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#Scriptchat Transcript: Guest Academy Nicholl Fellow Anthony Grieco @SwimCharlieSwim
Academy Nicholl Fellow Anthony Grieco, also co-author of Pocket Screenwriting Guide @PktScreenGD, joined the #scriptchat crew to talk contests, career advice and more... and there were cats. Enjoy!
- Time for #scriptchat with guest @SwimCharlieSwim (story consultant, Academy Nicholl Fellow. Co-author @PktScreenGD)!
- IT’S #SCRIPTCHAT O’CLOCK w/ @SwimCharlieSwim 2015 Academy Nicholl Fellow. Co-author Pocket Screenwriting Guide @zacsanford moderating
- I love that I've gotten back into this, Normally I've been scheduled to work on Sundays. Thank God for slow Januarys. #scriptchat
- Hello everyone. Hope your year is off to a wonderful start. Please welcome our guest @SwimCharlieSwim. #scriptchat
- Now if I could get more pages done #scriptchat
- Hello all you happy people. #scriptchat
- Hey guys, great to be here! #scriptchat
- Ready when you are. #scriptchat
- While we await our guest to arrive, how is everyone doing? #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Thanks so much for being here, Anthony! #scriptchat
- I'm doing okay. #scriptchat
- Ah, Anthony is already here. @SwimCharlieSwim, why not tell our chatters a little about yourself. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford @SwimCharlieSwim @SarahAlexis4 @Al_1701 Hey guys! Hey Anthony! *waves* Welcome aboard! #scriptchat
- I've been writing screenplays for about 12 years. #scriptchat
- Worked at The Writer's Store and as a consultant as well. #scriptchat
- Last year, I won the Nicholl Fellowship for my script Best Sellers. An overnight success 12 years in the making! #scriptchat
- Also, I love cats. #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Congrats on winning one of the coveted Nicholl spots. A huge accomplishment. #scriptchat
- Thanks! #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Q: Since you toiled around for all those years, what advice would you give to not give up? #scriptchat
- You have to be in love with writing; you have to love words. At some point you have to realize you're doing it for yourself. #scriptchat
- Hi gang, hey Zac, hi Anthony... #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim So had you entered many contests before? And how did you previously do? #scriptchat
- And everyone else, feel free to jump in at any time with questions. #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Q: What are some biggest missteps you think writers should be aware of w/ their scripts? Craft or otherwise. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 hey Chris! #scriptchat
- I'd entered the Nicholl 2 years earlier with a different script and didn't even make the quarterfinals. #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Q: How can you best manage writing time when you're busy with other work? #scriptchat
- That script, ironically, went on to be optioned. #scriptchat
- 12 Tips for Writing a Spec TV Pilot Script via @lightsfilmschool #writingtips #scriptchat https://www.lightsfilmschool.com/blog/12-tips-for-writing-a-spec-tv-pilot-script …
- @SwimCharlieSwim Q: To add to that, how often should you spend reading scripts, aside from time writing? #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 Set time aside every day to write. Find out if you're a morning or evening person. #scriptchat
- So... we have a Nicholl fellow with us tonight? Awesome. Q: Does winning get you an invite to the Playboy Mansion? #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely Hey Kriss! Great to see you here! #scriptchat
- I try to read at least 2 professionally written scripts each week. #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely Only if Playboy options the script :) #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Q: It can take some time to develop one's voice, any thoughts/pointers on this aspect of the writing? #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 Your voice is your attitude towards life. If something isn't bothering you about the world, your voice hasn't... #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 ...fully developed yet. #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Q: Any tips on improving dialogue through subtext? Do you try to focus on character intentions w/dialogue? #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim shame. I always struggle to find motivation to enter Nicholl, but I really want to swim in the lagoon! #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 The less your characters have to say, the better. Think about behavior. What objects are in the room that best... #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 ...express what a character is thinking or feeling. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 I call this "the axe in the room." #scriptchat
- Q: What was your biggest obstacle to overcome with your own writing? #scriptchat
- @blueneumann Probably coming to the realization that your characters existed before you wrote page 1. #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim That's a very interesting way of looking at it. I might try that sometime. Thanks so much! #scriptchat
- @blueneumann That's still a challenge. #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Q: What's your process generally like? Do you outline extensively? Index cards? Vomit draft? #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim @blueneumann And will continue to exist after the last word (unless they're killed off). #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim With your main characters? Or just the periphery ones? #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 I don't outline extensively. I basically outline pivotal story beats: inciting incident, the lock-in, the pinch... #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Q: How do you develop your characters and storylines? Do you come up with backstories? #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim How were you creating them? Were you doing character or story first? #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 ...the midpoint, "all is lost," "whiff of death," etc. #scriptchat
