Great American Pitchfest June 26 and 27, 2010

Regular scriptchat members have often heard me sing my pimp praises for the Great American Pitchfest.  Not only do I have deep love for its creative team, Signe Olynyk and Bob Schultz, but also for the event itself.  In my personal experience of pitching, it is indeed one of the most well run events and opportunities a screenwriter has to access producers, agents and managers.  

This year's Great American PitchFest is a two-day event on June 26 & 27, and will be held at the Burbank Marriott Hotel & Convention Center.  The Saturday is a full day of free classes, and anyone who wishes to attend is welcome.  Also on Saturday, is the opportunity to have private consultation sessions with industry professionals.  On the Sunday, they have their legendary pitchfest with over 100 production companies, agents, managers, and studio execs hearing pitches.  The cost for the pitchfest is $250, but it includes all your pitches and most writers meet with an average of 20 companies.  CLICK HERE for a list participating companies.  They also have a cocktail party immediately following (included in your ticket) and some of the best relationships are formed during this party.

I’ve been to the event several times and still maintain relationships with most of the industry people I met there.  Whether you buy a ticket to the pitchfest or not, its a great opportunity to network and meet other writers.  If you live in the LA area, make sure you check out the free classes on the Saturday - they're all excellent, and there's no catch whatsoever.  Just visit www.pitchfest.com for details.


This year, for the first time ever at Great American Pitchfest, we're working on bringing a special Screenwriter Karaoke event by our own Merrel Davis!!!!!  You can't imagine how thrilled we were to introduce Merrel and Xandy Sussan to Pitchfest peeps.  What a fun night it will be.  Cash bar even... can you say #TEQUILAtime!?  We'll keep you posted with deets.  Fingers crossed we can work it all out.  You know us, we'll give it the #scriptchat #treefort try to make it a reality. 

I probably won't be able to answer all your questions about the event, but if you have any, please either email info@pitchfest.com for answers or leave them in the comment section below, and I’ll try to find the answer for you. 

The tickets always sell out, so I urge you to buy yours before they’re gone.  Tickets are available for $250 on the website.

But no matter what, make sure you mark it in your calendars to come on out for the free classes – they’re all excellent.   I’ll indeed be pitching this year, and Zac Sanford will be on the exec side of the table, hearing pitches as well.  We hope to see you there!

Jeanne @jeannevb


P.S. Great TIPS for GAPF by @zacsanford: A MUST READ ... CLICK HERE! 

*note: the opinions presented in this post are solely those of the contributor and may or may not represent the views of all scriptchat participants*

Theme - June 20, 2010

#Scriptchat TOPIC: THEME

The EURO chat was hosted tonight by @zacsanford, Zac Sanford, because our lovely @DreamsGrafter, Mina Zaher, is on a well-deserved vacation.   All things theme were discussed.  The USA chat ran well into a second hour full of lively debate.  You’ll definitely want to read… I even had to threaten to get the bouncers! (Yes, that’s a teaser….)  Enjoy! @jeannevb

EURO moderator: Zac Sanford, @zacsanford

USA moderator: Jeanne Veillette Bowerman, @jeannevb

EURO chat:

7:00 pm                zacsanford2:                Hello everyone and welcome to #scriptchat. Since @dreamsGrafter is away, I'll be your guest host for the evening. #scriptchat

7:00 pm             olilewington:             Hooray for @zacsanford - tonight's guest host on #scriptchat

7:01 pm             zacsanford2:             Tonight we're talking about "theme" and how it relates to your scripts. #scriptchat

7:01 pm             Jonathan_Peace:             @zacsanford2 Hi @zacsanford Welcome to the UK. Don't mind the weather LOL #scriptchat

7:02 pm             zacsanford2:             So what are some tools that people use to make sure the theme is present and answered through out the script? #scriptchat

7:03 pm             lupiilu:             hello everyone, sorry, was researching #scriptchat

7:03 pm             zacsanford2:             @Jonathan_Peace I'm currently tweeting from my balcony overlooking Hollywood blvd. It's a gorgeous day here in LA. #scriptchat

7:03 pm             olilewington:             OK, so my Q to kick of is: how overt should Theme be? Should EVERYONE who reads/watches your flick be able to identify it? #scriptchat

7:04 pm             JLichtenberg:             RT @zacsanford2: So what are some tools that people use to make sure the theme is present and answered through out the script? #scriptchat

7:04 pm             Jonathan_Peace:             When I write a rough draft theme isn't uppermost in my mind. It's getting the story down. Further drafts look at how theme fits #scriptchat

7:04 pm             zacsanford2:             As someone who reads a lot of scripts, if I can't tell what the theme is of your story within 10 pages, it is an uphill battle. #scriptchat

7:04 pm             JLichtenberg:             I'm Jacqueline Lichtenberg, professional writer and reviewer. #scriptchat

7:05 pm             Jonathan_Peace:             #jealousmuch RT @zacsanford2: Im currently tweeting from my balcony overlooking Hollywood blvd. Its a gorgeous day here in LA. #scriptchat

7:05 pm             scribe_diatribe:             I guess theme springs from the actual story... there's been various types of story identified... #scriptchat

7:05 pm             zacsanford2:             @olilewington I tend to notice most good scripts have a line of dialogue that alludes to the theme within the first 5 mins/pages #scriptchat

7:05 pm             zacsanford2:             @JLichtenberg I believe @jeannevb said you had a great post on theme this week. Is there a way you can give us the link? #scriptchat

7:05 pm             JLichtenberg:             RT @zacsanford2: As someone who reads a lot of scripts, if I can't tell what the theme is of your story within 10 pages, it is an uphill battle. #scriptchat

7:05 pm             Jonathan_Peace:             It was only on the rewrite of Deadline I realised the true theme was obsession. #scriptchat

7:05 pm             olilewington:             So should we be aiming to write TO a Theme from the start, or is theme something that is allowed to "emerge" as we write? #scriptchat

7:05 pm             JLichtenberg:             Choice of opening image is governed by theme #scriptchat

7:06 pm             scribe_diatribe:             question is... do we get too constrained by identifying the 'theme' and sticking too closely to what we may think it dictates? #scriptchat

7:06 pm             zacsanford2:             @olilewington The theme shouldn't be blatant, but hidden in some subtext. #scriptchat

7:07 pm             olilewington:             But not too on-the-nose RT @zacsanford2: @olilewington most gd scripts have a line that alludes to the theme in 1st 5 mins/pages #scriptchat

7:07 pm             zacsanford2:             @olilewington I'm a true believer in outlining, so most the time my theme is one of the first three things locked down. #scriptchat

7:07 pm             Jonathan_Peace:             I still say initial draft is story. Further drafts can intelligently blend through dialogue/visuals the theme #scriptchat

7:07 pm             zacsanford2:             I tend to start with how my script ends, go 180 degrees and know the beginning, and then figure out the theme for the middle. #scriptchat

7:07 pm             thescriptlab:             Script Theme: To Be or Not To Be http://bit.ly/blNzkP #scriptchat

7:08 pm             scribe_diatribe:             Oh stupid me... sorry I thought we were talking genre... ignore the previous! lol #scriptchat

7:08 pm             9Cups:             #scriptchat Theme http://ht.ly/20TLb http://editingcircle.blogspot.com/2010/06/what-you-can-do-in-novel-that-you-cant.html @zacsanford2

7:08 pm             JLichtenberg:             #scriptchat Theme http://ht.ly/20TLM http://editingcircle.blogspot.com/2010/06/what-you-can-do-in-novel-that-you-cant.html @zacsanford2

7:08 pm             scribe_diatribe:             that's what comes of half reading tweets while taking a hammer to a hard disk #scriptchat

7:08 pm             olilewington:             @zacsanford2 What's the best way to "define" a theme - is it abstract or concrete - both, or either? #scriptchat

7:08 pm             zacsanford2:             When I go to pitchfests here in the States, most people who pitch it is hard to tell what their theme is. #scriptchat

7:09 pm             KarenSperling:             I use Lajos Egri as my guide. And he says theme/premise stems from character + conflict. #scriptchat

7:09 pm             zacsanford2:             @olilewington It can be a mixture of both or either. No one script has the same way to define the theme. #scriptchat

7:09 pm             lupiilu:             I find most of my stories have theme even when I haven't put any thought into it, I just have to find it #scriptchat

7:09 pm             JLichtenberg:             easiest way to inject THEME is to take a positive statement and show don't tell - Always Read The Fine Print #scriptchat

7:10 pm             zacsanford2:             A good book to read that talks about theme is @savethecat by the late Blake Snyder. #scriptchat

7:10 pm             olilewington:             So it needs to be overt? RT @zacsanford2: When I go to pitchfests, most people who pitch it is hard to tell what their theme is. #scriptchat

7:10 pm             JLichtenberg:             @KarenSperling Egri is right - but writer can work either from character to theme, or from theme to character. #scriptchat

7:10 pm             zacsanford2:             Since I tend to do my first outline in the @savethecat beat sheet format, "theme stated" is one of the 12 beats. #scriptchat

7:10 pm             olilewington:             @zacsanford2 Overt in a pitch, I mean, not "on-the-nose" in the screenplay? #scriptchat

7:10 pm             thewritertype:             #scriptchat Maybe the theme of a film is like an illness: first you see the symptoms, then the diagnosis emerges.

7:10 pm             TheWriteScript:             #Screenwriting #rewrite #three coming up! #Silentwriters, here's to 5 quiet hours! The #script is looking good. I'll be done by #scriptchat.

7:10 pm             JLichtenberg:             How you work doesn't matter. End product must have theme as touchstone of choice of every image and action #scriptchat

7:11 pm             thescriptlab:             @olilewington a defined theme from the outset can really help you as you develop your story. always answer the "why?" #scriptchat

7:11 pm             scribe_diatribe:             theme and story - surely they are interlinked - although good to get a clear idea in one's head as to what you are trying to say #scriptchat

7:11 pm             olilewington:             @JLichtenberg Can you give us an example of +ve statement of theme? #scriptchat

7:11 pm             JLichtenberg:             Cardinal rule in screenwriting should be argue your theme, but don't contradict yourself while you do it #scriptchat

7:11 pm             zacsanford2:             I've even asked writers after their pitch, "what is the theme of the story" and most stare at me with a blank look on their face #scriptchat

7:12 pm             filmutopia:             #scriptchat I can't play tonight. Have fun discussing theme. I have no idea what theme is BTW

7:12 pm             fnafilms:             Should use Tweetdeck or summat, #scriptchat #filmcourage #totbo #buildyouraudience and #worldcup. PHEW!

7:12 pm             JLichtenberg:             Theme is what you want to SAY - the take-away left for the audience at the end. "Keep your friends close; enemies closer" #scriptchat

7:12 pm             zacsanford2:             RT @scribe_diatribe: theme and story - surely they are interlinked - although good to get a clear to what you are trying to say. #scriptchat

7:12 pm             olilewington:             That good or bad? RT @filmutopia: #scriptchat I cant play tonight. Have fun discussing theme. I have no idea what theme is BTW #scriptchat

7:13 pm             JLichtenberg:             RT @zacsanford2: Ive even asked writers after their pitch, "what is the theme of the story" and most stare at me blankly #scriptchat

7:13 pm             zacsanford2:             @fnafilms Best way to follow #scriptchat or any hashtag chat is with tweetchat.com/room/scriptchat #scriptchat

7:13 pm             scribe_diatribe:             @JLichtenberg but maybe the characters could contradict it... to help show the arguments for and against the 'writers voice'? #scriptchat

7:13 pm             KarenSperling:             I build up all the elements including theme as I go along. I don't believe in rules that one should come before another. #scriptchat

7:13 pm             Jonathan_Peace:             @filmutopia I thought it was the opening music. The A-Team only good thing is the theme, no story or character. #scriptchat

7:13 pm             JLichtenberg:             @zacsanford2 Yes, they don't teach "find the theme" in HS Lit courses as carefully as they once did. #scriptchat

7:13 pm             zacsanford2:             RT @JLichtenberg: Theme is what you want to SAY - the take-away left for the audience at the end. #scriptchat

7:13 pm             zacsanford2:             ha ha. RT @Jonathan_Peace: @filmutopia I thought it was the opening music. #scriptchat

7:14 pm             zacsanford2:             And no, as I've been asked before, the theme isn't always the "moral of the story." #scriptchat

7:14 pm             olilewington:             @fnafilms It's hard work keeping up with #filmcourage and #scriptchat isn't it? Worth the effort, though.

7:14 pm             yingandyang:             #scriptchat can anyone show me an example (link) of a beat sheet please?

7:14 pm             JLichtenberg:             The "lesson" or "moral of the story" would be theme in a YA targeted work. #scriptchat

7:14 pm             zacsanford2:             It's weird, out of the 3 current scripts I'm working on, they all have a similar theme of gender issues. #scriptchat

7:15 pm             JLichtenberg:             THEME: "Ecology trumps individual human preferences, or even life, in a space habitat" #scriptchat

7:15 pm             JLichtenberg:             That would be the theme of the short story THE COLD EQUATIONS #scriptchat

7:16 pm             JLichtenberg:             RT @zacsanford2: Its weird, out of the 3 current scripts Im working on, they all have a similar theme of gender issues. #scriptchat

7:16 pm             zacsanford2:             @yingandyang This is the beat sheet I use. http://www.blakesnyder.com/downloads/beatsheet.doc #scriptchat

7:16 pm             Jonathan_Peace:             Surely story dictates theme, or at least influences it? #scriptchat

7:16 pm             JLichtenberg:             Themes from gender issues -- yes, producers want "the same but different" in theme as well, and themes wear out. #scriptchat

7:16 pm             olilewington:             How broad can/should a theme be? "Gender issues" seems quite broad, can you/should you be more precise? #scriptchat

7:16 pm             JLichtenberg:             A theme can also be a fashion statement - political positions especially subject to whim of the public #scriptchat

7:17 pm             zacsanford2:             I know Toy Story 3 isn't out in the UK yet, but the theme of the story is abandonment. Then again, that is the theme of all 3. #scriptchat

7:17 pm             olilewington:             @Jonathan_Peace But Theme CAN dictates story, depending on your approach, I guess. #scriptchat

7:17 pm             JLichtenberg:             @Jonathan_Peace Or THEME DICTATES STORY - doesn't matter which way, in the end product, they must reflect each other #scriptchat

7:17 pm             zacsanford2:             @olilewington Well each of the three scripts "gender issues" is the broad theme, but each story is more defined. #scriptchat

7:17 pm             RockingtheRobin:             RT @JLichtenberg: How you work doesn't matter. End product must have theme as touchstone of choice of every image and action #scriptchat

7:18 pm             JLichtenberg:             @zacsanford2 "Abandonment" alone isn't a theme. "Never abandon anyone, even worst enemy" is a theme #scriptchat

7:18 pm             RockingtheRobin:             RT @JLichtenberg: easiest way to inject THEME is to take a positive statement and show don't tell - Always Read The Fine Print #scriptchat

7:18 pm             zacsanford2:             So I know some said they figure out theme once they go to rewrite, while I like to find mine in the outlining stage. #scriptchat

7:19 pm             JLichtenberg:             One reason writers shy from showing WIP around is that we work on one part, THEN another. THEME often comes in rewrite #scriptchat

7:19 pm             zacsanford2:             There is no wrong way to figure it out. Sometimes theme can dictate the story and sometimes the story can dictate the theme. #scriptchat

7:19 pm             The_Jodi:             Like "war is bad, peace is good" :) #scriptchat

7:19 pm             zacsanford2:             RT @JLichtenberg: easiest way to inject THEME is to take a positive statement and show dont tell - Always Read The Fine Print #scriptchat

7:19 pm             yingandyang:             RT @zacsanford2: @yingandyang This is the beat sheet I use. http://bit.ly/cwe7us #scriptchat great! thanks.

