What can I learn from rejection?

Since this is going to be a staple of my screenwriting diet from here on out, I figure it's a good idea to think about how I'm going to approach the acceptance of rejection.

I know, it isn't personal. That's rule number one. Divorce yourself from your feelings. The rejection of your script is not a rejection of you as a person. It's your material.

The biggest challenge with the Disney/WB rejections is I have no idea why my script was rejected. Was it unitersting? Did I not emulate the show well? Was it the writing, the story, the dialogue...? Did the reader have a bad day, not know the show that well...? I only know two things:

1. My script was not as good as others.
2. See #1.

See, I really only know ONE thing. I know it wasn't as good as others. I still don't know the why. Sure, I can guess at the why (I freely acknowledge that my 'House' spec is far superior to my 'Lost' spec because I wrote Lost first. Had I finished House in time for those deadlines, I would have submitted it instead. But then, it wouldn't have been as good, since I learned from writing the 'Lost' and applied those learnings to the 'House'), but I won't know REALLY WHY.

It doesn't really matter too much in this case, since I'm planning to rewrite the 'Lost' spec anyway, but it would be nice to know.

Newsflash! NBC not dead yet!

NBC has set their winter schedule. Joey goes on hiatus (and will probably play out its last episodes come March) and Will & Grace bumps to the 8PM slot (so family friendly!) followed by some new sitcom at 8:30. Earl moves in at 9 and The Office also slides to Thursday at 9:30. Scrubs will have 2 new episodes aired back to back on Tuesday night followed by Fear Factor.

The Donald will return after the Olympics. Joey can now be considered MIA, presumed on death's door.

Huzzah! NBC may almost compete with Survivor/CSI!

Dinked

Got my rejection letter from the Warner Bros. Workshop yesterday, and since it's been a couple of weeks since people got calls from Disney, I'm guessing I'm out there too.

Oh well, always next year...

...still waiting to hear back on the Writer's Arc. The website says we'll hear Dec. 5, so keeping my fingers crossed.

Fox finally stops toying with NBC, cancels Killer Instinct

Fox announced its Jaunary schedule and there is some good news in there for NBC.

'American Idol' will stay on Tuesday/Wednesday nights. More surprising was Fox's decision to keep 'House' on Tuesday (it was originally supposed to move to Monday after 24) and 'Bones' will air out of the 'Idol' results show on Wednesday. 'Prison Break' will be paired with 24 on Monday starting in March. Before it comes back Fox will be showing its ABC inspired 'Skating with Celebrities' (Mediaweek also has a story).

NBC can now with good conscience move 'My Name is Earl' to Thursday night, kicking Joey to another time slot or to hiatusland. CBS smiles, knowing that the Survivor/CSI juggernaut probably stopped Fox from moving American Idol to Wednesday/Thursday. While there may be room for the two giants of reality programming on one night, it's best not to tempt the TV gods.

UPDATE: Fox is so sneaky! I had to read the article AGAIN to catch that they have indeed cancelled "Killer Instinct". It's last episode will air Dec. 2. Watch List will be updated and bumped...

Tumult

My brain's going a million miles a minute tonight. Can't seem to slow down and get myself to bed.

I'm sitting at this crossroads trying to figure out what to do next. I suppose the wise course is to wait until Dec. 5 when I'll know if I've made the cut to the final round of the Writer's Arc fellowship. But, my brain is spinning with all these ideas, things to do...but I can't focus on one...I keep flitting around from idea to idea, like one neuron firing right after another, never stopping long enough to really work through a story.

Look, over here's the graphic novel idea you have...

...and over here a comic series (both to be turned into features someday)...

...but wait, what about that half finished comedy you have lying around...

...nope, work on the horror spec...

...or the dramedy...

...or the new TV spec...

...or rewrite the other one you have...

...or the pilot, you must work on the pilot...

...or the [blank]...

Nope, just swirling around in the eddy of imagination, spiriling down into the pool of paralysis.

Okay, now I can go to sleep. Maybe. I'll do a crossword puzzle.

Reunion and Hot Properties join the Graveyard

Here I am, your harbinger of cancelled shows...ABC and Fox finally pulled the plug on "Hot Properties" and "Reunion" respectively. They are cancelled, not renewed, no back nine pickup, ex-parrots.

Read for yourself at Hollywood Reporter.

Watch List updated and bumped. Aren't too many shows left for the fall season. I'll be adding the mid-seasons to the list before too long...

The trouble with NBC

TVWeek has a great article on the woes of the Peacock Network (the article may be subscription only, but subscription to the site is free).

Here are some things we learn from the article about the current state of affairs at NBC:

• NBC ordered six new episodes of "Three Wishes" and then cancelled the order days later when CBS moved "Close to Home" into the Tuesday 9PM timeslot. (yes, I need to update the Watch List with this info). "Three Wishes" isn't yet cancelled, but there is some confusion as to the state of the show.
  
• NBC's 10PM shows (which provide the lead-in to local affiliates' news programs) ratings are down 35% in the 25-54 Demo this year. Bad news for the affiliates.

Mediaweek reports today about the midseason schedules of the nets, and in particular the problems Fox is causing for everyone else. Fox is debating moving "American Idol" to Wednesday/Thursday from its current schedule of Tuesday/Wednesday. If the results show is moved to Thursday, it would definitely cause problems for CBS. NBC is mulling over moving "My Name is Earl" to Thursday nights, where it would be killed by the Idol juggernaut. So, until Fox makes a final decision on where Idol lands, NBC waits them out to decide how to program the rest of the season.

Poor NBC, can't catch a break.

Blogroll adds for November

It's nearing the end of the month, so I've got some backlogged adds to make to the blogroll...

Lots to choose from. You people keep making blogs! Of course, the rules around here are you get linked a) if you link to me first (I'm all about sharing the love) or b) I've been reading you regularly for at least 2 weeks or c) you e-mail me and ask to be added.

In all cases the same rule applies: Post or you're toast! I've been kind to some folks, but those of you who insist on letting your blogs stagnate will find yourself off the SITW blogroll if you neglect entertaining me for more than 30 days (exceptions are made for those who at least warn people of an absence).

Okay, with the rules out of the way, let's see who we have this month:

Want to learn about running marathons and someone's efforts at becoming a writer? Read Chad Darnell's Untitled Project.

Tim Clague in the U.K. writes and has been nominated for a BAFTA. That's a real award, people!

Julie O. is my friend. She is very cool and I've met her! It's true! A blogger I have met that doesn't live in Los Angeles...oh and she writes like a woman on fi-yah.

I'm a big supporter of Dave's shirt, so I guess that makes me a supporter of Dave's blog.

I'm a nearly daily visitor to Silly Pipe Dreams and to The Big Woo. Good blogs, funny people.

People I met at the Screenwriting Expo Blogger meet up but for some reason didn't link to their blogs before: Ras and Writergurl.

Two Scribosphere favorites I have not meant to leave off the list but have been unintentionally neglected: Velociraptors on the Space Shuttle and Julie Goes to Hollywood (things they don't tell you in film school).

Finally, because they link to me: Dave Grubber, Hollywood Fun Camp, Matt Courtney, Danny Stack (in the UK), John Cairns (another Canuck), Write Brother and Brett in Texas.

Okay, that's a lot of adds for this month. Hopefully that takes care of most of my backlog. If I've left you off the addlist, e-mail me and let me know so I can get you on next month.

Follow the rules kids! Blogs are serious commitments, not frivilous ways to procrastinate...oh, wait.

Goin' home to Los Angeles

Boarding my plane in a few minutes. Looking forward to getting back home.

Warren, go ahead and spec 'Entourage'. May not help too much with getting a drama job, but I hear the comedy writers are speccing it because they don't have much to choose from.

And who knows, maybe there are some drama shows reading 'Entourage...'?

Alias and Threshold get their walking papers.

Found the story on Yahoo! News...Alias will end its 5 year run in May. The last line of the article mentions that CBS is pulling the plug on Threshold, so it is cancelled, axed, ceased to be, and any other search term you folks are plugging in to find the news.

Watch List will be updated with the latest victim.

Screenwriter connection

** Bumping to top while I'm on vacation. I'll try to post while I'm away, but hey, use the next week to meet new people!

I get a lot of visitors. Not John August levels or Artful Writer hits, but I get my fair share.

So, I want to help my visitors.

I also notice a lot of people from the same areas of the country cruising through. It occurred to me that many of you may be virtual neighbors and may not even know it.

I hearby start the SITW Screenwriter "Groupmatching" Project.

Here's how it works:

Post a comment below with your region of the country. You do not need to post your e-mail address, but if you want to, feel free. Consider this a bulletin board where you can possibly find others who are working in your genre, medium (TV or Feature), or live in your area that may be interested in swapping scripts. Here's an example for me, if I were going to comment on my post:

My name is Shawna and I'm located in Los Angeles. I am primarily focused on writing TV specs, but I also have several feature projects in various stages of development (well, my mental development) and I am working on a TV pilot idea. I'd be interested in meeting other writers, need not be located in Los Angeles, who share my interests. Will read specs and provide minimal notes.

Now, you might have a specific interest or maybe you are trying to get a writer's group going in Pittsburgh (hey, why not?) Let people know below! If I get a lot of comments on this post, I'll keep it bumped to top (right near the Watch List) to aid people in finding other writers to collaborate with, trade scripts for notes or just talk to.

