This Is What A Rewrite Looks Like

From my good friend and creative collaborator Sean Hood at Genre Hacks:


What is the most important screenwriting tool?  (originally I answered this question on Quora)

For me, a "tool" is some process, habit or approach that can be taught. When I work with screenwriters at USC's School of Cinematic Arts, I can't help the students with talent or luck, which are by far the two most important factors in a screenwriter's success.

Likewise, I can't really teach imagination, stamina, or even self-delusion (important as they are). Practical knowledge of industry standards as well as willingness to listen to honest feedback are certainly necessary, but I expect both of these when a student walks into the classroom or an aspiring screenwriter asks me for advice.  What I can teach is a process.

To read the whole post, go here: http://genrehacks.blogspot.com/2013/12/this-is-what-rewrite-looks-like.html

15 Predictions On The Future Of Indie Film

Another great post from the great Ted Hope:

I have written about the good things in indie film. I have done it quite a bit. I have written about the bad things, and more than several times there too.  I have written about the thinkers and doers who are shaping where we are (and will post that later this month).  I have examined the cultural changes, the realities of our industry, and provided recommended best practices. I examined why it is sooo slow to change. I would like to help us find our path forward; what more can I do to help?

To read the whole post, go here: http://bit.ly/18LXym8

My Personality Type: The Groundbreaking Thinker

My Personality Type: The Groundbreaking Thinker

On the programming team for LA Film Fest again!! Looking forward to it!!

The Sexiest And/Or Most Sexually Provocative Films Ever. What do you think they are?

Of course we must do our cinematic research before beginning the real work on "Connection". Not to mimic what's been done before, but to learn from it, perhaps build on it, maybe subvert it and/or simply be inspired by it. So, I built myself a little list of sexy and/or sexually provocative films (NOT porno) that are required viewing.

Given what I'm doing with "Connection" (see previous posts), would love to know what you think I'm missing. Or just tell me sexually-themed films you think I must see.

Here it is in no particular order....

To view the full post, go here:
http://connectionthefilm.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-sexiest-andor-most-sexually.html

What I'm exploring with "Connection"

I'm often asked that question, or something like it. Why are you making this film? Well, it's a question all filmmakers should ask themselves long and hard before they jump into a film. What does this film truly mean to me? Is it something that needs to be made - i.e. am I adding something fresh and meaningful to the cinematic landscape or is it just more movie detritus clogging up the distribution pipeline?

Good questions. But I think most people are really asking me what personal issues I have that would make this film relevant to me. They don't ask me straight up like that, of course, but that is the subtext of their question when they ask "Why are you making this film?" Am I a swinger? Am I interested in the lifestyle? Do I have intimacy issues? Sexual issues? Am I just a horn dog or kinky bastard?

They often think I'm making porn. But obviously, I'm trying to explore something more than just sex in this dynamic. Hence, the title "Connection". But I do feel there is a lot to explore in the sex itself. Sex is a very powerful and complex cinematic metaphor, because it is such a hot button topic for psychological, social and spiritual reasons. Even porno, as superficial and direct as it is, speaks volumes about who we are individually and culturally. The reasons it (or any individual pornographic act within a porn film) stimulates us, reviles us, or leaves us indifferent says a lot about our beliefs, choices, preferences, fears, fetishes, issues and more.

To see the full post, go here:
http://connectionthefilm.blogspot.com/2013/11/what-im-exploring-with-connection.html