SCRIPTWRITER GARETH MICHAEL TURPIE

Happy Birthday to me!

2012-01-20T08:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to me!

French plan to evade Mayan 2012 curse revealed.

2012-01-02T16:15:00.000-08:00

(Full story on http://royalairfarce.blogspot.com/ )

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T14:33:00.000-08:00

Let's hope the Mayans are wrong. Have a good 'un!

Merry Christmas one 'n' all!

2011-12-23T11:06:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

Got a funny feeling about tonight...

2011-10-27T08:38:00.001-07:00

... hope it stays!

OMG! "Star" Billing!

2011-10-25T09:08:00.001-07:00

It's only my 3rd gig - what are they thinking!!!

London Screenwriters Festival.script comp

2011-10-07T10:13:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to the TWO first prize winners (they get to share the cash bit) of the fab London Screenwriters Festival short script contest, Dave Turner and Milethia Thomas.

Note it's all T's in the surnames, so I musta been close...

Ahem.

Still, considering the awesome competition (every Scribe in the land who wanted to bag a free ticket) I placed well, - in the top 5% the organisers say.

And if that wasn't enough, all us shortlisted scribblers received sage like feedback from the wondrous Lady Lucy V of Bang2Write fame.

Full details from the comp uber-judges here.

Many thanks to LSWF directors Lucy V Hay and Chris Jones putting on the contest.

Have a great Fest!

Keep writing.

Oh-mi-gosh! Made the short list...

2011-10-06T07:49:00.001-07:00

Oh-mi-gosh! Made the short list...

http://www.bang2write.com/2011/10/4-nights-in-august-script-challenge.html

Winner announced tomorrow on: http://www.londonscreenwritersfestival.com/ehome/index.php?eventid=27766&

The London Screenwriters' Festival from Chris Jones on Vimeo.

http://www.bang2write.com/2011/10/4-nights-in-august-script-challenge.html

Whey-hey! Though the first round!

2011-10-03T11:18:00.000-07:00

Whey-hey! Though the first round!

Congratulations to all the others also on the long list and sincere commiserations to everyone else, but remember Superscribes, it's all subjective: Keep Writing!
http://2011.londonscreenwritersfestival.com/blog/4-nights-in-august-script-comp-longlisted-entries/

Be a fairground pilot? He didn't see the attraction...

2011-10-03T00:56:00.000-07:00

Plane hits Ferris wheel: Police say the pilot is slowly coming round.

Happy Birthday Google!

2011-09-27T00:35:00.001-07:00

13 today and still provides 90% of searches. Apparently.

Stand up and be counted...

2011-09-17T04:20:00.000-07:00

Why did I do it?

You know what it's like: You're watching a Comedian, and your friends say "you're funnier than them; you should try that" or you're telling your fave joke in the pub and your mates say "you should be on stage."

Well...

I went for it.

And guess what? It's much harder than it looks...

I wrote a funny little script. It's part of the job description. Conned Groundlings Theatre into letting perform on one of their excellent Embryo nights, where new acts try out their new material, hence the title, and got a brilliant o.t.t. introduction from Rafe, the flamboyant compere.

And...

Froze after the first two lines!

The lines garnered the laughs they were supposed to, but rest of my rehearsed skit seemed to have flown out the window.

After a silent, internal blind panic of what seemed hours to me, but, I was assured later, was mere seconds in real life, I recovered enough to bung in a few ad libs, whilst my brain desperately tried to recall the rest of my script.

Fortunately, having had the presence of mind to leave said script with my friends, I made a joke of challenging the audience to heckle me with their bizarrest one line heclkles, but obviously cheated by only responding to the odd phrase shorted out from my script!

These covert prompts did the trick and the show flowed (sorta) on.

As well as the applause, I received some much needed feedback on my performance.

The most important being "learn your bloody lines" and "Don't freeze."

Still, I couldn't have been that bad, because they've actually booked me for the new acts comedy night on the 28th this month!

Oh dear...

Images courtesy of the lovely Kirstie Meredith http://kmeredith90.tumblr.com/

Kirstie would love it if you could visit and tick "like" on her facebook page http://www.facebook.com/meredithfashion More great pics to browse there too.

Dr Wow!

2011-08-27T14:47:00.000-07:00

Dr Wow!

Who?

Wow! How good was that?

Clever, funny, confounding - everything a great Dr should be. I nearly named this post I am not worthy II.

All hail the Moffat

Back on form, can't wait for the next ep!

Missed it?

Shame on you. Watch it here http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0146h0q/Doctor_Who_Series_6_Lets_Kill_Hitler/

I am not worthy...

2011-08-16T13:57:00.000-07:00

Cemetery Junction written & directed by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.

Where the hell was I?

Better late than never I caught up with this fantastic touchy-feely good movie on the old telly box tonight...

Wow!

I am so not worthy: What a master class in scriptwriting, Character development and plain good ol' fashioned really beautiful story telling.

Even the minor characters are so well rounded they spring into believable life and breath truth on the screen.

If you haven't had the pleasure yet, I urge you catch rent/download/steal/borrow/watch it a.s.a.p.

And then rewrite all of your own scripts 'cos of what you've learnt!

And Lord Stephen and King Ricky, if you're reading this, and, yeah I know you're big Sheiky fans, where can I download the script to read?

(Course, should Rick and Steve be too busy, at the mo, what with Hollywood, bloggy things, cartoons and TV projects, to reply direct, or in the comments to me... does anyone else know where I might download their wonderful script to read for edu-ma-cational purposes?)

Stephen's official site: http://www.stephenmerchant.com/

Rick's: http://www.rickygervais.com/

The movie's: http://www.sonypictures.co.uk/movies/cemeteryjunction/

Take from this whatever you will, Grasshopper...

2011-08-16T02:53:00.001-07:00

"It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness." – Chinese proverb

Everyone's a critic...

2011-08-03T08:18:00.000-07:00

"Criticism is something we can avoid easily by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing."

Aristotle

Simples...

2011-07-30T01:19:00.000-07:00

Got the idea, but no script to meerkat?

No excuses: If you don't write it, nobody can read your script.

It's really that...

What 3 things do you need to make a great movie, Alf?

2011-07-27T23:04:00.000-07:00

PROCRASTINUS

2011-07-26T00:12:00.000-07:00

PROCRASTINATION

From the Latin, "Pro" meaning "for" and "Crastinus" meaning "that of tomorrow."

Basically makes you a fan of doing it tomorrow...

And where's that gonna get you?

Another Scripty freebie from Sheiky

2011-07-19T02:48:00.000-07:00

Another Scripty freebie from Sheiky?

Who loves ya baby?

Yeah. Me. I do.

So have a butchers @ this me amigos...

Over the pond, Jeff Goldsmith has a great Q & A blog well worth a liddle lookie.

One of the gems on it is an L.A. poolside podcast with the writers of the Night at The Museum movies, Thomas Lennon and Ben Garant.

They've written a new book; Writing Movies For Fun and Profit: How We Made a Billion Dollars at The Box Office and You Can, Too!

In it they reveal what it's like as working Scribes in Hollywood.

Oh no Sheiky, not another how to write tome...

Yeah, but...

Not only are these guys very funny, both as writers and script writing gurus, they actually walk the walk: they pen hit studio movies.

Here's the podcast link; it's very, you know, er, um, shall we say, colloquially American, but contains some great insights and advice:

http://www.theqandapodcast.com/2011/07/from-la-film-fest-writing-for-fun.html?showComment=1311068826397#c7295807282203668272

And here's their interview over @ Collider.com

http://collider.com/thomas-lennon-ben-garant-interview-writing-movies-for-fun-and-profit/99923/

Laters...

Keep writing!

Another scripty freebie for Sheiky fans

2011-07-18T14:44:00.000-07:00

For everyone indulging in spec-ing, and those poor unfortunates related to, or living with a wannabe writer...

Enjoy!

Watch more free documentaries

Hello!

2011-07-13T15:19:00.001-07:00

Hello!

My, it's been a while...

Is anyone still there?

Oh good, there you all are, still spec-ing away.

My fault, of course, been a bit busy. With a bit of this and a bit of that.

Sorry I've neglected you. Can't believe it's been that long. My how time flies.

Tell yer what, to make it up to you I'll share this rather scrummy FREEBIE from my pals @Raindance.

