Do you have a book or preexisting material that you have dreams of turning in to the next blockbuster? Maybe just a news article that you think could make a really interesting TV show? Adaptation is the way of the industry these days, so tune in to Felicity and Max as they share a bottle of vino and talk all things adaptation.
Remember, Felicity and Max always have open Q&A during every Facebook Live broadcast, so you should tune in when they broadcast their next live chat. Even though most broadcasts focus on a particular subject, every writer is welcome to ask anything they like at any time. Felicity and Max will do their best to give you a straight and honest answer.
This is a podcast recording of the ISA's Facebook Live broadcast of Wine Wednesdays. Please note that some promotions offered during the live broadcast are no longer available. We can, however, assist you if you wish to find out more information regarding ISA events, contests, or consulting offers. Just reach out to info@networkisa.org and we will be happy to help.
You can reach out to Max regarding any type of query: max@networkisa.org If you have particular interest in working with him on a one-on-one coaching and development basis, email him at max@thestoryfarm.org. His Story Farm development and coaching service is quickly becoming the best in the business! Felicity can also be reached at Felicity@networkisa.org. She, too, can work with you one-on-one, so don't hesitate to inquire. We can't wait to support you.
Subjects and themes for the broadcasts change from week to week, so stay tuned on most Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm Los Angeles time. For a specific schedule and set of announcements, "Like" the ISA Facebook page and keep up to date.
As opposed to a "year in REview", the ISA's Wine Wednesday duo of Max Timm and Felicity Wren present a "year in view" as they kick off 2018 with an all encompassing broadcast and script-talk, getting our writers ready for a productive year. Enjoy, and stay tuned for more broadcasts throughout 2018.
Remember, Felicity and Max always have open Q&A during every Facebook Live broadcast, so you should tune in when they broadcast their next live chat. Even though most broadcasts focus on a particular subject, every writer is welcome to ask anything they like at any time. Felicity and Max will do their best to give you a straight and honest answer.
This is a podcast recording of the ISA's Facebook Live broadcast of Wine Wednesdays. Please note that some promotions offered during the live broadcast are no longer available. We can, however, assist you if you wish to find out more information regarding ISA events, contests, or consulting offers. Just reach out to info@networkisa.org and we will be happy to help.
You can reach out to Max regarding any type of query: max@networkisa.org If you have particular interest in working with him on a one-on-one coaching and development basis, email him at max@thestoryfarm.org. His Story Farm development and coaching service is quickly becoming the best in the business! Felicity can also be reached at Felicity@networkisa.org. She, too, can work with you one-on-one, so don't hesitate to inquire. We can't wait to support you.
Subjects and themes for the broadcasts change from week to week, so stay tuned on most Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm Los Angeles time. For a specific schedule and set of announcements, "Like" the ISA Facebook page and keep up to date.
A strategy for submitting to screenplay contests with the founder of the International Screenwriting Association, Craig James. If you plan on submitting to contests, learn from the best - the ISA! We cultivate a list of the best contests and provide access to them via our website, www.networkisa.org.
You can also watch the video to this podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NVKVnvnYyU
“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” has action and fun, but could use some new DNA
If you’re going to do a fifth film in a franchise, you could do a lot worse than “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.” It’s well directed by J.A. Bayona, with a lot of popcorn action perfect for the summer movie season. Unfortunately, some glaring script flaws mar the fun. A lot of exposition is glossed over, with holes in the plot one could drive a semi-truck through. The bad guys are one-note greedy businessmen and vicious mercenaries. And the good guys aren’t nearly as compelling as the dinosaurs. At least Bryce Dallas Howard is no longer running around the island in white pumps, but too much of this film goes over the same terrain as all the others that proceeded it.
“Tag” earns its laughs through character and story
Often, summer comedies are over-the-top farces that strive to be little else than popcorn entertainment. There’s nothing wrong with that, but when one like “Tag” comes along that attempts more, it stands out. The story of five friends who have played the children’s game of Tag together for over 30 years is yet another comedy about man-children who need to grow up. Yet here, the characters are less cartoonish, the relationships dig deeper, and three strong women characters add complexity to the story. “Tag” is an ensemble comedy too, often putting eight key players in a scene together and ensuring they all shine. It’s very funny, but serious about trying harder too.
