Introduce Yourself to the Group

[Steven McChesney]

Hi, everyone.

I’m Steve McChesney from Philadelphia PA.

I have written five scripts, none polished; also, another five stories are in outline.

GOALS: I hope to be able to answer the question “Who cares?” when I–and anyone else-reads my screenplay. I have (more or less) interesting stories with compelling conflicts, unique three-dimensional characters, good dialogue–but I need to tap into what matters emotionally in dramatizing the human condition–the way we interact with one another and the society we are creating (or destroying). A million-dollar screenplay would be nice, too.

UNIQUE or MILDLY UNUSUAL THINGS ABOUT ME: I scuba dive with barracudas; I still write in pencil; I was run over by my neighbor in November 2021–crushing my right foot that has now healed enough that I can now run faster than I used to (adding to my legend of bizarrely accident-prone indestructibility); my go-to Karaoke song is Elvin Bishop’s notoriously difficult “Fooled Around and Fell in Love” (with which I won first place in a roadhouse bar somewhere west of Valley Forge); and I’m surprisingly not ashamed to say that I’m kinda digging this Barry Manilow Greatest Hits album playing on the jukebox in the greasy-spoon diner where I am now writing this between slurps of minestrone soup.

[Joan Butler]

1. Joan Butler

2. I have written 2 scripts.

3. I hope to improve my scripts.

4. I have these words in front of me while I write: Getting discouraged is not an option. I choose hope and I choose to write.

[Marilynne Hebert]

I hope you receive the encouragement you need through participating in this course and meeting like-minded (struggling!) writers.

[Joan Butler]

You’re very kind. Thank you.

[Hope McPherson]

Hi all,

I’m Hope McPherson from Port Orchard, Washington.

I’ve completed three good two good scripts (one currently optioned) and a pilot, have a few scripts in early draft form or outline stage, and a few others that are no good at all.

Goal: I’ve taken several courses from Hal — all really good — and was waiting for this one to come up again so I could jump aboard. I’m looking forward to thinking about my scripts in a new way, and adding this layer to their creation and development.

Unique about me? I own a 5-acre farm with a llama and four goofy goats, and recently began spinning my llama’s fiber (llamas and alpaca have “fiber”; sheep have wool). One of these days, I’ll need to learn to knit, too. <g>

[Vivien Le]

Hi Hope,

It’s so cool to have a farm with llama and goats. I love these animals, especially llamas. It would be wonderful to have a home-knitted llama sweater.

[Marilynne Hebert]

Hi,

I love Llamas but understand they are cuter than their personalities suggest!

[Hope McPherson]

<g> My llama can be cranky, yes, but she’s mostly a doll. 🙂

[Bob Zaslow]

Hope-

I was just looking back at our Introductions page and you introduced yourself as living in Port Orchard, WA. My wife and I live just over the border, in southern Whatcom County, but with a Sedro Woolley address. When you’re finished with Day 16, I’d love to share critiques with you on your mini movie structure. Your neighbor, Bob Zaslow.

[Alfonso Garcia]

1. Alfonso Garcia

2. I’ve written two scripts.

3. What you hope to get out of the class? A learning experience and aspire to enrich my writing skills.

4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? I have five daughters?

[Marilynne Hebert]

5 girls: 1dad – sound like a comedy in the making!

[Claudia Musikul]

Hello! My name is Claudia. I have written one script for a short film I directed. I hope to gain the insight to complete a draft of my first feature film. Ever since college I’ve had this huge writing block (I went to a hippie school that only had us write a million essays instead of tests) and the root of it is getting stuck when I begin to think the story is not meaningful enough.

And a fun fact about me is that I am a professional dancer in Los Angeles.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 2 months ago by  Claudia Musikul.

[Vivien Le]

Hi Claudia,

What kind of dancing do you do? Dancing is a great exercise, with much more fun.