7:19 pm             JLichtenberg:             @zacsanford2 oops, you said "find theme in rewrite" just as I was talking about it. #scriptchat

7:20 pm             JLichtenberg:             RT @The_Jodi: Like "war is bad, peace is good" :) ==> yes that's a theme! #scriptchat

7:20 pm             zacsanford2:             @yingandyang If you don't know what the slang used in the beet sheet is, check out the @savethecat book. #scriptchat

7:20 pm             lupiilu:             I don't really write with theme in mind, but I always find it there anyway, I think in most cases theme is inherent #scriptchat

7:21 pm             lupiilu:             at least I find it that way, I think half the time you just have to figure out what you're trying to say and make it more overt #scriptchat

7:21 pm             scribe_diatribe:             As always in screenwriting I think an 'ultimate' definition of a term is a non-starter - people interpret things so differently #scriptchat

7:21 pm             zacsanford2:             Since it's a movie that I know many people have seen, what would you say is the theme for Avatar? There's a few answers. #scriptchat

7:21 pm             JLichtenberg:             Do "same but different" reverse the positive statement everyone else is making. ST did "WAR IS GOOD" via Klingons #scriptchat

7:21 pm             Jonathan_Peace:             No matter which way we inject theme into the script, finding it is fun. Painful... but fun LOL #scriptchat

7:21 pm             scribe_diatribe:             but what is important is knowing what you want to say in a story and through the characters #scriptchat

7:21 pm             Jonathan_Peace:             @lupiilu Why, good evening :-) #scriptchat

7:21 pm             Jonathan_Peace:             RT @scribe_diatribe: but what is important is knowing what you want to say in a story and through the characters #scriptchat

7:22 pm             zacsanford2:             RT @scribe_diatribe: but what is important is knowing what you want to say in a story and through the characters #scriptchat

7:22 pm             JLichtenberg:             RT @scribe_diatribe: an ultimate definition of a term is a non-starter - people interpret things so differently #scriptchat

7:22 pm             lupiilu:             @Jonathan_Peace hello Mr. Peace ;) #scriptchat

7:22 pm             yingandyang:             RT @zacsanford2: @yingandyang If you don't know what the slang used in the beet sheet is, check out the @savethecat book. #scriptchat Ta!

7:22 pm             JLichtenberg:             @scribe_diatribe Yes, TERMINOLOGY really doesn't matter. All pros use different words, but KNOW the working parts cold! #scriptchat

7:23 pm             JLichtenberg:             RT @zacsanford2: @yingandyang If you dont know what the slang used in the beet sheet is, check out the @savethecat book. #scriptchat

7:23 pm             zacsanford2:             I forgot who asked, but even a film like AN EDUCATION could be "gender issues" as a broad theme, but it goes deeper than that. #scriptchat

7:23 pm             JLichtenberg:             SAVE THE CAT! (all 3) are wondrous distillation, empirical analysis at its best. Some writers can only learn that way #scriptchat

7:24 pm             olilewington:             @zacsanford2 'Twas me - so Theme can start broad and become focused as the movie goes forward? #scriptchat

7:24 pm             JLichtenberg:             @Jonathan_Peace Sometimes ideas and whole CONCEPTS appear in mind via theme. Sometimes theme must be whittled out #scriptchat

7:25 pm             JLichtenberg:             "gender issues" is a subject; "gender doesn't matter in love" is a theme #scriptchat

7:25 pm             zacsanford2:             Exactly. RT @olilewington: so Theme can start broad and become focused as the movie goes forward? #scriptchat

7:25 pm             KarenSperling:             Zac, how do you describe theme? #scriptchat

7:25 pm             olilewington:             Do we think that Theme can be something that you can find in the re-write process, once you've told the story in the 1st draft? #scriptchat

7:26 pm             JLichtenberg:             I would say theme must START FOCUSED - stated clearly on pg 5, then can broaden. #scriptchat

7:26 pm             zacsanford2:             Whoa, my laptop just went all wonky. #scriptchat

7:26 pm             JLichtenberg:             Screen is diff from novels in that theme must be up front, and sharpened. And sub-theme is rare in a feature film #scriptchat

7:26 pm             Jonathan_Peace:             @olilewington I strongly agree with that. I always write with story in mind first, then define the theme in the rewrite. #scriptchat

7:26 pm             JLichtenberg:             Sub-themes abound in TV series, though. #scriptchat

7:27 pm             fnafilms:             @olilewington - I think it can be found, or at least solidified in rewrites... #scriptchat

7:27 pm             scribe_diatribe:             @JLichtenberg gosh p.5! Isn't that a bit specific!? #scriptchat

7:27 pm             zacsanford2:             @JLichtenberg Whoops, i think I read @olliewington wrong. I meant when I'm outlining I can start broad and then focus as I write #scriptchat

7:27 pm             olilewington:             @Jonathan_Peace Do you think your story is strengthened by the search for Theme? #scriptchat

7:27 pm             zacsanford2:             What are you trying to say to the audience about an issue or idea. RT @KarenSperling: Zac, how do you describe theme? #scriptchat

7:27 pm             JLichtenberg:             @Jonathan_Peace One way to measure progress as a writer is to discover one is doing opposite of what one 'always' does #scriptchat

7:28 pm             zacsanford2:             Most is usually out there by 5 mins in, 10 tops. RT @scribe_diatribe: @JLichtenberg gosh p.5! Isnt that a bit specific!? #scriptchat

7:28 pm             The_Jodi:             @JLichtenberg It's also good for a Miss America latform. #scriptchat

7:28 pm             KarenSperling:             @zacsanford2 cool, thanks, that works for me! :-D #scriptchat

7:28 pm             JLichtenberg:             @zacsanford2 yes, definitely when WRITING start broad and SHARPEN. But sharpening on 3X5 card stage is best #scriptchat

7:28 pm             lupiilu:             @JLichtenberg I don't agree, I think theme should be something that is cogitated over, discovered, it's more enjoyable that way #scriptchat

7:28 pm             Jonathan_Peace:             @olilewington Definately. On the new rewrite of my thriller script I focused on the theme of obsession in every line/action #scriptchat

7:29 pm             thewritertype:             #scriptchat I've never recommended a film to someone because of its theme.

7:29 pm             zacsanford2:             So even though your theme should be stated by 5-10 mins/pages in, you need to address it in every beat going forward. #scriptchat

7:29 pm             zacsanford2:             Perfect! RT @Jonathan_Peace: On the new rewrite of my thriller script I focused on the theme of obsession in every line/action #scriptchat

7:29 pm             olilewington:             Me neither. Significant? RT @thewritertype: #scriptchat Ive never recommended a film to someone because of its theme. #scriptchat

7:29 pm             JLichtenberg:             @zacsanford2 SAVE THE CAT beat sheet does specify which elements need to fall on what page of a 110 pger #scriptchat

7:29 pm             KarenSperling:             RT Theme definition @zacsanford2: What are you trying to say to the audience about an issue or idea. #scriptchat

7:30 pm             JLichtenberg:             I've timed a few award winning films and found Snyder's beat sheet works - but those are produced films, not draft scripts. #scriptchat

7:30 pm             zacsanford2:             @JLichtenberg I don't hold to the exact pages in the STC book as set in concrete, but somewhere in the ballpark. #scriptchat

7:30 pm             JLichtenberg:             Snyder says spec scripts need to conform to that beat sheet CLOSER than say, a contracted script #scriptchat

7:31 pm             olilewington:             RT @JLichtenberg: I would say theme must START FOCUSED - stated clearly on pg 5, then can broaden. #scriptchat

7:31 pm             lupiilu:             @Jonathan_Peace I think that for writers the theme is more obvious, but a reader/watcher should discover it slowly #scriptchat

7:31 pm             JLichtenberg:             http://www.blakesnyder.com/tools/ has the beat sheet and examples of famous movies that conform #scriptchat

7:31 pm             Jonathan_Peace:             @zacsanford2 I didn't write the initial draft with it in mind. I wrote a horror-thriller then started to scrape away the layers #scriptchat

7:32 pm             olilewington:             Because it's "expected"? RT @JLichtenberg: Snyder says spec scripts need to conform to beat sheet CLOSER than a contract script #scriptchat

7:32 pm             lupiilu:             @zacsanford2 I agree, even if we need to be closer, I think there has to be room for maneuver or the plot becomes stale #scriptchat

7:32 pm             JLichtenberg:             @lupiilu Oh, yes, POINT of writer knowing theme is that it must be SHOWN NOT TOLD so viewer can misconstrue and interpret #scriptchat

7:32 pm             zacsanford2:             A good logline should also give me an insight into what the theme will be. #scriptchat

7:32 pm             scribe_diatribe:             Hmmm.... I think european cinema may have a 'slower burn' regarding theme than US films... so the page 5 thing.. I don't know... #scriptchat

7:33 pm             KarenSperling:             RT @zacsanford2: A good logline should also give me an insight into what the theme will be. #scriptchat

7:33 pm             JLichtenberg:             @scribe_diatribe Oh, definitely Euro is DIFFERENT. & US is conforming to world standards b/c need to export #scriptchat

7:33 pm             zacsanford2:             @scribe_diatribe Yeah, the European film market is a little more laxed on the "rules" that seem to govern American cinema. #scriptchat

7:33 pm             JLichtenberg:             Lots of US viewers have developed taste for Euro style via TV #scriptchat

7:33 pm             scribe_diatribe:             Yes it can help the writer clarify! RT @zacsanford2: A good logline should also give me an insight into what the theme will be. #scriptchat

7:34 pm             JLichtenberg:             RT @KarenSperling: RT @zacsanford2: A good logline should also give me an insight into what the theme will be. #scriptchat

7:34 pm             JLichtenberg:             Yes, LOGLINE is another reason theme must be clear in writers mind. Snyder says write logline, then 3X5 cards #scriptchat

7:34 pm             lupiilu:             @zacsanford2 ACK, as if I didn't have enough problems with loglines! lol #scriptchat

7:35 pm             scribe_diatribe:             @JLichtenberg yep I think that theme in euro films tend to be more an exploration rather than a 'this is it' approach... #scriptchat

7:35 pm             zacsanford2:             I'm one of the few who does the opposite. beat sheet then logline. RT @JLichtenberg: Snyder says write logline, then 3X5 cards #scriptchat

7:35 pm             JLichtenberg:             Writing non-fic essay requires keeping "what you are saying" in mind and tossing everything that doesn't say it Same in film #scriptchat

7:35 pm             zacsanford2:             @scribe_diatribe You'd be amazed though that a lot of foreign films still throw the broad theme up there in the beginning. #scriptchat

7:36 pm             olilewington:             I think the writing logline 1st is even more important in this world of identifying your audience as early as possible #totbo #scriptchat

7:36 pm             scribe_diatribe:             we are more philosophical you see... ;) #scriptchat

7:36 pm             zacsanford2:             So any questions on theme to be addressed? #scriptchat

7:36 pm             JLichtenberg:             Saleability in a specific market can easily depend on the THEME chosen, as well as how well it's illustrated #scriptchat

7:36 pm             Jonathan_Peace:             The logline and basic synopsis for my OTT horror script got a request for a read, but I'm not sure you could gauge theme from it #scriptchat

7:36 pm             lupiilu:             @zacsanford2 I haven't even though about logline, well I have but only in the ostrich head in the sand sort of way! #scriptchat

7:36 pm             JLichtenberg:             Producers eye markets, what ppl are interested in DISCUSSING, and theme is a way to discuss with viewer #scriptchat

7:37 pm             olilewington:             RT @JLichtenberg: Writing an essay requires keeping "what you are saying" in mind and tossing anything that doesnt. Same in film #scriptchat

7:37 pm             KarenSperling:             I highly recommend reading Lajos Egri's The Art of Dramatic Writing for how to come up with theme/premise. #scriptchat

7:37 pm             JLichtenberg:             @Jonathan_Peace Maybe you can't gauge theme from Ur logline, but producer might IMAGINE and hope? #scriptchat

7:37 pm             JLichtenberg:             RT @KarenSperling: I highly recommend reading Lajos Egris The Art of Dramatic Writing for how to come up with theme/premise. #scriptchat

7:38 pm             zacsanford2:             RT @JLichtenberg: Writing an essay requires keeping "what you are saying" in mind and tossing anything that doesnt. Same in film #scriptchat

7:38 pm             zacsanford2:             RT @KarenSperling: I highly recommend reading Lajos Egris The Art of Dramatic Writing for how to come up with theme/premise. #scriptchat

7:38 pm             JLichtenberg:             @KarenSperling Most writers don't have trouble coming up with a theme - writers write b/c they have something to SAY #scriptchat

7:38 pm             Jonathan_Peace:             @JLichtenberg We can but hope LOL #scriptchat

7:38 pm             JLichtenberg:             @KarenSperling problems start when figuring out HOW to say what's burning in Ur heart, and WHO to say it to. #scriptchat

7:38 pm             scribe_diatribe:             Maybe theme is more important to certain genres? Maybe theme isn't so important to action films for example? whatchathink? #scriptchat

7:39 pm             KarenSperling:             @JLichtenberg Um have you been reading what everyone's been typing haha. #scriptchat

7:39 pm             olilewington:             @JLichtenberg Maybe writers' problem can be being unable to IDENTIFY the theme, not think it up. #scriptchat

7:39 pm             thewritertype:             #scriptchat I don't get inspired to write a theme, I'm inspired to write a story. Theme emerges to shape the story.

7:40 pm             Jonathan_Peace:             The logline is: All that stands between freedom & gory death is a pregnant woman with a cricket bat. #scriptchat

7:40 pm             JLichtenberg:             @Jonathan_Peace Producers may often go searching for a particular thematic statement but not know it. more... #scriptchat

7:40 pm             lupiilu:             @JLichtenberg I agree with that, every script I do had a theme when I wrote the idea down, I think they call me opinionated! #scriptchat

7:40 pm             Jonathan_Peace:             Theme? #scriptchat

7:40 pm             olilewington:             RT @thewritertype: #scriptchat I dont get inspired to write a theme, rather to write a story. Theme emerges to shape the story. #scriptchat

7:40 pm             zacsanford2:             @scribe_diatribe Even action has a theme buried somewhere inside all the tense action. Can you guess the theme for Die Hard? #scriptchat

7:41 pm             olilewington:             @Jonathan_Peace So your theme is violence in pregnant women...? Hehe #scriptchat

7:41 pm             JLichtenberg:             @Jonathan_Peace so they put out a call for a Western set in New Mexico, or a RomCom set in Paris #scriptchat

7:41 pm             zacsanford2:             @Jonathan_Peace A guess at broad theme is survival. #scriptchat

7:41 pm             lupiilu:             @olilewington that's exactly what I think, theme, plot and story to me are inextricable from each other #scriptchat

7:41 pm             JLichtenberg:             @olilewington @thewritertype - yes, each writer is different, but so is each project. One day U will be inspired by theme ... #scriptchat

7:42 pm             KarenSperling:             RT @lupiilu: @olilewington thats exactly what I think, theme, plot and story to me are inextricable from each other #scriptchat

7:42 pm             scribe_diatribe:             @zacsanford2 but surely action theme is as simple as 'good must fight to overcome evil'? Errr... I've not seen any Diehard! :) #scriptchat

7:42 pm             KarenSperling:             @lupiilu I agree. #scriptchat

7:42 pm             JLichtenberg:             And when suddenly inspired by a theme, if U'v always started with story, U'll be bollixed but good #scriptchat

7:42 pm             writeononline:             @Jonathan_Peace Thanks for entering the Write On! Query Contest Screenplays & Teleplays http://bit.ly/9kRzsM #scriptchat

7:42 pm             olilewington:             I think there's sometimes a very fine line between story and theme in the "having something to say" camp #scriptchat

7:43 pm             JLichtenberg:             So as a skills acquisition exercise, start with a theme plucked from an Award winner U love - write a new story from it #scriptchat

7:43 pm             olilewington:             100% with you RT @lupiilu: Theme, plot and story to me are inextricable from each other #scriptchat

7:43 pm             zacsanford2:             @scribe_diatribe Action theme isn't always "good must fight to overcome evil", but sometimes you need to look into the B story. #scriptchat

7:43 pm             lupiilu:             @KarenSperling thank you. I've never managed to get an idea down without finding theme already there #scriptchat

7:43 pm             JLichtenberg:             A prof screenwriter can start with whatever producer tosses at them and create all the rest to order under deadline #scriptchat

7:44 pm             JMMandel:             RT @thescriptlab: Script Theme: To Be or Not To Be http://bit.ly/blNzkP #scriptchat

7:44 pm             KarenSperling:             @lupiilu you know, sometimes people just get it without thinking about it. #scriptchat

7:44 pm             zacsanford2:             @scribe_diatribe Name an action film that hopefully I've seen and I'll try to figure out the theme. #scriptchat

7:44 pm             scribe_diatribe:             @zacsanford2 ahhh the B-story... :) yes... although often action based movies don't seem to have a 'B'... good ones do I guess #scriptchat

7:44 pm             JLichtenberg:             @zacsanford2 Oh, B-STORY is where the theme RESIDES in a feature film! forgot to say that #scriptchat

7:44 pm             KarenSperling:             @lupiilu like people who say they don't outline. I think they do it in their heads without thinking about it #scriptchat

7:44 pm             Vivanofthelake:             What, if you've a story, have the structure, have the plot, but not the beginning and a thin end? #scriptchat

7:44 pm             JLichtenberg:             B-Story is there mostly to explicate the theme, and usually B-story is reason writer wanted to spec that script #scriptchat

7:45 pm             scribe_diatribe:             @zacsanford2 Oh dear... errr... I don't really 'do' action... let's think... um... Charlies Angels? #scriptchat

7:45 pm             JLichtenberg:             @Vivanofthelake To generate beg&end from other parts, see my essays on writing on aliendjinnromances.blogspot.com... #scriptchat

7:45 pm             lupiilu:             JP's been booted, he'll be back in a few minutes lol #scriptchat

7:45 pm             jeannevb:             @zacsanford2 sorry I can't send u the link to her post. Maybe search her name, #scriptchat & "theme" ???