- @blueneumann Specifically the main character. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 All I really need to look into is the character's scar. That's the primary back story. #scriptchat
- @SwinCharlieSwim Q: If you had to pick one scene, in one script, that you've read and wished you'd written, what would it be? #scriptchat
- @blueneumann Character first. There is no story until you know the character's problem with the world. #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Would that be an incident or mistake from the past? Someone who haunts him? #scriptchat
Subscribe to THE SCRIPT Podcast today! For filmmakers by filmmakers. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJHI4T9fSm6OvTLZyd1em_Q … #scriptchat #writing pic.twitter.com/86cFGhi61O- @chasinglamely The scene from Jaws when Quint tells the story of the USS Indianapolis. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 It could be any of the above. #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim What steps did you take to improve as a writer between the non-finish and the Nicholl win? #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim incredible answer. Truly one of the best. #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Q: How many scripts should you work on at a time? #scriptchat
- @zacsanford Being able to track a character's attitude throughout the script is something takes time to develop. Like a muscle. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 One feature, one pilot is my maximum. Some people are more prolific, but it doesn't improve my quality of work. #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Q: And from your experience, how often should you wait until getting feedback, then the rewrite? #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim When you say take time to write everyday, what sort of writing? Anything specific? #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Totally understand that. #scriptchat
- If your question is missed, please give it a moment before asking it again. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 I belong to a writers' group, so my feedback is constant. However, ideally have 3 professionals review your work. #scriptchat
- Q: Have you ever found that there's a gap between the genre you'd like to write and your ability to do it? How do you bridge it? #scriptchat
- @charlie_gandez Always screenwriting although I'm starting to consider writing a book. #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Awesome. I'm in one too. #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely I believe genre is related to tone. I simply adjust the tone. Also, all stories are love stories ultimately. #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Q: What do you like to do to fuel your creativity? Where do you tend to draw inspiration from for new ideas? #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim By professionals, would you recommend other writers or paying someone to look at it? #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 Reading; I'm always reading at least 1 fiction and 1 non-fiction at a time, plus endless movie reading/watching. #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 The odd museum trip helps too. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 @SwimCharlieSwim I live in a town without a writers group (that allows screenwriters) - they're quite snobby here! #scriptchat
- @AndreaLMcNeill Hello Andrea. Hope you're well. #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Both as long as you believe they are both credible and vetted. #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely @filmwritr4 @SwimCharlieSwim We should totally have our own #screenwriting writers' group #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim @chasinglamely LOL! I guess that means they don't take movie/TV writing as "real" writing... #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim that's true, I suppose! I always struggled to write horror, but I guess that's just too dark a tone for me! #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Q: How do you approach rewrites? Do you take various passes w/ specific focuses? #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim @chasinglamely Like if you can't just pick it up and read it, or if it's not a best selling book... #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 I usually wait to get the same note 3x, then I know it's a problem that needs to be addressed and rewrite. #scriptchat
- All good zac. You? Hope you're great #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 @SwimCharlieSwim They literally told me that. They were fine with me when I was 'just a poet' in their eyes though! #scriptchat
- @AndreaLMcNeill Hey Andrea! *waves* Great to have you here! Welcome! #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Q: Do you have any favorite scripts you think all screenwriters should read to study the craft? #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim who do you send it out to, to get those notes? Only people in the industry or others? Friends, family? #scriptchat
- @AndreaLMcNeill My writers' group, my wife (who used to be an agent), and my reps. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford thought you were moderating this #scriptchat
- @blueneumann @filmwritr4 @SwimCharlieSwim It's not out of the question; my blog has a writers' forum built in that's unused... #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Yeah, I was told you send it to everyone and anyone who'll read for you. #scriptchat
- @AndreaLMcNeill I am, but as long as Qs are being asked, I try to step back and let others have theirs answered. #scriptchat
- @charlie_gandez @SwimCharlieSwim Hey Charlie! *waves* Welcome! Great to see you here too! #scriptchat
- @zacsanford understood. :) #scriptchat
- @zacsanford @AndreaLMcNeill I would definitely only send it to people who are familiar with the medium. #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely @blueneumann @SwimCharlieSwim Interesting. Hopefully, it'll get some usage. #scriptchat