It's an experiment. Let's see where it goes. Who's first? Don't be shy, now's your chance to put some of that networking advice I've given you to good use!

Close to Home gets full season, Threshold waits decision

So, Threshold might have to get bumped to the 'on the fence' category if CBS keeps putting off the decsion to order a full season. Meanwhile, Close to Home benefited from Threshold's former time slot on Friday night and was able to improve the ratings after The Ghost Whisperer. So, Watch List will be updated...

Hollywood Reporter has the story.

Finished!

So, my spec is done for the Writer's Arc Fellowship Round Two. Here's hoping...

So, now what, you ask? Well, I'm polishing my rewrite of my 'House' spec (which, those of you who offered to read it, I'll be sending it to you soon). Next up is a rewrite of my 'Lost' spec, and I'll be starting a new TV spec, probably of a cop procedural. Not tellin' which one yet...

As far as features go, I'm going to continue working on my outline for Sleeper Cell (yes, I know Showtime has a show on soon with that title...I'm keepin' my title for now). I also have a side project with a co-writer, which should be fun.

If I should make it to the Final round of the Writer's Arc, I need 5 ideas to pitch. I think I have 3 solid ones now, and I'll be working on 2 more...just in case, you know...

So, I'm booked up for awhile. I'll be out of town next week, but I'll try to keep the blog current. I have a couple of articles I'm cookin' up and hope to finish so I can throw them out any time I'm away and still have some current content.

Expo 4 Pictures

Warren has more pics at his site, but here were the ones taken with my camera...


What? Who's this? Why, it's Nathan Fillion, my future boyfriend. (Matt Damon isn't returning my calls since he got engaged.) This man is so damn handsome. And I got his autograph.


No one was around to snap a picture of me, so I did it myself. Hey, I promised Dave Olden photographic evidence that I wore his shirt at the Expo. I got a lot of compliments on it and one prominent vendor even asked if Dave would like to sell his t-shirts in their store.


The Scribosphere meetup. It's okay to be jealous, but next time, join us!

Prison Break Accountant found Dead

UPDATE: The guy who died was not a producer, as previously reported, but rather the accountant for the show (IMDB credits support that, even though Prison Break wasn't listed in his credits).

(Hat Tip: Defamer)

Matthew Houbrick was found dead in his Chicago hotel room yesterday, apparently of a drug overdose.

Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter...

So I'm working on my rewrite to submit my script for Round 2 of the Writer's Arc Fellowship.

If you are in any way connected with this fellowship, please stop reading now.

Okay, now that they're gone, let me tell you, this script is a MESS. I wrote it when I barely knew what I was doing. Dialogue is clunky. Narratives aren't vivid enough, my protagonist lacks clear definition as a character, some beats no longer play right in my head...

I can't do this in 4 days. Can. not. This makes me sad. I want it to be this other thing, and I can't make it that thing, not for this.

I'm hoping I can get it to a better state, but it is no where near good. I guess if there's a happy note in this, it's that I know what to do to make it good, I just lack the time.

This sucks.

Night Stalker Cancelled, E-Ring given full season

So, another one bites the dust. Hollywood Reporter gives the (scant).

People's Choice Awards are stupid.

I just looked at my options for voting in the People's Choice Awards. Just when you think the Emmys or the Oscars get it wrong, you see what comprises this year's nominees for the PCAs and realize, maybe we're too hard on the academies. Take a look:

Favorite New Comedy

• Everybody Hates Chris
  
• How I Met Your Mother
  
• My Name is Earl

Favorite New Drama

• Commander in Chief
  
• Criminal Minds
  
• Prison Break

Favorite TV Comedy

• Everybody Loves Raymond
  
• That 70's Show
  
• The Simpsons

Favorite TV Drama

• CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
  
• Desperate Housewives
  
• Law & Order: SVU

Okay, I don't disagree with the first category. I mean, at least they didn't try to sell Freddie as a favorite new comedy. I don't even take much issue with the favorite new drama list. But these Favorite existing show lists are absurd. At least the PCA overlords figured out Desperate Housewives belongs in drama, but SVU? Lost has better ratings than SVU! And I think you can make a case that people love Grey's Anatomy. So this three options in a category thing is really too limiting. Apparently we are all too stupid to pick from more than 3 things.

I'm cranky. I need a nap.

It's a good thing?

Martha's Apprentice is no more. After the finale, it will not return for another series.

Watch List will be updated in the morning...

Headin' down to the expo

Hope to see some of you there...If you see me (I'll be the writer wearing a black turtleneck...that should narrow it down SOME), please stop and say hi. I'd love to meet some of my readers (and I know there is more than 3 of you out there -- unless someone is jetting all over the world to read my blog from several locations a day).

Tomorrow I'll be wearing Dave Olden's Screenwriter Shirt. But probably a sweater too.

I have no idea what I'll be wearing Sunday, but you can find out if you attend Warren's and Fun Joel's Post-Expo Screenwriter Meet-up.

TV news dump

So, lots to report, all from a single Hollywood Reporter article.

Arrested Development: cancelled (as expected, will only air 13 episodes, not 22)
Kitchen Confidential: cancelled (again, expected. Did not get back nine)
7th Heaven: cancelled (will end in May)

Freddie: back nine pickup

I know, the obvious question is, in what universe do we live where Arrested Development gets cancelled and Freddie gets picked up?

It's a cruel cruel world...

WB wants more Related and Twins

Neither one has been given a traditional 'back nine' pickup, and WB is saying they are cutting costs by not ordering full seasons, but Related gets 6 more tries to find an audience and Twins gets 5. Story in Hollywood Reporter.

Writer's Arc Fellowship

Sent e-mails to those making it to Round Two today.

I'm in.

Problem is, my script is...well, it needs a lot of work.

Ten days. Page one rewrite. Bring it on.

Close to Home and Threshold swap time slots / Love, Inc picked up

Variety has the story (subscription required). I'll link to a free article, which I'm sure will become available on Monday. ** Update 11/7 Zap2it has the details on the time period swap.

Watch List will be updated with the Love, Inc. info.

Out of Practice gets its pickup

CBS gave Out of Practice it's full season order.

Watch List will be updated and bumped to top.

Killer Instinct lives!

Defying all predictions to the contrary, Fox has ordered more episodes of Killer Instinct. It hasn't been officially renewed, so the Watch List stands pat...for now.

ABC finds new ways to exploit hit TV show 'Lost'

Found this story on Yahoo! News...basically, ABC is teaming with corporate sibling Hyperion to produce a book which will be featured on the show and then be written and sold in bookstores. A "mystery writer" has been tapped to pen the novel entitled "Bad Twin".

I'm thinking they can do this with all of their shows! Genius! Now, who did they get to write the book?

NBC Universal launches Sleuth

The TV news keeps rolling in today!

TVWeek reports that NBC Universal will launch a new network next year dedicated to mysteries, crime stories and reality programming called "Sleuth". It will be available in 5 million households to start.

Three Wishes and The Office not dead yet

Buried in a story about the pope biopic going to ABC, Variety reports that NBC has ordered 6 more episodes of Three Wishes and three more of The Office.

Sci-fi Channel has ordered another season of Battlestar Galactica for next year, which will be season 3.

Strong Medicine was cancelled last week, but the box set of season one can be yours soon!

Will & Grace is still cancelled. So NBC is holding fast.

CBS tries to boost "Threshold"

TV Week reports that CBS.com will begin streaming previously aired episodes of Threshold in an attempt to lure new viewers to the show.

Don't know if it will work, but it is nice to see them supporting their show and trying to build a stronger audience for it.

Over There gets axed

Story in the Hollywood Reporter this morning. So, no specs for 'Over There' on FX...

Leavin' on a jet plane

I've got a business trip to Orlando this week, so I'll have limited internet access. I'll try to post while I'm gone, but if I don't, just remember I'll be back on the 4th.

Have a great week and get some writing done while I'm gone!

Halloween Costume Pictures

I went as a script in development hell for Halloween.

Here are some pictures:


The front of the costume, which says "Resident of Development Hell". That's a pencil stabbing me through the heart there (and I added some "screenwriterish" glasses, even though I had Lasik surgery on my eyes last year)


This is the back. I tried to make it look like a script title page, with brads! That's the producer's knife plunged in my back there.


Finally, a halfway decent picture of me with my friend Catherine. She was a gypsy.

Most people thought the costume was pretty funny. Certainly other writers related to it well.

Film Friday October 2005

Another month closes, so it is time to round up all of the remakes, sequels and TV to film adaptations Hollywood deemed more likely to make a buck than a new spec screenplay. Actually, this month there were a lot of literary properties acquired and fewer remakes/sequels/updates than we have seen the last few month. Still, they never let us down, do they?

• In-Utero - remake of Hong Kong sequel (a double whammy!) Jian Gui 2.
  
• Creepshow - remake of the 1982 film. I guess 23 years is a long time ago...
  
• The Man Who Fell to Earth - remake of '77 film.
  
• Rambo IV -- because Rocky VI alone wasn't enough for a true Stallone revival.