7:46 pm             olilewington:             Wait a mo - Theme is in the B-story not the A-story? Or is that just for action? #scriptchat

7:46 pm             scribe_diatribe:             RT @JLichtenberg: B-Story is there mostly to explicate the theme, and usually the reason writer wanted to spec that script #scriptchat

7:46 pm             JLichtenberg:             @Vivanofthelake there is a method for generating the missing parts when subconscious tosses you an idea.. #scriptchat

7:46 pm             zacsanford2:             @scribe_diatribe It's been too long since I've seen it, but maybe @johnaugust is around to say the theme of Charlie's Angels. #scriptchat

7:46 pm             momentsoffilm:             @Vivanofthelake I'd say if you haven't got the beginning and a thin end then you haven't in fact got either structure or plot. #scriptchat

7:46 pm             Jonathan_Peace:             anti-sport? Third Trimester blues? #scriptchat

7:46 pm             zacsanford2:             @olilewington Theme is usually in the A-story, but can be exploited more within the B-story. #scriptchat

7:47 pm             olilewington:             @zacsanford2 Can you expand? Any examples? #scriptchat

7:47 pm             scribe_diatribe:             @zacsanford2 Ummm... what about Kick Ass? Would you class that as action? #scriptchat

7:47 pm             zacsanford2:             I haven't been around for the UK chat recently, but did you guys also read Chinatown? What would be the theme of that? #scriptchat

7:48 pm             JLichtenberg:             @jeannevb I posted the links. Will repost. #scriptchat

7:48 pm             lupiilu:             @KarenSperling I think we're all so opinionated that we can't help but write an opinionated story, isn't that what theme is? lol #scriptchat

7:48 pm             zacsanford2:             @scribe_diatribe Yes, Kick-Ass is an action film or superhero movie. #scriptchat

7:49 pm             scribe_diatribe:             @zacsanford2 China Town - Isn't it about 'Sometimes it's better not to know the truth'? #scriptchat

7:49 pm             JLichtenberg:             @zacsanford2 Yes, theme is IN the A-story, but stated explicitly not implicitly in B-story, everything must illust. theme #scriptchat

7:49 pm             KarenSperling:             @zacsanford2 I'd say the theme for Chinatown is good doesn't always overcome evil. #scriptchat

7:49 pm             Jonathan_Peace:             I won't hammer down the theme until I do the rewrite. #scriptchat

7:50 pm             zacsanford2:             @scribe_diatribe If you look into why the kid became Kick-Ass, you can easily find the theme. It wasn't just to defeat evil. #scriptchat

7:50 pm             lupiilu:             RT @KarenSperling: @zacsanford2 Id say the theme for Chinatown is good doesnt always overcome evil. #scriptchat

7:50 pm             KarenSperling:             @lupiilu haha true, but some (like me) need to look under the hood and see all the parts of a script listed and defined :-D #scriptchat

7:50 pm             JLichtenberg:             @lupiilu @KarenSperling yes, "opinion" is exactly where THEME comes from. If U don't do it consciously, it'll seep in sub-conly #scriptchat

7:51 pm             yingandyang:             RT @zacsanford2: IChinatown? What would be the theme of that? #scriptchat - corruption, moral, civic, redemption to an extent (Gittes)

7:51 pm             JLichtenberg:             Just remember what the WRITER intends to say with theme will not come across to all readers or viewers #scriptchat

7:52 pm             scribe_diatribe:             @zacsanford2 Hmmm... wasn't it to 'get the girl?'... isn't that plot rather than theme... maybe I need to watch it again... #scriptchat

7:52 pm             lupiilu:             @KarenSperling I'm the same, need to see all the moving parts before I understand. that's why it takes me so long to finish!>> #scriptchat

7:52 pm             JLichtenberg:             "What's the theme of CHINATOWN" is only 1 viewer's opinion. What writer does is opposite of what viewer does #scriptchat

7:53 pm             zacsanford2:             The genre that pisses me off the most about theme is RomComs. Too much of the same ideology. #scriptchat

7:53 pm             lupiilu:             @KarenSperling it has nothing to do with procrastination! honestly. lol #scriptchat

7:53 pm             olilewington:             So is that a fail? RT @JLichtenberg: Remember what the WRITER intends to say w/ theme will nt come across to all readers/viewers #scriptchat

7:53 pm             KarenSperling:             @lupiilu yeah me too, I"m hoping I've taken long enough and time to move forward :-D #scriptchat

7:53 pm             JLichtenberg:             U must write as if Ur saying something vital, but must realize few will get that out of what you write. LET THEM INTERPRET #scriptchat

7:53 pm             thescriptlab:             theme should permeate through nearly every choice in a screenplay. #scriptchat

7:54 pm             lupiilu:             @JLichtenberg hence why so many writers are so vocal on many issues, we're opinionated and passionate #scriptchat

7:54 pm             KarenSperling:             @lupiilu no procrastination didn't occur to me. In my case, I've wanted to learn what I can about craft before moving forward. #scriptchat

7:54 pm             Jonathan_Peace:             @zacsanford2 One of my scripts for 2011 is a rom-com. With serial killers. Theme: Love hurts. #scriptchat

7:54 pm             olilewington:             If theme is designed to be open to interpretation, why should it for a key part of a pitch? #scriptchat

7:54 pm             JLichtenberg:             @olilewington No, not a fail! U are ENTERTAINER, and payload you deliver is the thinking/feeling exploration of theme #scriptchat

7:54 pm             scribe_diatribe:             I like thinking about the theme when I write - a process of self-exploration and challenge and what makes the story 'yours' #scriptchat

7:55 pm             zacsanford2:             @scribe_diatribe I think the theme of Kick-Ass is to be something more and make a difference. Contrast Kick-Ass & Hit Girl. #scriptchat

7:55 pm             sdarancette:             @yingandyang My impression of the theme of CHINATOWN: Water is power. #scriptchat

7:55 pm             zacsanford2:             a twist. :) RT @Jonathan_Peace: @zacsanford2 One of my scripts for 2011 is a rom-com. With serial killers. Theme: Love hurts. #scriptchat

7:55 pm             lupiilu:             @KarenSperling agree, I've done the same, recently told friend when I think I know it all that's when I stop #scriptchat

7:55 pm             JLichtenberg:             Viewer pays for an "Aha!" moment Deliver it by being explicit re theme in B-story, pervading A-story with it. SYMBOLISM #scriptchat

7:55 pm             scribe_diatribe:             Too right! lol RT @lupiilu: @JLichtenberg hence why so many writers are so vocal on many issues, were opinionated and passionate #scriptchat

7:56 pm             zacsanford2:             @olilewington Trust me, most readers ain't the best and brightest. Something is lost on everyone. Even me at times. #scriptchat

7:56 pm             thewritertype:             @JLichtenberg #scriptchat I start with what works for me. When I'm inspired by a theme I write a column.

7:56 pm             scribe_diatribe:             @zacsanford2 kick ass - yep that works... :) #scriptchat

7:56 pm             fnafilms:             I remember years ago a newspaper got famous authors to sit GCSEs exams on their books - they ALL failed (didn't know own theme) #scriptchat

7:56 pm             KarenSperling:             @lupiilu haha i think that's a pretty big goal. For me, it's when I know "enough." :-D #scriptchat

7:57 pm             KarenSperling:             so zac who wins the grand chinatown theme prize? :-D #scriptchat

7:57 pm             JLichtenberg:             @olilewington Theme is key pt of pitch b/c theme determines audience. Ppl pay for entertainment #scriptchat

7:57 pm             lupiilu:             @KarenSperling lol, put that wrong, what I was telling him was this is a trade where you're always learning he thought he knew > #scriptchat

7:58 pm             lupiilu:             @KarenSperling it all already and didn't have to work at it anymore, I meant that if I thought I knew it all, then I knew >> #scriptchat

7:58 pm             zacsanford2:             @KarenSperling Ha ha. I have to go back through it all. Two were good for sure, even with different answers. #scriptchat

7:58 pm             lupiilu:             @KarenSperling that I knew nothing and should give up #scriptchat

7:58 pm             JLichtenberg:             RT @zacsanford2: @olilewington Trust me, most readers aint the best and brightest. Something is lost on everyone. Even me #scriptchat

7:58 pm             olilewington:             @fnafilms That's got the be rubbish, though, because they may have written a different theme to the popularly perceived one #scriptchat

7:58 pm             KarenSperling:             @zacsanford2 haha what about MINE :-D #scriptchat

7:59 pm             JLichtenberg:             CHINATOWN - point is that viewer sees ambiguous, personalized theme. Writer however must work to a pointed statement #scriptchat

7:59 pm             KarenSperling:             @lupiilu yes I agree :-D #scriptchat

7:59 pm             thewritertype:             RT @Jonathan_Peace: @zacsanford2 One of my scripts for 2011 is a rom-com. With serial killers. Theme: Love hurts. #scriptchat

7:59 pm             zacsanford2:             So that's it for the chat this week. It was a fun and lively discussion about theme and how to execute it. #scriptchat

8:00 pm             KarenSperling:             @lupiilu A wise man is a fool because he thinks he's wise. A fool is a wise man because he knows he's a fool. :-D #scriptchat

8:00 pm             olilewington:             @Jlichtenberg @zacsanford2 I guess the fear is that putting so much emphasis on your theme means you're deflated if ppl miss it #scriptchat

8:00 pm             jeannevb:             @JLichtenberg thanks so much! Hate missing EURO #scriptchat

8:00 pm             zacsanford2:             No matter which way you get to your theme, just make sure in your final draft that every scene points to what you're saying. #scriptchat

8:00 pm             JLichtenberg:             Theme is objective from writer's POV and totally subjective from viewer's. Thus resulting film is disappointing to writer #scriptchat

8:01 pm             lupiilu:             @KarenSperling and I'm certainly a fool! lol #scriptchat

8:01 pm             JLichtenberg:             Theme is where writer communicates with viewer's subconscious #scriptchat

8:01 pm             zacsanford2:             As always, I'm really @zacsanford and can be found there. I'm still around for a bit to continue discussions in an open topic. #scriptchat

8:01 pm             KarenSperling:             @zacsanford2 thanks for hosting and for the great 411 :-D #scriptchat

8:01 pm             Jonathan_Peace:             @jeannevb It's because of our drinking laws, right? Not so much tequilla over here. #scriptchat

8:01 pm             scribe_diatribe:             Thanks Zac :) RT @zacsanford2: So thats it for the chat this week. #scriptchat

8:01 pm             JLichtenberg:             And so theme appears strongest in symbolism #scriptchat

8:01 pm             zacsanford2:             @jeannevb Let me know if you're able to pull the transcript, I'll be around for a bit and can copy and paste. #scriptchat

8:01 pm             KarenSperling:             @lupiilu :-D #scriptchat

8:02 pm             olilewington:             Thanks to @zacsanford2 for stepping into the breech for tonight's #scriptchat

8:02 pm             Jonathan_Peace:             @zacsanford2 Thanks for the chat tonight. really enjoyed it! #scriptchat

8:02 pm             lupiilu:             ooo I like that. RT @JLichtenberg: Theme is where writer communicates with viewers subconscious #scriptchat

8:02 pm             zacsanford2:             I think I'm going to get alcohol poisoning when @jeannevb is in town next week. I must give my condolences to my liver now. #scriptchat

8:02 pm             olilewington:             Good chat, everyone - see you next week & happy writing! #scriptchat

8:02 pm             yingandyang:             RT @sdarancette: @yingandyang My impression of theme of CHINATOWN: Water is power. #scriptchat Yes, water 's arecurrent theme, visually too

8:02 pm             lupiilu:             @jeannevb hi hun, missed you tonight. xx #scriptchat

8:03 pm             scribe_diatribe:             @zacsanford2 i think zacstanford2 is cuter... than version 1... ;) #scriptchat

8:03 pm             Poetic_line:             @JLichtenberg Can you give an example of theme vs subtheme pls #scriptchat

8:03 pm             zacsanford2:             Next week will have guest host @kageyNYC. #scriptchat

8:03 pm             lupiilu:             hear hear. very well done. x RT @olilewington: Thanks to @zacsanford2 for stepping into the breech for tonights #scriptchat

8:03 pm             JLichtenberg:             RT @zacsanford2: Next week will have guest host @kageyNYC. #scriptchat

8:03 pm             jeannevb:             @zacsanford2 *waves* #scriptchat #bakinginsunediting

8:04 pm             lupiilu:             lol RT @scribe_diatribe: @zacsanford2 i think zacstanford2 is cuter... than version 1... ;) #scriptchat

8:04 pm             JLichtenberg:             @Poetic_line Theme vs. sub-theme laid out explicitly in http://bit.ly/douR05 #scriptchat

8:04 pm             zacsanford2:             @jeannevb I'm chatting in the sun, overlooking Hollywood Blvd and the Hollywood sign. Nice day in LA today. #scriptchat

8:05 pm             momentsoffilm:             Have a good week's writing, all.:) #scriptchat

8:05 pm             Poetic_line:             @JLichtenberg Thanks so much. #scriptchat

8:05 pm             zacsanford2:             This avatar is from my Porntourage character @scribe_diatribe: I think @zacsanford2 is cuter... than version 1... ;) #scriptchat

8:06 pm             lupiilu:             @momentsoffilm you too. :) #scriptchat

8:06 pm             Jonathan_Peace:             Again - jealous! RT @zacsanford2: Im chatting in the sun, overlooking Hollywood Blvd and the Hollywood sign. Nice day in LA. #scriptchat

8:07 pm             yingandyang:             #scriptchat nice one Zac!

8:07 pm             scribe_diatribe:             @zacsanford2 You're lucky I'm not in LA... ;) Have a good evening... over and out. #scriptchat

8:08 pm             yingandyang:             @momentsoffilm #scriptchat you too!

8:08 pm             thewritertype:             @jeannevb #scriptchat. Themes emerge from the unconscious. Tequila makes me unconscious. Therefore Theme = Tequila.

