Greg Field has run our L.A. Cats! writing group for over two years and is stepping down from that post.
Greg’s service is a hallmark of what we want 2009 to have more of: productive fun and fun productivity.
Like all members of Cat! writing groups worldwide, Greg started by coming into a Beats Weekend here in L.A. A standout writer with great ideas, he also had charm, a positive attitude and a generous spirit.
When asked to help organize a writer’s group to continue the effort started in class, Greg volunteered. Greg proceeded to whip the group into shape, often taking a back seat with his own scripts and pitches. And he did it hilariously! Being cc’d on Greg’s twice a month emails, I always had a laugh at the way Greg approached his volunteer position. Wit! Humor! Optimism!
Anyone reading his email would surely be eager to get to the next meeting.
Greg’s leadership, and the L.A. Cats themselves, became the model for other Cat! groups. Melody Lopez does a fantastic job in Austin, Lisa Shannon rounds them up and keeps them going in Portland, Oregon, and though we’ve had rotating leaders in Vancouver, Seattle, New York, and London, the spirit of cooperation is the same.
This year we are expanding the role of, and giving resources to, Cat! groups and Cat! group leaders as never before. We are going to be tying the groups together, doing a better job of sending agents and producers your way to hear pitches and meet writers. And we want more volunteers like Greg. (Greg is currently vetting replacements — big shoes to fill!)
For further information about our international organization of Cat! writing groups, contact Jose Silerio ([email protected]), who will be in charge our online outreach.
And thanks again to Greg Field for a job done well — and with great humor!
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Thanks Blake! The Austin Cats are a warm, supportive group of writers. As you noted in your blog last week, Alvaro Rodriguez is just one of the many talented writers in it. Its been my pleasure to be the group lead and I personally acknowledge that my story has been enriched by the group feedback and constructive criticism. We are all firm followers of the “Save the Cat” method of story telling and I know we all hope to make you proud with successful scripts that not only sell but actually get produced! Cheers!
As an L.A. Cat!, I feel lucky to have been part of this amazing group of writers and on behalf of my fellow L.A. Cats!, Greg will be sorely missed as well as his offbeat e-mails. He possesses a talent of giving insightful and encouraging feedback while maintaining a strong hand at the helm.
Greg, thanks for your words and leadership. We’ll keep an open chair for you.
As for Greg’s successor… I nominate Blake Snyder.
So…Blake… Can we expect you this Sunday around 5:30? ;) It’s a cush job, really. Just ask Greg.
;)
Always the optimist,
Glenn
Hope I didn’t miss Mention of Elizabeth Fais, the fearless leader of our San Francisco Copy Cats! I hold her (and you, Blake) personally responsible for at least two of my screenplays, SK8R and Hart of Gold! Just a shout out in recognition and thanks.
Greg Field is an inspiration. We of the SF Copy Cats copied Greg’s LA Cats! group’s meeting format, hence the name. I met Greg in the first Master Class I attended, and his talent for story goes far beyond witty emails. We’re all cheering for you Greg!
We’ll miss you Greg.
You did an excellent job at keeping this crew together with a sense of focus, and determination. It will be tough to fill those shoes.
Best of luck to you