody! My name is Ian Poitier.

I’ve written three feature screenplays (one produced as a short, one produced as a full feature), two TV pilots and two stage musicals. I’ve helped to develop two other features as producer.

Want to use this class to support me in writing a Bible and pilot for a TV series idea which I’ve been noodling around in my head for the past 2 years.

I (unintentionally) moved from London (where I’d lived for 33 years) back home to The Bahamas during the pandemic. Combine my day job as political speechwriter and policy advisor with my creative work (writing etc). Currently have a TV series (Co-Creator & Exec Producer) green-lit for production by the BBC in 2023. My bad back is telling me that I seriously need to get back into dancing (ballet, jazz, salsa, ballroom& latin).

[Ben Ather]

Hi all,

Name is Ben Ather. I have written eight scripts, four TVs. I want to use this course to finish my TV script (first draft done) and get it produced.

[Manoj Meena Narayan]

Hey all,

My name is Manoj, though I go as MMN. Very very novice to the film/TV field, I work in a software company. I have written about 3-4 scripts and made one of them into a short film, which can be found here https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1419913/. This was way back in 2007, I haven’t written in years and trying to get back to my passion of film making.

[Ellen Dolan]

Hi,

Where is the SUBSCRIBE button?

[Elizabeth Dickinson]

I’m also not seeing a place to post our work yet. Where should we go to do this?

[Ellen Dolan]

My passwords don’t let me in. I am completing the assignments but I cannot get into the forums and I can’t post my assignments. It has been two days. I can’t open the support texts because the site will not let me in!!! SOMEBODY PLEASE CONTACT ME.

ellendolan1@gmail.com

• This reply was modified 2 years, 9 months ago by  Ellen Dolan.

[Ellen Dolan]

I am unable to get into the forums, as well.

[Ellen Dolan]

I am Totally confused. I can not get in to post my work. When I go to support to ask how to navigate, the password that was sent to me is not accepted. What am I supposed to do??? I am not being let into the forum.

[Ellen Dolan]

Is anyone else besides me and Elizabeth Dickenson having trouble?

[Timothy Barley]

I am also not finding a place to post anything in the forums.

I wonder if there is nothing to add at this point. The first two lessons/emails this week seem to be watching the show of your choice and understanding it in your head and taking notes. But in the syllabus, it seems that with lesson four a new stage in the first module begins. Maybe at that point we can start adding our content?

[David gollob]

So it’s not ME… just paranoid — LOL

i can’t get into the forum for this class either… and my support ticket got no response, it’s been a week…

[Elizabeth Dickinson]

When I click on the lesson discussions, it says both that there aren’t any, and that I can’t start any. Support hasn’t responded to emails left last week, including the ones sent through my email program and sent through the online form. I included Cheryl’s email on one of them. Not sure what to do. I also noticed that a lesson that earlier was supposed to be available today has now been pushed back 2 days. What’s up?

[Timothy Barley]

Elizabeth, I replied with the following to Ellen:

“I am also not finding a place to post anything in the forums.

I wonder if there is nothing to add at this point. The first two lessons/emails this week seem to be watching the show of your choice and understanding it in your head and taking notes. But in the syllabus, it seems that with lesson four a new stage in the first module begins. Maybe at that point we can start adding our content?”

Maybe? – Tim

[Ellen Dolan]

Thank you, Timothy.

I’m not sure why it would give us the option to post it and a deadline if there was nothing to it, yet. I guess I’ll just wait and see along with you. I HAVE taken some possitive steps forward already. Happy about that.

[Timothy Barley]

I took the time to watch and rewatch, and rewatch my pilot episode of “Prison Break,” yielding more insights and amended my “what did I learn?” thesis.

[David gollob]

Timothy: I don’t think you are correct, as we were explicitly invited to post assignments in the fora…

[Elaine Lai]

Hi all, nice to meet you!

1. My name is Elaine Lai

2. I’ve written one feature, two tv pilots, a short, and two stage plays (but never sold anything, just been writing)

3. I hope to understand the different possibilities in tv structure, and revise my pilots so that they will attract managers and agents. My dream is to work in a writer’s room.