"Download every script written by Christopher Nolan. Email to info@raindance.co.uk Our electronic intern will ping them back."

Yeah, I know, sorry I shouted at you. On my first day back an' all.

But I was excited. It's a great learning resource - you should always be reading scripts. And it's FREE

Oh dear; there I go again...

I'll give you some bonus Freebie tips if you follow the Raindance link.

See? That's better. Great chatting to you again.

Love & kisses,
Sheiky

What a corker of a show!

2011-03-08T07:46:00.000-08:00

The Missing Years

Play up Pompey, Pompey play up!

What a corker of a show!

Written by Amber Dodd, James Jefferies, (see James I spelt it correctly!) Catherine Randle and... er, ohmygosh, as the great James Moran would say: It's me!

Visionary Director Liz Weston, her talented cast and all the hard working backstage crew composed a fantastic show out of our scripts at Portsmouth's New Theatre Royal last night.

An audience of over 300 delighted theatre lovers whooped. hollered, laughed, cried and chanted along with the exciting, multi layered show which cleverly combined celebration, singing, comedy, projected real life wartime photographs and newsreels, and of course, poignant drama from the Pompey Blitz.

For me, it was an extra thrill, to see, hear and, dare I say it, "feel" my words interpreted by the talented cast, as it was the first time I've written a piece for the stage.

Support your local theatres: You really cannot beat live entertainment for atmosphere and relevance.

Hats off and Champagne glasses raised to all involved.

Come and see a play what I wrote...

2011-03-03T23:29:00.000-08:00

... as the great Ern used to say.

Three other local playwrights and I (Amber Dodd, James Jefferies and Catherine Randle) have written brilliant show (IMHO)called "The missing years."

Based on local people's "living memories," it uses music, songs, back projections of contemporary photographs and drama to tell the tale of Portsmouth's F.C.'s famous, against all odds 1939 FA Cup win.

And, of course, their subsequent world record, ahem, of being the only club to hold on to the FA Cup for six consecutive years...

The lovely Mrs T and I will be there, no doubt quaffing champers and posing for photies on the red carpet whilst being mobbed by hordes on fans.

Get your red hot tickets here or at the New Theatre Royal box office.

Shows Monday 7th March 2pm and 7pm

Hello world!

2011-02-24T10:30:00.001-08:00

Hello world! It's all so new, exciting miraculous and wonderful.

Just like my shiny brand new step-grandson, Brandon.

Laughing Stock 2011

2011-02-22T10:24:00.000-08:00

See it?

Way down there, amongst the 15 sack loads thus far delivered.

That's my entry. Bottom left. Third one up. I think.

Believe in your Ideas; set your Imagination free.

2011-02-15T23:27:00.000-08:00

Ten glorious seconds = one glorious film!

2011-02-14T00:39:00.001-08:00

Ten glorious seconds = one glorious film!

My friend, secret project co-writer, mentor and sternest critic, the lovely Carol Younghusband has written (and Produced) a beautiful, haunting new short film about dementia called Ten Glorious Seconds

It has garnered rave reviews in the press, including praise from The Times, no less.

Mrs T and I found it very moving, with beautifully shot locations and top notch acting from the cast who bring Carol's beautifully written characters to very believable, poignant life.

You can watch it here.

Carol's even sharing a "making of" vid with everyone here.

PERSONA – a big drama in the palm of your hand.

2011-02-12T08:35:00.000-08:00

PERSONA – a big drama in the palm of your hand.

Super talent, and friend of this blog, Sir Phillipe de Baron releases today his exciting new venture "Persona" the big, new drama in the palm of your hand. Not the usual one , oh-er missus, but the world's first ever drama created exclusively for all smartphones.

For £1.50 you get 2-3 minutes of daily drama for a year.

Join in the fun and check out all the exciting blurbery, photos and sound bites here and here.

Wishing you a successful launch, guys!

Networking again

2011-02-11T06:49:00.000-08:00

That's me. Networking again. The baldy bloke trying to hide from the camera. I'm a writer, I should be behind the camera. Well away. In a locked room. Writing.

If I wanted to be in the frame, I'd be an actor.

Anyway, here we all are chatting, informing and being informed at the Screentime event at Portsmouth Uni's Purple door sponsored by Cibas.

See how many links I crammed into that sentence? Network me back baby!

It really was a great afternoon. Free coffee and quality cakes. Met loads of interesting industry insiders who were friendly and approachable. Not the scary monsters we're led to believe, at all.

We got some advice on courses, planning, budgets, future trends and howled with laughter at the funding stand, when they said there's none left for scriptwriters development. As if writers need money. Huh!

As everybody knows, Writer's don't go out; they just sit in a little room (so they don't need much heating) pounding away at their scripts. In fact, if they write by candlelight (worked for Sheiky and Dickens et al) and charge their laptops when they're down the library or in the free wi-fi caff, they don't even need electricity.

As for grub, Marie Antoinette was spot on: There were free cakes (and coffee) provided. point of fact you could tell who the writers were: (apart from the clothes!) they scoffed extra cakes.

The professional writers, ie, whose sole income comes from writing, were obvious to spot too: They filled their pockets with cakes as they left...

The event was organised like speed dating - or so I was informed - I've never been speed dating. I like to stare at my prey, er, the lady, for ages first while lager chips away at my inhibitions until I'm pissed, er, confident enough to tell her how lucky she's gonna be.

Ahem.

So, just like speed dating, (so I'm told; see above) a gong - in this case a comical hand held squelcher, prompted us to swap cards and phone numbers and move on, so you could move round all the tables.

As the event covered all the arts, I met some up with some old friends and made some new ones. Sculpting and interactive walk in shows/displays appear to be where the funding is at the mo.

To sum up; a great event, good fun had by all. Among all those interesting, friendly people I met was Mr Eugene, a Brighton based musician of note (pardon the pun) and the lovely and witty Jo Emery, a comedy scriptwriter from just across the water from me, that being Gosport, not France. Or the I.O.W.

Jo, bless her, even admitted to knowing the blogoshere's legendary Phil Barron!

Many thanks to Cibas and Purple Door for organising such a cool event. Here's to the next one.

(P.S. For those who don't know, I'm the guy in cool black, next to the blonde lady.)

Networking

2011-01-25T00:51:00.004-08:00

Went to New Writing South's first Writer Hub at the New Theatre Royal in Portsmouth, last night, and meet some new writers.

Mmm, lots of "News" in that sentence.

Always great to be back at the NTR. As well as a quick catch up with some of the people I'm working with on the Living Memories Project I got to meet loads of talented, exciting local writers I didn't know about.

Which, was, of course the whole point of the night.

Writers, poor lonely, souls, need to break the chains on the laptop and talk to real people sometimes. Instead of just conversing with all those voices in their heads...

I'm ok. The lovely Mrs T always hides all the knives when she goes out.

Over forty writers across all the genres and disciplines turned out. A great response, and lovely surprise to the organisers, as they only expected up to twenty: But Portsmouth has talent! (New Simon Cowell vehicle there?)

So the coffee had to be rationed and only the fittest and quickest got a biscuit.

Two discussions were led to see what we, the writers, wanted from the Hub. Ours included a sort of impromptu tour of the magnificent theatre as our leader (tour guide?) the NTR's Director herself, the warm, witty and approachable Caroline Sharman, attempted to find our group a "quiet" space - whilst the Youth Theatre Group rehearsed on stage...

The resulting lists from each discussion were correlated to plan the next series of hubs. New Writing South are committed to organising the first three Hubs, including providing guest speakers, and then the plan is the Hub, or group, will run itself.

The evening duly drew to a pleasant close with informal chatting and quick draw business card gun-slinging.

There were only a few scriptwriters among us, so we gravitated to the corner of the bar in the time honoured fashion of our profession.

Most unfortunately there wasn't any actual alcohol available...

Upon the swapping of said bizzy cards one nice chap I was talking to, the friendly and witty comic writer Tom Pinnock, was delighted to discover he'd now actually met the "famous" Sheiky!

OMG - the reader.

Tom has just finished his degree in Comedy Writing, - the first in the country, apparently.

Staying (sorta) in the realm of the blogosphere I also met a friend of the our very own Lucy Vee - the esteemed Bournemouth Uni's senior lecturer in scriptwriting Dr Craig Batty, who is another very nice chap.