8:08 pm             JLichtenberg:             RT @olilewington: @JLichtenberg Maybe writers' problem can be being unable to IDENTIFY the theme, not think it up. #scriptchat

8:09 pm             JLichtenberg:             @olilewington #scriptchat - just saw this - yes, theme is in writer's subconscious. WRITERS train to look into subconscious

8:10 pm             Jonathan_Peace:             Because I mentioned the word pregnancy in a tweet about my script I now have 2 preggo bots following me WTF? #scriptchat

8:10 pm             thewritertype:             @zacsanford2 Thank you for your gracious and discerning hosting of #scriptchat

8:11 pm             lupiilu:             @thewritertype just as @jeannevb always suspected #scriptchat

8:11 pm             zacsanford2:             @Jonathan_Peace Yikes. Stupid twitter bots. Oh wait, I said bots and will probably be followed by more bots. #scriptchat

8:12 pm             lupiilu:             @Jonathan_Peace lol, I have several on property in L.A. I didn't even mention moving to L.A.! #scriptchat

8:13 pm             Jonathan_Peace:             @zacsanford2 Is US chat also about Theme tonight? #scriptchat

8:13 pm             zacsanford2:             @Jonathan_Peace Yep, same thing at the US chat tonight. #scriptchat

USA chat:

jeannevb:                it's #scriptchat  O'CLOCK as @DreamsGrafter likes to say :)

            jmiewald:             Going into #scriptchat

            jeannevb:             talking THEME tonight .... get set... go! #scriptchat

            GCGeek:             Ready! RT @jeannevb: Everyone have your Fathers Day liquor ready? #scriptchat

            GinySassenach:             Hello everyone! #scriptchat

            cinematicshot:             @jeannevb Tequila? #scriptchat

            writeononline:             Hi all, Wanted to poke in & remind everyone Screenplay & Teleplay Query Contest deadline is 6/30. http://bit.ly/9kRzsM #scriptchat

            jeannevb:             for all our dad #screenwriters... Happy Father's Day! #scriptchat

            colormejazzpink:             RT @jeannevb: talking THEME tonight .... get set... go! #scriptchat

12:01 am             jeannevb:             EURO chat was hosted by @zacsanford. Can't wait to read the transcript #scriptchat

12:01 am             GCGeek:             Thanks! Hello everyone! RT @jeannevb: for all our dad #screenwriters... Happy Fathers Day! #scriptchat

12:01 am             davidspies:             RT @jeannevb: it's #scriptchat O'CLOCK as @DreamsGrafter likes to say :)

12:01 am             jeannevb:             RT @writeononline: Hi all, Wanted to remind everyone Screenplay & Teleplay Query Contest deadline is 6/30. http://bit.ly/9kRzsM #scriptchat

12:01 am             jeannevb:             always ;) RT @cinematicshot: @jeannevb Tequila? #scriptchat

12:02 am             UncompletedWork:             /Merrel Chills on in/ #scriptchat

12:02 am             zacsanford2:             An article on theme (aka the script's DNA) by @johnaugust http://johnaugust.com/archives/2010/writing-from-theme #scriptchat

12:02 am             cinematicshot:             So today's theme is theme? #scriptchat

12:02 am             jeannevb:             Great book on use of theme in screenwriting by Dara Marks The Inside Story http://bit.ly/aJqw9r #scriptchat

12:03 am             Story_Craft:             All #storycraft chatters who are interested or involved in screenwriting, don't forget @jeannevb's #scriptchat is starting NOW!!

12:03 am             jeannevb:             @ruminski #scriptchat is on... talking theme if you're around ;)

12:03 am             writeononline:             Thx 4 the RT @jeannevb aka pro judge 4 Screenplay & Teleplay Query Contest deadline is 6/30. http://bit.ly/9kRzsM #scriptchat

12:03 am             GinySassenach:             Feed is going very slow?? #scriptchat

12:03 am             Danisidhe:             RT @Story_Craft: All #storycraft chatters who are interested in screenwriting, don't forget @jeannevb's #scriptchat is starting NOW!!

12:03 am             zacsanford2:             We're totally meta. RT @cinematicshot: So todays theme is theme? #scriptchat

12:04 am             jeannevb:             @Story_Craft ;) thanks for the pimpin of #scriptchat

12:04 am             DoubleNW:             @jeannevb EURO #scriptchat was good... I hopped n 2 read what was going on.

12:04 am             jeannevb:             @WriteOnOnline hope you get some good entries! #scriptchat http://bit.ly/9kRzsM #contest

12:05 am             TheWriteScript:             Question...are there some themes that never get old? #scriptchat

12:05 am             jeannevb:             ok, so let's start w some basics. Do u all consider theme right away or do you play w the story a bit first? #scriptchat

12:05 am             jeannevb:             @DoubleNW def going to have to read the transcript of EURO :) #scriptchat

12:06 am             sunspotpictures:             #Scriptchat What typically pulls you into writing a screenplay first? Desire to explore a theme or a specific story/concept?

12:06 am             zacsanford2:             I put theme 3rd in my outlining faze. I figure ending beat, first beat and then theme to help get through the middle act. #scriptchat

12:06 am             jeannevb:             @sunspotpictures for me, its usually concept/hook first, then I apply theme to the chars choices #scriptchat

12:07 am             cinematicshot:             Story first. Otherwise, it becomes too conceptual. #scriptchat

12:07 am             GCGeek:             @zacsanford2 I like the article "You feel it when it?s there, and notice it when it?s missing" #scriptchat

12:07 am             AllInky:             Theme tends to emerge through developing character and then specific story points, at least for me. #scriptchat

12:08 am             KatherineCahoon:             I always start with theme. #scriptchat

12:08 am             GCGeek:             Personally, I have trouble with "theme". I can't define it but feel if it's missing. Is it organic or can it be taught? #scriptchat

12:08 am             sunspotpictures:             RT @jeannevb: @sunspotpictures for me, its usually concept/hook first, then I apply theme to the chars choices #scriptchat

12:08 am             UncompletedWork:             I think about theme when I begin to write. Theme organically arises from story development./have a sense of direction early #scriptchat

12:08 am             jeannevb:             hey @ozzywood you around for #scriptchat? Talking THEME

12:08 am             sunspotpictures:             @jeannevb Interesting, so you use theme to help define your characters #scriptchat

12:09 am             UncompletedWork:             @sunspotpictures Honestly, the spark of the idea (if it has legs) pulls me into a quick writing frenzy #scriptchat

12:09 am             cinematicshot:             @AllInky Me too. If I start with theme in mind, it can be too soapboxy #scriptchat

12:09 am             zacsanford2:             From the Euro chat earlier, everyone had a different way to theme. Some had it up front while others found it during rewrites. #scriptchat

12:10 am             jeannevb:             @sunspotpictures Depends. Choice they make under pressure often speaks to theme. Usually prot & ant make opposite choice #scriptchat

12:10 am             cinematicshot:             @zacsanford2 I use it similarly, as a means to make it more cohesive. #scriptchat

12:10 am             jeannevb:             @sunspotpictures at least in the script I'm working on now... not in all #scriptchat

12:10 am             PitchfestBob:             I ask myself 2 questions: What is my theme, and how can I best use zombies to express that theme? #scriptchat

12:10 am             jeannevb:             When you pitch, you better know your theme. #scriptchat

12:11 am             sunspotpictures:             @GCGeek think theme is organic -- that piece of the human experience you're specially focusing on/exploring. #scriptchat

12:11 am             KatherineCahoon:             The personality of my main character always enbodies the theme, and the other characters are caught up in this orbit. #scriptchat

12:11 am             sdarancette:             Here I am. Variation on a THEME #scriptchat. Perhaps I will chime in occasionally and embarrass myself.

12:11 am             LisaFromNYC:             when reflecting on the char, the theme comes 2 shape/drive him/her #scriptchat

12:11 am             zacsanford2:             Because if I don't get it from your pitch, I'll surely ask you. #gapf RT @jeannevb: When you pitch, you better know your theme. #scriptchat

12:12 am             GCGeek:             @sunspotpictures I think it's organic, too. And then I saw Merrel say it too so it must be true. :-D #scriptchat

12:12 am             Chuklz:             RT @PitchfestBob: I ask myself 2 questions: What is my theme, and how can I best use zombies to express that theme? #scriptchat

12:12 am             AllInky:             I suspect it's different for everyone, but, for me, theme tends to be rooted in a particular character's wants vs. needs. #scriptchat

12:12 am             cinematicshot:             RT @zacsanford2: Because if I don't get it from your pitch, I'll surely ask you. #gapf RT @jeannevb: When you pitch, you better know your theme. #scriptchat

12:12 am             jeannevb:             ha! *waves* RT @PitchfestBob: I ask myself 2 questions: What is my theme, and how can I best use zombies to express that theme? #scriptchat

12:12 am             sunspotpictures:             Yeah, there's theme entrenched in everything. If you can find it, I think at the very least it helps focus a screenplay. #scriptchat

12:13 am             Chuklz:             Theme is irrelevant. Its a by product of plot. Plot reflects character choices. Character defines all. #scriptchat

12:13 am             UncompletedWork:             As writers do you think about musical terms like "leitmotif" and how they relate to your characters thematic space? #scriptchat

12:13 am             sunspotpictures:             RT @jeannevb: Depends. Choice they make under pressure often speaks to theme. Usually prot & ant make opposite choice #scriptchat

12:13 am             cinematicshot:             I find the theme in the dilemma the character has to face at the climax. #scriptchat

12:14 am             jeannevb:             Let ur chars choices reinforce the theme. Can also use theme to give u ideas to push thru Act 2 #scriptchat

12:14 am             GinySassenach:             Computer keeps freezing up? #scriptchat

12:14 am             DoubleNW:             Until 2day I hadn't thought about theme @ all so I went through my scripts/gladly found what I was looking 4! #scriptchat

12:14 am             jeannevb:             @GinySassenach reboot #scriptchat

12:15 am             jeannevb:             phew! RT @DoubleNW: Until 2day I hadnt thought about theme @ all so I went through my scripts/gladly found what I was looking 4! #scriptchat

12:15 am             sunspotpictures:             Anyone approach theme as something they'd like to say or get off their chest when they begin a screenplay? #scriptchat

12:15 am             WriterSchilf:             I used to think theme was unnecessary. But now I know it's the most important element. Every story should have a point/meaning. #scriptchat

12:15 am             jeannevb:             My first script, some1 asked me what the theme was and I had no freakin' idea haha... prob why it stunk ;) #scriptchat

12:15 am             sunspotpictures:             RT @jeannevb: Let ur chars choices reinforce the theme. Can also use theme to give u ideas to push thru Act 2 #scriptchat

12:15 am             GCGeek:             For me, examples are great. How about a few themes through films we know? Or films that were lacking a strong theme? #scriptchat

12:16 am             KatherineCahoon:             If the theme is too simplified, I find that the work becomes predictable. #scriptchat

12:16 am             UncompletedWork:             Hang tight team. Switching computers #scriptchat

12:16 am             jmiewald:             Theme is important but please avoid pretentious preachiness. #scriptchat

12:16 am             ruminski:             Ultimately, theme informs the meaning & impact of your piece. Good stories can be forgettable, great themes stick #scriptchat

12:16 am             DoubleNW:             I also noticed that my themes r very apparent fairly quick as well. #scriptchat

12:16 am             jeannevb:             Theme is what sits with the viewer long after the film is over. It can be haunting if done well #scriptchat

12:16 am             WriterSchilf:             Check out this short article on theme. Sums it up perfectly. http://bit.ly/blNzkP #scriptchat

12:17 am             jeannevb:             @ruminski ha... just tweeted something similar ;) Great minds... #scriptchat

12:17 am             sunspotpictures:             RT @WriterSchilf: I used to think theme unnecessary. Now I know its most important element. Evry story shld have point/meaning. #scriptchat

12:17 am             jeannevb:             @ruminski I knew we'd lure you in mwhahaha #TequilagetsyouthroughMondays #scriptchat

12:18 am             cinematicshot:             Some movie examples? #scriptchat

12:18 am             Chuklz:             You give 2 authors the same logline you could end up with 2 diff themes. RT @sunspotpictures: ne1 approach theme as? #scriptchat

12:18 am             jeannevb:             RT @WriterSchilf: Check out this short article on theme. Sums it up perfectly. http://bit.ly/blNzkP #scriptchat

12:18 am             jmiewald:             I think hammering the theme has become one of the worst things about modern screenwriters. #scriptchat

12:18 am             davidspies:             RT @chuklz You give 2 authors the same logline you could end up with 2 diff themes. RT @sunspotpictures: ne1 approach theme as? #scriptchat

12:19 am             sunspotpictures:             @jmiewald Yes, theme focuses a story, but can't be overt. Should be the cement foundation you never see. #scriptchat

12:19 am             WriterSchilf:             A story is an interesting character who wants something and is having trouble getting it. But theme is what it's really about? #scriptchat

12:19 am             Chuklz:             @jmiewald I agree its kind of cart before the horse if you ask me. #scriptchat

12:19 am             GinySassenach:             RT @cinematicshot: I find the theme in the dilemma the character has to face at the climax. #scriptchat

12:19 am             jmiewald:             @sunspotpictures Yeah, the best themes for me have come as absolute surprises #scriptchat

12:20 am             jeannevb:             I see a new THEME section being formed on our blog w these helpful links. #scriptchat

12:20 am             sdarancette:             I often don't consider theme before I start a script. The story comes about and hopefully a meaningful theme occurs organically. #scriptchat

12:20 am             ruminski:             Theme separates true writers from dilettantes. It's about purpose. If you're not saying anything substantive, what's the point? #scriptchat

12:20 am             sunspotpictures:             RT @jmiewald: @sunspotpictures Yeah, the best themes for me have come as absolute surprises #scriptchat

12:20 am             VictoriaInVerse:             RT @UncompletedWork: I think abt theme when I begin to write... #scriptchat <-I start w/character. Once I know my characters I know my story

12:21 am             DoubleNW:             With my 1st script I was just writing. Same with the other 3. I just write when 'the voices' start talking. #scriptchat

12:21 am             cinematicshot:             I tend to dislike movies that are heavyhanded with theme. Like Crash. #scriptchat

12:21 am             ruminski:             @jeannevb saw that -- indeed! *grin* #scriptchat

12:21 am             Chuklz:             @WriterSchilf It (theme) is the by product of the author's voice and reason for writing #scriptchat

12:21 am             jmiewald:             @ruminski The point of entertainment is to entertain. If you want to send a message... #scriptchat

12:21 am             WriterSchilf:             When you pitch, you might say the protagonist's objective is to get the girl in the end, but theme is really about acceptance #scriptchat

12:22 am             jeannevb:             @ruminski *giggle* #scriptchat

12:22 am             GCGeek:             And theme isn't really "moral of the story", right? It's not about preaching or hammering ideals into the viewer's head. #scriptchat

12:22 am             leezachariah:             @ruminski It's why Buffy will be remembered when, say, Charmed won't be. Charmed is about witches. Buffy is about growing up. #scriptchat

12:22 am             sunspotpictures:             Theme sort of literally answers "what's the point" #scriptchat

12:22 am             AllInky:             Entertainment is a goal in itself, not every script has to be about deep meaning - but a cohesive belief adds something. imho #scriptchat

12:22 am             GinySassenach:             RT @ruminski: Ultimately, theme informs the meaning & impact of your piece. Good stories can be forgettable, great themes stick #scriptchat

12:22 am             jeannevb:             theme makes whole story richer RT @jmiewald: @ruminski point of entertainment is to entertain. If you want to send a message... #scriptchat

12:22 am             ruminski:             @cinematicshot CRASH didn't work because it had a theme that was 2% substance, 98% cliche and melodrama. #scriptchat

12:23 am             WriterSchilf:             @Chuklz Agree. Regardless of genre, there must be a point. What is it the writer is trying to say, suggest, imply, or propagate #scriptchat

12:23 am             readerproof:             Without a great theme, you end up with Transformers 2. And no one wants to end up like Transformers 2. #scriptchat

12:23 am             jeannevb:             @jmiewald ... hence a richer story IS more entertaining @ruminski #scriptchat

12:23 am             GinySassenach:             RT @jeannevb: Theme is what sits with the viewer long after the film is over. It can be haunting if done well #scriptchat

12:23 am             jmiewald:             Well everything has some kind of theme, even if it is as simple as "You have to kill a lot of ninjas to get the girl" #scriptchat

12:24 am             sunspotpictures:             RT @WriterSchilf: @Chuklz Regardless of genre, must be a point. What is writer is trying to say, suggest, imply, or propagate #scriptchat

12:24 am             UncompletedWork:             /cue piano/ Stan: "You see, I learned something today..." #scriptchat

12:24 am             jmiewald:             @jeannevb You are going to have to prove that. #scriptchat

12:24 am             jeannevb:             amen! RT @readerproof: Without a great theme, you end up with Transformers 2. And no one wants to end up like Transformers 2. #scriptchat

12:24 am             WriterSchilf:             You don't have to start out with a theme, though. But by the end of the script, if you haven't discovered one, you got a problem #scriptchat

12:24 am             cinematicshot:             @ruminski So true #scriptchat

12:24 am             ruminski:             @jmiewald no reason that a good writer can't do both. #scriptchat

12:25 am             KatherineCahoon:             @readerproof Watch that! I know that producer and he put his heart into it:) #scriptchat

12:25 am             jeannevb:             baby, I will... u just keep watching me ;) RT @jmiewald: @jeannevb You are going to have to prove that. #scriptchat

12:25 am             richardhartley:             RT @cinematicshot: I tend to dislike movies that are heavyhanded with theme. Like Crash. #scriptchat

