Introduce Yourself To the Group

[Mike Green]

1. Michael Green

2. This is my first script.

3. I hope to learn how to market this screenplay beyond entering it into screenwriting competitions.

4. I Directed the #1 morning show in San Diego, California.

[Taylor McNulty]

My name is Taylor McNulty.

I have written about five scripts.

I want to learn the best tools to market my scripts and what I need to say during a phone pitch to keep someone listening (drawn in by that hook, Hal).

I am also a documentary filmmaker who lived in remote Indonesia for a period in 2015.

Excited to meet you all and hopefully make this dreary January month much more enjoyable!

[Kathryn Gould]

Hi, I’m Kathryn Gould. Started with Screenwritingu about 10 years ago and I’ve written around 15 screenplays. I have a manager and I’m now doing paid writing assignments.

I’m currently in development on an animated TV series based on some James Patterson novels, and I’m planning a trip to the animation festival in Annecy, France in June to pitch a project I wrote with a director who’s worked at Pixar and Warner Brothers.

This summer I hiked my first two 14ers! (Those are mountains over 14,000 ft high, for those of you not in Colorado!)

[Alex Surer]

Hi everyone! Happy 2023.

I’m Alex (she/her), Swiss American, based in Zurich. Excited to be back at the U after a 5 year hiatus in which I developed and produced other writer’s labours of love. I’ve written 5 specs, they are chilling in my desk drawer.

‘Do You Matter’ will be my first script to enter Swiss Film Funding.

I hope to get back into the groove of writing daily, laying down track first thing in the morning. I juggle a lot of other creative’s urgent needs, so making my own storytelling my most important part of my day will be a game changer.

Hal once told me in his brilliant succinct way: Your writing is always outside the box – but you need to stay within the… what was it… theme? Topic? Scope… hmmm, grrr… yeah… high functioning dyslexic at work here!

I taught my sister’s cat Gloria, a timid grey Scottish Fold rescue, to hiss and growl. But she only hisses and growls at me… when we are alone – no one else has ever heard her utter even remotely aggressive sounds… as happy as I am that I inspired her to extend her range of feline emotions (you go gurl!), I catch myself pondering: Does she now genuinely hate me? Why did I do this to myself. Sob. Gotta love a good dilemma.

[Louann Fernald]

Hi, my name is Louann “Tess” Fernald.

This is my first feature screenplay.

Having spent two years working on this script, I want to learn how to pitch it so it sells, instead of continuing to spin my wheels entering film contests.

I’m an attorney, mother of three kids and two dogs, and was a Playboy Playmate in the late 70’s.

[Joan Butler]

My name is Joan Butler. I have written 2 scripts. I hope to learn where to go from here. When I write, I have this in front of me. “Getting discouraged is not an option. I choose hope and I choose to keep writing.”

[Vernall Ritchey]

Hello, my name is Vernall Ritchey. I have written 4 scripts and my hope is to learn how to successfully navigate the entertainment industry whereby I can ultimately produce my own script.

[Michael Christopher]

Hi, I’m Michael Christopher, I started writing late in life, it’s only been 11 yrs. now, so I’m playing catch-up. I have 2 and a half scripts and I hope to learn the skills to make them get noticed.

[Vicki]

Hi everyone, I’m Vicki VanArsdale.

This is my first script. This class sounds amazing! I’m looking forward to learning as much as possible about the marketing side of things as I continue working on my script.

I have three spoiled rotten cats and a cattoo.

[Heather Hood]

Hi everyone,

Name: Heather Hood

I think I’ve written seven scripts now…?? At least finished five and I’m halfway through another two. But do we ever really finish them? that’s the question.

It would be nice to see some of them produced and there’s such a difference between getting a book published and getting a movie made.

Something unique about me. Hmm. I taught improvisational theatre. It was fun. Turned it into a therapy course for psychiatric patients. My next screenplay takes place in the psych hospital where they filmed the x-Files. Cue the scary music.😁

[Mark Ritter]

1. Mark Charles Ritter

2. I’ve written or co-written 7 screenplays, and I’ve written 2 TV series pilot scripts.

3. I intend to get my latest TV series set up with one of the major streamers, with help from top representation.

4. I’ve encountered an unusual number of Icons of the 20^th century under some crazy circumstances: Skipped Astronomy class to hang out with Groucho Marx. Watched a Michigan/Ohio State game with Jack Nicholson. Danced with John Lennon in Bloomingdales. Shot Polaroid selfies with Andy Warhol. Had dinner with Sydney Poitier. Was asked by Steve McQueen to protect his girlfriend, Ali McGraw, while went to the porta-potty. I’ll spare you the UFO encounters.