Believe it or not, that's it this month. I know, really light. Well, I noticed there were a lot of new rewrites and projects which had originally been setup at some point in the last 2 or 3 years getting new life, so it parallels what I've heard, which is that the spec market is tight (duh), studios and prodcos have acquired so many properties/scripts in the last few years that in an effort to save money they are going back to the pile and pulling out existing properties to develop rather than keep buying new specs or pitches (that isn't to say some haven't sold, but most seemed to be from established writers, directors, producers and actors).

Well, I say it every month -- keep working on the specs. You never know what will happen these days...

The monthly blogroll adds

It's that time again...adding to the blogroll, and man have you guys been busy! I can hardly keep up with all the new screenwriting blogs out there.

This is a pretty big add month, but I know there are still others out there I haven't visited. I'm certainly not going to be the 'one stop shop' for all screenwriting blogs, but I may need to do some reorganizing someday...

Okay, so who's added this month?

First, is our good friend 'Master Shake' and his blog You're Entering a World of Pain. I like him because he thinks I'll be a paid writer soon. I can only hope. He's also very funny and as obsessed with Lost as I am.

Next up, a nice Australian boy, Xander, and his blog Chained to the Keyboard. He actually gets paid to write, so you might want to check him out.

Up until yesterday The Wry Writer linked to me. I don't know why she killed the link, but I like her blog anyway, so go check it out.

I'm fond of Webs, so check out his blog.

Since Shecanfilmit is also a former tech worker, I feel a strong affinity, what with being a current sorta tech worker.

I'm finally getting around to linking Assistant/Atlas. He is must reading.

Longtime reader/linker/blogger Splinster finally gets to the blogroll. Sorry for the delay!

I thought I had already added Screamwriter but apparently not.

Billy Mernit has a blog and teaches screenwriting at UCLA (and has written a book on writing romcoms)! Hopefully I'll be able to take one of his classes one of these days...

That's it this month. If you'd like a link and you have a blog (and you intend to update it regularly), drop me a line. I usually do my blogroll adds once a month, near the end of each month, so if you don't get added right away, look for one of these updates.

Thanks everybody for the linking love and keep blogging and (most importantly) KEEP WRITING!!

Film/TV Panel @ The Liberty Film Festival

I attended the panel yesterday, which was subtitled "Rebels With a Cause." The "rebels" in this case would be conservative writers and producers in Hollywood, who are often on the outside looking in on the industry today. It is a pretty established fact that sometime around the 1970's a sea change began. Studios, writers and actors that were predominantly conservative grew stagnant and a new wave of liberal filmmakers entered the fray with their visions of Vietnam disillusionment and Watergate malaise. The prevailing attitude since that time has been that liberal ideology reigns supreme in this town. If you are a conservative, you are either a square, a greedy corporate overlord, or Hitler. Maybe even all 3!

The Liberty Film Festival was established to provide a mechanism for conservative filmmakers to be heard and have their films seen. So far the majority of offerings have been documentaries, but there were some narrative short films in the mix this year, including a screenplay contest, so I expect this event to continue to grow and become the alterna-Sundance. Based on how the event has grown from last year (its first year) and this weekend, I'd say the future looks bright.

Anyway, back to the panel I attended. It was moderated by Michael Medved. Participants in the panel included Frank Price, a former studio head at Columbia and Universal; Joel Surnow, creator of 24; Cyrus Nowrasteh, writer of The Day Reagan Was Shot and the upcoming 9/11 TV miniseries for ABC; Warren Bell, executive producer of According to Jim; Scott Gardenhour, producer who works with Michael Bay; and Doug Urbanski, producer of films including The Contender.

Quick note: the questions/answers below are paraphrased as I took notes at the event. If I find a transcript, I will post it.

Michael's first question was "What can conservatives contribute to Hollywood?"

Cyrus Nowrasteh: Conservatives can start by "telling the truth." He thinks shows like 24 show how conservative (or traditional) values are relayed in a story. He also felt that the docudramas he has written have not had many problems and when he has wanted to include elements of the 9/11 story which are rarely told, ABC has supported him.

Joel Surnow pondered whether the truth can sell. He felt that the truth can be rather ambiguous and the key is to tell a good story and don't be afraid to tell the story the way you want to tell it.

Frank Price agreed, adding that you have to make a good picture that someone wants to see. If you are driven by a political agenda, it will be apparent in the writing. He cited The American President as a film which starts and ends with a political agenda and it alienates half the audience because of it.

Warren Bell gave voice to the capitalists stating that 'we are all in the business to make money'. He felt that a return to traditional entertainment means giving people entertainment they will enjoy. He cited Napoleon Dynamite as a family friendly film that seeks to entertain its audience. He can watch it with his kids because it has no sex, no profanity, no violence [well, unless you count being hit with a steak violent] and its funny.

Scott Gardenhour noted that the material needs to be resonant, that for it to be made it has to have a voice...[I may have missed something about his comments here, sorry]

Finally, Doug Urbanski laid it out; Conservatives are the butt of jokes and it isn't the executives that keep perpetuating this. It's the rank and file, the disconnect happens in the front office. 100% of the companies passed on The Passion of the Christ. Producers have to stop practicing moral relativism and cutting off half their audience in the process. If they do that, they will see a box office boost.

Someone (don't remember who) said that Hollywood is starting to wake up to the fact that not everyone voted for John Kerry. They actually need help reaching out to conservatives, since they don't really know how to do it.

The next question from Medved: "What is your favorite RECENT film or TV show which illustrates respect for traditional values...and you didn't create it?"

Cyrus: The Passion of the Christ and To End All Wars

Joel: I have young daughters and shows like That's So Raven and Gilmore Girls are great entertainment.

Frank: The Passion and Farenheit 9/11 (audience laughs) It isn't that Michael Moore's film illustrated traditional values, but both of these films had passion behind them from their makers and that is what makes them interesting (He also noted he probably would have passed on The Passion also).

Warren: The Incredibles which wasn't afraid to entertain adults as well as kids, but had strong messages and illustrated a healthy marriage and 24, his vote for the best show on TV.

Scott: The Incredibles

Doug: The Chorus, a great French film and Batman Begins which was filled with clearly good people and bad people.

Question to Scott Gardenhour about The Island -- was it a pro-life movie?

Scott: Definitely a pro-life, pro-human movie. He talked to Dreamworks (who distributed domestically) about tapping into the same groups who showed up for The Passion, but they didn't know how. Also, Dreamworks complained the movie was late and there was nothing the marketing department could do to publicize it properly (which Scott called B.S. on because Bay has done this with all of his movies and they have all made large sums of money). Scott also noted that it did well overseas, where Warner Bros. distributed it. He did note that Dreamworks was afraid to reveal the film for what it was and decided to keep the cover on it instead, which may be another reason no one saw it.

Question to Frank Price -- what happened to Cinderella Man, which has a very traditional values message?

Frank: It's a bad title, bad marketing. The movie was great, no one knew what it was.

Questions from the audience:

"Is the American actor completely screwed?" [Because of reality TV and more work abroad]

Joel: I don't think so. There are more channels than ever and a need to fill the pipeline with programming. The danger is shrinking budgets, but new technologies may be able to solve that problem.

"How do you get more conservative views on TV?"

Scott: It isn't all about money, it is about good material. Write a good script.

Doug: It starts with getting conservatives in the executive suite who recognize the audience wants this kind of viewpoint expressed on TV.

"Is Hollywood afraid of showing Islamofaschists as 'bad guys'?"

Cyrus: At least as far as the 9/11 movie goes, no. They are using their [the terrorists] own words. There will be no actor portraying Osama Bin Laden.

"On Into the West mini-series how did you [Cyrus] deal with showing the times America was wrong [in treatment of Native Americans]?"

Cyrus: I can't speak for the other writers, but on the episode I wrote, I focused on the wagon train and the hardships of moving out into the frontier.

"Does the power of the international box office [which presumably likes some of the leftist slant of films] work against conservatives?"

One of the panelists, I didn't note who, thought no, because box office is not the big picture anymore. The future is in alternative distribution, DVD and VOD.

"Do you have advice for film students/new filmmakers?"

Scott: Use the internet. That is where the future is in terms of getting your work seen [presumably talking about short films].

"What one project would you like to get made if given unlimited money/resources?"

Cyrus: I have a project about "The Battle of New Orleans" which I feel is a great allegory for the War on Terrorism.

Joel: I've been talking to Ann Coulter about doing something about the REAL Joe McCarthy.

Frank: Two projects, one about the a turning point in the French and Indian War, which cemented the 'Indians as savages' meme in America for the next century. And he has a project about the Mayflower Pilgrims, because he feels that story has never been properly told.

Warren: Project about John Brown and he pitches to Scott G. a Robin Hood project, where he feels the Sheriff of Nottingham is the good guy!

Scott: The 50 States Media project he is working on.

Doug: Working on a Joe McCarthy project [hey, maybe he should talk to Joel!]

Someone mentioned (may have been Medved) that any biographies of the founding fathers do big business and Doug Urbanski noted that HBO has a series on John Adams in development.

That was it, I hope you found the info interesting. Certainly was a fascinating look at the business by some pros.

A look ahead to midseason

So, I've already said that I don't think we've seen THE one new 1-hour drama to spec this year. If we haven't seen it yet, will we see it in midseason? Let's take a look at what the networks have already announced we'll see come January (or sooner/later depending on scheduling and events):

One Hour Dramas:

• What About Brian? (ABC) This show from J.J. Abrahms will air on Monday nights after football ends at 10 PM.
  