12:25 am             diannesalerni:             RT @WriterSchilf U dont have to start with a theme, but by the end of the script, if U havent discovered one, U got a problem #scriptchat

12:25 am             jmiewald:             @ruminski True #scriptchat

12:25 am             cinematicshot:             RT @WriterSchilf: You don't have to start out with a theme, though. But by the end of the script, if you haven't discovered one, you got a problem #scriptchat

12:25 am             AllInky:             Both HAPPY FEET and SURF'S UP are about a penguin's quest for whatever. Happy Feet, I remember; Surf's Up, I don't. ? Theme. #scriptchat

12:25 am             Chuklz:             @WriterSchilf Yes! and theme arises from that expression. Its about listening to the muse. #scriptchat

12:25 am             jeannevb:             @neoelectricity agree. I write story & theme evolves from it. I tend to focus more on theme in rewrites than draft 1 #scriptchat

12:26 am             jmiewald:             @jeannevb You gotta entertain first or no one will watch #scriptchat

12:26 am             cinematicshot:             And if you've discovered you have two or three competing themes, you also got a problem #scriptchat

12:26 am             richardhartley:             RT @SunspotPictures: Theme sort of literally answers "what's the point" #scriptchat

12:26 am             sdarancette:             However, although I don't consider theme before a story, I do often end up writing stories with similar themes. #scriptchat

12:26 am             GinySassenach:             Someone suggest a movie that had a great theme #scriptchat

12:27 am             ruminski:             RT @leezachariah: @ruminski It's why Buffy will be remembered when, say, Charmed won't be. Charmed is about witches. Buffy is about growing up. #scriptchat

12:27 am             LynneRice:             RT @leezachariah: @ruminski It's why Buffy will be remembered when, say, Charmed won't be. Charmed is about witches. Buffy is about growing up. #scriptchat

12:27 am             WriterSchilf:             It's easy to say it's a comedy about this or a drama about that, but you must know that its really about love, identity, truth.. #scriptchat

12:27 am             jeannevb:             @jmiewald absolutely. I tend to write draft 1 heavily focused on story & rich chars. Theme emerges in rewrites for me #scriptchat

12:27 am             cinematicshot:             RT @jeannevb: @neoelectricity agree. I write story & theme evolves from it. I tend to focus more on theme in rewrites than draft 1 #scriptchat

12:27 am             sunspotpictures:             RT @cinematicshot: And if you've discovered you have two or three competing themes, you also got a problem #scriptchat

12:27 am             Chuklz:             @GinySassenach District 9 has GREAT theme #scriptchat

12:28 am             WriterSchilf:             remember, there are multiple themes as well. Often each character arc has his/her own theme - what a character learns/changes #scriptchat

12:28 am             jeannevb:             Its easier to have a main theme & sub themes in novels... not in scripts. #scriptchat

12:28 am             sunspotpictures:             Do you find you explore similar themes again and again, or jump to different subjects? #scriptchat

12:28 am             Chuklz:             RT @leezachariah: It's why Buffy will be remembered, Charmed won't be. Charmed is about witches. Buffy is about growing up. #scriptchat

12:29 am             jmiewald:             @Chuklz See, I would say District 9 was ham-fisted and obnoxious with its theme. It would have been better without it. #scriptchat

12:29 am             jeannevb:             different RT @sunspotpictures: Do you find you explore similar themes again and again, or jump to different subjects? #scriptchat

12:29 am             sunspotpictures:             RT @jeannevb: Its easier to have a main theme & sub themes in novels... not in scripts. #scriptchat

12:29 am             jeannevb:             @sunspotpictures if ur exploring same theme over & over... go to therapy so you can move on ;) #scriptchat

12:29 am             jmiewald:             @GinySassenach Pulp Fiction handled theme well in my opinion. #scriptchat

12:30 am             WriterSchilf:             Some themes are obvious. Hotel Rwanda... the political, social, cultural, theme of man's inhumanity to man: genocide, but... #scriptchat

12:30 am             Chuklz:             @jmiewald Define what you saw as the theme in D9. Is it the same as every1 else? #scriptchat

12:30 am             ruminski:             Theme separates the people who care about their craft as a writer from those who want to 'make it big in Hollywood, baby!' #scriptchat

12:30 am             sunspotpictures:             haha! RT @jeannevb: if ur exploring same theme over & over... go to therapy so you can move on ;) #scriptchat

12:31 am             jeannevb:             :) RT @sunspotpictures: haha! RT @jeannevb: if ur exploring same theme over & over... go to therapy so you can move on ;) #scriptchat

12:31 am             sdarancette:             #breakingbad is a great tv show that has distinct, unique yet subtle themes in just about every episode #scriptchat.

12:31 am             jmiewald:             @Chuklz How would I know what every individual thinks? #scriptchat

12:31 am             Chuklz:             I am attracted to similar. RT @sunspotpictures: Do you find you explore similar themes again and again, or different subjects? #scriptchat

12:31 am             DoubleNW:             @GinySassenach The First Wives Club... Theme :) Better urself/get that money!! #scriptchat

12:32 am             jeannevb:             @sunspotpictures seriously, I am a HUGE believer in the benefits of therapy for my writing. Char evolution on the couch. #scriptchat

12:32 am             GinySassenach:             To Kill a Mockingbird is about to celebrate it's 50 yr. What do you think of the theme? Anyone? #scriptchat

12:32 am             Chuklz:             My therapist said my work is good! RT @jeannevb: if ur exploring same theme over & over... go to therapy so you can move on ;) #scriptchat

12:32 am             davidspies:             If there's no real point 2 your story, perhaps ur idea is not worth pursuing. If there?s a message to be gleaned, stick with it. #scriptchat

12:32 am             cinematicshot:             The theme of Jonah Hex is don't just make a film because it's based on a comic book :) #scriptchat

12:32 am             jeannevb:             RT @ruminski: Theme separates the ppl who care about their craft as a writer fr those who want 2 make it big in Hollywood, baby! #scriptchat

12:33 am             Chuklz:             @jmiewald Conversation #scriptchat

12:33 am             zacsanford2:             Similar broad themes, but dif specific themes. RT @sunspotpictures: Do you find you explore similar themes again and again? #scriptchat

12:33 am             sdarancette:             I think the #fifa world cup has a running theme right now: "Never underestimate the little guy." #scriptchat

12:33 am             sunspotpictures:             @jeannevb You mean writing as therapy, or therapy as a conduit to better writing? #scriptchat

12:33 am             jmiewald:             RT@cinematicshot The theme of Jonah Hex is don't just make a film because it's based on a comic book :) #scriptchat

12:33 am             moneymakermj:             Or make a web series RT @sunspotpictures: RT @jeannevb: if ur exploring same theme over&over... go 2 therapy so u can move on #scriptchat

12:33 am             jeannevb:             @chuklz I firmly believe if you can't evolve urself, u won't have the balls to evolve ur chars #scriptchat #therapy

12:33 am             sunspotpictures:             RT @cinematicshot: The theme of Jonah Hex is don't just make a film because it's based on a comic book :) #scriptchat

12:33 am             LisaFromNYC:             *ouch* RT @cinematicshot The theme of Jonah Hex is don't just make a film because it's based on a comic book :) #scriptchat

12:34 am             cinematicshot:             I think Pixar's really good about theme #scriptchat

12:34 am             jeannevb:             @sunspotpictures therapy as a conduit to better writing. Abso-f'ing-lutely! U HAVE to be able to evolve to write evolved chars #scriptchat

12:34 am             WriterSchilf:             @davidspies but the message shouldn't be necessarily be telegraphed. It's fine to entertain first with a subtle theme within. #scriptchat

12:34 am             jeannevb:             @moneymakermj web series would work too :) #scriptchat

12:35 am             GinySassenach:             @cinematicshot Now I like Jonah Hex..but remember it is a comic book! #scriptchat

12:35 am             garnerhaines:             @GinySassenach What does anyone think of an author who only wrote one novel EVER? #scriptchat

12:35 am             jmiewald:             "No man is an island" is a theme that can be used for just about any story if you get stuck in a pitch session #scriptchat

12:35 am             sunspotpictures:             @moneymakermj Good point. At the same time look at HQ TV series and how theme can change season to season. #scriptchat

12:35 am             Chuklz:             @jeannevb We tell the same stories over and over. We've become the shamans of society. Some of us specialize #scriptchat

12:35 am             WriterSchilf:             Even cheesy slasher films have theme: there is a reason the teens having sex die first. The church should be happy. #scriptchat

12:35 am             sunspotpictures:             RT @jeannevb: therapy as a conduit to better writing. Abso-f'ing-lutely! U HAVE to be able to evolve to write evolved chars #scriptchat

12:35 am             jeannevb:             ha RT @jmiewald: "No man is an island" is a theme that can be used for just about any story if you get stuck in a pitch session #scriptchat

12:35 am             moneymakermj:             different RT @sunspotpictures: Do you find you explore similar themes again and again, or jump to different subjects? #scriptchat

12:35 am             KatherineCahoon:             I think a sexy film can cover over a bad theme:) #scriptchat

12:36 am             sdarancette:             Gotta go have dinner, the theme is "Father's Day" or is that the occasion or the genre? #scriptchat

12:36 am             ruminski:             RT @davidspies: If there's no real point 2 your story, perhaps ur idea is not worth pursuing. If there?s a message to be gleaned, stick with it. #scriptchat

12:36 am             readerproof:             When you break Buffy down, even every season had it's own theme. A great show to study theme. And ass kicking. #scriptchat

12:36 am             Chuklz:             @jeannevb But I don't disagree with you on evolution ;) #scriptchat

12:36 am             jeannevb:             @Chuklz yes, specializing is cool. If it works, do it. I'm more of a Sybil ;) #scriptchat

12:36 am             garnerhaines:             I think theme is more unconscious, or rather it should be. #scriptchat

12:37 am             AllInky:             Hex has a theme, "Personal morality is the compass in difficult times." Pretty basic, universal, and common really. #scriptchat

12:37 am             jeannevb:             I hope 1 writer who hadn't thought of theme will after tonight #justsayin #scriptchat

12:37 am             Chuklz:             There are no bad themes. Only bad writers. RT @KatherineCahoon: I think a sexy film can cover over a bad theme:) #scriptchat

12:38 am             cinematicshot:             RT @readerproof: When you break Buffy down, even every season had it's own theme. A great show to study theme. And ass kicking. #scriptchat

12:38 am             PIBarrington:             RT @writeononline: Thx 4 the RT @jeannevb aka pro judge 4 Screenplay & Teleplay Query Contest deadline is 6/30. http://bit.ly/9kRzsM #scriptchat

12:38 am             PIBarrington:             RT @writeononline: Hi all, Wanted to poke in & remind everyone Screenplay & Teleplay Query Contest deadline is 6/30. http://bit.ly/9kRzsM #scriptchat

12:38 am             DoubleNW:             @cinematicshot I agree. Since they write 4 the youth. So r the HarryPotters/Twilights of the world... They make toys/things. #scriptchat

12:38 am             WriterSchilf:             When searching for theme, ask what your characters want (not the external objective) but the emotional goal they want inside #scriptchat

12:38 am             sunspotpictures:             @jeannevb Helps to understand yourself better if you're going to understand the characters you're creating! #scriptchat

12:39 am             GinySassenach:             @garnerhaines She won the lottery, what can I say! #scriptchat

12:39 am             moneymakermj:             JD Salinger? Catcher in the Rye RT @garnerhaines: @GinySassenach Anyone think of an author who only wrote one novel EVER? #scriptchat

12:39 am             davidspies:             @WriterSchilf agreed. A subtle theme can provide the foundation from which your plot and characters can grow. #scriptchat

12:40 am             GCGeek:             Just hope I can define it. RT @jeannevb: I hope 1 writer who hadnt thought of theme will after tonight #justsayin #scriptchat

12:40 am             jmiewald:             I suspect the problem most writers have is not with the theme but in creating a compelling argument #scriptchat

12:40 am             yeah_write:             OMG, I'm so sorry. I just realized what time it is. I've missed a wonderful chat. #scriptchat

12:40 am             LisaFromNYC:             RT @WriterSchilf When searching 4 theme, ask what ur chars want (not the external objective) but the emotional goal they want #scriptchat

12:40 am             sunspotpictures:             The Wire too. RT @readerproof: When you break Buffy down, even every season had it's own theme. A great show to study theme. #scriptchat

12:40 am             garnerhaines:             RT @jmiewald: I suspect the problem most writers have is not with the theme but in creating a compelling argument #scriptchat

12:40 am             jeannevb:             @sunspotpictures i've found writers who are unwilling to change or see their own flaws/wounds don't push their chars to limits #scriptchat

12:40 am             ruminski:             Watched COPLAND last night - great example of a film steeped in theme: the writing had a real depth but it wasn't heavy-handed #scriptchat

12:40 am             sunspotpictures:             RT @jmiewald: I suspect the problem most writers have is not with the theme but in creating a compelling argument #scriptchat

12:40 am             christ1287:             That would be me. Kind of RT @jeannevb: I hope 1 writer who hadn't thought of theme will after tonight #justsayin #scriptchat

12:41 am             yeah_write:             I'll have to catch the transcript. Damn me! #scriptchat

12:41 am             sunspotpictures:             RT @jeannevb: i've found writers who are unwilling to change or see their own flaws/wounds don't push their chars to limits #scriptchat

12:41 am             richardhartley:             RT @WriterSchilf When searching for theme, ask what characters want (not external objective) but emotional goal they want inside #scriptchat

12:41 am             GinySassenach:             I'm sorry folks my computer needs a thrashing. #scriptchat

12:41 am             jeannevb:             @sunspotpictures I need to write a post: Writer on the Couch :) #scriptchat

12:41 am             cinematicshot:             RT @sunspotpictures: The Wire too. RT @readerproof: When you break Buffy down, even every season had it's own theme. A great show to study theme. #scriptchat

12:41 am             LisaFromNYC:             Gr8 show RT @sdarancette #breakingbad is a great tv show that has distinct, unique yet subtle themes in just about every episode #scriptchat

12:42 am             jeannevb:             just drink more ;) RT @GinySassenach: Im sorry folks my computer needs a thrashing. #scriptchat

12:42 am             brionykidd:             I think important to differentiate between theme & message. Easy to think you're doing the former when it's really the latter. #scriptchat

12:42 am             sunspotpictures:             Adaptation is amazing at walking the line about not being too overt about theme. The title is the theme! #scriptchat

12:42 am             GCGeek:             Here's what you missed. Theme is important. Concrete examples r few. RT @yeah_write: Ill have to catch the transcript. Damn me! #scriptchat

12:42 am             jeannevb:             woot! RT @christ1287: That would be me. Kind of RT @jeannevb: I hope 1 writer who hadn't thought of theme will after tonight #scriptchat

12:42 am             ozzywood:             Okay. Managed to miss 3/4 of today's scriptchat, although it's one of my favorite THEMES. #scriptchat

12:42 am             ruminski:             RT @brionykidd: I think important to differentiate between theme & message. Easy to think you're doing the former when it's really the latter. #scriptchat

12:42 am             sunspotpictures:             @jeannevb Would make for a good post! #scriptchat

12:43 am             garnerhaines:             RT @brionykidd: I think important to differentiate between theme & message. Easy to think you're doing the former when it's really the latter. #scriptchat

12:43 am             WriterSchilf:             @GinySassenach So the theme there must be something like Man versus Machine... or Dependency on the mechanization of society. #scriptchat

12:43 am             ozzywood:             Steve Kaplan on THEME during yesterday's seminar: "Never a statement but always a question." @SKComedy #scriptchat

12:44 am             sunspotpictures:             @brionykidd: What's the difference between theme and message? #scriptchat

12:44 am             ozzywood:             Michael Hauge on Theme: "It's the Hero's Inner Journey made UNIVERSAL." #scriptchat

12:44 am             yeah_write:             @GCGeek I never miss #scriptchat I've been working on business stuff even though it's my day off. Time flew!