If you're reading this Dr Craig (yeah,yeah, he's another fan...) don't forget to browse my webby sitey: http://garethturpie.yolasite.com/

More networkery bizzy card swappery today too.

This afternoon I've been invited to attend the sold out Cibas/Screentime event at Portsmouth Uni (really excited!) and tonight is the Wrap Party (really looking forward to it!) for
Conway Street - the award winning radio soap I co-wrote 22 episodes for.

As the fat exec with the large cigar always says: "That's show biz for yer..."

Dug up a film called Buried

2011-01-19T15:29:00.000-08:00

Dug up this film called Buried.

Wow! What a film!

Claustrophobic. Obviously. This poor feller gets buried alive in a coffin.

Terrifying. Some poor feller gets buried alive in a coffin.

Gripping. Surprisingly. A poor feller gets buried alive in a coffin!

Writer Chris Sparling delivers a master class in scriptwriting.

A short, tight script that takes you somewhere you've never been before. Hopefully;- Some poor feller gets buried alive in a coffin.

Great title: This movie does exactly what it says on the cover.

Low budget: One actor. (yeah, all right, a few v/o's and an actress video phones in a scene or two). One location - did I mention? This poor feller gets buried, alive, in a coffin.

See it. Next day you'll buy an everlasting torch. A spare battery for your mobile. And invent a pocket shovel...

BBC Films

2011-01-18T07:20:00.000-08:00

My, aren't BBC Films are flying high at the mo?

They seem to have uncovered the most closely guarded secret in the fabled Alchemist screenwriter's secret file: How to combine quality scripts with commercial appeal.

Very clever of them. Note to Reader and self: Read those scripts. Learn from them.

In the meantime, the lovely chaps and chappettes at the Writersroom have put on a little showreel of success.

Just for you...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/writersroom/2011/01/bbc_films_showreel.shtml

Psst! Wanna see a script?

2011-01-15T08:21:00.000-08:00

Psst!

Yeah, I'm talkin' to you. The screenwriter.

Wanna see a script?

Wanna see the script of the moment?

http://www.deadline.com/2011/01/exclusive-david-seidlers-full-screenplay-for-the-kings-speech/

How do you feel about your writing job?

2011-01-13T10:39:00.000-08:00

I had to deliver a parcel today, so I rang the recipient to secure a mutually convenient time.

"Any time is fine." the lady says. "I'm in all day as I work from home."

Ever ready to network, er, I mean befriend a fellow scribe, I jump straight in with the question: "Are you a writer?"

"Good lord, no!" she says.

"Oh dear, is she that I upset that I might suspect she's a keyboard basher?" thinks I.

"Nothing as exciting or glamorous as that!" she adds...

The year ahead...

2011-01-08T05:09:00.000-08:00

Get with the picture

2011-01-06T23:53:00.000-08:00

"Come on Gaz, get with the picture" they said.

"Sure thing" says I. "Where do I sign?"

Fun place to work?

2011-01-02T02:05:00.000-08:00

This looks like a fun place to work! Hope they love my scripts at http://garethturpie.yolasite.com/

Day one: Make the most of it!

2011-01-01T02:20:00.000-08:00

Day one: Make the most of it!

Wishing a Happy and prosperous New Year to all us dreamers.

Believe in your dreams. Set your Imagination free.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T11:02:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas every bods!

Snow all bad...

2010-12-01T23:55:00.001-08:00

Happy writing!

A page a day keeps the block away

2010-11-24T14:52:00.000-08:00

A page a day keeps the block away

(201) Farewell Sheiky, Hello Gareth

2010-11-20T03:41:00.000-08:00

Farewell Sheiky, Hello Gareth.

So, changed the blog title to go with my FB title change.

Thing is:

Typing in upper case does not work...

So does anyone know how to make the title appear in capitals?

And could they tell me how to, in plain, good old fashioned English?

No cyber geekese, pur-lease.

(200) Hasta Luego

2010-02-28T12:23:00.000-08:00

Hasta Luego amigos buenas. Mrs S y va a vivir en España por tres meses para escribir en la sol. xxx

(199) Monkeyvision: Writers Opportunity

2010-02-17T12:40:00.000-08:00

There's an old adage along the lines of "If you lock enough monkeys in a room with enough typewriters, they will eventually produce the works of Shakespeare" - well, OK, Sheikspear, maybe.

Anyhow, yer dear old Auntie Beeb visited Edinburgh Zoo, put a 21st century spin on it, and trained chimpanzees to use specially designed video cameras so they can go round shooting home movies!

Apparently, the BBC report that "despite the fact that the chimps had never taken part in a research project before, they soon displayed an interest in film-making."

As they'll obviously tick all the under represented minority boxes for film funding I've sent them some scripts...

Full report at http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8472000/8472831.stm

(198) Surfing by

2010-02-16T01:42:00.000-08:00

Just surfing by
to say a big "Hi"
to see if you still take a look
or have you all deserted to Face book..?

(197) Happy Valentines!

2010-02-14T03:47:00.001-08:00

Love and kisses, Sheiky, xxx

(196) I.F. only...

2010-02-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

I.F. only I'd made it though, I'd be in this piccy amongst this talented group of ifeaturers!

Any Sheiky fans in there? Do you recognise anyone?

Best of luck to everyone in the twelve teams who won through to initial stage of intense development from South West Screen, BBC Films and Bristol City Council.

As you may recall, the aim is to produce 3 commercially viable films for approx £300k a piece this summer. Full details at http://ifeatures.swscreen.co.uk/

Good on 'em I say! We need more opportunities like this...are you listening Screen South? Portsmouth City council? ITV?

Like all the others, My Prod Co team, who I "met" via an ad on Talent Circle tried their very best with the process package, but alas, for us, it was not be. They simply cannot raise the capital elsewhere in these hard times.

The experience and opportunity was exciting and inspired me to write a brand new treatment. And, as you all must agree, any excuse to run with, and actually write, a new idea should be pursued and championed!

My treatment, "The Brunel Legacy" is offered on my website, and may still be made one day. If you have the Prod Co, experience and the funding, gimme a call...

Here's the list of the diverse peeps and projects under development:-

Obscura
Thriller. Martin Kiszko (Writer) Vadim Jean (Writer/Director)
Vale Park
Drama. Billy Mackinnon (Writer) Kate Swan (Producer) Joe Magee (Writer/Director)
The Bristol Job
Comedy Heist. Carol Noble (Writer) Nick Pitt (Producer)Matt Golding (Director)
Take Me Out
Supernatural Thriller. Lucy Catherine (Writer) Alastair Siddons (Director)
Flying Blind
Drama. Caroline Harrington (Writer) Alison Sterling (Producer) Katarzyna Klimkiewicz (Director)
Our Own Shadows
Drama. Matt Haynes (Writer) Conor McCormack (Writer/Director)
8 Minutes Idle
Black Comedy. Matt Thorne (Writer) Nicholas Blincoe (Writer) Sarah Cox (Producer) Mark Simon Hewis (Director)
Novikov-B
Sci-fi Thriller. Justin Trefgarne (Writer/Director)Daniel Jewel (Producer)
Over and Under
Rom-Com. D. R. Hood (Writer/Director)Simon Onwurah (Producer)
The Bristol Mix
Documentary. Mark Kidel (Writer/Director) Natasha Dack (Producer)
Sonia and Juhi
Thriller. Manjinder Virk (Writer) Neil Biswas (Writer/Director) Willow Grylls (Producer)
Bait
Horror/Coming of Age. Lucy Moore (Writer)China Moo-Young (Director)Matthew Vizard (Producer)

(195) Talent House

2010-02-04T02:01:00.000-08:00

Hi ya!

You've all heard of Talent House, right?

No?

Some of you? Great! Yeah you at the back? Good on you, just knew you'd be in it...

For those who don't know yet, it's a great, FREE site I've just joined.
They have all sorts of free challenges for artists (everyone from us lowly screenwriters through to painters, composers, designers, etc all the way up to them high flying Director types!)

The difference here is some REAL COMPANIES stump up yer actual CASH to make these challenges actually happen for the winner!

So, if you get 5 mins, can you please pop over to http://www.talenthouse.com/gareth and read and vote for my new 5 minute horror short "Alone" in their Fewdio challenge... Then they might make it into a liddle baby movie!