• In Justice (ABC) A drama about an ethically challenged lawyer and a cop out to get justice for those wrongly accused of crimes.
  
• The Evidence (ABC) Apparently the audience will see all of the evidence in a case presented at the top of the hour and then we'll see how that evidence works into the case. I'm still not clear on this one, but it sounds like at least they're trying something different with a procedural.
  
• The Unit (CBS) This is the one to keep an eye on. It is brought to us by David Mamet and The Shield creator Shawn Ryan. The show is about a special ops group and their families.
  
• Book of Daniel (NBC) Aidan Quinn plays a minister. NBC doesn't have anything on their website about it and I didn't feel like googling around for more info. ** Update wouldn't you know it, 10 minutes after I post this, I see an article that NBC has cut the midseason order from 13 episodes to the pilot plus 7. Not sure what that means (is NBC going to reup E-Ring?)
  
• Windfall (NBC) If done correctly, this is the show I think NBC will have some success with this year. It's about 20 people who win the lottery. Naturally, tons of spec ideas come to mind with it too...
  
• South Beach (UPN) I have no idea of this show will be any good. It sounds like an O.C. ripoff, but then, what do I know.
  
• The Bedford Diaries (WB) I think this is supposed to get the Felicity crowd. It's a drama set in college. That's all I know. Oh and something about the characters all being in a human sexuality class. Uh, ok, whatever.
  
• Pepper Dennis (WB) Rebecca Romijn plays the title character who is a Chicago based reporter. Reading the notes on it, sounds like someone has watched Broadcast News a few times.
  

24 will also return at midseason. I'll cover the midseason 1/2 hour comedies next time with the returning sitcoms and reality shows.

'Invasion' gets its pick-up from ABC

The Hollywood Reporter has the story. Watch List updated AGAIN.

So far, a lot of shows have been picked up for a full season. This by no means guarantees them another season, but for now, it's a positive development. Invasion will probably end up moving so Lost can be better utilized as a lead-in to some other show (Invasion has lost about 45% of its lead-in's viewers, never a good thing). However, I'd say things stay as they are past sweeps and maybe even until the new year.

Commander in Chief gets vote of confidence from ABC

This hit the trades late: ABC has given a full season pick-up to Commander-in-Chief

I'll update the Watch List and bump it in the morning.

Heh

From Fox News:

DES MOINES, Iowa — Ticket buyers played their kids' birthdays, their wedding anniversaries, even a set of numbers taken straight from the TV show "Lost," in hopes of winning $340 million Wednesday in the second-biggest lottery jackpot in U.S. history.

The Powerball jackpot has been snowballing since mid-August, with 20 straight drawings in which no one won the grand prize. Stores reported heavy sales in all 27 states selling Powerball tickets.

"We're swimming in it today," said Marianne Ward at the Cash & Dash in Little River, S.C. "We've sold more than $2,000 in tickets since 6 a.m."

Mary Neubauer, spokeswoman for the Iowa Lottery, said hundreds of ticket buyers were playing a set of numbers from the ABC drama "Lost," which featured a character who won $156 million by playing a string of digits obtained from a patient in a mental institution: 4, 8, 15, 16, 23 and 42.

"I just think it speaks to people's fascination with numbers and the what-if factor," Neubauer said.

The odds of hitting all six numbers were 1 in 146 million.

Now, if the numbers actually win, that would not only be creepy but really wrong. Plus, the winners would get, far less than $156 million each. More like half a mil, max, if that many people are playing the numbers...and if a few more join in, they'll be down to ten bucks.

How much bad luck can you have winning ten bucks??

Another interesting success story

I don't know why I didn't blog about this in August, when the story came out, but Michael Feldman landed himself a pilot deal, even though he was only looking to get staffed.

He wrote a pilot spec and sent it out to producers, hoping to get staffed on a new show. One of the producers liked his script so much, he decided to try to get it picked up. And now Feldman, who's previous credits include "That's So Raven", "Yes, Dear", and "The Gregory Hines Show" has a show of his own.

Here's the best quote in the article, from producer Brad Johnson, of Watson Ponds Prods (based at 20th Century Fox), "the story behind 'Dr. Freed' -- as well as Cherry's experience getting 'Desperate Housewives' set up -- are signs that 'good writers are everywhere.'

'People shouldn't judge credits; they should judge writers,' he said."

Indeed.

Don't forget the scary stuff

Some good advice if you are thinking of writing a Supernatural spec.

Success does happen and LFF

Okay, I know most of you reading this are not of the same political persuasion as I am, but put that aside for a moment. I want to point you to a post on Libertas, the blog of the Liberty Film Festival (this weekend in L.A.) One of the site contributors has just gotten a deal with a veteran producer and is now getting his film made. He has a great story and a very important message that relates to my mantra here at SITW (It's all about networking). I highly recommend you check it out and if you have time to take in any of the events of this weekend's festival, it is a chance to see some independent films that happen to be of a conservative slant, unlike most of the documentaries and small films out there today.

I plan to attend the Film and TV Production Panel on Sunday October 23. It is part of 'Event 10', which includes the film "Entering Zion" and the Q&A following that film. The panel will be moderated by Michael Medved and include panelists such as Frank Price (former President of Universal Pictures, Chairman Columbia Pictures, Chariman MCA Motion Pictures Group), Joel Surnow (Exec. Producer of "24"), Cyrus Nowrasteh (Writer, "Into the West," Writer/Producer of ABC's new 9/11 miniseries), Warren Bell (Executive Producer, "According to Jim", "Ellen"), Scott Gardenhour (partner in Michael Bay's production company), Doug Urbanski (film producer and Hollywood manager).

I'll report back on this event next week.

Trendspotting

So, I'm not a very trendy person.

I tend to be a classic Banana Republic/Gap girl when it comes to fashion. Oh, occassionally I'll pick up a piece that screams out as trendy, but usually I'm on the tail end of trends.

That's why I go into picking trends VERY CAUTIOUSLY. Now, anything can happen between now and May. The TV season is far from over. I'd dare say we are probably playing this game a few months too early...

...but then again, networks are already buying pilots and prepping projects, so maybe not.

First off, let's remember that we still have mid-season shows to air. "Grey's Anatomy" was mid-season. So was "Joe Millionaire". We still have good and bad to wait out before the dust settles. That being said, I'm gonna go out on a limb and make a prediction or 2:

New show specs:

The sitcoms are easy. They've been dwelling in the cellar for so long, that ANY renewed sitcoms automatically provide spec material. Comedy writers everywhere breathe a sigh of relief that they no longer have to push their spec of "Two and a Half Men" or "Yes, Dear". Now they have (for sure) "Everbody Hates Chris", "My Name is Earl" and "How I Met Your Mother." If NBC is benevolent, you might even get to spec "The Office", but I personally consider that sacrilege.

Okay, so dramas. It's been a pretty weak season for drama, but there are some positives. Genre writers can now spec "Supernatural" (though I would urge you to use this as a second spec and not your primary). But you want to know the ONE new show you can spec this year?

So do I.

Sorry for the cop out, but I don't think we've seen it yet. I was being honest when I said there's still mid-season to wait out. As long as the show doesn't fall apart, "Commander in Chief" will be a good spec...but now we have to see what Bochco's writers do with the show and what direction it will take. That means putting specs on hold for that one? "Criminal Minds"? I don't doubt that it is a decent show and if you must write a procedural, at least it isn't "CSI" but I think it goes in the "NCIS" pile. "Bones"? Well, I don't know what the cred of the show is, but I don't really like or respect the show enough to recommend. "Prison Break"? Right now, until the break out of prison, pretty much unspecable. Any of the episodics are tough too (and currently not renewed, except "Surface" and I laugh at you if you spec that.)

But here's an interesting trend I note: Female viewership is really driving the top shows. If "Gilmore Girls" goes the way of the dodo (which isn't out of the question), "Charmed" hits the dirt nap, and "Alias" finally dies, we will have lost 3 female driven shows this year. We might pick up "Threshold" or "Close to Home" yet, and there's still hope for those chick sitcoms the WB has, but overall female lead shows lose (and that's if "Veronica Mars" and "Crossing Jordan" live...jury's out). Right now we are +1 for "Commander in Chief" and I'll grant a half to "Surface". I'm interested to see if more female-centric character shows get pushed for next season to fill the gap.

Like I said, I'm not the trendiest person, so I could be wrong. I just note what I see...

NBC picks up Surface

Inexplicably, NBC has given Surface a full season pick-up. (Watch List will be updated and bumped).

Reminder: Scriptapalooza TV deadline tomorrow

I may go ahead and enter my 'House' spec...even though I'm in the midst of rewrites. Why not, right?

Weekend homework assignment

Okay TV spec writers: for those of you in my boat wanting to write a kick-ass TV spec, here's your homework for the weekend:

Pick ONE of the new TV shows (which has not been cancelled) that you feel is going to be THE show to spec come January.

Feel free to post your show choice and justification below. On Monday, I'll tell you what I think, based on watching the fall season AND what I think the 'hot trend' next year will be (this year is supernatural/spooky/alien, the year before was reality...what will next year bring??)

Oh and write, by God, write!!