- Q: I'm going to be in LA in a few months... any workshops you'd recommend I look out for? #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim What advice would you give someone to capitalize off their award/fellowship wins/placement? #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely Maybe Writer's Boot Camp, and see what The Writer's Store has on the docket. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford If you don't have representation, that should be the first order of business. #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim What, in your opinion, are some of the best written TV shows (past/present) that writers should study? #scriptchat
- @zacsanford You'll get a ton of meetings if it's a high-profile award; few if any will lead to a job though. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 Breaking Bad, The Sopranos, Friday Night Lights, Veep, anything by Norman Lear. #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Norman Lear is incredible. I did read the Breaking Bad pilot episode for my writers' group a while back. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 @SwimCharlieSwim I found this earlier; it's a good starting point: http://www.wga.org/writers-room/101-best-lists/101-best-written-tv-series/list … #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Q: With each script, what are you noticing about the way your writing has evolved? In content and style/craft. #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim How do you go about getting representation? When do you know to starting looking? How? #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 There are fewer words on the page but the words that are there (hopefully) have more impact. #scriptchat
- @charlie_gandez Write something you love, write it well, and representation will find you. It probably won't be your 1st script. #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely @filmwritr4 @SwimCharlieSwim Is that just a list of the best written shows or are the scripts also available? #scriptchat
- Q: Do you ever look at your first script to remind you how far you've come? I found mine the other day and cringed! #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely Yes, same exact reaction. #scriptchat
- @AndreaLMcNeill @chasinglamely @SwimCharlieSwim It's the WGA list of the 100 best written TV shows. Scripts available for most. #scriptchat
- @charlie_gandez BTW, I know that sounds cliched, but the longer I'm around this industry the more the cliches prove true. #scriptchat
- @AndreaLMcNeill @filmwritr4 @SwimCharlieSwim you'll find scripts for most out there with a quick Google #scriptchat
- Special thank you to all those people who converted movie scripts into .TXT files back in the 90s #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 @blueneumann (tab tab tab tab tab) CHARACTER. (return, tab tab tab tab) Dialogue... #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Q: What are some common pointers you often find yourself giving in your role as a story consultant? #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 How many scripts did I type like that? Did all of us? #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely @AndreaLMcNeill @SwimCharlieSwim @zacsanford Really hope that the link helps! Enjoy reading! #scriptchat
- @AndreaLMcNeill features are harder to find. But most award scripts can be found online. #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Totally understandable! #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 Getting into a scene late and getting out early; a scene must either be a fight, a negotiation, or a seduction. #scriptchat
- @blueneumann @chasinglamely Hahaha! Me too. I still remember having to print out scripts back then. #scriptchat
- @blueneumann I was actually responsible for a few of those... #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely I might have downloaded/read them! #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 Also, emotional tracking is really important. #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Q: If you find yourself stuck in a scene, do you have any exercises/tricks to help find your way forward? #scriptchat
- @blueneumann @chasinglamely No wonder I didn't spend a lot of time reading scripts in the '00s. Tablets were inconceivable. #scriptchat
- @AndreaLMcNeill And since you live in LA you can go to the WGA Library and read tons of feature and TV scripts for free. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford @AndreaLMcNeill the internet is an amazing resource, too; I've found that if I see something I want to read... (1/2) #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 I go back to the very simple "What does my character want?" Most writers lose sight of that at 1 point or another. #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim What advice would you have for writers doing the water bottle tour? #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 Also, I'm a big fan of Mamet's 4 rules: who's my lead character, what does s/he want, what if s/he doesn't get it #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 ...and "why now?" This applies to the entire story, but it can also pertain to each scene. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford @AndreaLMcNeill ...oftentimes, the writer will send you a copy if you contact them and ask nicely. (2/2) #scriptchat
- @zacsanford Be polite, be agreeable, but only accept the jobs that pay. #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Here's hoping someone isn't taking writing gigs that don't pay when they don't own the underlying story. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford If you are going to accept a job that doesn't pay, make sure that it's a dream job & you can find your voice in it. #scriptchat
- 15 minutes left with our guest @SwimCharlieSwim -- get those questions in. #scriptchat
Seth Rogen (co-writer of Superbad) & Will Reiser (50/50) give advice to screenwriters: http://bit.ly/2keWG5V #filmmaking #film #scriptchat pic.twitter.com/w1jxC9fuLi- @AndreaLMcNeill "water bottle tour" = general meetings all around town after winning Nicholl or having a hot spec/sample. #scriptchat
- @AndreaLMcNeill @zacsanford It's basically meetings with executives after you get a new rep, win a contest, or have a hot spec. #scriptchat
- Q: Any advice for someone who gets stuck at the turn/spiral (shit goes bad-all is lost) moments when they write? My weak spot #scriptchat