[Ros Billingsley]

Wow! Yer gotta be joking! You have a superb talent for persuading big names to shake your hand! I’ve had a few famous contacts too. Mine were Stephen Hawking, A Chief Constable who asked me to paint his portrait, as did a University Chancellor, and I shook hands with Prince Phillip at an exhibition. Now we just need a producer to spark the fireworks of our scripts!

[Cody Jarrett]

Bonjour! Je suis Cody Jarrett

10+ scripts

I’ve been working on a project for several years, in which time the industry has continued to change rapidly, so looking for the best ways to position my new writing and get the next film set up.

Recently bought a 1950’s sports car with a blown engine; going to rebuild it as an electric car. Also, mon francais sucks, but I keep at it…

[Philip Neale]

1.Philip Neale

2. One completed, started many

3. To complete a second

4. I’m from the future

[Joel Cousins]

1. Joel Cousins

2. Written several scripts.

3. Looking to learn more and advance my main project.

4. Live in New Brunswick, Canada.

[Ann Carpenter]

1. Name? Ann Carpenter

2. How many scripts you’ve written? 6 (2 were produced)

3. What you hope to get out of the class? The knowledge to get my scripts in the right hands.

4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? I love Gunsmoke!

[Walter Stewart]

Greets Everyone and Happy New Year!!!!!

1. My name is Walter K Stewart (WKS)

2. 2 scripts written: Biblical Animation & Mellowdrama

3. Hope to excite producers with my pitch, logline, treatment, and of course the story and it’s amazing characters.

4. Purchased my round-trip airline ticket to South Africa.

[SHEILA DIONNE]

Hi, I am Sheila Dionne. I have written two television pilots and I looking to sell them to streamers. Live in LA and I am an actress.

[Kathleen Martin]

Hi everyone,

I’m Kathy Martin and I have written two to three scripts. I hope to learn about marketing my scripts in this class. I took adult Ice- Skating Lessons and entered a local competition where I came in First Place.

[Joy Smith]

Hi everyone!

I’m Joy, and I’m based in the UK.

I’ve written four features and a TV pilot, and have a bunch of one-page outlines that are waiting…

Like a couple of other writers in the group, I’ve created on and off due to various reasons, including the j-o-b. I’m hoping to get something at least optioned throughout this course, to prove to myself and my husband that this is something I can do seriously.

Something strange about me is that I don’t like Christmas food – mince pies, Christmas cake, Christmas pudding – but I always end up making it for my family to eat without me!

[Andy Kadison]

Hey everyone my name is Andy Kadison.

Used to be an EVP at Sony Music in NYC where, among other things, I ran the TV company there. Then moved to Viacom/MTV Networks for a bunch of meh years.

I’ve written a bunch (more than 5 un-produced) scripts, wrote a few scripted un-produced pilots, produced tons of TV shows (variety/music) and have created about two dozen TV series bibles and about 100 one sheets for various scripted and non-scripted shows.

I’m writing my first novel as we speak, but have a script I recently finished and figured it’s probably a good idea to sell it!

Hal and Cheryl seem pretty committed to helping in that regard, so why not!

I like that these guys talk to industry pros and gather recent examples of what’s working and what’s not working. That’s what sold me on taking this class.

Best of luck to everyone!

[Patrick McCormick]

Hello, my name is Patrick McCormick

I’ve completed 1 script, and am ready to move forward with more. I intend to make the system of dealing with power players a natural part of my process, where I exude a professional confidence and reliability they can depend on.

A unique aspect about myself is that the stories I am writing come from my real life experiences.

[karen strauss]

Hello to all and Happy 2023.

I’m Karen Strauss

I’m currently working on my 2nd historical drama script.

Creative endeavors come easily to me but marketing (pitching),

not so much. That’s why this class must have been written for people like me.

I’m born and raised in Southern California, then decided to ‘gypsy’ around the country with my sisters after Covid hit. I’m an animal lover first and a people lover second. Early retirement suits me well.

