We’ve just received this email from screenwriter Mike Rinaldi:
Blake and all you Cats who check the News section here, I have to share with you my excitement. I’ve been accepted into the exclusive Act One Summer Writing Program! I’m one of 30 students selected this year from several hundred applicants.
Act One is an intensive, highly specialized program and it’s not for everybody, but it will undoubtedly be a major step in my career. Believe me, there are worse ways I could spend my summer than studying under some of the Hollywood legends whose writing and producing credits include Raiders of the Lost Ark, Braveheart, Return of the Jedi, X-Men, “Grey’s Anatomy,” “House,” “Lost,” “That 70’s Show,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” and “M*A*S*H.”
And this wouldn’t be the case were it not for all I’ve learned from Blake’s Save the Cat! books and the fantastic writers who contribute to the STC forum. I’m honored to be an example of the success that can result from the dedicated, cooperative spirit and perseverance that characterizes the community on this website. A big heartfelt thanks to all of you!
Mike Rinaldi
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Good luck, Mike! I know a number of members of the faculty for the program. Good people. But you will have to work.
Yes, Sarah, I will have to work hard for sure! But I say this with 100% sincerity: That work will go so much faster because I know the STC rules of structure and genre. I’m definitely ahead in the game, so to speak. And I’ve read the two fantastic books by Blake’s friends William Akers and Stephanie Palmer. I really believe this handful of books can provide a writer a significant edge over most people in the industry.
Blake, thanks for the quick edit in the news article. I actually chuckled a bit that you did that. Though I still don’t mind reminding people that we are only as good as our editors.
Woohoo Mike! Congrats! Hugs!
Congrats Mike!!! That is fantastic and could not happen to a nicer guy. Guess we won’t be seeing you on the forum as much but sure you’ll have all sorts of amazing insights when you do pop in. Good luck!
I couldn’t be more pleased for you Mike. Congratulations! I rejoice with you in your success. Don’t forget us and drop back by here to let us know how all your projects are progressing. Godspeed man.
Thanks for the congrats…. the program doesn’t start ’til July 10, so I’m not disappearing right away.
Totally delighted for you Mike and obviously completely jealous. I’m a complete novice working on my frist screenplay and using STC as my bible plus a few helpful emails from Blake himself. I’m attending my first seminar with him next week in London and just CAN’T wait! What impresses me most is his generosity of spirit!
GOOD LUCK with the summer project – keep us posted and wish me and all other novice writers good luck!
karen
Dear Mike,
Just the start of many great things! You work so hard and are so generous and helpful on the board. Thanks for everything you do! If you have a chance read “Act One” by Moss Hart. And break legs this summer!!!
Cheers,
Martin
Mike
You are a great friend and a helping hand to anyone trying to better their craft. This opportunity couldn’t happen to a nicer, more deserving person.
Please remember us STC’ers when you make it, k?
Dear Mike,
You are too modest! In LA this is considered a very prestigeous and competetive program! I mean, seriously, studying under Mr Batali alone is reason enough to walk a few thousand miles barefoot over broken glass.
Personally, after you put my story back on track after ONE QUESTION, it doesn’t suprise me in the least that it’s your turn to stand on the shoulders of giants, enjoy the view, you earned it.
Say hey when in LA!
Congrats and Blessings,
Bree
Mr. Batali is the “dean” of the program. Ha! I kill me.
Mike, this is great news! I’m so happy for you! Congrats. I don’t think my emails have been making it to you… do give a shout out to me… been a long time since we’ve chit chatted via email.. I’m very, very excited for you!
Regards,
Melody Lopez
Mike, I don’t know you at ALL, but I’m so happy for you!!! Have a wonderful time this summer!
Kieran Kramer :>)
Just needed th know the prices please.
Thank You.
DavidBrown
Mike,
What a break! You earned it.
You’ve been so helpful to us and it’s no surprise someone else has recognized your talent.
Go excel there too!
Great news Mike! Congratulations. I look forward to hearing about your progress.