[Claudia Musikul]

I grew up doing classical ballet and retired from that during the pandemic lockdown times. I then transitioned to pole dancing because I could do that from home during lockdown. My newest endeavor is aerial chains!

[Vivien Le]

How fascinating.

[Marilynne Hebert]

It seems to me that this course will help us build meaning into the story through writing about a transformational journey. Hopefully this is the key you need to move forward!

[Claudia Musikul]

I hope so too!

[JD Angle]

Hi! I am JD Angle from Antioch, California.

I have written one script that sits on my shelf. I am currently trying to help a friend write a script for a story that is very dear to him. I have several concepts, outlines and bare ideas that I would love to flesh out and actually finish into completed scripts.

I have always been drawn to movies with deeper meaning, complex characters and compelling stories. I look forward to learning the skills to make my scripts more powerful and compelling. And to actually get more scripts finished with some accountability.

Currently, I am the full-time caregiver for my disabled mother. And for self-care, I love taking scenic drives along winding backroads, especially along a river or the Pacific Coast.

I am happy to be here! 😄

[Marilynne Hebert]

We had a chance to visit Oregon last fall and drive along the beautiful coast. It was inspiring. Hope your mom is well enough to take short journeys with you.

[JD Angle]

Hi Marilynne! Mom can do the shorter rides along the river, so every now and then we get to ride together.

[Claudia Musikul]

I think it’s very cool that you’re helping your friend with his story! I am in a very similar position writing wise with the idea I’m bringing to this class- I have the concept, outlines, and bare ideas and hoping to turn it into a completed script soon!

[Vivien Le]

Hi Cheryl and everyone,

My name is Vivien Le. I am a Californian based in Sydney, Australia.

I’ve written one feature romcom, which I am in the process of rewriting, a proof of concept for the romcom, two short documentary scripts which I directed and produced. I’ve also written a 40-pages treatment for a feature dramedy. I am in the process of writing the script for this dramedy and look forward to incorporating the elements of writing a profound script into my story.

I love stories that touch people’s heart and soul like Casablanca. I seek to find humanity and humour even in the most sombre situation and guide the light into darkness.

A couple unique life experiences have a strong influence in my life:

1. Many years ago, on a boat ride to Indonesia, my boat hit the corals and began to sink. A few of us jumped into the water and swam to shore to seek rescue. Fortunately everyone were brought to shore safely.

2. I grew up in three cultures and have lived/work in four continents in seven countries. This experience resulted in my love for cultures and in their influence on my writing.

I look forward to go on a learning journey with you all.

Best,

Vivien

[Marilynne Hebert]

Wow! Hope one of your stories is about your boat ride to Indonesia.

[Vivien Le]

It’s in store, Marilynne 🙂.

[Hope McPherson]

So many life experiences from which to draw!

[Claudia Musikul]

First of all super interesting life experiences! And dramedy is maybe my favorite genre because of the humanity and humor it allows!

• This reply was modified 2 years, 2 months ago by  Claudia Musikul.

[Brenda Boddy]

My name is Brenda Boddy. I have written five scripts. I want to learn how to write deeper, more ‘profound’ scripts.

[Mr. Brunken]

My name is Rodney Brunken, and I am an aspiring screen writer. I’m a little embarrassed to say it, but I’ve never completed a film script. I have been tempted to give up on the idea, but something in me just won’t quit. Why am I here? Well, the idea of writing a PROFOUND script inspires me to reach high and finally finish that first script. The clock is ticking for me and I feel an urgency to do so, even if it ends up doing nothing more than giving me the satisfaction of having completed it. I can use all the encouragement I can get, so anything you can add to my time here will be appreciated. I’ll do the same for you as well. As to something interesting about me, I have an interest in the Greek classics of Homer; the Iliad and The Odyssey, and I am learning to read both of them in their original Ancient Greek. I’m not sure if that will ever play out in my script writing, but possibly so.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 2 months ago by  Mr. Brunken.

