Month: October 2015

Kelly Jo Brick: The Write Path With Dean Batali, Part 2

A series of interviews with hard-working writers
by another hard-working writer!

by Kelly Jo Brick

Batali Headshot (dark bg)Aspiring writers often wonder how the pros got where they are. The truth is, everyone’s story is different, but there are some common elements: dedication, persistence and hard work.

Writer Dean Batali’s Hollywood career began with a brief stint counting money for the Central Vault at Universal Studios and led to writing for shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, That ‘70s Show, What’s Up Warthogs and Sabrina: Secrets of a Teenage Witch. Through all his experience, he credits much of his start to a mythical Hollywood mailroom job and Froot Loops.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU GOT WHEN YOU WERE BREAKING IN? read article

Larry Brody sees CON MAN

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by Larry Brody

THE GOOD:

Everything

THE BAD: read article

Peggy Bechko sez “The Truth is in the Sayin'”

just saying

by Peggy Bechko

As I’ve gone through life writing I’ve heard a whole lot of sayings and quotes on the subject of writing, publishing, screenwriting…you name it, and I’ve stopped to ponder a few I thought were worthwhile. Heck I’ve pondered a lot I thought were full of it.

Here are some I’ve liked; or not.

“You need tools in the toolbox to write.” Yep. All righty. And what might they be? read article

WGAW October 2015 Calendar of Events

If you’re a Writers Guild of America, West member, here’s what’s in store this month. And some choice items are open to non-members as well:

wgaw calendar 0ct 15The clickable version is HERE

The Real Costs of Current TV Pilots & Films

The Hollywood Reporter shares fascinating financial info that we know is for reals – cuz they got it from the Sony email hack:

battlecreekby Austin Siegemund-Broke, Paul Bond

Cameron Diaz is a bigger star than Jamie Foxx. At least that’s the way Sony saw it when paying the actress $7.5 million to appear in Annie, $2.5 million more than her male co-star.

To illustrate the state of Hollywood salaries, THR analyzed two full production budgets revealed in the Sony hack — one for a midrange family movie, the other the pilot for Battle Creek, a CBS series that aired this spring — chosen not because they represent excessive spending, but rather because they exemplify what it costs to make an average piece of American entertainment. read article