Ta awfully, Sheiky xxx

(194) WRITING UPDATE

2010-01-21T08:57:00.000-08:00

Hi Gang, hope all's well with you!

Me? How's old Sheiky doing? What's he been up to we wonder?

Damn good of you to ask...

Once upon a time, as the story often goes, it was Jan 1st 2008 and an unknown scribbler with the made up name of Sheikspear surfed out into the inter-webby what-not thingy declaring he was going to set the screens aflame with his witty scripts.

Lucky us, you cried...just what we need...

Yet another spec monkey clogging up the slush piles

So, anyway, off I jolly well went. I had a bash at the keyboard, read all your blogs, asked some stupid questions and read a ton of scripts.

And through a bit of luck, dogged perseverance, and a lot effort cranked out the odd "not too bad" yarn. Even sold a couple. A comic strip for a band that split up before the comic got printed and a short for a "Producer" who didn't even have a camera. Hmmm. Ho Hum...

Still, carried on, onwards and upwards. Well, bit sideways and back-steps really, for a while. But then I made loads of new friends (and not all out of wood and paper) through this 'ere blog and on Talent Circle, Face ache, Myspace, going to writer events and the like. Found out it's called networking and it's a very good thing to do. It is. Do it, if you don't already.

Advertised for any lonely, er, I mean sociable, screenwriters local to Pompey, the jewel of the South, and came up trumps: bagged a pro-writer who I conned into letting me co-write two projects with her (both ongoing) and joined a talented, diverse screenwriters group who meet in an arts center with a bar! Lovely. The bar and the group.

Spurred on by the infectious enthusiasm of (or the wine bought by) the group leader Roy, I formed my own liddle band of ne'er do wells into a fledgling guerrilla (or gorilla?) film company, 2Scribes ( http://2scribes.yolasite.com/ ) and made two 48hr films with them. We made the films in 48hrs, you must understand. They weren't 48hrs long. That would be stupid. They would, of course be continuing drama series if they were that long for chrissake! And who is this Chris anyway?

The team were great, we worked well together and all learned a helluva lot. And quickly too. They are currently shooting another short at the mo' and will be making another of mine, er, shortly.

Nearly got a huge bucket of cash from Screen South to make a film when I was a finalist in their 2009 digi-shorts thingy my jig.

Close, but no

Had a few meetings. Had their people call my people (the wife).
Swapped loads of business cards.

Ended 2009 with a slate of diverse, exciting scripts written and a number of quality enquiries from producers via my updated website, some of whom actually have access to crew, cameras, studios and even funding...

Please feel free to take a gander at my updated website http://garethturpie.yolasite.com/ yourselves and let me know what you think. Cheers for that!

2009 also landed me my first two BBC contracts!

Two BBC contracts? Wow, Sheiky!

Well, ok, technically, it's actually only one, but they send two, so my copy now has pride of place on my office wall. To encourage me to earn some more. Contracts. Keep my head above the radar, so to speak.
The lovely, talented Phil Differ at the comedy unit in Scotland, eventually gave in, it seems, from under the barrage of sketches I sent him and used a couple on his fab show Watson's wind up.

And fame and riches duly followed. The End. Ahem.

Well, nearly...

Another of my shorts is slated to be captured onto digi-whatever-they use now instead of film, in sunny June. Can't wait. But I'll have to, cos they're calling the tune!

And tonight, our very kind and far sighted local radio station, Express Fm treated me, and a few other lucky scribes to a Radio Soap Master class with top Archers scriptwriter Louise Page 'cos they want us to write a new Portsmouth located radio soap.

2010, come on son, bring it on.

Sneaked in a bit of round up there. And only nearly a month late.
Still no-one will notice...

(193) Happy Birthday to me!

2010-01-20T10:37:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to me! 21 again! (ahem...)

Party on!

Have a cake or two on me! Cheers! xxx

(192) snow good...

2010-01-10T15:05:00.000-08:00

This blizzard of crappy weather t'aint all bad if you're creative...

And, saving the best to last...

(191) Snow so bad here after all...

2010-01-08T02:37:00.000-08:00

So you think you've had

(190) Happy New Year!

2009-12-30T15:25:00.001-08:00

(189) I'm dreaming of a Write Christmas...

2009-12-22T05:11:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful Happy New Year!

Did you know Santa's a spec screenwriter too!

Think of it...

He's surrounded by fantasy characters

He's got loads of writing time because of his brill part time job - he works only 1 day a year! ( but loads of overtime available at grotty grottoes if he needs it, of course... )

He has the peace and quiet of the North Pole so his imagination can roam free

And, most importantly, he has an army of helpful elves to bring his inspirational tea!

(188) Back to Sunny Pompey!

2009-12-19T03:20:00.000-08:00

(187) Holi-Holi-day!

2009-11-30T01:42:00.000-08:00

Holi-Holi-day time again!

The simply stunning Mrs S and I are off to Cancun in Sunny Mexico for a coupla weeks of fun, sun, sight seeing, good times and way too much food and booze!

Look out for us if you're down that way!

Best of luck with all your projects, see ya real soon y'hear!

xxx

(186) Who's Brilliant

2009-11-24T02:06:00.001-08:00

If you're a fan of a certain Time Traveller, this is brilliant!

It's from The Tardis Timegirl who has a great youtube channel here: http://www.youtube.com/user/TardisTimegirl

Enjoy!

(185) Oh bugger!

2009-11-20T03:22:00.000-08:00

"Dear Gareth

Project Title - Digital Shorts 2009: Night Guard
GIFTS Reference - **********

Apologies for the delay in notifying you regarding your Digital Shorts
application - shortlisting ten projects was extremely difficult and much
deliberation went into the process.

Unfortunately your project did not make it into the final ten;
however the calibre of all the longlisted projects and filmmakers was so high that we hope you will be encouraged by the fact that from almost 200 projects you made it
into the final 25..."

(184) Screen South

2009-11-18T09:08:00.000-08:00

Hi ya Peeps...

Whey-hey!

I am through the first round sift for full funding for my short "Night Guard" from Screen South, our wonderful regional film agency!

Still a long, long way to go yet though.
The judging panel have to knock this round down to 12 and then, eventually, after workshops and training courses, 4 to 6 movies will made!

They were going to let us know the next round survivors yesterday, but now, either to be so much more dramatic, (C'mon folks, this is Showbiz!) or, perhaps because the standard is so high, they're keeping us on those oily tenterhooks until close of play tomorrow!

Ooh, the suspense, the drama...Bit like a good script...

Fingers crossed!

(183) My second movie!

2009-11-16T05:35:00.000-08:00

Actually it's my first one. It's just that due to some nuclear physics/time paradox techie bollocks , I couldn't get this one onto youtube until now...

As regular readers will know, I formed the team together to enter the 48hr film challenge. So, to make sure everyone cold actually perform like they said they could, and that all the techie, whizzy stuff (see, told you I'm a seasoned pro - I know all the correct film making terms, ahem!) really did work, I persuaded 'em all to do a trial run. Under Competition conditions. Report on the shoot here.

We got a total stranger to give us

Title: "Choices"

Genre: "Political Thriller"

Dialogue: "Now we can all get some sleep"

We had 48hrs. You might have guessed that bit.

And, (FX: BIG DRUM ROLL, JAZZ SAX'S and TRUMPETS) Ladies & Gentleman, boys & girls, Sheiky's Blogging Corporation presents...

Our first liddle movie...

See it on the big screen here: http://www.youtube.com/user/GarethAndsue

(181) Team '48

2009-11-09T12:40:00.001-08:00

(180) Direct from youtube...

2009-11-04T08:22:00.000-08:00

48hr film challenge, Pompey Oscars! Here's the Winner's announcement page copied below...

We had 48hrs. You might have guessed that bit.

They pulled out 3 golden envelopes...

A past Winner selected one of them...

The teams were given:-

Title: GOLDEN EIGHT

Genre: WEIRD WEST (Wikkipedia ref here)

Line of Dialogue: "WELL, NOBODY'S PERFECT"

And, (FX: BIG DRUM ROLL, MEXICAN TRUMPETS) Ladies & Gentleman, boys & girls, Sheiky's Blogging Corporation presents...

Our liddle movie...

(179) World Wide Exclusive! Red Carpet Premier

2009-11-02T12:47:00.000-08:00

World Wide Exclusive! Mrs S's Red Carpet Premier moment...