12:44 am             jeannevb:             Theme is the blood. Film needs it to live, but u don't notice that it's there... until it drips out. #scriptchat

12:44 am             jmiewald:             RT @ozzywood Steve Kaplan on THEME during yesterday's seminar: "Never a statement but always a question." #scriptchat

12:44 am             DoubleNW:             I think new writers tend 2 over think... Just write a great story/when it's line produced u'll c what needs 2b fix. #scriptchat

12:44 am             WriterSchilf:             @garnerhaines Sure. Theme is what the story is "really" about. Message is propaganda, which often is unnecessary. We get it. #scriptchat

12:44 am             cinematicshot:             @brionykidd What is the difference between theme and message? #scriptchat

12:44 am             garnerhaines:             RT @ozzywood: Steve Kaplan on THEME during yesterday's seminar: "Never a statement but always a question." @SKComedy #scriptchat

12:44 am             GinySassenach:             @brionykidd I'm glad ou said that theme and message, is it different #scriptchat

12:44 am             ozzywood:             See Kaplan's definition. RT @sunspotpictures: @brionykidd: Whats the difference between theme and message? #scriptchat

12:44 am             sunspotpictures:             RT @ozzywood: Steve Kaplan on THEME during yesterday's seminar: "Never a statement but always a question." @SKComedy #scriptchat

12:44 am             jeannevb:             I'm so doing it ;) *jots notes* ;) RT @SunspotPictures: @jeannevb Would make for a good post! #scriptchat

12:45 am             cinematicshot:             RT @ozzywood: Steve Kaplan on THEME during yesterday's seminar: "Never a statement but always a question." @SKComedy #scriptchat

12:45 am             jeannevb:             @yeah_write *waves* #scriptchat

12:45 am             ozzywood:             Hard to NOT see a transformational journey as a message. It shows what WORKS to overcome a specific (character) flaw. #scriptchat

12:46 am             GCGeek:             @yeah_write You were missed! I didn't send you a message because I know how busy everyone gets. #scriptchat

12:46 am             AllInky:             "Man vs Man," "Man vs Nature," etc. is a type of conflict. "The good of many outweighs the few," or vice versa is a theme. #scriptchat

12:46 am             jeannevb:             Dara Marks has great book on THEME called INSIDE STORY http://bit.ly/aJqw9r #scriptchat

12:46 am             WriterSchilf:             @ozzywood YES! We need to relate. I will never know what it's like to have an abortion. But I understand relief or regret #scriptchat

12:46 am             yeah_write:             @jeannevb God, I'm so sorry, I can't believe I didn't see the time. #scriptchat

12:46 am             GinySassenach:             RT @WriterSchilf @garnerhaines Theme is what the story is "really" about. Message is propaganda, which unnecessary. We get it. #scriptchat

12:46 am             sunspotpictures:             RT @ozzywood: Hard to NOT see transformational journey as a message. It shows what WORKS to overcome a specific (character) flaw #scriptchat

12:46 am             Chuklz:             RT @ozzywood: Steve Kaplan on THEME during yesterday's seminar: "Never a statement but always a question." @SKComedy #scriptchat

12:47 am             yeah_write:             @GCGeek I'm such a goober. I really wanted to be a part of this topic. #scriptchat

12:47 am             jeannevb:             @yeah_write #treefort means never having to say you're sorry, remember? :) #scriptchat

12:47 am             ruminski:             More great theme: Lord of the Flies #scriptchat

12:47 am             Chuklz:             RT @WriterSchilf: Theme is what the story is "really" about. Message is propaganda, which often is unnecessary. We get it. #scriptchat

12:47 am             WriterSchilf:             @ozzywood Exactly. Character flaws are crucial to theme. It gives the character an inner journey and arc to learn or change #scriptchat

12:47 am             LynneRice:             How would you phrase the Theme of The Wizard of Oz? There's no place like home? #scriptchat

12:48 am             jeannevb:             fantastic tale RT @ruminski: More great theme: Lord of the Flies #scriptchat

12:48 am             jmiewald:             @LynneRice No man is an island #scriptchat

12:48 am             ozzywood:             I wrote a small piece on theme: http://bit.ly/ciE2wL. Also deals with theme in non-transformational stories. #scriptchat

12:48 am             richardhartley:             RT @ArtFortune: When it comes from the heart, it's real writing. The writer like a painter must feel the passion #scriptchat

12:49 am             ruminski:             Leone's DOLLARS trilogy is a masterclass in theme (if you're a misanthrope like me, at least) #scriptchat

12:49 am             AllInky:             @LynneRice Sure, or "We don't know what we have until we lose it." Themes tend to universal, illustrated by different stories. #scriptchat

12:49 am             Mockwriter:             RT @ozzywood: I wrote a small piece on theme: http://bit.ly/ciE2wL. Also deals with theme in non-transformational stories. #scriptchat

12:49 am             jeannevb:             When I watch a film, I dont sit & declare what the theme was... but I DO notice if the meaning & purpose were missing. #scriptchat

12:49 am             readerproof:             I think after every set piece present in your script, there should be a bit of "theme talk" to offset it. #scriptchat

12:49 am             ozzywood:             Often the theme IS a msg. Really the writer's choice. RT @LynneRice: Theme of The Wizard of Oz? Theres no place like home? #scriptchat

12:49 am             sunspotpictures:             RT @ozzywood: I wrote a small piece on theme: http://bit.ly/ciE2wL. Also deals with theme in non-transformational stories. #scriptchat

12:49 am             GinySassenach:             RT @ruminski More great theme: Lord of the Flies That is one book and movie that will stick with you! #scriptchat

12:49 am             WriterSchilf:             @LynneRice No. Look to the root, not the leaves. It's about self-acceptance. They go to the wizard to change themselves. #scriptchat

12:50 am             LynneRice:             Ah that's a good one. RT @jmiewald @LynneRice No man is an island #scriptchat Theme Wiz of Oz

12:50 am             yeah_write:             @jeannevb I'll read the transcript. I can't believe I missed my favorite hour of the week. I'm sure it was informative. #scriptchat

12:50 am             Chuklz:             @LynneRice The Wizard of Oz? Self Discovery. Everything you need, is inside of you. #scriptchat

12:50 am             LisaFromNYC:             RT @ozzywood I wrote a small piece on theme: http://bit.ly/ciE2wL. Also deals with theme in non-transformational stories #scriptchat

12:50 am             DoubleNW:             So the theme can b the conflict within the characters?? #scriptchat

12:51 am             cinematicshot:             And the theme of It's a Wonderful life is it's a wonderful life? #scriptchat

12:51 am             Chuklz:             Here we go- Is it the writer or the audience that determines the theme in the great pieces? #scriptchat

12:51 am             ozzywood:             Exactly Hauge's example for ABOUT A BOY. RT @jmiewald @LynneRice No man is an island #scriptchat Theme Wiz of Oz #scriptchat

12:51 am             WriterSchilf:             I like the root/leaves image. We tend to only see the obvious, but theme will often go beneath, the roots are everything! #scriptchat

12:51 am             covermyscript:             hey #scriptchat! been running around all weekend getting ready for #GAPF, but i wanted to pop in and say hi. so, uh, hi!

12:51 am             jeannevb:             @yeah_write don't sweat it ;) #scriptchat

12:51 am             ozzywood:             YES: Inner conflict. RT @DoubleNW: So the theme can b the conflict within the characters?? #scriptchat

12:51 am             GCGeek:             Help. Theme of District 9: Ugliness is always on the inside, Man is evil, History repeats itself, or is personal 4 each viewer? #scriptchat

12:51 am             ozzywood:             When the OUTER conflict becomes the theme, you are preaching. #scriptchat

12:51 am             davidspies:             Your screenplay has a theme, what about your character's theme? Characters quirks & what they might do in particular situations. #scriptchat

12:51 am             LynneRice:             @WriterSchilf As in you are never lacking courage, love and intelligence,(and a way home) all these things can be found within #scriptchat

12:51 am             jeannevb:             fyi, @zacsanford & I will be at #GAPF next wknd so we wont be at chats #scriptchat

12:52 am             garnerhaines:             @LynneRice "Be careful what you wish for?" "The grass is always greener?" "The magic was within you all along?" #scriptchat

12:52 am             GinySassenach:             @covermyscript Hi! #Scriptchat

12:52 am             WriterSchilf:             @DoubleNW Yes. Maybe the main theme illustrates THE BREAKDOWN IN COMMUNICATION. two characters on a barren stage can do that #scriptchat

12:52 am             AllInky:             Kafka said "I write to teach myself a lesson. If you learn something else, great." #scriptchat

12:52 am             jeannevb:             I believe either @KageyNYC or @yeah_write are hosting next week... or both #scriptchat

12:52 am             covermyscript:             damn right you will be!!! yayayayay!! RT @jeannevb: fyi, @zacsanford & I will be at #GAPF next wknd so we wont be at chats #scriptchat

12:53 am             ruminski:             THE LIVES OF OTHERS is a nuanced themed piece, the way it expresses a viewpoint through character, not big political statements #scriptchat

12:53 am             UncompletedWork:             I'm super psyched about #GAPF next week. Anyone coming? Stay for #ScreenwriterKaraoke http://bit.ly/bmMQbG #scriptchat

12:53 am             sunspotpictures:             Theme is either just a question or a question with an answer. Can be audacious to answer that question sometimes #scriptchat

12:53 am             ozzywood:             Strongest stories have each character express an aspect of the overall theme. RT @davidspies: what about your characters theme? #scriptchat

12:53 am             jeannevb:             WOOT! RT @covermyscript: damn right you will be!!! yayayayay!! RT @jeannevb: fyi, @zacsanford & I will be at #GAPF n #scriptchat

12:53 am             HoodedMan:             @ozzywood @DoubleNW there should be either inner or outer conflict or both #scriptchat

12:53 am             cinematicshot:             So the theme should be implicit in the logline? #scriptchat

12:53 am             GinySassenach:             RT @ozzywood When the OUTER conflict becomes the theme, you are preaching. > Thanks, great thingto remember when writing #scriptchat

12:53 am             ozzywood:             RT @ruminski: THE LIVES OF OTHERS is a nuanced piece, it expresses a viewpoint through character, not big political statements #scriptchat

12:54 am             garnerhaines:             a bit of both @GCGeek is personal 4 each viewer? #scriptchat

12:54 am             covermyscript:             so, very excited, thanks to #scriptchat pimperella for intro, @jeannevb, covermyscript.com will be manning a booth at #GAPF. very exciting!

12:54 am             WriterSchilf:             @davidspies There can be multiple themes. The story (script) can be about one thing, and a character(s) can show something else #scriptchat

12:54 am             ozzywood:             Only Inner Conflict usually doesn't work. RT @HoodedMan: @DoubleNW there should be either inner or outer conflict or both #scriptchat

12:54 am             LynneRice:             Interesting all these different takes on Theme in the Wizard of Oz, everyone takes something a little diff frm a good story #scriptchat

12:54 am             jeannevb:             @ozzywood in my current script, the prot & antagonist demonstrate theme by making totally opposing choices #scriptchat

12:55 am             TheWaitingCity:             We will be sitting with Claire McCarthy this week to ask questions about #thewaitingcity. If you have questions let us know #scriptchat

12:55 am             readerproof:             RT @WriterSchilf: Theme is what the story is "really" about. Message is propaganda, which often is unnecessary. We get it. #scriptchat

12:55 am             ozzywood:             Great if you can work it in without sounding convoluted. RT @cinematicshot: So the theme should be implicit in the logline? #scriptchat

12:55 am             covermyscript:             hi giny!! how's the rewriting going? RT @GinySassenach: Hi xandy! #Scriptchat

12:55 am             Chuklz:             @GCGeek District 9 was very nietzschean for me. WIll to power. #scriptchat

12:55 am             jeannevb:             RT @LynneRice: Interesting different takes on Theme in the Wizard of Oz, everyone takes something a little diff frm a good story #scriptchat

12:55 am             reidkimball:             @davidspies Wish more video games took that approach. #scriptchat

12:55 am             WriterSchilf:             @cinematicshot NO. The logline is "A comedy (genre) about a character who is having trouble getting this" Theme is in the mtg #scriptchat

12:55 am             ozzywood:             I doubt this. RT @WriterSchilf: @davidspies The story can be about one thing, and a character(s) can show something else #scriptchat

12:55 am             GinySassenach:             @covermyscript Have a great time! at GAPF #scriptchat

12:55 am             GCGeek:             So it does remain rather nebulous. Thanks! RT @garnerhaines: a bit of both @GCGeek is personal 4 each viewer? #scriptchat

12:56 am             garnerhaines:             Rather than explicit, yes. The logline is the hook, and theme is something we can relate to. @cinematicshot #scriptchat

12:56 am             UncompletedWork:             RT @GinySassenach: @covermyscript Have a great time! at GAPF #scriptchat [We'll drink one for you!]

12:56 am             thescriptathon:             Hello all! #scriptchat

12:56 am             davidspies:             RT @WriterSchilf There can be multiple themes. The story (script) can be about 1 thing, & a character(s) can show something else #scriptchat

12:56 am             ozzywood:             Yep. Sounds right. RT @jeannevb in my current script, the prot & antagonist demonstrate theme by making totally opposing choices #scriptchat

12:56 am             HoodedMan:             @ozzywood @DoubleNW anything may work, if you make it so #scriptchat

12:56 am             richardhartley:             @ozzywood writes about theme http://bit.ly/bF6HnV Also deals with theme in non-transformational stories #scriptchat @sunspotpictures

12:56 am             loreleileigh:             @ruminski I may have asked you this before, but what is #scriptchat?

12:56 am             brionykidd:             @cinematicshot I think theme is questioning, grappling with a problem...whereas message states an answer. I know which I prefer. #scriptchat

12:56 am             jeannevb:             @ozzywood phew ;) heehee #scriptchat

12:57 am             ruminski:             @AdiWriter MAGNOLIA is a very special case - on no planet should that film work, but it does. Kids, don't try this at home. #scriptchat

12:57 am             cinematicshot:             RT @brionykidd: @cinematicshot I think theme is questioning, grappling with a problem...whereas message states an answer. I know which I prefer. #scriptchat

12:57 am             jeannevb:             screenwriter chat www.scriptchat.com ;) RT @loreleileigh: @ruminski I may have asked you this before, but what is #scriptchat? #scriptchat

12:57 am             ozzywood:             So what are you telling us that we can learn from? RT @HoodedMan: @DoubleNW anything may work, if you make it so #scriptchat

12:57 am             LynneRice:             RT @AdiWriter: What if narration keeps hammering it ? Ex : 'Magnolia'RT @ozzywood: When the OUTER conflict becomes the theme,you are preaching. #scriptchat

12:57 am             covermyscript:             thanks to @PitchfestBob & @Screenwriter12 #GAPF suggestion covermyscript.com will give on-the-spot 1-sheet, consult, and more! #scriptchat

12:57 am             KatherineCahoon:             I worked w/a producer who said that 4 a theme 2 deeply affect other people the writer must have gone thru a similar conflict. #scriptchat

12:57 am             GinySassenach:             @covermyscript I got some software but it has a few things diff from what you told me ex. Ext.Tom's yard.noon It uses periods??? #scriptchat

12:57 am             cinematicshot:             RT @garnerhaines: Rather than explicit, yes. The logline is the hook, and theme is something we can relate to. @cinematicshot #scriptchat

12:58 am             ozzywood:             RT @ruminski: @AdiWriter MAGNOLIA is a special case; on no planet should that film work, but it does. Kids dont try this at home #scriptchat

12:58 am             cinematicshot:             RT @WriterSchilf: @cinematicshot NO. The logline is "A comedy (genre) about a character who is having trouble getting this" Theme is in the mtg #scriptchat

12:58 am             garnerhaines:             @GCGeek When speaking of theme, a lot of it is subjective to the audience. Each of us takes away something different. #scriptchat

12:58 am             davidspies:             RT Get on it~! @reidkimball: @davidspies Wish more video games took that approach. #scriptchat

12:58 am             AllInky:             Theme is really evident in fables, the Tortoise and the Hare, etc. Modern stories aren't as obvious, but themes seem timeless. #scriptchat

12:58 am             thescriptathon:             I think I'm catching on here. Is theme...the theme of this discussion? #scriptchat

12:58 am             jmiewald:             I have heard some established writers who make movies with strong themes who say they never think about the theme #scriptchat

12:58 am             LynneRice:             RT @ozzywood: Strongest stories have each character express an aspect of the overall theme. RT @davidspies: what about your characters theme? #scriptchat

12:58 am             jeannevb:             RT @covermyscript: thx to @PitchfestBob & @Screenwriter12 #GAPF suggestion covermyscript.com will give on-spot 1-sheet, consult #scriptchat

12:59 am             HoodedMan:             @ozzywood @DoubleNW Nothing aside from the obvious... :) #scriptchat

12:59 am             jeannevb:             tonight, yes ;) RT @thescriptathon: I think Im catching on here. Is theme...the theme of this discussion? #scriptchat

12:59 am             covermyscript:             menu of #GAPF services will be up shortly, along with more info about our events. so excited! #screenwriterkaraoke #GAPF #scriptchat

12:59 am             GinySassenach:             @covermyscript Thanks starting the rewrite Monday, transfer over and dev char and think of theme? LOL #scriptchat

12:59 am             ozzywood:             But shouldn't the writer know? RT @garnerhaines: @GCGeek When speaking of theme, a lot of it is subjective to the audience. #scriptchat

12:59 am             jeannevb:             @loreleileigh you should join us.... we drink tequila ;) #scriptchat

12:59 am             garnerhaines:             RT @jmiewald: I have heard some established writers who make movies with strong themes who say they never think about the theme #scriptchat

12:59 am             WriterSchilf:             Don't pitch Theme. The pitch is what happens. Theme is what it's "really" about. When asked, U need a 1 word answer: Acceptance #scriptchat

12:59 am             thescriptathon:             @jmiewald I've heard the same thing. Theme as an afterthought just might work for many writers, but it must be tough. #scriptchat

1:00 am             DoubleNW:             Theme... Awesome topic #scriptchat!! Got lots of responses :) Must've asked a good question. Thanks, Tweeps!!