Good luck to all here.

[Ann Marie]

Hi Cheryl

I signed up for the Mastering Scene class but I am seeing this class instead.

[Raquel Solomon]

Hi

I did not register for this class!

raquel solomon

[Connie Barr]

1. Constance Barr

2.12 scripts, one of which is optioned. The producer and I are finishing up a rewrite and will market it after Sundance.

3. My hope is that I will improve my marketing skills, learn new techniques, and get motivated to promote my work more diligently.

4. I started taking classes with Hal and Cheryl over a decade ago. Having come to the game later in life, I say, I want at least one of my screenplays to come alive on the big screen before I take a dirt nap! Maybe I’ll be the granny with a walker on the red carpet:)

[Paramita Roy]

Tell us the following:

1. Paramita Roy

2. A few

3. Improve my writing

4. I recently wrote my first theatre script, which will be performed on stage in March. I want to make this a Sci-Fi Tele Series, a new adventure.

[Karen Sinclair]

My name is Karen Sinclair. I live in Chilliwack, which is just outside of Vancouver, BC.

After consuming all the screenwriting books I could get my hands on, I completed a script in 2003 (using Movie Magic Screenwriter).

I retired during the pandemic and hope to re-ignite my love of storytelling in the form of a screenplay.
I also hope to validate the self-learning I did in the early 2000’s.

Before retiring I was a Chartered Professional Accountant in local government for 30 years. I also teach group fitness (Step, Spin and Strength) at our local YMCA.

[Joy Monroe]

Hi Everyone,

I’m Joy Monroe (acting stage name). Born Janus Joy Miller. Just call me Joy.

I hate to admit that I’ve started dozens of screenplays since 1988, but not finished a full length one yet.

I hope to learn to punch up / tighten up scenes.

Something about me… not sure what to call it other than the truth: I am Marilyn Monroe & Arthur Miller’s kidnapped (in August 1962) daughter.

[Bent Hanlen]

Hello

My name is Bent Hanlen. I have written 7 scripts so far and three of them are for television. What I want to get out of this class is the ability to approach the gatekeepers with confidence.

I love the comedy genre and perform stand up comedy.

[Cassie Richardson]

Hi everyone! So sorry to join late, but I’m here and so happy to be with you all. Looking forward to catching up as quickly as I can. 🙂 Here’s info about me:

My name is Cassie Richardson. To date, I’ve written three feature length scripts and one 30 minute TV pilot. I’m looking forward to learning what I need to do to really start my writing business and move my screenwriting career forward. What’s unique about me? I’m like a mermaid…I like all things shiny and sparkly.

Can’t wait to read about the rest of you.

Cassie

[Angelina Fluehler]

1. My name is Angelina Fluehler

2. This is my first script.

3. I’d like to learn the rules of marketing and communication in the industry beyond taking part in screenwriting competitions.

4. I have usually many ideas :-).

[Tully Archer]

Hi, starting way late over here. 🙂

1. Tully Archer

2. Three features, a handful of shorts.

3. A clear plan forward.

4. Last night I had a dream that Greg Davies appointed me the new Taskmaster. LOL.

[John Trimbach]

Hello, everyone! Silly me forgot to post here, my seventh? Hal class – every one of them has been outstanding! I’ve written or started 7 scripts, the most recent two born of the Pro series and the Master series. This helped convince a producer I met on Linked-in to hire me as her writer for a Sci-fi action feature: a neuroscientist must stop a madman from using her brain implant to enslave the world (www.theawakenedmovie.com). Here’s hoping that my soon-to-be-retired status as an international airline pilot will motivate, inspire and empower to meet a goal of 2 scripts per year. Essence is of the time!

John M. Trimbach

[Mauricio Vélez]

Hello everyone,

My name is Mauricio Velez. I am a documentary filmmaker. I have written, directed and produced several documentaries for channels and streamers including Amazon Prime, Warner Bros/Discovery, Animal Planet. Now I am in the process of learning to write scripted films. I Have already written 3 scripts. I hope to learn in this class how to write a compelling story that is feasible to finance and produce. I love sports, science and the outdoors.

[Andre]

1. Name? Andre Lionel Howard-Mitchell

2. How many scripts you’ve written? 5+

3. What you hope to get out of the class? I hope to have a solid outline for my Action script.

4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? I’m honest.