(178) The weekend

2009-11-01T05:04:00.000-08:00

48hr film challenge! Long weekend, Hard work, Huge learning curve, but good fun! Looking great - final edit...Fingers crossed!

(177) Today!

2009-10-30T01:07:00.000-07:00

Ohmygosh! Today! The 48hr film challenge is here! Good luck everyone!

Exciting, innit! Or terrifing?

(176) One day to go to the orf!

2009-10-29T05:37:00.000-07:00

Ohmygosh! The 48hr film challenge is nearly here!

Are you ready? Are we ready? Am I ready?

Good luck everyone!

Exciting, innit!

Films premier Sunday 1st November New Theatre Royal, Pompey. Tickets £4 in advance, a fiver on the door. See you there for the Pompey Oscars - I'll be in me Dickie bow, Mrs S will have her brand new Red Carpet dress!*

*not actually, you know, made out of red carpets...
.

(175) Wish I was going...

2009-10-24T12:28:00.000-07:00

To all those friends, readers and bloggers who aregoing to SWF:-

Have a great, productive time guys!

Don't forget to blog about it!

P.S. If you have the time, mention your mate Sheiky & his website to the movers 'n' shakers...

(174) The shoot

2009-10-23T04:25:00.000-07:00

Sorry a bit late blogging this, but busy been have I (and not just polishing my one Yoda stage act...)

The filming went very well!

It was a very exhilarating, though totally knackering experience!

We were blessed with great weather (no rain,and good lighting effects from God plc) for our location shots - "Handsome smart suited man running" - ohmygosh! they cast moi!

The team gelled together brilliantly, everyone worked in totally professional manner (members of the public thought we were a "real" film outfit and kept out of shot and even flagged down and turned cars round for us!)

All the equipment, you know, actually worked(!) and we discovered two fantastic new acting talents: The beautiful Mrs S and the sinister Evil Alex!
Move over all you Streep & Daniel Day Lewis wannabes...

We raced up and over a huge learning curve and got it all in the can ahead of the schedule devised by our Director Stephen and Producer Caff!

The time it took to get all the different shots surprised the less film making experienced amongst us (i.e. All except Stephen & Caff!).

You see, fellow scribes, they're right, writing it is the easy part...(although of course, selling it is a right bastard!)

You see, we could only blag the one camera, so did not have the luxury of multi camera takes & whatnots...

However, the day's rough shots looked excellent to me, beautifully framed, well acted, classically lit, etc, but now the precious images we captured are off to be be edited into something really special...when our talented young editor Adrian gets back from Poland!

He had to jet offski to see family the next day!

So we have a nail-biting week to see what all that hard work will look like with the different takes stitched up nicely together over Alex's stirring incidental music...

Really looking forward to seeing our mini-epic on the big screen (alright my big telly!)

I'm really proud of my talented team and the hard work they all put into the movie.
Instead of Goldwyn, Welles, Coppola or Spielberg sized budgets splashed over a vast studio system with huge sound sets, thousands of technicians and millions of dollars to play with, we had the seven of us multi tasking, a wheelchair (camera dolly!), a cellar and a £100!**

But we had fun.
We learnt a helluva lot.
We worked well as a team.
And we got our first film in the can!

** Yeah, I do realise this is twice the normal budget of the average British feature...

(173) Shooting my script

2009-10-15T12:21:00.001-07:00

Shooting my first movie tomorrow!

I've been secretly putting together a very talented team for the DV Mission 48hr film challenge.
I originally entered in the (very) Low Tech section - just me, a scriptwriter with a mobile phone camera...

I put an ad out on the site to see if anyone was interested in joining my team and it kinda snowballed from there!

I thought it would be a great idea to do a trial run, to see if we can all work together and all the techie various bits 'n' bobs can actually electronically talk to each other etc, etc.

So, now we have a real "proper" Director, a real camera complete with an enthusiastic, hot young cameraman, a Musical Director with a Tardis load of sound fx and a super bossy uber furher producer to keep us all in check!

And we shoot tomorrow. My script. Sort of. The editing axe has been swung severely for "production reasons". Oh dear. Hope I don't let them all down...

Oh yeah, one more thing...

We've haven't got any thespians.

So now my good self, my lady wife, the lovely Mrs S, and Alex, our Musical director will play the parts.

Tomorrow.

Oh dear.

Seemed like a good idea at the time...

(172) Just a quickie, Matron

2009-10-11T12:39:00.001-07:00

Just a quick note to say I'm back...

Hola amigos!

?Como esta?

Hope all's well with you.

Yeah, 'ad a great one, ta. Got back very late on Thursday and been recovering/catching up on real life trivia since.

Back in writing action tomorrow!

Speak soon.

Love & Kisses,

Sheiky xxx

(171) Hasta Luego Amigos

2009-09-18T00:46:00.000-07:00

Well, as the Bunny said, that's all folks!

And as the old soldier and the good Space book said...

"Don't Panic!" for 'tis only for a short while, the lovely Mrs S and I are off on another little jaunt to the sun.

Look after yourselves, good luck with your projects, and don't break the Scribosphere as I shall need it when I get back.

See ya soon,

Sheiky

p.s. in the meantime, this was an excellent event last time, so, if you're nearby, make the effort to go along and join in. Tell them I sent you! I'll see you at the next one.
xxx

DV City Screenwriters: Wed 7th Oct - Writing the Short Film Workshop
The Arts Lodge, Angelsea Road, Portsmouth, October 7, 2009 from 7pm to 9pm
http://www.artful-lodgers.org/
Full details here

(170) Workshop Report

2009-09-13T03:31:00.000-07:00

The workshop was very informative and great fun. We watched a few shorts, discussed them, what we thought worked best, how clever they were. Or not!

Brevity, and quick and clever visual character clues were the order of the day. Show, don't tell. Clearly, with shorts, time is off the essence. Get in late, get out early. Though, of course we should be doing this anyway with all our scripts by now. Yes?

Tina Walker, our star guest, was funny, animated and interesting. She talked us though the lengthy submitting process for regional awards for funding and commissioning of her short. She showed, not told(!)us her successful treatment document and generously circulated her short script for us to peruse.

As usual, the finished film is changed a tad due to budget restrictions, etc, what was canned on the shoot and bizarrely couple of key scenes just being dropped by the director.

Her overall take on the schemes was very positive and she encouraged us to "have a go".

We then saw another impressive short by a local film maker. His short has been around the world at various film fests and is taking him to the Venice festival too!

He ended his brief, friendly chat with an invitation for us to send him our quality, low budget short scripts...

Poor fellow was suddenly inundated with biz cards, scripts and hastily scribbled email addresses on scraps of paper!

The evening ended with a couple of beers and scribey, filmy chat at the local pub. Yeah!

How's you? Whatcha up to?

(169) Tonight!

2009-09-09T00:30:00.001-07:00

See you there!

(168) Reminder - Tomorrow!

2009-09-08T01:30:00.000-07:00

Reminder - Tomorrow! See you there!

From Roy's page:-

Roy Hanney - Mission Coordinator has invited you to the event 'DV City Screenwriters: Wed 9th Sept - Writing the Short Film Workshop' on DVMISSION 48-Hour Film Challenge!

DV City Screenwriters meeting this Wednesday when we will be workshoping "writing the short film" with guest Tina Walker (Doctors) who has recently completed a short film for Screen South.

DV City Screenwriters: Wed 9th Sept - Writing the Short Film Workshop Time: September 9, 2009 from 6:30pm to 9pm
Location: The Arts Lodge
Organized By: DV City Screenwriters

Event Description:
The workshop is intended to start the process of writing a short film script with the intention of submitting a first draft to the 2010 Screen South Digital Shorts programme In November this year. The workshop will include a screening and critical analysis of previous Digital Short winners from the last three years. Tina Walker (Doctors), with hands on experience of the scheme, will be in attendance to give a short talk and answer your questions. There will also be an opportunity to workshop your own “Premise Statements” as a prelude to developing your ideas further. The group will meet again to review draft scripts in October.

If you would like to attend you SHOULD FIRST join the group and then READ the guidlines: Full details here

(167) Advice

2009-09-02T03:42:00.000-07:00

A kind reader forwarded one of those "buy this special offer writer software" emails to me. As well as the usual plugs and ads it had some gems of Pro advice.