- @blueneumann Your character needs to have an epiphany that drags him/her out of that moment; the epiphany is usually rooted in #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim How did getting a Nicholl fellowship accelerate things for you? #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Q: When you read a script what makes you eager to keep turning pages and keeps you engaged? #scriptchat
- @AndreaLMcNeill @zacsanford why not? I got an incredible mentor because I asked for a script he wrote. Nothing to lose! #scriptchat
- @blueneumann ...the lesson the impact character has taught him/her, which is ultimately the theme of your story. #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Q: Ephiphany is good, but things going wrong... #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 If you can get paid to tell a story you love, do it. #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim I just read re: The Princess Bride that most of your story comes in one flash, that part never comes up then #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 If it's your own script, by all means, it's an avenue that's been successful for other writers. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 I've seen more directors get notice off of webseries than the writers. Which is a shame. #scriptchat
- @JLalliWriter I got in more rooms; I got a new agent; and I charge more for consultations ;) #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Thanks so much, Anthony. I'm working on one, or attempting to, right now. Maybe one day I'll earn money for it #scriptchat
- Q: What's the one prjct you'd love to get off the ground that nobody else "gets"? Seems to me that every writer has one... #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 A character that I can emotionally identify with and writing that makes me wonder what happens next. #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim @JLalliWriter did you know the business well before you won the Nicholl's? Important to understand business #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely I wrote a script that Clint Eastwood wants to produce but no studio wants to fund. #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely It's a cautionary tale involving 9/11. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford Wow. I had no idea that was even happening. Actors who create their own shows get attention, but hard to believe... #scriptchat
- @zacsanford ...that writers of such shows aren't getting noticed. #scriptchat
- @AndreaLMcNeill @JLalliWriter Yes, I think I did, but I certainly understand it better now, and it's constantly evolving. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 Happened to a couple writers I know. And myself. Then again, maybe my writing wasn't strong enough. :) #scriptchat
- Alas I only made it as far as the semifinals. It did give me validation, & more respect among writers in the biz #scriptchat https://twitter.com/andrealmcneill/status/825883764681228290 …
- @filmwritr4 @zacsanford I think b/c people see actors/directors as usable resources for their own projects. Parts. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford @filmwritr4 It does seem that creator/stars get the most lift off of web series. #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim I know I have spent too much time honing the craft and not enough learning the biz. At UCLA now in a great clas #scriptchat
- @zacsanford I hope I can improve mine, as well as the production quality. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 @zacsanford I'll straight up admit I keep thinking "I could use that/him/her somewhere" #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim seems bizarre. Right topic, right guy... I guess even the perfect package doesn't always sell. #Hollyweird #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely Okay, slightly off topic, that last bit totally gave me an idea for a movie #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely @SwimCharlieSwim No one wanted Arrival, and now it's an Oscar nominated film. "No One Knows Anything." #scriptchat
- @blueneumann @zacsanford @SwimCharlieSwim I don't even star in my web series. I write/create/co-produce. #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely @SwimCharlieSwim No one wanted #MadMen until AMC decided to rebrand and launched their network. #scriptchat
- F5: Get Amazon Gift Cards? Screenwriting & Writing Books! http://sex-in-a-sub.blogspot.com/2016/12/e-books-make-great-stocking-suffers-for.html … #scriptchat
- When you truly love a project, it'll never die. It's just finding the right team at the right time to make it a reality. #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Q: Any words of advice for those working on scripts they'd like to submit for the upcoming Nicholl fellowship? #scriptchat
- @zacsanford Hopefully your writing will get even stronger, and that you'll get more opportunities to show your talents. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 Well the series is now being developed into a feature. Working on financing now. I feel it's my best piece yet. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford @SwimCharlieSwim Yep. A few years ago, I was pitching a silent movie. "Nobody will watch a silent film." Guess what? #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 To be blunt, it really helps if it's a drama (though moments of levity are welcome). #scriptchat
- @zacsanford Awesome. Best of luck, and success, with it. #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 That said, anything well-executed and character-driven stands a chance. #scriptchat
- Drama always tops. RT @SwimCharlieSwim: To be blunt, it really helps if it's a drama (though moments of levity are welcome). #scriptchat
- And for those who were at the last chat with me, your books are coming this week. Promise!!! #scriptchat
- Any last questions for Anthony?? Get that in for the last chance. #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Is it better to enter Nicholl early or later in the competition, or does it not matter? IMO, early = better #scriptchat
- No #scriptchat on Feb 5th. Enjoy the #SuperBowl!