[Wayne Petitto]

I’m Wayne Petitto

I’ve written 4 feature scripts and 1 pilot script with a draft season TV series outline.

I know that I’ll learn many useful ways to ensure maximum depth of interest and sustainable intrigue for a great TV series.

I retired a USAF Col, navigator and operations officer, have owned and operated many businesses, taught Taekwondo, and now have the time to draw on that life experience to write transformational scripts.

Looking forward to working with everyone.

[Mark Lynch]

1. Marc Lynch
2. Three features and two shorts
3. A more sophisticated and comprehensive process for writing effective screenplays.
4. I reside in Albuquerque/Santa Fe., New Mexico.

[Mark]

Hi, I’m Mark Kelton. I have written 10+ scripts.

Hoping to learn from this class how to write a better script than all the previous ones I’ve written.

I used to be able to solve a Rubik’s Cube in 30 seconds, but I’m out of practice.

[Martha Caprarotta]

I cannot access the class material. No class shows up in my account. Is anyone else having a problem? It wasn’t emailed to me today, either. I sent a support request, but still don’t have the class material.

[Martha Caprarotta]

This is the wrong forum for me. I signed up for WRITING THE PROFOUND SCREENPLAY, not Power Players. How can I get the correct forum in my profile?

[Claudia Musikul]

I am experiencing these same issues and also sent a support request.

[Russel Traher]

GOOD MORNING script writers! I am joining a week late. Bad week last week, enough said. Surely, not the way I wanted to start out. Glad to be learning with you all. I will do my best to catch up as quickly as I can.

1. Russel Traher

2. Scripts – 4, first one had lots of interest, but no sell.

3. I want to be able to create a really brilliant thriller script! Beware of the wordy writer!

4. I am an engineer/technologist who loves to create unique leading-edge technology

[Chhimed Drolma]

1. Name? Chhimed (pronounced CHEEmay) Drolma.

2. How many scripts you’ve written? One that I no longer have access to. One that I’m in process with.

3. What you hope to get out of the class? Education, skills and confidence with getting a script together, and maybe some new writer buddies. 🙂

4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? Aside from my name, I would love to visit space!

[Claudia Musikul]

Hello, my name is Claudia Musikul. I’ve written one screenplay for a short film I directed. I’m excited to join this class and hopefully get a first draft of my first feature! I am also looking forward to getting to know more screenwriters.

A fun fact about me is that I’m a professional dancer.

[Brenda Boddy]

Hi,

My name is Brenda Boddy. I’ve written five scripts and am looking for tips to make one of the scripts more profound.

[Michael HARRIS]

Not sure why, but all of my post have vanished so I am re-posting

1. Michael L Harris

2. I’ve written about 12 original shorts, a number of scripts for an internet show I do, commercial industrial scripts and adapted two features from source material.

3. A greater understanding of the pitching process.

4. I grew up in a funeral home.

[Stephen Maynard]

Stephen Maynard

Looking forward to meeting my mates and working on this class.

This should be fun and profitable.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 8 months ago by  Stephen Maynard.

[Keema Mingo]

Hi I’m Keema Mingo

I’ve written about 12 scripts

I’m working in a series and want the skills to make it binge-able. I want it to have the same respect and impact as TWD, Suits and Bridgerton.

Unique thing about me? I started playing the drums at 12 and marched on the drumline in high school. I later marched snare at NC A&T and Norfolk State. I play a set as well.

[Ron Berti]

Ron Berti. I have parts of my first script, but that’s it. I finally feel like with what I’ve learned from you that I can do justice to the story I want to tell – that of the WWII PT boats. My dad was on a late version (1944) but the real action for the PTs was 1943. So my script is focused on 1943.

I’m looking forward to learning about marketing scripts because I’m trying to be realistic, but I want my script to be so good it deserves some audiences with producers.

[Ken Turocy]

Greetings Everyone,

Thanks for the chance to work with the class, my name is Ken Turocy, and I’ve written 3 feature scripts and 2 short scripts. I’m hoping to learn how to build a real marketing strategy to break into the business.

Something unique? How about one of my reasons for writing the script I’m currently focused on promoting, in my sports career (pop warner and high school) I came in second place a lot, too many times.