New CBS fall season pickups

CBS has picked up 'The Ghost Whisperer', 'Criminal Minds', and 'How I Met Your Mother' for full season orders.

The Watch List updated shortly.

The next wave

Steve Jobs announced the release of the Video iPod today. There will be 2 versions, one that holds 30 GB and one which holds 60 GB retailing for $299 and $399 respectively.

He also announced a deal with ABC which will put new episodes of shows like 'Lost' and 'Desperate Housewives' on the site, commercial free, the day after they air for $1.99 each.

This is huge. TV, films, straight to iPod video even? The options for content are getting larger, not smaller. And it's a real win for shows that don't get huge Nielsens, but have rabid fan support.

Will this cut in to DVD sales? Maybe some, but what they make on selling the episodes online should make up for some of it. To get the iPod video users to buy DVD sets it will be more important than ever to stuff the discs with special features, never seen video, etc to get people to buy.

The media world is changing right in front of our eyes...blogs, podcasting, VOD...it's all changing.

Current Projects

I haven't talked much about what I'm up to these days, so I'll just give you a quick update. I have not been slacking off...

I'm taking the 'Market Ready' class I mentioned last week and putting my 'House' spec through a full rewrite via the class. I expect to have my script shiny enough to send out to agencies in a few weeks time.

I'm also outlining a thriller script I am looking to write. I'm starting to think it would be great to pitch as a graphic novel, so I'm trying to figure out how'd I go about doing that.

Also working on a romcom I've had kicking around for awhile. The plot I had was only so so, but some input from a couple of other writers has really kicked it off in a new direction which excites me. I think I'll be working on this project more in the weeks to come.

Finally, I've been writing the treatment for a spec TV pilot. The treatment is finished and I'm now getting some needed feedback to do some tweaks...can't talk much about this right now, hopefully I'll be able to talk more about it soon.

Anyway, that's my news...what's yours?

From the horse's mouth

Paul Guyot's Inkslinger site always provides great insight into the TV writing world. His most recent dissertation is no exception (and if you found me through his link to me, welcome!)

Technical Difficulties

Sorry, I've had some technical difficulties here over the last 16 hours or so (it's earthlink/covad's fault). I have some new stuff to put up today, so please check back after noon Pacific today.

Hopefully it will be worth the wait... and no, it isn't more fall season news...unless some breaks.

More Fox pickups

'Bones' and 'The War at Home' get their back nine pickups. I'll add that to the watchlist.

The Writer's Arc Fellowship

is taking applications and pages starting today. One of the people in the writing group (the well run one) is in the program this year and he has had a lot of positive things to say about it.

Worth checking out, especially if you are out of state and lack L.A. contacts.

Look, I'm sorry...

...your favorite shows got cancelled. No one watched them, that's why.

A lot of people who apparently weren't ready for 'Just Legal', 'Inconceivable', or 'Sex, Lies and Secrets' to be cancelled yet have been vainly hoping it is all a big cosmic joke.

It's not.

Funny thing though, no one seems to care about poor 'Head Cases'...

Effective writing groups

I have been preparing a post for awhile now on how to run an effective writing group (I'm in 2, one runs well the other runs...well, it runs.) I've scrapped the whole post, because I found someone who said everything I wanted to say and does it better than I did.

Meet Lorelei Armstrong. She's won contests, has a UCLA MFA, and knows how good meetings work. Highly recommend reading her site.

Snake attack!

After this (Snake eats cat), I expect a headline of 'Snake eats Mini Cooper'.

One word for this snake: HAIRBALL!

New 'chief' at 'Commander-in-Chief'

Hollywood Reporter has the story on Steven Bochco taking over the showrunning job from Rod Lurie for 'Commander-in-Chief.' So, this raises an important question...

...will we see Donald Sutherland's butt?

Just Legal is just cancelled.

and 'Supernatural' is picked up for a whole season.

Starting my new class tonight

Probably my last UCLA Extension class for awhile. This is a rewrite class with Erica Byrne. Looking forward to rewriting my specs...

Fall season update for 10/5

So two weeks ago, I laid down my predictions on which new shows will make the cut and which will be sent back into the void from which they came.

As of today, 'My Name is Earl' and 'Everybody Hates Chris' have been given full season pickups, along with 'Prison Break' which had its 'back nine' pickup last week. (Back nine refers to the last 9 episodes of a season...many shows start with a 13 episode commitment and if it takes off, they get a full season order of 22 episodes).

I'm starting to think I may have been wrong about 2 shows: I think 'Bones' and 'The Ghost Whisperer' may pull through after all. The numbers are looking good for them. On the other hand, 'The Apprentice: Martha Stewart,' 'Three Wishes,' and 'Love, Inc' look destined for the scrapheap alongside already cancelled shows 'Head Cases,' 'Sex, Lies and Secrets' and (soon to be cancelled) 'Inconceivable' (sure, it's only off for one week...right.) NBC is not having a good year so far, they have to be looking for ways to spread out the 'My Name is Earl' wealth...

Expect 'Supernatural' and 'Commander-in-Chief' to get full season pickups soon...'Criminal Minds' is looking like it may pull through and 'Invasion' is still a question mark...

More series news as it happens...

Top stories for 10/5

Nick and Jessica split or not.
Lindsay's Paparazzi Sequel (now with airbags).
TomKat pregnant?
BritKev sex tape.
MAKE IT STOP.

Things no one is paying attention to:

Sex offenders in California no longer get taxpayers to buy their Viagra.
Today, they sing 'Batman'. Tomorrow, 'So Long and Thanks for all the Fish.'
Geese attacking hunters!!
Gators in Snakes!

And great link of the day:

Winchester Mystery House Blog! (Thanks Boing Boing)

TV news today

At some point, the news on the fall season will die down (when most of the new shows have their fates decided) but for now, I bring you what I can find to help everyone looking for that perfect show to spec...provided it lives on to see another season.

Today it looks like "Inconceivable" will not be one of those shows. NBC is pulling it from its time slot this week and will show a repeat of "Law and Order: Criminal Intent". The show has aired twice. (News in Variety).

ABC, showing that the comedy department is not as smart as the drama department has actually given 'American Idol' loser Constantie Maroulis a sitcom deal. Only in America can a loser be a winner.

Apparently it was reported last week that "Kitchen Confidential" was cancelled. This is not true, REPEAT, NOT TRUE. It will go on hiatus during baseball, but my future boyfriend Michael Vartan will be on an upcoming episode. Yummy!

'Sex, Lies, and Secrets' just not enough anymore.

Lee Goldberg has the goods on the latest cancellation (reported in Variety today). It only aired once, but that was all it took to validate that there is not a huge audience for a show about Denise Richards living in Silver Lake (and non-L.A. residents, say, 'What the heck is Silver Lake??')

It looks like 'Inconceivable' and 'Killer Instinct' could be next to hit the dirt nap.

In other news, NBC has decided to swap 'E-Ring' and 'The Apprentice: Martha Stewart' in their time slots, forcing Martha to consider ways to draw people away from 'Lost'. Maybe she can offer every viewer a free doily.

Film Friday for September

It's the last day of the month and I'm actually getting the latest round up of film news up on time!! Those who are familiar with this recurring feature need no introduction, but for those of you who have just discovered my little abode in cyberspace, every month I like to recount the deals which have been made to produce films which are either sequels, remakes or TV show adaptations. I don't bother with the books and comics, because hey, who reads, right? This is about Hollywood's insistence on remaking things and producing sequels rather than trying to make new stories. So, let's get started!

• The Golden Age - Sequel to "Elizabeth"...in general, I'm in support of this one, but I have to admit curiousity since I don't think "Elizabeth" was a blockbuster.
  
• Nancy Drew: The Mystery in Hollywood Hills - this one makes the list because it has previously been a TV show. Does anyone know if Nancy has graced the big screen before?
  
• Madagascar 2 - Can't they just spin off the penguins into their own movie? Oh wait, they did a live action of that this year already...
  
• Mostly Martha - Because Americans can't be bothered to watch the original one in German. Reminds them of 'Das Boot'.
  
• The Star Chamber - Remake of the 1983 film. Because we've suddenly run out of new legal thrillers, we must start remaking them from 22 years ago!
  
• 36 - Remake of a French film "36 Quai des Orfevres." We really can't be bothered with French.
  
• State of Play - Remake of a British miniseries. Oh come now, it's in our own language! Now we're just lazy...or it must be the accents.
  

That's it for this month! Just keep plugging away at your spec. I think there were 2 sold this month (and don't forget that high-larious pitch from a New Line exec about the "Boob Job"!) Keep the dream alive!

(As usual, all info courtesy of Done Deals).

Book Bleg

I'm looking for recommendations of REALLY ESSENTIAL READING. It can be any genre, but give me 3-5 books you recommend I read.

To give examples of my usual reading habits, I have read the entire Discworld series by Terry Pratchett, I'm currently reading 'System of the World' by Neal Stephenson, I've read most Heinlein and in the mystery realm I grew up reading Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers and Margery Allingham. I of course love Douglas Adams, Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle. I've never read a Stephen King book. I've read 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' and love it. I've also read the collected works of Edgar Allen Poe and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

I love Anne of Green Gables and the Tao of Pooh.

There, there's a big chunk of my bookshelves. Suggest away. Anything.