4. By day, I’m a PhD student in Buddhism (working on my dissertation now!), and my exposure to religions/spirituality in general, as well as the many years I spent outside of the US has deeply influenced my creative outlook 🙌🏽

[Elizabeth Dickinson]

This was on NPR yesterday:
https://www.mprnews.org/amp/story/2022/07/19/npr-netflix-second-quarter

“The binge watching model needs to be modified. The report gushes about the success of “Stranger Things,” which emerged as its biggest English-language TV hit ever in its fourth season, with 1.3 billion hours viewed. What the report doesn’t note, however, is that the show’s most recent season debuted in two chunks, ensuring that fans remained interested in the show over several weeks, keeping episodes in the streamer’s Top 10 for a long while.

As much as some fans might enjoy the ability to access all episodes of a show’s season at once, it seems healthier for more series to stretch out the release of episodes — allowing conversation about good shows to build, while giving potential fans more time to find a show.”

[Tolan Furusho]

I’m not sure if this is the correct place to ask this, but I’m having difficulties accessing the site to post the assignments. I’ve completed the assignment due on the 20th but am unable to post my answers. Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Tolan S. Furusho

[Timothy Barley]

Tolan, a few others of us have also mentioned this but have not gotten a response. Until we do, I am just writing all my answers to the lessons out in a basic word document that I can copy/paste into the forum/chat/answer areas when they do become available. It’s given me time to rewatch and build some characters. You’re not alone…

[David gollob]

Hi Tolan, see the threads above, if this is not the place to bring up these matters, what is?

[David gollob]

hi all: my name is David Gollob and i’ve written two feature scripts.

in France during the pandemic, i wrote produced, directed, and co-starred in three short films, based on songs i’ve written, among them Who Calls the Trains, set in wartime France in tribute to victims of the holocaust… it has garnered several accolades (you can see it here):

https://youtu.be/cnWHkR1kFKM

i hope to learn how to choose and develop projects that are riveting and thus highly marketable across both Americas.

i am a little unique or unusual in that this is my 4th career. I am a Canadian who lives in South America, as a climate refugee(!) from France, Spain, Sicily, and of course my “home” country… i speak 5 languages and feel enormously enriched by this… which is good, because i struggle – literally – with a neurodegenerative disorder – and take sunshine at face value…

• This reply was modified 2 years, 9 months ago by  David gollob. Reason: tooting my own horn

[Ben Ather]

It seems we are all having trouble posting our assignments. They must have forgotten to create the forum for posting assignments. We must be the first to use this new website. There was no trouble with the old one.

[Jenna Avery]

1. I’m Jenna Avery.

2. I’ve written 4 features and 4 short scripts. One feature as a writer-for-hire, which will hopefully be moving forward soon. I primarily write sci-fi and climate fiction. Another feature was a rewrite of someone else’s script, which he’s currently shopping for representation.

3. I’m looking for insight as I develop a TV series — it’s a new world for me.

4. I used to be an urban designer & city planner — I have two master’s degrees in city planning and landscape architecture. I left that world to make space in my life to write.

[Avi K]

Hello Everyone,

My name is Avi Kapurala. I’ve just joined this class (a few weeks late)!

I haven’t completed any scripts so far, but have started working on a couple of ideas.

Through this course, I hope to be able to grow my skills from conceptualization to execution. That is, how to take an idea, then write the best script possible and then be able to sell it.

My background is in journalism and technology, so this is a big, scary leap for me! I feel as though I’m taking the first steps in going after a longtime dream goal- to be a successful writer.

I look forward to working with all of you in the weeks to come. Thanks!

[Alina Maria Iorgovan]

Hi Cheryl and everyone, I just enrolled in January 2023 class and I wrote a message to customer service as I enrolled in July 2022 for the same class BINGEWORTHY TV but then I never received an id and password so here I am again. I dont see where to post my introduction for January 2023 group so I will add it here:

Hi I am Lina Iorgovan and this will be my first script. I want to write a crime drama script, inspired from my home country Romania and my passion for crime police dramas as NCIS, CSI, CASTEL, HAWAII 5-O. I know what I want from my script – to help people – and I am humbled to be guided by you and Hal.

A producer and show runner friend who did this class recommend it to me as the first step in my journey to create the script. 🙏

I hope I can get from this class clarity and confidence on how to prepare my script and market to potentials producers and make a deal with streamers as Netflix or Hulu. ❤

Something unique is that I am also a psychic medium and speak 5 languages. 😃

[P.G. Sundling]

I hope support gets back to you and you get proper access.