Our next actual Vancouver Screenwriters meeting will be on Saturday, June 28th, back at Reverie Kitchen, from 10 AM to 12 PM. At this meeting we'll talk about...all the below!
Episodic fever! There are a lot of opportunities today to get your episodic series launched...somewhere in the world, for you to get into writers' rooms, for you to get training. The top literary agent in Canada gave me the title of a book to read that really clarifies the episodic series point. I can't wait to share the title and some of the contents with you.
1) Writing for Hallmark/Lifetime MOWs (movies of the week) — these have been big business in Canada for a number of years and they pay anywhere from $3K to $30K for a script. I happen to know a number of the producers making these and have taken a workshop from a prolific writer on their specific format. I have also downloaded 7 or 8 of these movies. I'd like to talk about the opportunity to work in this genre and form a small group of 3 to 4 writers to help us get there.
2) Vertical Short Dramas — The newest, but not necessarily the greatest (yet), I've been writing these for some platforms and have devised my own formula for them. But the demand is high and I am interested in one or two writers to come on and join me with these.
3) Episodic series — the holy grail for some, today it's easier than ever to launch your career as an episodic showrunner and the entry point is entirely different than how it was in the previous two decades. I'm working on this via two angles — making my own original shows (one was created by another writer and I'm producing) or joining other showrunners' shows either as a scriptwriter or part of the writers' room.
4) Final Draft demo — I've finally worked out a process where I can write the first draft of a script from idea in two weeks (one week if I want to suffer) using Final Draft. I'll be showing you how I do this on the software.
5) We are looking for screenwriters who are willing to read other people's scripts and give feedback and notes. This is a highly requested activity and we have made a preliminary list of willing readers that we are going to vet again before publishing. If you would like to join this group, please let me know. Paul is working on a notes feedback form for us to use for this.
6) Looking for scripts, projects for production — as some of you know, I've been working on building my relationships with Asian and Canadian film stakeholders. I'm about to start going to Europe to see who I can meet and what opportunities are available there. Thus, I'm in a position where I'm looking for projects or scripts to add to my presenting slate as some of these stakeholders are ready to go with cash in hand...if we can find a suitable project. Just putting it out there.
7) Call for scripts for in-person table read script writing. I'm working on putting a few together this summer. Just letting you know in advance.
If you are a screenwriter, aspiring producer, or aspiring director, please feel free to come.
---Details---
What: Vancouver Screenwriting Circle
When: Saturday, June 28, 930am-1130am. Please come at noon to have lunch if you are able.
Where: Reverie Kitchen, 3701 Hastings St #101, Burnaby, Google link:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/kb6UbMeT7XPzEQz17
Cost: No cost, but please try to come early (like at noon) to have lunch. Everyone who comes must order something as well, as courtesy to the venue.
How to RSVP: Please RSVP on this Facebook event page.
Also check out other Arts events in Burnaby, Literary Art events in Burnaby, Entertainment events in Burnaby.