Tuesday has good news for everyone...except UPN

So, everybody gets a piece of the pie on Tuesday nights, and why not? The evening is chock-a-block with choices. Look at the 9PM time period:

ABC: Commander-in-Chief - got good premiere sampling. It will also benefit by House going on hiatus during baseball on Fox the next few weeks, enough time to establish an audience all its own. I already pegged this as a survivor, no matter how good or bad it is...well, if it was too horrible, it'd be a different story, but Rod Lurie's no dummy, even if I differ on his politics.
NBC: My Name is Earl / The Office - Earl lives, expect The Office to be replaced at midseason.
CBS: The Amazing Race (2 hr this week) - On an unrelated note, did you know NCIS is the #1 show at 8PM on Tuesdays?? Maybe I should actually watch this thing which is in its 3RD YEAR!
Fox: House - Had to settle for #2 this week.
WB: Supernatural - Marc and I agree. This is a solid pick up for the rest of the year.
UPN: Sex, Love & Secrets - I agree with Marc Berman, the results were so dismal, this sucker is CANCELLED within 2 weeks.

Poor Boston Legal -- it can't catch a break after Commander-in-Chief. Still, it's ratings aren't bad, so it will be fine. Do not weep for David E. Kelley.

Bones will live past baseball. Berman thinks it will take off after American Idol. If that's true, it might get picked up in spite of itself.

Berman does a great job running down the list of new series, and I have to say, he and I are of the same mind on most of the new shows. Read Marc Berman's Programming Insider here.

I'm guessing this happens more than we'd like to believe

This story details how a New Line exec tells a story about his friend and his friend's wife's 'boob job', suddenly it's the latest hot assignment in Hollywood.

And we wonder why we can't sell specs. With this kind of brilliance, how can we compete?

What to Spec: Part II

So, we got some good discussion going on what shows are good show to 'spec.' For those new to the lingo, a 'spec' script is one you write without assignment (if you write a screenplay at home with no deal attached, that's a spec too.) In TV Land, if you want to get a staff job on a TV show, you need to have a couple (or three or four..) spec scripts of current TV shows to peddle around. I personally have written spec scripts for 'Lost' and 'House'. I will spec another show in a few months once I decide what to put my energy toward. Even established writers have spec scripts they keep current.

So, after my last post, I was very pleased to receive some feedback from Paul Guyot regarding shows to spec. So, without further ado, I reprint his remarks here:

Lost - good spec.
The Shield - was the hot spec the last few years, its time may be up.
Deadwood - too specific.
Nip/Tuck - good.
The O.C. - good spec if you want to write for that particular genre. VERONICA MARS would be better because it shows you as a teen angst writer as well as crime and comedy.
Medium - not a good spec, except for a very specific genre/tone.
Everwood - not enough of Hollywood watches the show.
Rescue Me - hot spec.
Gray's Anatomy - hot spec.

Cold Case - has replaced CSI as that genre's go-to spec.
Without a Trace - only a single storyline, not a good spec.
Veronica Mars - good.
Boston Legal - becoming hotter. If you can nail that DEK voice, you've scored.
Battlestar Galactica - don't waste your time, unless you want to write ONLY for the Sci-Fi channel.
Law and Order: SVU or CI - not anymore.
The Sopranos - time has come and gone. Was THE spec to read/write prior to THE SHIELD, but I know of several agents and execs who won't read them anymore.

CSI (every flavor) - can still get away with it, but they'll ask you for something else.
Law and Order - nope.

House - this is THE hot spec right now. If you can nail a HOUSE spec, you'll get meetings.
24 - nope.
Desperate Housewives - another hot spec.

As to your question re: DEAD ZONE, the only execs likely to read (and give a meeting off of) a USA network spec are USA and Lifetime execs. I know that WB, TNT, 20th and FX people won't read them, or if they do it will only be as a second or third reading - meaning after they've read something else of yours. My agency (CAA) as well as Gersh and Endeavor won't read any "query specs" from any cable network shows except FX and the premiums. Why is this? It's just one of the many, many unfair Hollywood attitudes - there is a stigma against smaller cable company shows - they're perceived as inferior in quality or else they'd be on another network. THE SHIELD should have broken that attitude but all it did was make the execs think FX is somehow "more special" when it comes to cable networks.

If THE CLOSER remains a hit for TNT, it might be a worthwhile spec, but that's at least a year away.

There ya have it. I plan on updating my list. I suggest you do the same. Thanks Paul. Immensely helpful, as always.

Nielsens, we've got Nielsens...

Marc Berman consistently provides the earliest and best roundup of the previous night's Nielsens and what they mean. Last night, 'Surface' saw 3 million people disappear from its viewership and it fell to 3rd place. It no longer looks as strong as its opening might have led people to believe (which, I will gloat, I totally called last week). 'Out of Practice' on CBS also showed 3rd place in its time period when the rest of the sitcoms are 2nd against football. I'd say that show is a goner.

'Kitchen Confidential' continues to pull low numbers after 'Arrested Development'. I still think Fox will stick with it awhile longer as it seems to have critical buzz, but no viewership, just like its lead in show. 'Prison Break' will be renewed for next year. This is the only thing I am certain of at this point in the (very young) season. I'd still wait to spec it until we know what the heck is happening, and even then I'm not sure it will be a good spec show.

'How I Met My Mother' pulled numbers consistent with its premiere last week, so the news there is good so far.

Tonight, we'll see how well 'My Name is Earl' holds up from its premiere.

Blogroll updated

I've added a few sites to the blogroll. I've been meaning to add Bill Cunningham's DISC/ontent for ages and have finally gotten around to it. You should all be reading his blog without me linking to it anyway, but now the link is there.

Also welcome to Red Right Hand who linked to me long ago and I just realized it. I also added Scott the Reader's informative blog, Alligators in a Helicopter.

If you want your blog on the next month of updates, please drop me a line. I'll review it and so long as you post at fairly regular interval and discuss entertainment/screenwriting in some form, I'll add you to my reading list. There are just so many of you anymore!

And I'm leaving Diana in the blogroll, since she swears she's coming back...I've just moved her to the bottom until her triumphant return.

Oh, and for those of you who moved to the bottom of the list, consider yourselves on probation. Remember the motto around here: 'Post or you're toast'!

What shows should I spec?

I get this question a lot, primarily because I stuck my neck out in the Artful Writer Forum and responded to someone's plea for help in determining which shows to spec. My knowledge is gleaned from screenwriting teachers, peers and others in a position to know (attached to agencies or prodcoms). I've updated my list, so I'm presenting it here.

Note: Where a show falls in whether it should be one to spec does not necessarily reflect on the quality of the show. This is about perception. NCIS maybe one of the best shows on TV (I have no idea), but if no one (re: agents) is watching it, it probably won't get noticed. Conversely, CSI has been 'done to death' in specs, so you should go to these shows as a 'last resort'.

Okay, here's the list, my commentary to follow:

Good shows to spec:

Lost
The Shield
Deadwood
Nip/Tuck
The O.C. (not sure about the cred, but it probably has enough viewership to allow for a spec)
Medium (Patricia Arquette's win and the continued ratings seal the deal on this one)
Everwood
Rescue Me
Gray's Anatomy

Borderline, possible 2nd spec:

Cold Case
Without a Trace
Veronica Mars
Boston Legal
Battlestar Galactica
Law and Order: SVU or CI
The Sopranos

Glut of specs for:

CSI (every flavor)
Law and Order

Very difficult, but boy would you stand out from the crowd:

House
24 (forget it!!)
Desperate Housewives (and this is considered a 'comedy' but it's an hour-long, so treat it as such for spec purposes)

Not respected enough to spec or getting on in years:

Crossing Jordan
The West Wing
Gilmore Girls
One Tree Hill
Smallville
Las Vegas
Charmed
Alias
NCIS
E.R.

Cable shows in general are not good for specs. Exceptions would be HBO and FX shows which are listed. I have heard 'The Dead Zone' is a good spec, and I know someone thinking of writing a 'The 4400' spec, so take that for what it's worth.

How will the new shows shake out? There are still many weeks to go before we can say with certainty which new shows will make the cut for another year and will therefore be wide-open for spec writing.

My pages are up

They aren't as flashy as everyone else's, but they are functional. Go check out my contribution to the Group Screenwriting Project.

Is CSI making us stupid?

I read this story this morning and I just had to shake my head. Juries as collectives of individuals seem to be stupid enough, since defense attorneys do everything in their power to remove anyone with a brain from a jury. Now, we see that people need to see hard evidence, fingerprints, someone saying they did it on an audiotape, rather than be able to piece together the more likely and common evidence in crimes, which tend to be circumstantial, connect the dots type evidence.

This jury actually told the prosecutor that they needed to see a fingerprint on a file or a confession on an audiotape in order to convict. We're in real trouble if people feel that CSI is the standard for judging evidence in real life criminal cases.

Paging 'A Writer, I Be' Scott

Where's your blog?? I can't get to it today! Please report in as your screenwriting brethren are concerned that you are MIA...

Serenity now!

I just got confirmed for a blogger press credential of a screening of Serenity on Monday. I'll be posting a review after I see the film, per my obligation as a member of the blogging press.

YAY!!

I'm next!!