1:00 am             covermyscript:             theme should be like air: you're surrounded by it, you need it to survive, you know it's there, but you can't see it. #scriptchat

1:00 am             thescriptathon:             @covermyscript we're going to be at #GAPF as well. mini-scriptathon 12-3 on saturday woohoo! #scriptchat

1:01 am             Chuklz:             RT @WriterSchilf: Don't pitch Theme. The pitch is what happens. Theme is what it's "really" about. When asked, U need a 1 word answer: Acceptance #scriptchat

1:01 am             garnerhaines:             @jmiewald That's what I was saying. #scriptchat

1:01 am             WriterSchilf:             @ozzywood Agreed. This is why you don't want to hit theme over the head. Let the audience discover it on their own #scriptchat

1:01 am             garnerhaines:             RT @covermyscript: theme should be like air: you're surrounded by it, you need it to survive, you know it's there, but you can't see it. #scriptchat

1:01 am             sunspotpictures:             RT @WriterSchilf: Dont pitch Theme. The pitch is what happens. Theme is what its really about. When asked, U need a 1 wrd answer #scriptchat

1:01 am             ozzywood:             ESTABLISHED RT @garnerhaines: RT @jmiewald: some established writers [...] with strong themes who say they never think about it #scriptchat

1:01 am             cinematicshot:             RT @covermyscript: theme should be like air: you're surrounded by it, you need it to survive, you know it's there, but you can't see it. #scriptchat

1:01 am             covermyscript:             be simple at first, build up to it. RT @GinySassenach: starting rewrite Monday, transfer over and dev char and think of theme? #scriptchat

1:01 am             brionykidd:             @SunspotPictures Can you think of a good example of audacious film like that? (ie. question & answer) #scriptchat

1:01 am             jmiewald:             What is the theme of Up in the Air? #scriptchat

1:01 am             jeannevb:             It's 9pm... so handcuffs are off! Talk theme or anything that jazzes you ;) #scriptchat

1:01 am             ozzywood:             RT @Chuklz: RT @WriterSchilf: Dont pitch Theme. Theme is what its "really" about. When asked, U need a 1 word answer: Acceptance #scriptchat

1:02 am             ozzywood:             RT @cinematicshot: RT @covermyscript: theme should be like air: youre surrounded by it, you know its there, but you cant see it. #scriptchat

1:02 am             covermyscript:             awesome! stop by and say hi to us!! RT @thescriptathon: going to be at #GAPF as well. mini-scriptathon 12-3 on saturday woohoo! #scriptchat

1:02 am             LordPancreas:             RT @davidspies: Your screenplay has a theme, what about your character's theme? Characters quirks & what they might do in particular situations. #scriptchat

1:02 am             cinematicshot:             RT @WriterSchilf: Don't pitch Theme. The pitch is what happens. Theme is what it's "really" about. When asked, U need a 1 word answer: Acceptance #scriptchat

1:02 am             jmiewald:             @ozzywood You feel that writers give up on writing well once paid? #scriptchat

1:02 am             ozzywood:             "No man is an island." (LOL) RT @jmiewald: What is the theme of Up in the Air? #scriptchat

1:03 am             WriterSchilf:             When I say there can be multiple themes, the main theme is in the story, but a character can illustrate a secondary one as well #scriptchat

1:03 am             dennis_jernberg:             RT @davidspies: Your screenplay has a theme, what about your character's theme? Characters quirks & what they might do in particular situations. #scriptchat

1:03 am             zacsanford2:             Great chat guys. if you're at the #GAPF, don't forget to see me on the Exec panel Saturday at 3:30 p.m. or #screenwriterkaraoke #scriptchat

1:03 am             jmiewald:             @ozzywood It works! Re: "no man is an island" #scriptchat

1:03 am             cinematicshot:             I gotta go. Everyone have a great day. Happy Fathers Day. #scriptchat

1:03 am             ozzywood:             Understandbly they'll write to pay the bills.RT @jmiewald: @ozzywood You feel that writers give up on writing well once paid? #scriptchat

1:03 am             jeannevb:             if anyone is going to #GAPF, @ me while there & we can do a shot at the bar... but not too many that I can't pitch ;) #scriptchat

1:04 am             jeannevb:             RT @zacsanford2: if youre at the #GAPF, dont forget to see me on the Exec panel Saturday at 3:30 p.m. or #screenwriterkaraoke #scriptchat

1:04 am             garnerhaines:             @jmiewald "If you cut all ties with people, you will forever be adrift" "Be careful what you wish for, you may get it" #scriptchat

1:04 am             zacsanford2:             Happy Fathers Day to all the dads out there in #scriptchat land. #scriptchat

1:04 am             GCGeek:             Good night, folks. Thanks for an interesting chat and different perspectives. Good luck for everyone heading to #GAPF! #scriptchat

1:04 am             LisaFromNYC:             true. Aud likes 2 fig it out & not feel spoon fed (hit over the head) RT @WriterSchilf Let the audience discover it on their own #scriptchat

1:05 am             willentrekin:             Forget writing theme. Theme is byproduct. It comes only from great story, characters, plot, and execution. Focus there. #scriptchat

1:05 am             HoodedMan:             I think a writer should ignore the audience & write for himself. That will give the best result, by far #scriptchat #amwriting #writechat

1:05 am             WriterSchilf:             @dennis_jernberg It all depends upon character flaws. FLAWS ARE GOLDEN. The more flaws, the more there is to learn/grow/change #scriptchat

1:05 am             UncompletedWork:             Never enough time in the day! #ineedtheFinalDraftBrainPluginWithRetinaScanner #scriptchat

1:05 am             ozzywood:             Re theme: Story = Character & v.v. RT @WriterSchilf: character can illustrate a secondary one as well #scriptchat

1:05 am             willentrekin:             If you write characters, plot, story well, you will have a theme. If you don't, no amount of attempt will recover. #scriptchat

1:05 am             davidspies:             Regardless of your story?s theme, the message that your film conveys should be understood and well received by your audience. #scriptchat

1:05 am             thescriptathon:             @hoodedman ignore audience - brave decision! Perhaps too brave? #scriptchat

1:06 am             garnerhaines:             RT @willentrekin: Forget writing theme. Theme is byproduct. It comes only from great story, characters, plot, and execution. Focus there. #scriptchat

1:06 am             ozzywood:             Hmmm... First draft, OK. Following drafts: DO keep it in mind. RT @willentrekin: Forget writing theme. #scriptchat

1:06 am             UncompletedWork:             OK yes, do follow @SWKaraoke it's the all the time #ScreenwriterKaraoke account.:-) #scriptchat

1:06 am             susynandfolsom:             @covermyscript sorry missed #scriptchat #screenwriterkaraoke is when? where? on 6/26?

1:06 am             WriterSchilf:             @HoodedMan Horrible mistake to ignore audience. AUDIENCE is EVERYTHING! Otherwise you write for one person: yourself. Who cares #scriptchat

1:06 am             ozzywood:             It's about making it as strong as possible. RT @willentrekin: If you write characters, plot, story well, you will have a theme. #scriptchat

1:06 am             Chuklz:             @writerschilf You are a great communicator, enjoyed all your thoughts on #scriptchat

1:07 am             hunttalent:             RT @davidspies: Regardless of your story?s theme, the message that your film conveys should be understood and well received by your audience. #scriptchat

1:07 am             camyado:             Just an excuse for a lazy writer? RT @garnerhaines: @GCGeek When speaking of theme, a lot of it is subjective to the audience. #scriptchat

1:07 am             ozzywood:             Or ignorant. RT @thescriptathon: @hoodedman ignore audience - brave decision! Perhaps too brave? #scriptchat

1:07 am             brionykidd:             RT @ozzywood Hard to NOT see a transformational journey as a message. <---Yes, I often come up against this problem. #scriptchat

1:07 am             davidspies:             RT @willentrekin If you write characters, plot, story well, U will have a theme. If you don't, no amount of attempt will recover #scriptchat

1:07 am             WriterSchilf:             @garnerhaines Not always true. You can have a clear theme and horrible execution of character, plot, story, structure, voice #scriptchat

1:08 am             ozzywood:             Most will disagree. RT @hunttalent: RT @davidspies: the message should be understood and well received by your audience. #scriptchat

1:08 am             garnerhaines:             @ozzywood The writer may know, but what s/he thinks is in there might not be what the audience comes away with. #scriptchat

1:08 am             jolenejahnke:             Late to #scriptchat. Glad to see so many still conversing. #scriptchat

1:08 am             thescriptathon:             Ugh. Signed on three hours too late for #scriptchat i think. will be on next week though!

1:08 am             ozzywood:             RT @WriterSchilf: @garnerhaines You can have a clear theme and horrible execution of character, plot, story, structure, voice #scriptchat

1:08 am             HoodedMan:             @thescriptathon I don't think so. It can still be an economic success. There are many examples of that #scriptchat

1:08 am             WriterSchilf:             @Chuklz thanks. A lot of it is just common sense. there is a point to everything. A joke without a punch line is no joke #scriptchat

1:09 am             ozzywood:             Theme resonates with your audience without them being aware of it. #scriptchat

1:09 am             garnerhaines:             Okay, that's the last time I use the Retweet button. I'm getting responses to other people's remarks as if I said them. #scriptchat

1:09 am             ozzywood:             So you're going to claim them as your own? (LOL) RT @garnerhaines: Okay, thats the last time I use the Retweet button. #scriptchat

1:10 am             HoodedMan:             @thescriptathon The entire idea of pre-screenings, for instance is horrible and should be totally abandoned #scriptchat

1:10 am             jeannevb:             my guess is we had many lurkers tonight. Love the voyeur ;) #scriptchat

1:10 am             dirtywater22:             RT @ozzywood: Theme resonates with your audience without them being aware of it. #scriptchat

1:10 am             jolenejahnke:             @UncompletedWork Better late than never, right? #scriptchat

1:10 am             ozzywood:             RT @camyado excuse for a lazy writer? RT @garnerhaines @GCGeek When speaking of theme a lot of it is subjective to the audience. #scriptchat

1:10 am             LynneRice:             Brilliant input - thanks all for hammering it out. Theme feels less nebulous now. #scriptchat

1:11 am             thescriptathon:             @jolenejahnke i was late too! Late is the new early #scriptchat

1:11 am             beingbrad:             Late to the party, it's been a while - anybody have any advice for a TV single camera comedy pilot? #scriptchat

1:11 am             numbminded:             @ozzywood Ah! Just when i am struggling early morning to concentrate on my preprod work #scriptchat rejuvenates me..! Off to the board i go.

1:12 am             WriterSchilf:             Good writing is a triangle: writer, subject, and audience. Everything decision you make affects audience, and theme connects all #scriptchat

1:12 am             beingbrad:             I've really missed my #scriptchat

1:12 am             jeannevb:             I'll post some links to theme articles recommended at tonight's chat on our blog www.scriptchat.com #scriptchat

1:12 am             covermyscript:             burbank marriot 6pm -10pm, sardo's 10-2. screenwriterkaraoke.com :-D RT @susynandfolsom: missed #scriptchat #screenwriterkaraoke on 6/26?

1:12 am             beingbrad:             @jolenejahnke better somewhere than nowhere... always. #scriptchat

1:12 am             ozzywood:             Just realised I've contradicted something I stated here: http://bit.ly/ciE2wL ... about preaching... #scriptchat

1:12 am             UncompletedWork:             @jolenejahnke Hey, don't the cool people show up late ;-) #scriptchat

1:12 am             jeannevb:             then set ur #scriptchat O'CLOCK ;) RT @beingbrad: Ive really missed my #scriptchat

1:12 am             AllInky:             Is it even possible to not have theme? Perhaps not well-realized structurally, but to actually NOT have one? #scriptchat

1:12 am             abizrobok:             RT @HoodedMan: I think a writer should ignore the audience & write for himself. That will give the best result, by far #scriptchat #amwriting #writechat

1:13 am             thescriptathon:             @ruminski Definitely. Writing with audience in mind but not pandering or stifling creativity to do so is more than viable #scriptchat

1:13 am             jolenejahnke:             Fab! RT @thescriptathon: @jolenejahnke i was late too! Late is the new early #scriptchat

1:13 am             HoodedMan:             @ozzywood I think it's other way around. If you write for an audience or readers you write formula & that's never a good idea #scriptchat

1:13 am             beingbrad:             @jeannevb I know, but fucking kids & family & job & life & everything else. EVERYTHING is a bitch except when I'm writing. #scriptchat

1:14 am             davidspies:             RT Definitely agree! @Chuklz: @writerschilf You are a great communicator, enjoyed all your thoughts on #scriptchat

1:14 am             WriterSchilf:             For anyone who missed it earlier, check out this great short THEME article from http://thescriptlab.com/ http://bit.ly/blNzkP #scriptchat

1:14 am             ozzywood:             Best result to whom??? RT @abizrobok: RT @HoodedMan: a writer should ignore the audience. That will give the best result #scriptchat

1:14 am             beingbrad:             Can someone summarize what we've learned tonight for the late-comers? #scriptchat

1:14 am             scripteach:             RT @AllInky: Is it possible to not have theme... to actually NOT have one? #scriptchat Yes, but an unrealized theme is an unrealized script

1:14 am             HoodedMan:             @WriterSchilf Bullshit, quite frankly #scriptchat

1:15 am             jeannevb:             @beingbrad oh, I know! Juggling is killing me too #scriptchat

1:15 am             scripteach:             RT @UncompletedWork: @jolenejahnke Hey, don't the cool people show up late ;-) #scriptchat That's what I say too!

1:15 am             dennis_jernberg:             @WriterSchilf That's exactly what I learned, come to think of it. And it's exactly the way to avoid Mary Sue syndrome. #scriptchat

1:15 am             WriterSchilf:             @davidspies Thanks. Always nice to know people are listening. If you ever have any questions, feel free to contact me. #scriptchat

1:15 am             ozzywood:             Sorry who are you writing for? RT @HoodedMan If you write for an audience or readers you write formula & thats never a good idea #scriptchat

1:15 am             garnerhaines:             @AllInky I think people will find one, even if it's not intended to be. We see patterns in things, even when there aren't any. #scriptchat

1:15 am             beingbrad:             @jeannevb you've done well though... congrats! #scriptchat

1:16 am             jeannevb:             @scripteach where have u been, man!? Throw in ur 2 cents on theme b4 I pull transcript ;) #scriptchat

1:16 am             HoodedMan:             @ruminski I don't view them as either, but as potential interested parties, but I don't suck up to them #scriptchat

1:16 am             scripteach:             RT @WriterSchilf: Good writing is triangle: writer, subject & audience... theme connects all #scriptchat YES!

1:16 am             jeannevb:             @beingbrad it's all in the pimp skillage ;) #scriptchat

1:16 am             ozzywood:             So how can you LEARN if you only write for yourself? RT @HoodedMan If you write for an audience or readers you write formula #scriptchat

1:16 am             scripteach:             RT @jeannevb: where have u been, man!? Throw in ur 2 cents on theme b4 I pull transcript ;) #scriptchat Jut got in. OK, theme... uh...

