[Reggie Giles]

1. My name is Reggie Giles.

2. I have written a few short scripts of varying genres, one feature-ish, and a series of novellas.

3. I hope to get a very tight, white-knuckled grasp of the horror genre and how to apply it to everyday situations.

4. I have always loved movies, but there was a decade in my life when I didn’t watch ANY.

[I really enjoyed reading everyone’s #4. People are infinitely interesting.]

[Reggie Giles]

I, Reggie Giles, as a member of this group, agree to the following terms of this group release form:

GROUP RELEASE FORM

As a member of this group, I agree to the following:

1. That I will keep the processes, strategies, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class confidential, and that I will NOT share any of this program either privately, with a group, posting online, writing articles, through video or computer programming, or in any other way that would make those processes, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class available to anyone who is not a member of this class.

2. That each writer’s work here is copyrighted and that writer is the sole owner of that work. That includes this program which is copyrighted by Hal Croasmun. I acknowledge that submission of an idea to this group constitutes a claim of and the recognition of ownership of that idea.

I will keep the other writer’s ideas and writing confidential and will not share this information with anyone without the express written permission of the writer/owner. I will not market or even discuss this information with anyone outside this group.

3. I also understand that many stories and ideas are similar and/or have common themes and from time to time, two or more people can independently and simultaneously generate the same concept or movie idea.

4. If I have an idea that is the same as or very similar to another group member’s idea, I’ll immediately contact Hal and present proof that I had this idea prior to the beginning of the class. If Hal deems them to be the same idea or close enough to cause harm to either party, he’ll request both parties to present another concept for the class.

5. If you don’t present proof to Hal that you have the same idea as another person, you agree that all ideas presented to this group are the sole ownership of the person who presented them and you will not write or market another group member’s ideas.

6. Finally, I agree not to bring suit against anyone in this group for any reason, unless they use a substantial portion of my copyrighted work in a manner that is public and/or that prevents me from marketing my script by shopping it to production companies, agents, managers, actors, networks, studios or any other entertainment industry organizations or people.

This completes the Group Release Form for the class.

[Reggie Giles]

​This lesson taught/reminded me that scripts aren’t going to write themselves, and that my network isn’t going to grow itself. Social media is a free, valuable, and proven way to network and make real connections.

Credibility Schmedibility…it’s a wee bit lackin’. I need to get off me arse.

​To build credibility I will, over the next couple of weeks:

• Create a dedicated LinkedIn for screenwriting, unrelated to my regular professional one
• Polish [dust off] my best 2 shorts and put them on InkTip with a goal of getting an option

Slightly further out:

• Enter some carefully researched screenwriting contests

​Yes, the screenwriting-centric LinkedIn will be thin, but it’s really silly not to have it if one is serious about screenwriting. I’m considering using a different name as a screenwriter. Maybe I’ll consult the Magic 8 Ball.

I have a few writing samples that seem to prove I have some idea how to write fiction (and facts) in various styles and formats, including screenplays and short fiction.

I have some limited experience being in short films, so I do have a good lay of the land of what it takes on a small scale, especially as it relates to business decisions in scripts.

[Reggie Giles]

Projects…

Frankly, I’m a little at odds about what projects I should focus on as far as getting attention as a screenwriter.

Should I shop out some shorts for Producers to option, or focus more on a single feature or documentary series? I’d be interested in any experiences/opinions anyone has to offer.

The opening teleconference was, to me, framed by these 3 important points:

• Every producer has an idea.
• Don’t work with Producers who have never finished a film.
• And, oh, if you do get an option/job, be there until the end or you’ll lose credit.

That all segues into how to *get* an assignment:

• Rewrite a script
• Adapt a book
• Turn a Producer’s idea into a script

The easiest access to writing assignments is via filmmakers or small producers with streamer deals.

You may find that assignment via small Producers/filmmakers in your existing network, by marketing your screenplay, or by a recommendation.

Producers will only hire you if they think you can do the job, and they’ll know that by your

• Writing sample
• Ability to communicate
• Ability to discover their vision

The latter will be indicated by your

• Take on their ideas
• Treatment
• Outline
• Scene writing

That all will likely be an iterative, collaborative effort as you constantly take notes and respond to them, ultimately showing you can work well together.

A writing assignment is not YOUR script, it is the Producer’s. When you’re hired take copious notes. Ask questions. And work from small to large until you get the Producer’s real vision, which may end up not what it seemed to be at the start.

A major theme throughout the teleconference was being able to work well with Producers, sticking with it to the end, and being willing to change the script to make whatever business decisions are necessary.

[Reggie Giles]

Hello everyone,

I’m Reggie Giles, a software developer by trade. (That usually whips the crowd into a frenzy.) My day job often consists of helping someone find their vision, so I completely understand what that entails…and the patience required.

I’ve always loved writing and, really, any creative endeavor. I can’t sing, draw/paint, or play an instrument, so here I am.

I have a few shorts in various stages of progress, a short documentary series concept, and fairly fleshed out ideas for everything from Hallmark holiday scripts to much darker things. (Yeah, I know, gotta choose my specialty.)

I grew weary of getting teased by ScreenwritingU emails and finally pulled the trigger on this class though, technically, I supposed I teased myself by signing up for them. Hm.

Like many of you, or maybe not, my mind is often a bag of wet cats — but these cats like whiskey.

I’m just me, it’s all I know.

[Reggie Giles]

Reggie Giles

I agree to the terms of this release form.