This is my fave...

"Surprise Your Mind. List laughable, ridiculous, outrageous and bizarre ideas. Don't limit yourself to ideas that other people consider "sane," "reasonable" or "logical." The best and most creative ideas stem from silly ones. When you're in a creative mode, you're suspending judgment on ideas you generate. You simply list them all down and never worry whether they make sense or not. Allow yourself the freedom to think outside the box."

Yep. Already do that one all the time...

How 'bout you?

(166) The Films - The Report

2009-09-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

Hi Scribey peeps!

Hope you all had a great bank holiday. Yep, cheers, I did.

Last post I told you I was going to the "Shorts::Cut '09 screening @ No.3"

It was a great night. I met loads of talented local peeps, swapped some biz cards and chatted plot points and reversals over a nice glass of wine.

And we got to watch, and then vote on, some great films. All the films were good, from talented future names.

The best were, i.m.h.o.:-

Bloody Daisies - directed by David White. (Comedy) Two men are sent to a blind date with the same woman, but there's only room for one man in her life. Who will she choose? And why does she need a spade? (4 minutes)

A fun comedy-horror full of really great SFX and trick, sharply edited camera work.

Pesticide - directed by Cameron Kerr. (Animation) Has Bob's computer been possessed by a malicious virus intent on persuading him to commit murder, or is it his own subconscious trying to tell him otherwise? - 6 minutes

A clever comedy animation that must have taken ages to film.

Mark - directed by James Harrison. (Documentary) Professional BMX rider and local resident mark Webb ignores medical advice after breaking his back, and travels to China to compete in the international X-Games 10 minutes.

A good natured doc of an amazing local guy who overcame all odds (and a broken bike as well as a broken back to win the x games in China

It's got me all fired up for the 48hr film challenge

Can't wait for the next screenings!

(165) Shorts::Cut '09 screening @ No.3 tonight!

2009-08-27T06:36:00.000-07:00

See you there!

From Dylan Pank @ http://www.shortscut.org.uk

Time: August 27, 2009 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Location: Central Library
Street: Guildhall Square
City/Town: Portsmouth

Event Type: short, film, screening

Our Second screening of the summer in Portsmouth's independent Arts Cinema, No.3 in The Central Library, Guildhall Square. Showing local films from filmmakers in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and West Sussex. Some of the films shown are also eligible for The News Guide Award for best local short film.

Tickets £3 (on the door)

The Watch - directed by Guy Murray-Brown. (Drama) Reformed drug addict Joe seeks his father's acceptance, but is forced to make a hard decision when things do not turn out as he had hoped - 13 minutes.

Mark - directed by James Harrison. (Documentary) Professional BMX rider and local resident mark Webb ignores medical advice after breaking his back, and travels to China to compete in the international X-Games 10 minutes.

Swap - directed by Adam Harding. (Drama) a "Meet-Cute" by Southampton water - 7 Minutes

Donkeys leading Horses - directed by Drew Boxall. (Documentary) Nick Hall runs Sabre Sales, a treasure-trove of military history - 4 minutes

Pesticide - directed by Cameron Kerr. (Animation) Has Bob's computer been possessed by a malicious virus intent on persuading him to commit murder, or is it his own subconscious trying to tell him otherwise? - 6 minutes

Picnic - directed by John Small. (Drama) A man pulls into a deserted woodland park to eat lunch, but meets a strange jogger with some stranger ideas. (10 minutes)

Dead Air - Directed by Welsey Skelly. (Drama) The lives of a DJ and listener intermingle as things start to get creepy. A strange fate meets radio DJ George, one that may also affect his audience. - 11 Minutes

The Girl Of My Dreams - directed by Russell Oastler. (Documentary) Adam Pacitti is searching for his true love, a girl he met in a dream. (4 minutes)

Bloody Daisies - directed by David White. (Comedy) Two men are sent to a blind date with the same woman, but there's only room for one man in her life. Who will she choose? And why does she need a spade? (4 minutes)

Ballet School for Over 50s - directed by Stuart McKears. (Documentary) Open day performances and interviews with the members of the Balandis Lilley Ballet school in Bognor Regis - 4 minutes.

(164) He's back...

2009-08-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

He's back. Lock up your daughters!

She's back. Lock up your sons!

(163) Short Film Workshop

2009-08-25T02:35:00.000-07:00

Hi ya gang!

Thought this would be of great interest to any scribes local(ish) to Pompey.

And, yep, your favourite Monkey will be there...

From the DV City Screenwriters web site:

Wed 9th Sept - Writing the Short Film Workshop

* Posted by Roy Hanney - Mission Coordinator on August 14, 2009 at 10:26am in DV City Screenwriters

The workshop is intended to start the process of writing a short film script with the intention of submitting a first draft to the 2010 Screen South Digital Shorts programme In November this year. The workshop will include a screening and critical analysis of previous Digital Short winners from the last three years. An invited guest (TBC) with hands on experience of the scheme will also be in attendance to give a short talk and answer your questions. There will also be an opportunity to workshop your own “Premise Statements” as a prelude to developing your ideas further. The group will meet again to review draft scripts in October.

When: 6.30pm – 9pm Wednesday 9th September 2009

Where: The Lodge Arts Centre
The Gate Keepers Lodge
Victoria Park
Angelsea Road
Portsmouth, Hants
PO1 3HJ
http://www.artful-lodgers.org/

Cost: we share the cost of hiring the rooms usually around £2 each.

Preparation: If you would like to contribute ideas/premises to the practical ideas development workshop you must submit one or more premise statements to the DV City Screenwriters online group in advance (by Wednesday 26th August) by responding to this discussion. You can still attend the workshop presentations and participate in the practical workshops as an observer without submitting ideas.

Screen South Digital Shorts: Digital Shorts is a UK Film Council Funded scheme delivered through regional partners. News of this years scheme will be announced in the autumn. For more information go to: http://www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk/digitalshortdigitalnation

It is quite usual for Screen South to require applicants to the scheme to have attended an Information Day in advance of the submission date. You can find out more about where and when these are happening here: http://www.screensouth.org/content.aspx?page=67

What is a short Film: this is a very broad question since there are a wide range of formats for this form of filmmaking. Generally anything under 15 minutes is usually considered as a short film. You can find out more about what Screen South think about this topic by reading the 2008/09 Digital Shorts Guidelines (attached).

What is a premise statement: a short statement of dramatic intent usually in the form of a title and a short sentence or paragraph outlining the WHO, WHAT and HOW of the story. Sometimes called a synopsis the premise statement is an opportunity to pitch your ideas and get feedback at an early stage of development. The attached document “What is a Synopsis” was produced by the Australian Film Commission and aims to try and answer this question.

Any questions please post to this discussion.

Guides/advice attachments:

* AFC whatissynopsis.pdf, 101 KB
* Digital Shorts Guidelines 2008-9.pdf, 188 KB

(162) Good week so far!

2009-08-19T07:42:00.000-07:00

Due to the overwhelming "success" of my previous sketch show collaboration, ahem*, I've been invited to contribute to another new one!

Yey!

The Dos Directors are still slugging it out over my short, enticing me with budgets, champagne (if it features at a festival) and even actual film (or that digital thingy me wotcha call it) in their cameras.

Double Yey!

And now the Madmen site 'puter thinks I look like a cross between 007 and Bruce Willis!

Triple yey!

(* The show's going up & down the committee escalator striving ever closer to the golden commissioning light, which is apparently green.)

(161 )My Script on Screen?

2009-08-15T03:41:00.001-07:00

Two Directors want to film my short "Nightguard"!

Two!

This time it might actually get made...

(160) Advice

2009-08-12T05:21:00.000-07:00

(159) Advice needed...

2009-08-07T06:06:00.001-07:00

Hi ya Peeps! Thought I'd share this with you all from the Talent Circle site:-

"DV Mission 48hour Film Challenge 2009
Posted by Roy Hanney
Deadline: Nov 01 2009 | Organisation: DV Mission
Seeking: What is Dvmission? Teams are given a film title, genre and one line of script at 7:00pm Friday night. Each team then have 48 hours to get their 2 minute film back for 6:00pm Sunday night. The Premier is at 8:30pm and the winners are announced at 10:00pm.What does it cost to enter Dvmission? It is free and you get 10 tickets per team to the premier night along with the opportunity to win a coveted 'Pompey Oscar' along with other prizes!"