Talking all things Directing on this 11th episode of the Film Inquiry Podcast
Emily Wheeler takes over for Mike and joins Jay in this 10th episode of the Film Inquiry podcast, in which they talk the movies of the moment.
We’re at the tenth episode of the Film Inquiry Podcast and it’s glorious.
Summer has been keeping us uber busy, myself especially, which is why I am absent from this episode. But thankfully Jay is joined by the wonderful Emily Wheeler, Film Inquiry’s Writers Coordinator. She’s also a mad scientist working on secret reanimation projects a la Frankenstein. Ask her about it, won’t you?
Jay and Emily discuss a slew of recent releases ranging from Dunkirk, to War for the Planet of the Apes, to Baby Driver, to Valerian, to other worlds and beyond.
Let me denote that there are spoilers on several of the movies littered throughout the episode, so if you don’t want to have things ruined go see said films then come back and listen to these two brainiacs as they speak eloquently, and wisely, on the filmic topics.
As always, thanks everybody for all the clicks and listens and feedback. You’re amazing. We’ll be back soon with another epic rant.
Pixar is a studio synonymous with greatness. Or maybe not? On this the eighth episode, Jay and myself rank every single Pixar film from Toy Story all the way up to Finding Dory leading culminating with Jay’s thoughts on Cars 3.
We have differing opinions on which feature is the best from the studio and come to full blows as we make our way down the list. Who’s list will you end up agreeing with more?
As usual, we talk about the best and the worst of what we’ve seen recently and end the discussion on the hottest topic in weeks — the firing of Chris Miller and Phil Lord from the yet untitled Han Solo movie. Isn’t that thing crazy?
If you like the podcast give us some love on iTunes by leaving a review and giving us many stars. Give us a mega-rad shoutout and we’ll name drop you like nobody’s business. As always you find us on twitter and if you follow us we will reciprocate with the like. Thanks, kids!
Hola, people from all over the world!
On this the eighth episode, Jay and myself (Mike) have the time of our lives. We being the podcast by talking about the best and worst of what we’ve seen recently.
Then the controversial discourse begins. I talk about my feelings about Wonder Woman and they are very much against the grain, just so you know. It’s fun to be a contrarian though I don’t hold any reasons to be so flippantly. I fully believe in my opinions and hold steadfast to them. I am not a contrarian for contrarian’s sake.
After that we jump into a discussion about movies that have “rotten” consensuses on Rotten Tomatoes but are films we like or love.
Which then leads to our admission of our unabashed love for King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. We are both go against the establishment and the status quo. Isn’t that why you love us?
We would greatly appreciate any feedback and please feel free to like us and rate us on iTunes and be sure to follow us on Twitter. Give us nice comment and we’ll be sure to name drop you so loud. Thanks pals. We’ll be back soon!
Have a love for cartoons? Sit down with Felicity and Max in this pre-holiday broadcast of the ISA's Wine Wednesdays, and enjoy the laughs and insights into the animation world.
Remember, Felicity and Max always have open Q&A during every Facebook Live broadcast, so you should tune in when they broadcast their next live chat. Even though most broadcasts focus on a particular subject, every writer is welcome to ask anything they like at any time. Felicity and Max will do their best to give you a straight and honest answer.
This is a podcast recording of the ISA's Facebook Live broadcast of Wine Wednesdays. Please note that some promotions offered during the live broadcast are no longer available. We can, however, assist you if you wish to find out more information regarding ISA events, contests, or consulting offers. Just reach out to info@networkisa.org and we will be happy to help.
You can reach out to Max regarding any type of query: max@networkisa.org If you have particular interest in working with him on a one-on-one coaching and development basis, email him at max@thestoryfarm.org. His Story Farm development and coaching service is quickly becoming the best in the business! Felicity can also be reached at Felicity@networkisa.org. She, too, can work with you one-on-one, so don't hesitate to inquire. We can't wait to support you.