Warren's Screenwriting Group Project has been intriguing, but I'm already up next! I expect to have my pages to him by tomorrow, but I am experiencing some anxiety about whether my stuff will live up to the already exciting and interesting pages I'm seeing. I'll direct you over there when they are posted.

We have a winner!

Head Cases is cancelled.

I dare say this was expected. So, any guesses as to who goes next? My money is on "Just Legal".

A question of notes and rests

Day 5 of the everlasting illness. The cough is the worst at this point, but I do think the antibiotics are starting to have an effect.

So, as I've been mostly lying in bed reading other people's drafts, I've been pondering...what's the best way to give notes?

I've received good notes and bad notes. Good notes are the ones you like, bad notes are the ones you hate. I joke.

Actually, good notes are ones which are specific, helpful and relevant. Bad notes are generally the opposite. How do I make sure I'm giving good notes?

Sometimes I don't always know what the note is. I'll be circling a couple of pages, knowing there's a problem, but I just can't put my finger on it. The bad note would be to tell the writer, 'There's something wrong on page 33, but I just can't figure out what it is' Yeah, that's helpful. No, as a reader, I have a duty to figure it out to the best of my ability. Chances are the problem isn't on page 33, it's earlier in the story and I'm just recognizing the faulty stoplight on that particular page.

Plot and structure notes: I think the key here is to ask yourself if you understand all of the events in the story. Do they lead into each other as a progression or does there seem to be leaps of logic and time just to make the story work.

Character notes: If a character isn't behaving the way you expect, try to determine if it is because you lack a full understanding of the character or if the writer has just gone off the 'character map' that has been laid out for that person. If you establish that a character is afraid of his own shadow, unless there is a significant event or motive for him to go headfirst into a dark creepy cave, it would not be consistent with his character. Motive drives action for most characters. If you don't know the motive, then make it a result of circumstance. Anyone else have a thought on this?

So, when I'm listing notes, I tend to avoid dialogue notes unless there is something really wrong, like it doesn't 'sound' like the character. Also, if I know it is a first draft I'll avoid notes on typos, misspellings, grammar or punctuation knowing that person has more drafts ahead of them. I try to be as specific as possible. A note that the characters need more 'fleshing out' isn't really a great note to me. What's missing from the characters? What do I need? More background on them? Better definition of their motives? If their dialogue is flat or 'on the nose', I'll mention it could be richer, but I tend to think everyone does some of that 'on the nose' writing in first draft just to get the sucker written. It seems unfair for me to play 'spot the obvious'.

Anyone else have comments on how they give notes or feedback?

Blech

I just got home from the doctor's office. Yes, I'm on day 4 of this -- thing. Even she was surprised I wasn't better, prescribed me antibiotics and told me not to go to work until Monday (I even got a note!)

Good news, getting all of my TV watching in, here are my very very short reviews of new shows:

Bones: Writing isn't great, interesting characters but the holographics are a killer in my book. Could be cancelled by mid-season.

Head Cases: Horrible. Canceled. NEXT.

Kitchen Confidential: Some funny moments, love the cast, numbers were worrisome. I expect Fox to stick with it though because of the positive reviews.

How I Met Your Mother: Could have been better, but considering my lowered expectations for sitcoms, I expect this to live, unless the numbers take a nosedive, which I doubt they will.

Surface: Very disappointing (not that I had high hopes for it to begin with). Numbers were surprisingly high, I expect them to drop next week. Cancelled by mid-season.

Threshold: I loved it, so it will probably be cancelled. I can always hope not, but it's on Friday on CBS. Who is watching CBS (or any TV) on Friday??

Supernatural: Actually some spooky moments. Some bad dialogue, but the 2 episdoes so far have been intriguing and I do think it will keep its Gilmore Girls audience. It lives, at least until mid-season, if not longer.

Just Legal: I can't believe I tried to watch this. If it isn't cancelled in 6 weeks, put me out of my misery.

Prison Break: Week four and I'm still tuning in. Always a good sign, especially since I want to see them break out of the prison. After that, I expect the show is going to have to really step it up to keep people watching. After all, that's WHY we're watching this show.

Shows I haven't watched yet:

Invasion: I DVR'd it last night, so I'll check it out today.

Everybody Hates Chris: I've had the pilot DVD sitting on my coffee table for two weeks, but I haven't gotten around to watching it. The reviews are good, so I doubt it will matter what I think...the show has legs before even airing tonight.

My Name is Earl: This was in the worst time slot for me, as I was watching House and recording Supernatural. I'll have to check it out next week...somehow. Clearly the ratings for the premiere were good, so NBC has some hope.

The Apprentice/ Martha Stewart: I totally forgot this was on last night. I was too caught up in my desire to see Lost to pay it any mind. I'll be interested to see how the numbers are next week against normal ABC programming. If it improves, it lives. If not, Martha may not 'fit in' at NBC for more than one season.

Cursed!

Yes, I am up at an insane hour. I think I'm getting better, but I still have a slight fever (in case you are my mother and want to know) and I still have a nagging cough. Not sure if I should go to work in 3 hours, but I probably should.

That said, the reason I'm cursed is...well, did ya happen to watch House? That opening of Act I with House battling a cold, yeah, that's my teaser opening in my spec! I now have to do some hefty rewriting to exorcise all of the scenes/lines pertaining to House having a cold. The trouble is, I'm not sure what I'm going to put in its place!

So, where yesterday at 8:59 PM I was feeling pretty alright with the world (except for this blasted whatever-I-have), by 9:10 PM I was watching my hard work become irrelevant.

I got work to do, that's for sure.

Sick

Sore throat, congested...I feel yucky.

I'll probably take the opportunity (while feeling miserable and lying in bed) to get caught up on my script reading -- I have a lot of things people have asked me to read which I need to get notes back to them on. I'll also get caught up on my TV watching. I'd rather watch all of the premieres I have on the DVR than watch 'Oprah'. So, that's what I'll be doing today, coughing, wheezing and reading.

Yay.

Clearly

I have no clue who will win an Emmy. I have been completely, utterly wrong up to this point.

Although, yay, 'Lost' won.

John Rogers is a god

Read this. Read it now! (It's about TV series, the changing dynamics in TV and it's really really good. What other reasons do you need, click the link!)

Emmy predictions

Ellen Degeneres will be mostly funny and the show won't feel 8 hours long...

Oh, let's go with winner predictions, always more fun. (My predicted winner in bold)

• Drama Series
  
  24
  Lost
  Deadwood
  The West Wing
  Six Feet Under
• Comedy Series
  
  Arrested Development
  Desperate Housewives
  Everybody Loves Raymond
  Scrubs
  Will & Grace
• Lead Actor in a Drama Series
  
  James Spader (Boston Legal)
  Ian McShane (Deadwood)
  Hugh Laurie (House)
  Hank Azaria (Huff)
  Kiefer Sutherland (24)
• Lead Actress in a Drama Series
  
  Jennifer Garner (Alias)
  Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: SVU)
  Patricia Arquette (Medium)
  Glenn Close (The Shield)
  Frances Conroy (Six Feet Under)
• Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
  
  Jason Bateman (Arrested Development)
  Ray Romano (Everybody Loves Raymond)
  Tony Shalhoub (Monk)
  Zack Braff (Scrubs)
  Eric McCormack (Will & Grace)
• Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
  
  Marcia Cross (Desperate Housewives)
  Teri Hatcher (Desperate Housewives)
  Felicity Huffman (Desperate Housewives)
  Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond)
  Jane Kaczmarek (Malcom in the Middle)
• Supporting Actor in Drama Series
  
  William Shatner (Boston Legal)
  Oliver Platt (Huff)
  Naveen Andrews (Lost)
  Terry O'Quinn (Lost)
  Alan Alda (The West Wing)
• Supporting Actress in Drama Series
  
  Sandra Oh (Grey's Anatomy)
  Blythe Danner (Huff)
  Tyne Daly (Judging Amy)
  CCH Pounder (The Shield)
  Stockard Channing (The West Wing)
• Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
  
  Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development)
  Jeremy Piven (Entourage)
  Peter Boyle (Everybody Loves Raymond)
  Brad Garrett (Everybody Loves Raymond)
  Sean Hayes (Will & Grace)
• Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
  
  Jessica Walter (Arrested Development)
  Doris Roberts (Everybody Loves Raymond)
  Holland Taylor (Two and a Half Men)
  Conchata Ferrell (Two and a Half Men)
  Megan Mullally (Will & Grace)

All of these categories are important, but what about the ones that matter to us, the writers?? And for this list, I'm going to credit the writers -- all of them!

• Writing for a Comedy Series
  
  Arrested Development • Sad Sack •
  Barbie Adler, Writer
  
  Arrested Development • Sword Of Destiny •
  Brad Copeland, Writer
  
  Arrested Development • The Righteous Brothers •
  Mitchell Hurwitz, Written by
  Jim Valley, Written by
  
  Desperate Housewives • Pilot •
  Marc Cherry, Writer
  
  Everybody Loves Raymond • Finale •
  Philip Rosenthal, Writer
  Ray Romano, Writer
  Tucker Cawley, Writer
  Lew Schneider, Writer
  Steve Skrovan, Writer
  Jeremy Stevens, Writer
  Mike Royce, Writer
  Aaron Shure, Writer
  Tom Caltabiano, Writer
  Leslie Caveny, Writer
• Writing for a Drama Series
  
  House • Three Stories •
  David Shore, Writer
  
  Lost • Pilot •
  J.J. Abrams, Teleplay by/Story by
  Damon Lindelof, Teleplay by/Story by
  Jeffrey Lieber, Story by
  
  Lost • Walkabout •
  David Fury, Written by
  
  Rescue Me • Pilot •
  Peter Tolan, Writer
  Denis Leary, Writer
  
  The Wire • Middle Ground •
  George Pelecanos, Writer/Story by
  David Simon, Story by

There you have it, my predictions. Make yours before showtime.