View full details here

I've signed up for it and collared a talented camera girl - with a working, (albeit prehistoric camera!) Our 48hr Challenge name is 2Scribes, check us, and the competition so far, out on http://dvmission.ning.com/groups/group/list
.

So, to the nub, my friends...

This blog has many multi talented readers, many of whom have shot, edited, lit and staged their own mini-epics...

Any advice on what to do, and perhaps more importantly, what to definitely NOT do?

(158) Like Arnie said...

2009-08-06T10:16:00.000-07:00

Ye-ha! I'm back!

It was the mother board, or, as Samuel L would say, the Mutha...

(157) Normal Service...

2009-07-30T09:11:00.000-07:00

...will be resumed as soon as possible...

****ing P.C.'s blown up!

See you when it's fixed...

(156) Radio ga-ga

2009-07-20T01:44:00.000-07:00

Everyone's gone Radio ga-ga!

A fellow DV screenwriter , friend of this blog and talented local scribe Louise is currently writing a gripping radio drama, and, coincedently the blogosphere has exploded with radio scriptwriting info.

So, here, just for you, Louise (no peeking by anyone else!) is a collection of valuable radio links:-

BBC Commissioning briefs :- http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/arts/commissioning_briefs.shtml

Friend of the blog Michelle Lipton's fantastic in depth guide from idea to commission:- http://michellelipton.wordpress.com/2009/07/15/radio-4-commissioning-process/

How to do it:-

BBC writersroom tips (drama):- http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/writing/tips_radiodrama.shtml

BBC writersroom tips (comedy):- http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/writing/tips_radiocomedy.shtml

BBC worldservice tips:-
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/arts/features/howtowrite/radio.shtml

Danny Stack's tips:- http://dannystack.blogspot.com/2009/07/story-vault-radio.html

Bill Ash's tips:- http://www.irdp.co.uk/scripts.htm

Robin Kelly's tips:- http://www.robinkelly.btinternet.co.uk/radio.htm

Screenwriting internet radio:- http://www.screenwritersradio.com/Intro.php

http://www.screenwritersutopia.com/ScreenTalk/

and finally, H.M. Queen, radio ga-ga

(155) Bin Writing?

2009-07-09T12:39:00.000-07:00

"No matter how fast or slow you write, the only thing that matters is that you write... and finish what you write."
W.C. Martell

Yet another handy tip from the great Bill Martell

Here's another...

"If you've got a full time job and you're writing in your spare time, you want to maximize the time you spend writing." Bill says.

So he has these bins in his office on which he tapes the titles of proposed scripts.
Go on Bill, I'll let you tell 'em the rest...

"When I get an idea for a script, I start a bin. Then, whenever I have an idea for that script (dialogue, scene, character) I write it on a card and toss it in the bin. When the bin overflows it's time to write the script."

Hey that's clever, Bill, tell us more...

"Because I've thought through much of the story and have all of my notes in one place, I can usually finish a first draft in 4-6 weeks. When I worked at the warehouse I averaged about 3 scripts a year using the "bin method".
I never wrote a script that I didn't have a whole bin full of notes on."

Get the full story from Bill's Screenwriting Tips site at:-

http://www.scriptsecrets.net/tips/tip239.htm

Me, must be half way there...

My new script's rubbish...Now where's my bin?

(154) Brain Battles - Yin - Yang, left/right

2009-07-07T01:24:00.000-07:00

All a bit Yin - Yang, left/right side of brain battles at the mo'.

Building & Fitting the new Kitchen requires all my manly skills of strength, precise measurements, logical thinking and using a chisel to chase out the walls instead of ruining the heads of yet more screwdrivers. And actually reading the plan/instructions, before guessing where each bit goes...

My fluffy, dreamy creative side isn't left with much time to do too much, apart from jot down yet more ideas, scenes, one liners, images, etc which flash onto its mind's eye movie screen (with full Dolby digital sound surround of course)

And yet, doesn't writing a script require the Yin Yang approach?

The strength to finish it.

Precise plotting

Logical conclusion

A plan (beat sheet/outline) to follow

A chisel

Chisel, Sheiky?

Yeah, to chip away at unnecessary scenes, description, feeder characters, etc, - writing is rewriting. Keep it lean.

And of course, you need the fluffy, dreamy creative side to conjure the magic all up in the first place...

(153) Writers Opportunity

2009-07-02T03:15:00.000-07:00

DV Mission 48hour Film Challenge 2009

From Talent Circle... Competition for Film (short)

Deadline: 01/11/2009 (call started 01/06/2009 )
Fee: FREE
Organisation: DV Mission
Contact person: Jinx Prowse

Web Site

So what is Dvmission?

Teams are given a film title, genre and one line of script at 7:00pm Friday night. Each team then have 48 hours to get their 2 minute film back for 6:00pm Sunday night. The Premier is at 8:30pm and the winners are announced at 10:00pm.

What does it cost to enter Dvmission?

It is free and you get 10 tickets per team to the premier night along with the opportunity to win a coveted 'Pompy Oscar' along with other prizes!

How to enter Dvmission

To enter the 2009 Challenge please follow the steps below:

1) go to www.dvmission.co.uk and read the rules
2) download an application form

If you are still up for taking the Challenge…

3) sign up to the Dvmission web site: www.dvmission.co.uk
4) start a group with the name of your team (include a description of your team and whether you are Pro-Tech or Lo-Tech)
5) send the application form to Jinx (Mission Director)
We are limited to 25 teams this year. Places will be given on a first come, first served basis. A reserve list will be held. Return the application form by the 2nd October 2009

Festival/Activity Information

Applications are now being accepted for the fourth annual DV Mission 48hr Film Challenge. This year we will be returning to the New Theatre Royal in Portsmouth for the premier night and after party. After the introduction of the Mission Briefing in 2008 we are now running a full one day of workshops prior to the event to support challenge participants absolutely free of charge. With support from this years sponsors, Film Hampshire and Screen South we have a new website and plan to make this the best 48 hour film challenge on the south coast.

See you there!

(152) Hi Honey(s) I'm Home!

2009-07-01T05:32:00.000-07:00

Hope you're all well, and got your CBBC scripts in on time. Sent mine in before I went off & had a great time in Espana.
Had a good trip over there in untried old banger, but hey, that's adventure for you!

Back to reality now. Fitting a new kitchen for the missus and trying to find some time to write.

Don't forget tonight's screenwriter's meet of DV city screenwriters is in the "Porters" ( a pub, Hurrah!!) Albert road, Southsea, Portsmouth.

And up for review are two shorts by the multi talented...er, gosh, it's me!

"Ambulance" &
"Night Guard" are under fire!

See y'all real soon, y'hear!

(I blame that straw cowboy hat I wore in Spain...)

(151) Wanna be an executive producer?

2009-06-07T12:17:00.000-07:00

I know you're all making your own films or webby things.

Or at least writing them.

I know you've become Angels for Sir Danny & Lady Lucy.

Now, here's your chance to be an executive producer on a very a beautiful short film drama – Ten Glorious Seconds - which will be distributed free of charge to help raise awareness of Alzheimer’s Disease.

A very good friend of mine, the talented and lovely Carol Younghusband has written this film and asked me to help out any way I can.
I might get to be a runner! She is also offering you, dear readers an amazing array of perks for helping out...

Ok, over to you Carol:-

Dear friends of Gareth,

Please help us to make a beautiful short film drama – Ten Glorious Seconds - which will be distributed free of charge to help raise awareness of Alzheimer’s Disease.

We're making it for costs only and are looking for donations to bring the film to life. In return you will receive our extreme gratitude and a special VIP perk - see below for the full list of benefits.

Ten Glorious Seconds is a 'Wall of Angels' production, and everyone who donates will be added to our photo wall of funders in the film's opening credits.

Please click on the link below and you will be directed to our film’s web page. Simply go to the Fundraising section on the left of the page and click on the relevant donation button. In addition, you can read all about the film, listen to a podcast, and check out the team.

We would just like to say an extremely big thank you for your interest and would very much appreciate it if you could email this note to your friends and family.

http://www.indiegogo.com/project/view/1646?iggref=IPJF_TTAG

Best wishes,

Carol Younghusband/Simon Pitts

Wall of Angels Production

VIP Perks for Funding Angels

$15 (Approx £10)Thank you. Every donation makes a real difference. Your photo will appear on our montage at the end of the film.