Subjects and themes for the broadcasts change from week to week, so stay tuned on most Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm Los Angeles time. For a specific schedule and set of announcements, "Like" the ISA Facebook page and keep up to date.
What scares audiences and why? How do you create the most thrills, scares, and frights in your horror/thriller? Felicity Wren and Max Timm discuss all things spooky and suspenseful in this post-Halloween episode of Wine Wednesday with the ISA.
Remember, Felicity and Max always have open Q&A during every Facebook Live broadcast, so you should tune in when they broadcast their next live chat. Even though most broadcasts focus on a particular subject, every writer is welcome to ask anything they like at any time. Felicity and Max will do their best to give you a straight and honest answer.
This is a podcast recording of the ISA's Facebook Live broadcast of Wine Wednesdays. Please note that some promotions offered during the live broadcast are no longer available. We can, however, assist you if you wish to find out more information regarding ISA events, contests, or consulting offers. Just reach out to info@networkisa.org and we will be happy to help.
You can reach out to Max regarding any type of query: max@networkisa.org If you have particular interest in working with him on a one-on-one coaching and development basis, email him at max@thestoryfarm.org. His Story Farm development and coaching service is quickly becoming the best in the business! Felicity can also be reached at Felicity@networkisa.org. She, too, can work with you one-on-one, so don't hesitate to inquire. We can't wait to support you.
Subjects and themes for the broadcasts change from week to week, so stay tuned on most Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm Los Angeles time. For a specific schedule and set of announcements, "Like" the ISA Facebook page and keep up to date.
“Solo: A Star Wars Story” is well told, but is this trip really necessary?
Ron Howard does a bang-up job helming “Solo: A Star Wars Story”, directing the stand-alone space opera with precision, energy, and engaging performances. Still, as entertaining as it all it, it begs the question whether this trip is truly necessary. After all, audiences already know how Han Solo’s story ends in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”, so how vital can his backstory be? This one struggles to be pertinent, as does star Alden Ehrenreich to live up to his predecessor, the legendary Harrison Ford. Despite a sharp script by Lawrence Kasdan and his son Jonathan, this trip to a galaxy far, far away lacks oomph. Sadly, the Force isn’t so strong with this one.
Creativity is both simple and confusing. It comes and goes, and usually when we least expect. As writers and creators, we rely on that inspiration to help churn those brain gears, and to keep us motivated. In this episode of Wine Wednesdays, Felicity Wren and Max Timm go into how they keep up their inspiration so that it's churning on all cylinders as often as possible. Join in on the fun, and we hope this episode inspires you to keep going.
Remember, Felicity and Max always have open Q&A during every Facebook Live broadcast, so you should tune in when they broadcast their next live chat. Even though most broadcasts focus on a particular subject, every writer is welcome to ask anything they like at any time. Felicity and Max will do their best to give you a straight and honest answer.
This is a podcast recording of the ISA's Facebook Live broadcast of Wine Wednesdays. Please note that some promotions offered during the live broadcast are no longer available. We can, however, assist you if you wish to find out more information regarding ISA events, contests, or consulting offers. Just reach out to info@networkisa.org and we will be happy to help.
You can reach out to Max regarding any type of query: max@networkisa.org If you have particular interest in working with him on a one-on-one coaching and development basis, email him at max@thestoryfarm.org. His Story Farm development and coaching service is quickly becoming the best in the business! Felicity can also be reached at Felicity@networkisa.org. She, too, can work with you one-on-one, so don't hesitate to inquire. We can't wait to support you.
Subjects and themes for the broadcasts change from week to week, so stay tuned on most Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm Los Angeles time. For a specific schedule and set of announcements, "Like" the ISA Facebook page and keep up to date.
“Deadpool 2” pushes the sentimentality but not the humor far enough.
Who’d have thought that the sequel to the raunchy and satirical “Deadpool” movie would end up being so sentimental? You’d think given the 2016 box office records and critical hosannas, the filmmakers would’ve simply dialed up the profanity and over-the-top visual gags even more in this 2018 follow-up. Sure, there’s a lot of outrageousness on display, and great laughs too, but not nearly enough. Instead, Ryan Reynolds et al. spend a lot of time mourning a departed character and acting maudlin about parenting. That seems out of character, as well as a tonal shift from the snarky intellectual property that was anything by sentimental.