My horses in the cancellation derby

Now, this is without seeing most of the new shows, but here is what I predict will not make the cut (and these are not in order...I fully expect UPN or WB to beat Fox to the punch in cancelling a show before 'Head Cases' gets the axe).

Head Cases
Just Legal (no way no how anyone will tune in for Don Johnson. Sorry Don).
Twins (no way no how anyone will tune in for Don Johnsons's ex. Sorry Melanie).
Fathom/Surface (whatever it's called this week)
Reunion (this was just horrible)
Freddie
The Night Stalker
Ghost Whisperer
Out of Practice (yeah, I hadn't heard of it either)
Killer Instinct (thankfully, people will tire of gross crime stories, and hey, they can get that on CBS all week long!)
The War at Home
Inconceivable

Wow, you're thinking. That's a lot of shows headed to the fall season graveyard. What does that leave standing at the end of the season (or at least until mid-season):

Threshold
Criminal Minds
E-Ring (although, I'm on the fence on this one)
Bones
Commander-in-Chief
Hot Properties
Invasion
Close to Home
How I Met Your Mother
My Name is Earl
Kitchen Confidential
Prison Break
The Apprentice: Martha Stewart
Three Wishes
Everybody Hates Chris
Love, Inc (yeah, but UPN has so little to work with)
Sex, Love and Secrets (again, I'm cutting UPN a break, just like they do with their shows...unless it places dead last)
Related
Supernatural

See? You thought I was being harsh, but I'm giving more than 60% of the new shows a shot at survival. I think that sitcoms will do particularly well this year (even though there are some duds) and remember, this isn't based on me seeing all the shows or even on the quality of the shows. I base my predictions on strength of schedule, concept of show, ability to grow, stars attached, network involved and pure gut instinct.

I'll track my accuracy as the season progresses. If I'm wrong, I'll call it, but you heard it here folks...

The Race is On

Which show will be the first to cancellation? What series will bow out in disgrace after viewers fail to connect?

So far it looks like Fox's Head Cases comes out of the gate ahead of the others in the cancellation pack.

Scratch that one off your 'potential spec' list folks. This one is DOA.

Robert Wise

has died.

Status Report

I started my 'new job' at work (long story) so I've been busy getting acclimated. Also had a cousin in town this week who we (my sis and I) entertained last night. Meanwhile, I'm working on the second draft of my treatment after lots of notes from producer/sister.

I've signed up for the TV spec rewrite/polish class for fall. This will probably be my last class for awhile, but I plan on putting my 'House' spec through this class and then sending it out to agents by November.

I just joined a writers group that meets down the block from me. Good group and I think I will learn a lot from them.

So, that's what I'm doing. Anyone see any good films lately?

Film Friday for August

Yup, it's that time again. End of the month. Let's see what remakes, sequels and TV adaptations Hollywood has in store for us.

• Matt Helm - Once a spoofy film series with Dean Martin, set to be remade as a more serious film this time around.
  
• Rififi - Remake of the French film with (Hoo-hah) Al Pacino.
  
• Old School 2 - Because we need more naked Will Ferrell.
  
• How to Tell He's Not the One in 10 Days - Apparently this is a sequel to How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. They both have long titles, so it must be.
  
• Battle of the Network Stars - I think this is one of the signs of the Apocalypse.
  
• Casino Royale - I've reported on this one before, but they really truly are going to make it (honest!) Paul Haggis is going to rewrite it. So I'd expect it to be less campy. Just a hunch.
  

I'm impressed, Hollywood! This is a very short list. Of course, I'm sure that there's more creative bankruptcy waiting around the corner. That should help you sleep at night, I'm sure.

Spec Season

Great article from Clark Perry on the free Writer's Nite Out seminar held recently (hey, why didn't I know about that??)

Things to know for attending a premiere

• Don't wear open-toed shoes, unless you are sitting at a VIP table.
  
• Don't sit down at a table with someone else's name on it.
  
• Be prepared for photographers to look at you to see if you are famous and then quickly turn away when they realize you are not (and let's face it, not many writers make it to the 'famous' list).
  
• Don't dress down too much, but don't dress up too much. The former will make you look homeless and the latter will make you look "purchased".
  

I'll add more as I think of them. These were just the things I observed at a post-premiere party. I don't think they write books on premiere etiquette, do they?

Film Friday is coming

About a week late, but I'll recap the August remakes, sequels and TV adaptations to the big screen at the end of the week.

Gotta keep up the traditions around here...

Discussion topic - treatments

I have to write a treatment for my TV pilot (don't ask, no I haven't sold or pitched anything yet).

How would you write it -- narrative 2 page summary of the story? Or outline style, split between the Teaser and four acts?

Discuss.

Lost fanatics!

Yup today was the day -- they released Season 1 on DVD. Because I am the luckiest human alive, I happened to be at the Disney lot when the writers were autographing the DVDs, so I got to meet several of the gods of the show.

I'm still basking in the glow. Hopefully their genius has rubbed off on me.

Writing update

I finished my 'House' spec in time for my last class on Wednesday. So what now? Well, I have a TV pilot to write. I'm collaborating with my sister who will one day be a very powerful producer (hey, I'm ridin' her coattails, I have to keep the faith). I'm looking forward to creating my own characters and 'universe' for a TV show.

I'll rewrite my TV specs in about a month and once I'm happy with them -- I'll hold my breath and send them out into the world.

Somewhere in here I'm going to keep outlining my new feature spec. I have a lot to do before the end of the year.

I may finally adopt the progress bars. I added a place for them in the sidebar, now I just have to get the code in there.

Hope everyone is having a fabulous Labor Day weekend. Certainly it is overshadowed by the disaster in the Gulf States. Keep the victims in your thoughts and prayers.

Blogging for a Cause

I know, it's hard. Everywhere you turn there are pictures, stories and other reminders of what is happening along the Gulf Coast. I've already detailed the charities I am supporting financially today and urge you to give what you can, even if it is a small amount.

I'd love to show that screenbloggers can pull together and help out, really show up the political blogs that are raising most of the money. Can you imagine what it would be like if Los Angeles were hit with the 'Doomsday Quake'? I'd hope that the residents of the Gulf Coast would help us, just as they need us to help them now.

Log your donation

If you make a donation based on reading this blog, you can log your donation here. You can also see how much the blogs involved in this effort have helped raise today.

I am thinking of ways to inspire folks to donate -- maybe I could write stories or something, blog on a particular topic for donations. If you have any suggestions, let me know.

Donation update

So far I've made donations to the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army today.

I've also donated to another worthy charity, one I've supported in the past (I have also adopted a soldier through them) and is called Soldiers' Angels. They are collecting money for the families of soldiers who have been affected by the floods. These soldiers may have nothing to come home to. Consider donating to this or other military family charities. (I have also donated to Operation AC. Both of these charities are reputable and provide needed services.)

Blogging for Hurricane Katrina Victims

Truth Laid Bear has a registry of blogs participating in the blogger relief.

I've already donated to the American Red Cross, but my charity of choice today is the Salvation Army, to which I have already donated. I've given to this charity often and they seem to be really effective, moreso than the United Way and others that were deluged with cash post 9/11 but didn't know how to handle it.

Avoid unscrupulous charities by checking them out first via Charity Navigator.

Michelle Malkin, who has put aside politics for the most part today, has a great summary of various charities, if you prefer to donate to another charity.

The message today is to DONATE.

More on the Salvation Army's efforts (from their website):

The Salvation Army is currently providing services to storm victims and first responders in Hattiesburg, MS, Mobile, AL and New Orleans, LA

* 500 storm refugees sought safe shelter and food at The Salvation Army’s centers in New Orleans and Mobile.
* Canteens are serving hot meals to storm victims and first responders in Hattiesburg, MS and Mobile, AL.
* Additional canteens are staged in Baton Rouge, LA, Jackson, MS and Mobile, AL to be deployed to affected areas along the Gulf Coast once emergency response authorities determine that it is safe to enter these areas

The Salvation Army is prepared to serve up to 500,000 hot meals per day to residents and first responders in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

* More than 250 volunteers, employees and officers will serve the meals from approximately 100 mobile canteens that are able to provide up to 5,000 hot meals per day.
* In addition, the Army has staged two, 54-foot mobile Base Camp kitchens that can provide 20,000 hot meals per day; one is in Baton Rouge; the other in Mobile, and will be moved once emergency response authorities determine a safe location for them.

A $100 donation will feed a family of four for two days, provide 2 cases of drinking water and one household clean-up kit, containing brooms, mops, buckets, and cleaning supplies.

Glenn Reynolds roundup post.

Also, Technorati tags flood aid and Hurricane Katrina.

More hurricane blogging here throughout the day. Screenblogging will resume in a couple of days.