I left Los Angeles and 70 degrees and arrived in Chicago just ahead of the snowstorm Thursday night — and I love it! All year long the weather gods have blessed this mission. We always arrive just in time or just as the weather lifts and turns “gorgeous” — and always the weather is just right.Yes, I arrived sadly unprepared. They said “dress warmly” which to me, a California screenwriter, means “bring a sweater.” Apparently there is something called “ice” and products like Scotch Guard that one needs for one’s tennis shoes. And though I am outfitted by Brooks Brothers, complete with long coat and purple scarf for that Bob Dylan Goes to Prep School look, I still need a few lessons.
But I’ll get used to it. And I am going to be doing a lot more traveling this coming year. Next week in snowy NYC will be so cool! And I can’t wait to be in Texas this February. Hello, Austin!! We already have alot of interest on that weekend, so please contact Isabel ([email protected]) and let her know if you want to be part of it.
As soon as I got in Thursday, I met with a group of Chicago writers. My gosh, they are making such amazing progress! When I came to Chicago last they were already dedicated writers, but now they are getting read by William Morris and networking like crazy and coming up with their scripts for 2007. And they get better every script.
Persistence.
That is our motto.
Every “no” is one step closer to a “yes.”
Every script, pitch, contact, breakthrough, and creative brainstorm is what this is about.
I am happy to arm everyone I meet with with the most up-to-date information I know about what “they” are looking for, how to get to them, and what is most important to say when you do.
Keep a’goin, rain or snow or Scotch Guard, and never give up. One Fade In at a time!
I look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday here in Chicago for a unique 4 topic day: horror, comedy, pitching, and structure.
With the snow outside, what better way to spend the day than indoors, talking movies?
2 Comments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Hi Blake!
When are you next planning a visit to the UK? I was wondering if you have plans to speak outside of London when you do – perhaps Manchester?? I find your book and blogs very refreshing. Like most of your readers I have read lots of the other books but love the way you distill lots of their theories and insights into easy-to-understand and easy-to-apply language.
I noticed recently you mentioned BORAT was a mix of the Golden Fleece and Fool Triumphant genres – which made me think most films are probably hybrids. Is JAWS not a hybrid of Monster In The House, Dude With A Problem, and Golden Fleece?
Many thanks for your great work(s),
Alan.
Blake,
I wanted to thank you for your book, Save the Cat!
I’ve been working to incorporate several professional writing techniques into my repertoire, with varied amounts of success. Your techniques work for me very well, and complement some of the others.
In fact, your book was like the missing link for me. I finally feel like my stories are “falling together” (in quotes, because we all know that none of these things fall together!), using your beat sheet and board techniques as the lynchpin.
So thanks very much!
– E.