1:17 am             ozzywood:             RT @scripteach: RT @WriterSchilf: Good writing is triangle: writer, subject & audience... theme connects all #scriptchatYES! #scriptchat

1:17 am             WriterSchilf:             @HoodedMan Your opinion. You're entitled. However, you will never make any money if you ignore AUDIENCE. Audience is EVERYTHING! #scriptchat

1:17 am             HoodedMan:             @ozzywood the story, which should be the most important, of course, but practically forgotten today #scriptchat

1:17 am             ozzywood:             RT @WriterSchilf: @HoodedMan You will never make any money if you ignore AUDIENCE. Audience is EVERYTHING! #scriptchat

1:18 am             beingbrad:             @HoodedMan i disagree - writers don't forget story - but story is lost in production. #scriptchat

1:18 am             Chuklz:             @hoodedman Writing 'screenplays' only for yourself is like masturbating without climaxing. Kinda pointless #scriptchat

1:18 am             AllInky:             @scripteach You're right. As soon as one character demonstrates one belief or takes one action, you have theme of some kind. :) #scriptchat

1:18 am             UncompletedWork:             @scripteach I remember you saying that when you came to #ScreenwriterKaraoke in NYC ;-) #scriptchat

1:18 am             scripteach:             Theme unifies all the elements of a script & gives it meaning beyond plot points A-Z. Theme tells us WHY went thru the plot. #scriptchat

1:18 am             davidspies:             @WriterSchilf You provide a wealth of insight & encouragement, wish your tweets were shorter... I'd retweet them all! #scriptchat

1:18 am             WriterSchilf:             @HoodedMan True. Story is important, but you craft the story to engage and involve your audience: to hope and fear for your hero #scriptchat

1:18 am             ozzywood:             What's forgotten: the skill HOW to tell story for an AUDIENCE. Ppl write 4 themselves. RT @HoodedMan practically forgotten today #scriptchat

1:18 am             ozzywood:             RT @beingbrad: @HoodedMan i disagree - writers dont forget story - but story is lost in production. #scriptchat

1:18 am             beingbrad:             @Chuklz i do that ALL the time. seriously. it's called life after 30. #scriptchat

1:19 am             ozzywood:             RT @Chuklz: @hoodedman Writing screenplays only for yourself is like masturbating without climaxing. Kinda pointless #scriptchat

1:19 am             davidspies:             RT @jeannevb I'll post some links to theme articles recommended at tonight's chat on our blog www.scriptchat.com #scriptchat

1:19 am             ruminski:             @HoodedMan I call BS: writers who say they don't care about the aud are mostly afraid of failure, rejection, lack of resonance #scriptchat

1:19 am             ozzywood:             RT @AllInky: @scripteach As soon as one character demonstrates one belief or takes one action, you have theme of some kind. :) #scriptchat

1:19 am             ozzywood:             RT @ruminski: @HoodedMan writers who say they dont care about the aud are mostly afraid of failure, rejection, lack of resonance #scriptchat

1:20 am             WriterSchilf:             How you reveal information is all about audience. Sometimes we learn with, before, or after our character does. it affects us #scriptchat

1:20 am             Chuklz:             A screenplay isnt even a finished piece, its like the pirates code- more of an guideline for the end product #scriptchat

1:20 am             jeannevb:             while I update the #scriptchat blog w theme links, u guys get ur thoughts all out before I pull transcript #scriptchat

1:20 am             beingbrad:             @ruminski I just don't think riters r ever afraid. they're either trying 2 hard, learning 2 little or being their shallow selves #scriptchat

1:20 am             ErikaLT:             RT @willentrekin: If you write characters, plot, story well, you will have a theme. If you don't, no amount of attempt will recover. #scriptchat

1:21 am             scripteach:             Theme has to be more than what I call a "topic area" such as "love." What ABOUT love do you want to say at your film's climax? #scriptchat

1:21 am             beingbrad:             i have nothing to add to theme. i'm a loser baby, why don't you kill me. #scriptchat

1:21 am             AllInky:             A journal is for yourself, a place to reflect and learn. Most everything else is for you to share with someone, yeah? #scriptchat

1:22 am             ozzywood:             Phew... Pretty intense 35mins that was! Thank you all for adding to the discussion. Great. #scriptchat

1:22 am             brionykidd:             But regard yourself as the audience to some extent. If you're excited or entertained by an idea, chances are others will be too. #scriptchat

1:23 am             ruminski:             @WriterSchilf audience isn't EVERYTHING - that's as much a route to bad writing as a writer's onanistic self-indulgence #scriptchat

1:23 am             ozzywood:             Allow me to plug @SKComedy as I've just had the privilege to attend his one-day seminar. Truly enlightening. The King of Comedy. #scriptchat

1:23 am             beingbrad:             I have high esteem 4 all writers - I truly believe we are all trying 2 achieve greatness - but greatness is rarely a cash skill #scriptchat

1:24 am             beingbrad:             RT @ozzywood: Phew... Pretty intense 35mins that was! Thank you all for adding to the discussion. Great. #scriptchat

1:24 am             beingbrad:             theme: what you aim for when you can't remember what your character is supposed to be saying or doing. #scriptchat

1:25 am             WriterSchilf:             @ruminski Well, obviously there is a lot to a screenplay, but as the writer, you are dictating how you want an audience to feel #scriptchat

1:25 am             numbminded:             I've bn struggling of late with putting effective conversations on paper. #scriptchat Any suggestions @HoodedMan @ozzywood @WriterSchilf

1:26 am             beingbrad:             theme is just dialogue without pronouns. #scriptchat

1:26 am             scripteach:             What you have occur at climax "proves" your theme. It can't be "love overcomes all" if they don't end up together. #scriptchat

1:26 am             WriterSchilf:             @beingbrad If you're trying to figure out what your character is suppose to be saying, you don't know him/her. he/she tells you #scriptchat

1:27 am             brionykidd:             RT @WriterSchilf: How you reveal information is all about audience. Sometimes we learn with, before, or after our character does. it affects us #scriptchat

1:27 am             beingbrad:             @WriterSchilf you're a lucky schilf then. the alcohol tells me, then the sober me tells me the edits... #scriptchat

1:27 am             scripteach:             RT @AllInky: soon as 1 character demonstrates 1 belief or takes 1 action U have theme of some kind. #scriptchat Yes so make it work FOR you

1:28 am             Screenwriter911:             Is #theme important? Put it this way: it's the only reason why the audience cares about your story. #scriptchat

1:28 am             ruminski:             @WriterSchilf no! as a writer you suggest, provide information, but trying to dictate audience reaction is a fools errand. #scriptchat

1:28 am             scripteach:             RT @beingbrad: theme: what U aim for when U can't remember what character is supposed to be saying or doing. #scriptchat What GUIDES you.

1:28 am             WriterSchilf:             @beingbrad Once you really know your characters, they write for you. They direct you. Otherwise, it's the writer forcing it. #scriptchat

1:29 am             jeannevb:             wow, almost 30 min past chat & u guys are still on a role :) #scriptchat

1:29 am             jolenejahnke:             Story is what I've learned. Theme is what makes me care. #scriptchat

1:29 am             beingbrad:             @WriterSchilf all characters are pieces of my soul. some speak their mind, some need their arms twisted. #scriptchat

1:30 am             beingbrad:             @jeannevb it's all you VB baby. #scriptchat

1:30 am             WriterSchilf:             @ruminski Wrong. You are the master mechanic. You must know if you want your audience to empathize, hope, fear, etc #scriptchat

1:30 am             Chuklz:             RT @jolenejahnke: Story is what I've learned. Theme is what makes me care. #scriptchat

1:30 am             jeannevb:             RT @Screenwriter911: Is #theme important? Put it this way: its the only reason why the audience cares about your story. #scriptchat

1:30 am             brionykidd:             @SunspotPictures Yes, definitely, which is why that rule of having the best possible villain works I guess. #scriptchat

1:30 am             ruminski:             @beingbrad Fear is a powerful motivator for many writers. We're mostly neurotic, insecure creatures by nature. Embrace & use it. #scriptchat

1:30 am             Screenwriter911:             Theme is the horizon for your story. When u find yourself lost in Act2, look @ that horizon & u will find your way. #scriptchat

1:31 am             jeannevb:             man, this is like a college frat party... drinking & waiting for a brawl :) RT @beingbrad: @jeannevb its all you VB baby. #scriptchat

1:31 am             beingbrad:             @ruminski mostly? I wish. #scriptchat

1:31 am             scripteach:             Also, check out McKee's "Controlling Idea" for a good way to use theme as a guiding force: http://storycharts.ca/theory/ #scriptchat

1:31 am             garnerhaines:             Author f/o/friend took univ class feat. own books, thought it'd be easy credit. #fail Prof disagreed w/ author on theme. #scriptchat

1:32 am             scripteach:             Gotta go. Sorry I came in late 'cause I'm a HUGE believer in theme. "See" y'all again soon I hope. #scriptchat

1:32 am             jeannevb:             got all the theme links set for the blog... and it wont save them #grrrr #needmoretequila #scriptchat

1:32 am             brionykidd:             @SunspotPictures But are there any *good* films where the question is answered? (ie. didactic, message v. theme) #scriptchat

1:32 am             Screenwriter911:             If u don't care what yr audience thinks/feels when they read yr script, chances r they have already set it down or tuned out. #scriptchat

1:32 am             beingbrad:             @jeannevb i think about audience, but it's not the theatre goer - it's the person next in line to read, that's all that matters #scriptchat

1:32 am             ruminski:             @WriterSchilf The writer isn't omnipotent, just an attuned observer portraying events from a POV. Auds decide for themselves. #scriptchat

1:33 am             beingbrad:             dammit to fucking hell I've missed this #scriptchat

1:33 am             so_you_know:             @jeannevb pssst. while fixing dinner, i = lurker. #scriptchat = good stuff for sure. :) much is applicable for my WIP

1:33 am             mikestuchbery:             More Australians want to hear stories about middle-aged white people with problems. ;) #scriptchat

1:33 am             Chuklz:             @Screenwriter911 God is dead. There is no horizon. AAAAAAAHH! #scriptchat

1:33 am             beingbrad:             @beingbrad i should clarify - i'm not writing to the reader, but i'm sure as hell thinking about them #scriptchat

1:33 am             SilverScreen45:             RT @ozzywood: Theme resonates with your audience without them being aware of it. #scriptchat

1:33 am             ozzywood:             @numbminded Don't you love how #scriptchat kickstarts the day?!

1:34 am             beingbrad:             #scriptchat is on - writers join in - everyone else beware.

1:34 am             WriterSchilf:             @ruminski Wrong again. You're building a script, like a car. It matters where you put the cup holder: audience/driver is why #scriptchat

1:35 am             HoodedMan:             I find these discussions horribly business oriented #scriptchat

1:35 am             WriterSchilf:             @HoodedMan Screenwriting is a business. #scriptchat

1:35 am             beingbrad:             @WriterSchilf everything matters, everything, always and everything - but how much YOU care about the WHO matters equally #scriptchat

1:35 am             beingbrad:             RT @WriterSchilf: @HoodedMan Screenwriting is a business. #scriptchat

1:36 am             beingbrad:             @HoodedMan deal with it man - write 4 or 5 scripts for yourself to learn the craft and expunge your soul - then decide your fate #scriptchat

1:37 am             LynneRice:             I love coming away from a movie thinking, if I reacted/responded like that, I could be a better person, make a dif Theme #scriptchat

1:37 am             Screenwriter911:             @HoodedMan If ur writing 4 yr own satisfaction, fine. If u want 2 get paid, @WriterSchilf is correct: Screenwriting = a business #scriptchat

1:38 am             ruminski:             @WriterSchilf Writing isn't building a car. If you want to win hearts/minds, you can't condescend or manipulate. #scriptchat

1:38 am             CrackingYarns:             Myy 2 day Intro to Screenwriting course is on this weekend June 26-27 at AFTRS. Click here to book http://bit.ly/blT2AQ #scriptchat

1:39 am             AllInky:             Worrying about audience isn't particularly business-oriented. :) Zro-budget, made-for-the-love-of films still need an audience. #scriptchat

1:39 am             LynneRice:             when I'm TOLD how I should respond to a situation, it irks me. Rather see the struggle and the hard decision against the odds #scriptchat

1:40 am             Screenwriter911:             @ruminski Structuring a story, working the outline & executing it is not condescending. #scriptchat

1:40 am             ruminski:             RT @LynneRice: when I'm TOLD how I should respond to a situation, it irks me. Rather see the struggle and the hard decision against the odds #scriptchat

1:40 am             WriterSchilf:             @ruminski A novel isn't building a car. But Screenwriting IS! It's up to you what you build: SmartCar or Aston Martin. #scriptchat

1:40 am             jeannevb:             WOOT! Now a THEME section of our #scriptchat blog :) http://bit.ly/185tzs

1:40 am             HoodedMan:             I'm probing the interest for some kind of true independent writer's "club", both films and books #amwriting #scriptchat

1:41 am             Screenwriter911:             @ruminski However, writing is - in some sense - manipulation. There is nothing intrinsically wrong with manipulation. #scriptchat

1:41 am             beingbrad:             seriously people - screenwriting is about getting movies made, not getting words posted on scriptshadow! #scriptchat

1:41 am             beingbrad:             @Screenwriter911 LIFE IS FUCKING MANIPULATION #scriptchat

1:41 am             WriterSchilf:             Screenwriting is a trade that occasionally becomes art. You're building a car first. They all have four wheels. #scriptchat

1:42 am             beingbrad:             RT @WriterSchilf: Screenwriting is a trade that occasionally becomes art. Youre building a car first. They all have four wheels. #scriptchat

1:42 am             AllInky:             All films are propaganda films, we just like our own propaganda better. :) #scriptchat

1:42 am             KageyNYC:             Had to miss #scriptchat tonight due to Father's Day festivities. Sorry to miss Theme convo, seems it was a good one.

1:42 am             Screenwriter911:             @beingbrad @Screenwriter911 LIFE IS FUCKING MANIPULATION #scriptchat Agreed.

1:43 am             ruminski:             @ozzywood I understand the analogy, I just disagree. Craft ultimately serves art: the former is a tool to achieve the latter #scriptchat

1:44 am             WriterSchilf:             @ruminski Well, then you WILL struggle. No one goes to a RomCom to be surprised. But the audience does expect to go on a ride. #scriptchat

1:44 am             beingbrad:             "they all have 4 wheels" - sometimes you enjoy the ride - sometimes you appreciate the upholstery - sometimes you get car sick #scriptchat

1:44 am             ruminski:             @ozzywood @WriterSchilf If writing was nothing more than mechanics, every schmuck who ever took a seminar would have an Oscar. #scriptchat

1:45 am             jeannevb:             last call for brilliant remarks #transcriptpull #scriptchat

1:45 am             AllInky:             Thanks again for another thought-provoking #scriptchat session. Have a great week! Good luck to those at the GAPF! #scriptchat

1:45 am             ozzywood:             @slushpilehero It's a topic we'll be discussing all week here! (LOL) #scriptchat THEME

1:45 am             davidspies:             A great plot & interesting characters are key. RT @annie5050: someone said that a good story well told will always be accepted. #scriptchat

1:45 am             WriterSchilf:             @ruminski Wrong again. It's a very skilled trade... and an almost impossible task. And it take YEARS to master. #scriptchat

1:46 am             thinkStory:             Been #amwriting all day and now have an Act I that is 7 pages too long. Sorry I missed #scriptchat, but werewolves were biting.

1:47 am             cinematicshot:             I believe entertainment can aspire to be art, and can become art, but if you set out to make art you're an idiot. ~Steve Martin #scriptchat

1:48 am             thelightedbridg:             @WriterSchilf Yes. The theme of my project is : Freedom. #scriptchat

1:48 am             SPCWriter:             @AllInky I so agree with that. :) #scriptchat.

1:49 am             beingbrad:             @WriterSchilf do you have a working website or not!? #scriptchat

1:49 am             ruminski:             @WriterSchilf We're obv coming from diff viewpoints here. I understand and respect craft, but it's a tool in service of art. #scriptchat

1:49 am             jeannevb:             @ruminski @WriterSchilf Remember #1 rule: BYOB and leave ur ego behind. Don't make me get the bouncers ;) #scriptchat

1:50 am             Screenwriter911:             The audience wants to feel. Emotions are universal in a way that story is not. Emotions are revealed through theme. #scriptchat