HBO’s “Barry” takes aim at role-playing and the desire for fame.
Can a hit man go straight and find happiness in Hollywood? That’s the question that the wickedly witty new HBO dramedy “Barry” asks. Created by Alec Berg and star Bill Hader, the dark comedy follows contract assassin Barry as he flies to Los Angeles to off an actor and ends up getting bitten by the acting bug. The show is all about role-playing with everyone wanting to be something they’re not. It lampoons both the underworld and the world of actors, with especially pointed jabs at the shallow pursuits of fame. (Henry Winkler is a supporting standout as Barry’s egotistical acting coach.) It’s a killer comedy, in both the literal and figurative sense.
“Homeland” ends its seventh season as relevant and edgy as ever.
Seven seasons in, Showtime’s “Homeland” series is still smart, unpredictable, and edge-of-your-seat television. How do they do it? They start with characters, like lead Carrie Mathison (the invaluable Claire Danes), that create audience empathy because they are flawed and relatable human beings. Next, the story’s stakes are the safety and security of the nation, and often, the world. And, perhaps most importantly, it’s difficult to anticipate just where the show is going, from season to season, let alone episode to episode. In fact, this year saw the troubled President Keane (Elizabeth Marvel) battling Congress, Russia, and fake news in ways so startling, it seemed like art was imitating life. Or vice versa. Either way, it made for a high-water mark season.
Episode 205 with Michael Hauge:
You walk onto an elevator and just before the door closes Steven Spielberg gets on. You have 60 secs to pitch him your latest screenplay. What do you do? Your goal is to have your audience say “yes, I understand, and I care” after reading or watching your brand story.
If your audience just says “now I know” then you have successfully informed them but not enough to make them care, to make them stay to whatever you have to say next. Your career can be made in 60 seconds – if you make the right pitch!
Today’s guest is returning champion Michael Hauge. He is the best-selling author of Writing Screenplays That Sell (now in its 20th Anniversary Edition) and Selling Your Story in 60 Seconds: The Guaranteed Way to Get Your Screenplay or Novel Read.
According to Will Smith,
“No one is better than Michael Hauge at finding what is most authentic in every moment of a story.” – Will Smith
We discuss pitching techniques, the pitch story arch, and much more. After partnering with Michael on the best-selling Udemy Screenwriting course Screenplay and Story Blueprint: The Hero’s Two Journeys I wanted to work with him again. We came up with the NEW online course Pitching Your Screenplay or Novel in 60 Secs (Click here for an EXCLUSIVE Discount).
Enjoy my conversation with Michael Hauge.
A huge thank you to our Wine Wednesday sponsors, Steele Wines, Final Draft, and Tracking-Board.com. Do yourself a favor and check them out!
In this installment of the ISA's Wine Wednesday Facebook Live broadcast, Max and Felicity talk about how delicate the Sci-Fi market is in film and television. And by delicate, they mean the difference between epic sci-fi and grounded science fiction. Epic sci-fi projects like Star Wars or Star Trek, even Battlestar Galactica, only come along once in a generation. It's extremely difficult for original material like these projects to ever get made simply because of how expensive the projects become. A grounded science fiction project allows for original material to focus more on the unique approach to sci-fi - films such as "Ex Machina" or "Her" have much more human elements and do not rely on other words, planets, giant star ships or alien cultures and languages to drive the story. There is a much more intimate approach to the storytelling and, yes, it's a heck of a lot less expensive to make such films. Same goes with television. If a science fiction story doesn't have a giant built-in fan base or following, it's extremely difficult to get a pure/original sci-fi project on the air. It's just the truth, but Felicity and Max discuss in this episode ways to approach your sci-fi projects to give them more of a chance of finding a home.
