[Susan Denaker]

Susan Denaker – Marketable Components – What I learned doing this assignment is that I don’t think adding those extra marketable components into my pitch made it necessarily unwieldy or too long. Pleasantly surprised and feeling more clarity.

Current Logline – It is 1989. Two long estranged sisters inherit their father’s failing vineyard in Sonoma and have to break some rules (and Marijuana laws) to save it. Things heat up when a couple of crooked sheriff’s deputies and three well-heeled bikers get into the mix.

Of these following components – A. Unique.B. Great TitleC. True.D. Timely — connected to some major trend or event.E. It’s a first.F. Ultimate.G. Wide audience appeal.H. Adapted from a popular book.I. Similarity to a box-office success.J. A great role for a bankable actor. –

B- I would say, I have a great title – High Vines And Misdemeanors. Pretty much lets you know what you’re in for.

D- It is timely, insofar as weed is edging toward national legalization and its medical uses are becoming more well researched and discussed. This may mean it also has wide audience appeal but the line between those two seems a bit blurry.

And finally J- Two great roles for two bankable actresses over 40.

How I can incorporate great title, timeliness and great roles into my current pitch. –

It is 1989 when weed is still illegal. A concert pianist who may have Parkinson’s and her pregnant hippy sister inherit their father’s failing vineyard in Sonoma and have to break some marijuana laws to save it. Things heat up when a couple of crooked cops and three well-heeled bikers get into the mix with surprising results.

[Susan Denaker]

Susan Denaker –

Title – High Vines And Misdemeanors

Genre – Romantic Dramedy

Concept -It is 1989. Two long estranged sisters inherit their father’s failing vineyard in Sonoma and have to break some rules (and Marijuana laws) to save it. Things heat up when a couple of crooked sheriff’s deputies and three well-heeled bikers get into the mix.

The most attractive aspect of my story is how these two women heal their relationship, find love amongst the array of disparate characters, how they all end up interacting with each other and, along the way, create a surprising healing hybrid.

I would like to approach Drew Barrymore’s production company because she is perfect to play one of the sisters and I think she would like the concept even if she didn’t have time to be in it. Also, some screen writer friends of mine who wrote Batman Forever know her. Failing that, I’d like to approach Indie producers and/or Actor production companies who have an interest in promoting the healing aspects of weed.

What I learned today is that a lot of this feels overwhelming so taking it one small chunk at a time will help me gradually assimilate all the skills I need to actually get this thing made. And what I hope to really get is how to turn my book reports into stellar pitches, and knowing what details to include and what to leave out. After re-reading the lesson I re-wrote my concept as it seemed too brief and vague, and therefore lacked any kind of hook. I also elaborated on the most attractive aspects as they were originally also too vague. So what I think I’ve learned now is, specific yet pithy is a good thing.

Thanks. 🙂

• This reply was modified 2 years, 12 months ago by  Susan Denaker. Reason: I realized that I didn't include the bit about turning those book reports into pitches. That's huge for me
• This reply was modified 2 years, 12 months ago by  Susan Denaker. Reason: I explained my reason for editing in the what I learned section

[Susan Denaker]

Susan Denaker – I agree to the terms of this release form

[Susan Denaker]

Hi Cheryl,

So excited to be a part of this. One quick question: I don’t see where the confidentiality agreement we are to sign is located. I’m a bit of a technotard so I hope I’m not missing something really obvious. Thanks, Susan Denaker 🙂

[Susan Denaker]

Hello Everyone,

I’m Susan Denaker. I’ve only written this one script but have lots of ideas for the next ones. I’m still rewriting it but it has come a long way from its first iteration. I desperately need to learn how to pitch without resorting to a book report. That really hit home in the introductory lecture. As for me, I’m an older classically trained theatre actress who finally moved back to the states from England and have realized that if I want to act in film I’m going to have to write it myself. And I’ve discovered that I love writing so much that I no longer care if I get to be in it or not. I’m really looking forward to all the wonderful things I will learn on this course and also looking forward to the collegial relationships that can blossom here.

[Susan Denaker]

Hi Nancy! Nice to meet you here.

Susan Denaker