[Marilynne Hebert]

I had to go back and read that again, “reading the Classics in their original Ancient Greek.” There has got to be a story in that… time travel!!

[Claudia Musikul]

Don’t be embarrassed! I’ve only written a short film and it was a silent one so I’m in the same boat! Something in me just won’t quit either and even after constantly saying I’m not a writer and wanting to hire someone to write my feature story idea, here I am giving it a go! Also reading Greek classics in the original ancient Greek is badass!

[moni Vargas]

Hello everyone,

It’s great to be in contact with you all.

I’m Moni Vargas and I live in Los Angeles.

I’ve written 3 short film scripts, one of which I directed.

I enjoyed the breakdown of Everything, Everywhere and was inspired to learn more about the Profound process. I’ve had a feature script idea for years and I’m hoping to spend time developing it through the structure of this class.

I’m an Emmy nominated, award winning director / producer of primarily documentary films who is fascinated by the creative process. I’ve also been a professional DJ for over 20 yrs.

[Marilynne Hebert]

I also enjoyed Hal’s breakdown of “Everything, Everywhere,” which inspired me to start thinking about writing more profound stories – like the ones I like to watch and read.

[Patrick Murphy]

My name is Patrick Murphy from L.A.

I have written 5 feature scripts and 2 shorts.

I hope to create screenplays that have more than just a great plot. I would like them to jump off the page when the audience starts to really engage with the character and the situation they are in.

I have been working in production and equipment rentals for quite some time. I have finally sold most of my lighting and camera rental company and I am semi-retired.

[Barbara Fix]

Hi everyone,

1. I’m Barbara Fixx from Los Angeles, originally Vancouver, BC.

2. I’ve written over 15 scripts…. good, bad and ugly. Mostly thrillers for some reason.

3. Always looking to improve my skills and understanding of scriptwriting.

4. I’m an identical twin and sometimes that’s been the topic of one of my thrillers.

[Connie Diletti]

Hello Everyone!

My name is Connie Diletti, I’ve written a handful of scripts (fiction feature, series, and non-fiction).

I hope to get a new storytelling tool for my toolkit and look forward to engaging with it to write my next script!

Fun Fact: in addition to working as a producer, I am also a psychic medium 😍

• This reply was modified 2 years, 2 months ago by  Connie Diletti.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Hello! I’m Ashley. I’m writing my first feature film. I currently have an outline and Act 1 script. Through this class, I hope to revise my outline and clarify the character journeys before diving into the script again.

I’m originally from Southern California, but I’ve been an expat for 15 years. I currently live in Switzerland. When not writing (I work in media & communications), I practice yoga and belly dance.

Looking forward to this class!

[Marilynne Hebert]

Hi,

Marilynne Hebert from Calgary, Alberta CANADA

Pleased to meet all of you!

I am a recently retired university professor, doing research and teaching in the areas of health and technology (for instance, think delivering quality palliative care at a distance).

Script experience…

1. I have written several screenplays (one about a group of women who come together in a counselling session and become “Bosom Buddies” that was optioned but never made).

2. While on faculty I wrote and produced 6 webisodes that were a collective story of 5 women’s experiences having heart attacks. Having no experience with production I contacted a producer and asked, “How do I do this”? His response, “Just Do It.” (He might have worked for Nike part-time??)

3. I am currently working on 2 mystery/thriller scripts: women pilots and a sabotaged plane in WWII plus a sci-fi about the healing properties of virtual reality.

I hope to get out of this class…

I love complex stories with strong women characters and find profound journeys intriguing – to have an audience experience a change like the main character does. By the end of this course, I would like to have a good start on a script about coming to terms with not having followed your dreams. It takes place in Africa where I’ve had the privilege of teaching university students and going on two safaris.