$38 (Approx £25) Thank you. You will receive the above perk.

PLUS you will be invited to the launch party.

$75 (Approx £50) Thank you. You will receive the above two perks.

PLUS you will receive a production still for you to frame.

$150 (Approx £100) Thank you. You will receive the above three perks.

PLUS you will receive a signed copy of Albert's jigsaw as seen in the film.

$375 (Approx £250) Thank you. You will receive the above four perks.

PLUS you will get a CD of poetry read by the cast and crew (reciting classic poems to spark memories).

$750 (Approx £500) Thank you. You will receive the above five perks

PLUS you will get an Associate Producer Credit in the opening titles.

$1500 (Approx £1000) Thank you. You will receive the above six perks including a VIP invitation to the launch party (limousine collection from home if local or nearest station and champagne).

PLUS you will get an Executive Producer Credit in the opening titles.

*************************************************************************************

So, Sheiky mates, Check out Carol's web page http://www.indiegogo.com/project/view/1646?iggref=IPJF_TTAG and help out!

(150) Off to Espana!

2009-06-07T12:13:00.000-07:00

My scripts in for the CBBC new writer request.

Hope yours is coming on fine or already in too!

Best of luck everyone!

Me? I'm off a road trip (2000 miles!) to sunny Spain.

No fighting amongst yourselves. Keep the web clean. See you when I get back!

Hasta Luego!

P.S. - Stay tuned for blog 151 - important announcement...

(149) Great night!

2009-06-04T00:14:00.000-07:00

Big hi to my new readers from last night!

Meet some great new peeps at the DV City Screenwriters Group meet last night.

After informal chit chatty greetings over a glass of wine in the quaint little garden bar of the Arts Centre, adjudicator Christina announced the order of play for the script feedback forum.

And the wretched, chained victims were dragged in to cower before us to be torn to shreds!

Ha! Only joking!

It was very friendly but in a totally honest-"we've been best friends for ages so if we don't tell you who will" kinda way.

Scribes were told what we thought worked about their script/treatment, which hooks grabbed us, which characters came to life etc and, of course, all the bits that were, as we say in trade, a bit "iffy".

People took their notes in the spirit they were intended; to make the script/ project the best it could be. Plot ideas were offered in open discussion and at least one scribe talked about taking their project in a new direction as a result.

Moving inside to the arty old soft leather sofas( which we strangely ignored, opting to sit round tables ) for coffees when it turned to evening chill, we discussed short films, where to pitch, peeps other projects - past and present and got know each other a tad.

A local filmmaker asked us to pitch him some ultra micro budget/no budget short scripts next time. So, watch this space on that one!!!

It was good to meet so many talented locals! (and an adopted Pompolian from NZ !- a long way to come for a meet but hey, that's dedication...)

Great peeps, good networking and I got to give away some more of my famous biz cards.

And one scribe was a fan of this blog! (So, hopefully they all will be now!)

A great, informative, fun evening and I shall definitely be going to next months one...

...have to really...

...two of my short scripts are up for scrutiny...

by real live people! In the same room as me! and my scripts!

Oh-er, Sheiky...what have you done...

(148) Esta Noche

2009-06-03T06:39:00.000-07:00

See you there!
http://sheikspear.blogspot.com/2009/05/145-dv-city-screenwriters-network.html
Don't forget your cards...http://dvmission.ning.com/events/dv-city-screenwriters-network

(147) Britain's got talent...

2009-06-02T02:55:00.000-07:00

Makes you so proud...

10 THINGS THAT ARE DIFFICULT TO SAY WHEN DRUNK:

1. No thanks, I'm married.
2. Nope, no more booze for me!
3. Sorry, but you're not really my type.
4. Kebab? No thanks, I'm not hungry.
5. Good evening, officer. Isn't it lovely out tonight?
6. Oh, I couldn't! No one wants to hear me sing karaoke.
7. I'm not interested in fighting you.
8. Thank you, but I won't make any attempt to dance, I have no coordination. I'd hate to look like a fool!
9. I must be going home now, as I have to work in the morning.

Your ideas for number 10 in the comments section, please...

(146) I'll name that film in four...

2009-06-01T03:20:00.001-07:00

Oh, as if we need yet another procrastination excuse!

Bit of fun though. http://moviesinframes.tumblr.com/

(145) DV City Screenwriters Network Meeting

2009-05-30T11:38:00.000-07:00

It's a brand new screenwriters group right here in the heart of Pompey, the Jewel of the South.

http://dvmission.ning.com/events/dv-city-screenwriters-network

"DV City Screenwriters Group networking, meeting, and feedback night.
All screenwriters welcome!

Time: June 3, 2009 from 6:30pm to 9pm
Location: The Arts Lodge, Victoria Park, Angelsea Road, Portsmouth, Hants, PO1 3HJ

Tel: 023 9287 0880

http://www.artandsoultraders.com

"DV City Screenwriters will meet on the evening of Wednesday 3rd June at the Arts Lodge in Portsmouth, at 6:30pm.
The group will then meet once a month, on the first Wednesday of each month.

Please post to the discussion forum Scripts and Treatments if you have current writing you would like to submit to the group.

We really hope you will welcome this opportunity to meet other local writers, and to share your views regarding developing this community and its links to wider industry.
Look forward to seeing y'all.

DV City Screenwriters"

I'm going along to meet them all so why not come too and meet your favorite Monkey at the same time!

(144) Writers Opportunity

2009-05-29T04:00:00.000-07:00

How do you break in as a Scriptwriter?

Go write, take the next write, write again, and keep writing!

"THEY" (cue creepy woo ha ha music and big, deep V.O.) want your horror script and only one hero can stop them...

Cheers to the great Sir Daniel for the generous heads up on the above.

And here's a coupla opps to chase via Talent Circle (free to join).

http://www.talentcircle.org/script-supervisor-6204-job-details.aspx

http://www.talentcircle.org/playwright-6187-job-details.aspx

Has anyone else ever responded to anything on Talent Circle?

"Talent Circle has 46,000 members, making it the world's largest network of people working in independent film and production." apparently, so some of you must have. Let us know about it...

How did it work out? Great? Good? Bad?
Or as the actress said to the Bishop, Indifferent?

Still in contact?
Did it lead to better things?

Please let us know in the comments section, ta.
Regards,
El Sheiky. xxx

(143) Oh Sheiky, where for art thou?

2009-05-27T01:48:00.000-07:00

Relax.
Your favorite monkey is still here. Still bashing the old qwerty, though, must admit, not very frequently on the blog.

Which can be bad for you, I know.

The Doctors reckon you should visit your blog for a concentrated sitting at least once a day.

What? Oh, sorry, that's bog.

Sorry to see so many fave bloggers signing off, but on the other hand glad they're so busy with paying projects.

Actually getting paid to write, whatever next?

A script you've written actually being filmed?

Come on...I know fantasy is our business, but really....

Moi?

Still coming close but no cigar.

Have had very good feedback on a few projects.

Two of which I'm re-writing whilst respecting the notes, two just seem to be ever changing policy/economic/timing decisions and one which just seems to be love being read by everyone who hasn't actually like, you know, got a cheque book. Or a studio. Or even a camera.

One still expectantly awaiting reply...

But networking and getting there is half the fun, all the experience and worth the education.

Joined this local gaggle of talented scribes http://dvmission.ning.com/ and http://dvmission.ning.com/events/dv-city-screenwriters-network.
Please them check out and feel free to join if you're anywhere nearby. Or have a car.
Our next meet is June 3rd, love to see you there.

I've responded to their requests for shorts and posted two of mine on the site for feedback, funding(!) and a rush of applications to film them(!!!).

I was requested to feedback on a new project by a top scriptwriter you all know. Flattered that my opinion was sought, I have sent back my notes in the hope they help. He'll probably never speak to me again!

Great to see Lucy, Danny, Tim and Robin are still keeping up the high standards of info, advice and opportunities over at their gaffs and that young Jase, Michelle, Chip, & Ollie are chasing Paul, Danny and James up the slippery script writery stardom ladder to success!

Congrats and well dones to all!

See you soon,
Regards,
El Sheiky. xxx