Remember, Felicity and Max always have open Q&A during every Facebook Live broadcast, so you should tune in when they broadcast their next live chat. Even though most broadcasts focus on a particular subject, every writer is welcome to ask anything they like at any time. Felicity and Max will do their best to give you a straight and honest answer.
This is a podcast recording of the ISA's Facebook Live broadcast of Wine Wednesdays. Please note that some promotions offered during the live broadcast are no longer available. We can, however, assist you if you wish to find out more information regarding ISA events, contests, or consulting offers. Just reach out to info@networkisa.org and we will be happy to help.
You can reach out to Max regarding any type of query: max@networkisa.org If you have particular interest in working with him on a one-on-one coaching and development basis, email him at max@thestoryfarm.org. His Story Farm development and coaching service is quickly becoming the best in the business! Felicity can also be reached at Felicity@networkisa.org. She, too, can work with you one-on-one, so don't hesitate to inquire. We can't wait to support you.
Subjects and themes for the broadcasts change from week to week, so stay tuned on most Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm Los Angeles time. For a specific schedule and set of announcements, "Like" the ISA Facebook page and keep up to date.
Max Timm and the Curious About Screenwriting Network has interviewed many professional writers over the years, but none of Max's prior interviews have delved into the details of one of the writers' projects as thoroughly as this one. Because A Quiet Place is so unique on so many levels, Max wanted to talk with its writers, Scott and Bryan, about how they approached the literal writing on the page, the decisions behind certain conceptual elements as well as individual scenes.
Without seeing the film, Max only read the script before the interview, and he is now that much more excited to head out and watch A Quiet Place. Whether you've seen the film or haven't yet (there are spoilers), this is an interview worth checking out. It's a lesson in screenwriting mixed with laughs, industry insights, and some of the best pieces of advice for writers we have yet to present on our podcast network.
Listen in. Enjoy. Just try and keep quiet.
“Avengers: Infinity War” epically battles an intergalactic villain and controversial ending.
The 19th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is its most ambitious and remarkably, it manages to live up to the hype. The 149-minute film tells a ginormous story covering multiple plots, planets, and characters. It takes all of its well-known superheroes, from Tony Stark’s Iron Man to T’Challa’s Black Panther, and gives them great comedy and drama to play. It also has a superb villain in the motion-captured Josh Brolin, and a best-yet performance from Chris Hemsworth as Thor. Its ending, however, is a bit of a cheat. As devastating as it plays, little of it will last as there is simply too much at stake for the MCU’s future to be left that bereft.
Should you make a short film? Should you create a sizzle of your project? What's the difference between the two? The industry continues to change at a rapid rate, and industry professionals like producers, managers, and agents, have even less time to consider new projects or up and coming writers. It's the sad truth. But there are so many opportunities for writers in this industry, so how do you get the attention of the people who can help develop your career? Short films and sizzles are a great way to quickly get the attention of industry pro's, but there is a lot to consider before heading out with your camera and shooting something. Felicity and Max talk about how shorts and sizzles can help (and even hinder) a writer's career. So tune in and find out!
Remember, Felicity and Max always have open Q&A during every Facebook Live broadcast, so you should tune in when they broadcast their next live chat. Even though most broadcasts focus on a particular subject, every writer is welcome to ask anything they like at any time. Felicity and Max will do their best to give you a straight and honest answer.
This is a podcast recording of the ISA's Facebook Live broadcast of Wine Wednesdays. Please note that some promotions offered during the live broadcast are no longer available. We can, however, assist you if you wish to find out more information regarding ISA events, contests, or consulting offers. Just reach out to info@networkisa.org and we will be happy to help.
You can reach out to Max regarding any type of query: max@networkisa.org If you have particular interest in working with him on a one-on-one coaching and development basis, email him at max@thestoryfarm.org. His Story Farm development and coaching service is quickly becoming the best in the business! Felicity can also be reached at Felicity@networkisa.org. She, too, can work with you one-on-one, so don't hesitate to inquire. We can't wait to support you.
Subjects and themes for the broadcasts change from week to week, so stay tuned on most Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm Los Angeles time. For a specific schedule and set of announcements, "Like" the ISA Facebook page and keep up to date.