- @zacsanford @SwimCharlieSwim Don't mention Mad Men. It made me watch Good Girls Revolt. And now I'm hoping for a cable pickup. #scriptchat
- @JLalliWriter I entered with 4 hours left til the deadline...not sure it matters much. But I didn't save any $ doing it that way #scriptchat
- A big thanks to @SwimCharlieSwim for joining us this evening. Give him a follow. #scriptchat
- Really enjoyed being here with you guys, as always. Thanks to @SwimCharlieSwim for taking the time to answer our questions! #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Thank you so much for joining us and fielding our questions! You did great. All the best with your writing! #scriptchat
- @SwimCharlieSwim Any specific writing exercises you suggest? #scriptchat
- Drama and based on a true story, IMO. #scriptchat https://twitter.com/swimcharlieswim/status/825885370315370496 …
- @SwimCharlieSwim @JLalliWriter Legit contests it won't matter when you submit, other than costing you a little more. #scriptchat
- See you in 2 weeks! #scriptchat
- Thanks for joining us and imparting wisdom tonight, @SwinCharlieSwim. I appreciate your time. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 if it's based on a true story you need a release. Just learned that in my class, or the rights. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford Thanks so much for having me! This was a lot of fun. You can DM me if you have any other questions. #scriptchat
- Thanks Anthony. Great job! #scriptchat
- Enjoy the Super Ads next week. We'll be here again on the 12th. Have a great rest of the night and get to those pages! #scriptchat
- *blows a kiss* Goodnight Everybody. #scriptchat
- Ah, there goes my early theory. Yeah, butt those late entry fees are getting pricey. #scriptchat https://twitter.com/swimcharlieswim/status/825886084370464770 …
- @SwimCharlieSwim @zacsanford Really enjoyed speaking with you and everyone here! Awesome job! Thanks for being with us! #scriptchat
- Thank you for taking time and answering our questions and passing your knowledge to us @SwimCharlieSwim I really appreciate it! #scriptchat
- And for more insights here's a great interview from @GoIntoTheStory with @SwimCharlieSwim: https://gointothestory.blcklst.com/interview-anthony-grieco-2015-nicholl-winner-b90ec0164e7c#.nj9po2sdg … #scriptchat
- @Al_1701 *blows a kiss back* Good night! #scriptchat
- @JLalliWriter Smaller contests matter to be early, that way readers aren't overloaded/behind/over it. :) #scriptchat
- @AndreaLMcNeill I see. Thanks so much for the info! #scriptchat
- I have a theory about readers giving a slower, more in depth read early rather than rushing reads as deadline approaches #scriptchat https://twitter.com/zacsanford/status/825886244269867008 …
- Good point about the number of readers vs number of scripts. #scriptchat https://twitter.com/zacsanford/status/825886789617455104 …
- @AndreaLMcNeill @filmwritr4 Any info on the requirements if it's based on something that happened to u but others were involved? #scriptchat
- @KathieJuengling Shoot me a PM with deets on FB and I'll let you know if anything is needed on a release. #scriptchat