Something strange/unusual about me…

Many years ago, I participated in music performances and stage productions. I saw an ad for auditions for a production of “Mary Jane” in December 2020 and for some reason (unknown to me) I decided to apply. Put together an audition piece, was called back and given the role…. a Buddhist nun! Due to Covid the production was delayed until June 2022. I decided to shave my head to feel more like my character. It is now coming up on 1-year post head shaving and my hair is finally a couple of inches long, but totally unruly!! (When thinking about Assignment 2, I suddenly realized that the Change Agent in my profound journey story is a Buddhist nun.)

[Claudia Musikul]

I love the idea of a story about coming to terms with not having followed your dreams and would love to see that on screen!

Also your dedication to your buddhist nun character is amazing! I too am an actor.

[Bethani Wright]

Hello. My name is Bethani Wright and I’m working on my Masters degree in creative and screenwriting. I have also worked in broadcast news as an associate producer and writer. I’m hoping to supplement my education and learn as much as I can.

[Bob Zaslow]

Hi- I’m Bob Zaslow, a retired documentary filmmaker, NYC teacher, and advertising copywriter. Today I live with my wife, Ann, and cat, Smokey, in a small house on a lake near Bellingham, WA. I’ve written two screenplays and the book for a full-length musical comedy that performed Off-Broadway. I’ve also written six one-act comedies performed Off-Off Broadway. I’ve also written and published many picture books for children. And for high school students, I wrote, “Rap-Notes: Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits,” where I wrote the synopsis to five of his most popular plays in rap. Today, I’m working on a full-length “Rap-A-Dap-Tation” of Shakespeare’s comedy, “Twelfth Night.”

I hope this course will help me tackle a brand new project– a full-length stage play based on Malvolio, the arrogant steward in “Twelfth Night.”

As a filmmaker (many years ago), I won a Bronze Award from the American Film Institute for a documentary film I wrote, shot, and edited. And one of my plays was published in “Best Ten-Minute Plays, 2019.

[Christopher Confer]

Hi everyone,

I’m Chris Confer from Birmingham, Michigan

I’ve written one script and have a full outline of the second one that I am writing.

I hope to get really good at the Gradient of Change and the Profound Model in general.

I am a computer programmer working in integration software such as Dell Boomi and IBM Sterling Integrator.

I had a course once with Jim Cash (Top Gun) on popular culture that he taught in his home. Michigan State University gave him a lot of leeway to do that as he was a local celebrity for having co-written Top Gun and several other scripts with Jack Epps Jr. His office was so large that it fit all 22 of his students pretty comfortably. It was really more of a giant family room with a Wurlitzer jukebox on one side and his desk on the other with couches in between. You should have seen his desk, it was about 15 feet long and he casually held court from behind it for the semester. It was a worthwhile course. The funny thing is that movies did not come up too often in the conversation. He did mention that was not real happy with how the Charlotte Blackwood (Kelly McGillis) character was cast. He wanted her to be stronger and more independent. He said the choice of nylons with the seamline on the back undermined his intent for the characater. He also told us he had this little trick of not having to lend out movies to people because they often would not be returned. These were the days of VHS tape in the early 1990s. He would say, yeah, I don’t have it on VHS, I prefer Betamax because the picture quality is better. It was kind of funny. He was a producer at a local PBS station in East Lansing / Lansing before he got his break. He loved sports and everything popular culture. The course mainly focused on the 1950s and 1960s and we used a book called Populuxe.

We will have some good experiences in this course and I look forward to sharing in everyone’s insights.

[Tom Minier]

Hey everyone, sorry I am late to the party. I had a life-event happen that slapped a move halfway across the country onto my schedule about a week before the class was slated to begin. I am finally getting settled and ready to get profound.

My name is Tom Minier, and I’ve written about ten scripts to date. What I am hoping to get out of this class is a rewrite. I’m currently on the third draft of a feature, and I believe it has a lot of promise with regards to its profoundness. I’m hoping to find that opportunity here. I study human achievement and performance.