The ABC have launched an ARTS GATEWAY - encompassing multi platforms for multi art forms - even POETRY - such WONDERFUL news.
http://if.com.au/news/article/RKYSMPBNAN.html
Let's hope the Arts Community get behind them and contribute their stories and art - without content, there's no gateway.
Frances Macaulay Forde
http://www.abc.net.au/arts/genre/film.htm
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Excellent Blog - David Bordwell
Excellent discussions on film - books etc... he has his finger in the pie.
WARNING: You could get lost in his site with so many good links too!
http://www.davidbordwell.net/blog/?p=5822
Have fun!
Frances Macaulay Forde
WARNING: You could get lost in his site with so many good links too!
http://www.davidbordwell.net/blog/?p=5822
Have fun!
Frances Macaulay Forde
Another novel to be adapted for Disney
Creative Screenwriting:
Peacocks and AirmenScreenwriter Ann Peacock (Nights in Rodanthe) will adapt Eoin Colfer's novel Airman for Disney and ImageMovers.
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118010150.html?categoryid=13&cs=1
Although I applaud Hollywood looking for new stories and sticking with proven screenwriters, I still fantasize about of one of my 'spec' scripts being snatched by a full-monied studio, from the ether filled with struggling minions who dream big!
Like that 21 year old guy on the Gold Coast who wrote the scenopis for Batman...
Frances Macaulay Forde
"Sabre One" - I've got a modern-day pirate script too!
For all you producers out there: I predict there'll be a rush of modern-day pirate movies in the next couple of years so any Australian Producers, please take note: I've got 'Sabre One' just waiting for the right set of eyes!
Frances Macaulay Forde
Noted from Creative Screenwriting E-bulletin:
Billy Ray Shivers Somali TimbersScreenwriter Billy Ray (State of Play) will write a movie based on real-life captain Richard Phillips, who was rescued from Somali pirates by Navy SEALS.
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118010307.html?categoryid=13&cs=1
Frances Macaulay Forde
Noted from Creative Screenwriting E-bulletin:
Billy Ray Shivers Somali TimbersScreenwriter Billy Ray (State of Play) will write a movie based on real-life captain Richard Phillips, who was rescued from Somali pirates by Navy SEALS.
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118010307.html?categoryid=13&cs=1
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
AFC On-line Production Book 2008.
For your interest, this is a catalogue of short films 2008 made published by the Australian Film Commission in which my film "Love You Mum" appears on page 46.
http://www.afc.gov.au/downloads/pubs/shorts08_web.pdf
http://www.afc.gov.au/downloads/pubs/shorts08_web.pdf
Monday, September 28, 2009
Cyberspace Screenwriting...
Entered the Creative Screenwriting Expo Cyberspace On-Line Scene Writing competition and have completed Round 1 with a score of 82 from a possible 100 with judges comments saying I had a 'good writing style'. I think that's an OK score, but not sure... depends how they mark. Someone got 97 out of a possible 100!
Round 1, they give you a premise and you have the weekend to send in 3-5 completed pages.
Round 2, they give you another premise but only one day to submit 3-5 pages.
Round 3, they give yet another but only 90 mins to submit (which will be interesting as my timezone is 15 hours behind LA).
If your scene is one of final three chosen by the judges, it gets read out at the CS EXPO in front of some very influential people.
I'll be happy to compete and receive the comments which are included with your scores.
Anyway, very good exercise for my writing muscles.
Round 1, they give you a premise and you have the weekend to send in 3-5 completed pages.
Round 2, they give you another premise but only one day to submit 3-5 pages.
Round 3, they give yet another but only 90 mins to submit (which will be interesting as my timezone is 15 hours behind LA).
If your scene is one of final three chosen by the judges, it gets read out at the CS EXPO in front of some very influential people.
I'll be happy to compete and receive the comments which are included with your scores.
Anyway, very good exercise for my writing muscles.
Friday, September 11, 2009
My Feature Opportunity
I was recently offered a contract to write a feature scheduled for Cannes ~ a fantastic opportunity which unfortunately, I had to turn down.
The timing wasn't right for me ~ neither was the proposed style of script construction.
Although human relationships are my speciality, I like to actually write the script ~ work from the page but not everyone works that way, some prefer to let the script evolve as the actors work through given situations.
That's not a method I'm comfortable with so although the director and I had many brain-storming sessions where the characters, relationships and situations were thrashed out, I regretfully had to withdraw from the project.
I suggested the 'visual' director write it herself or maybe she'll have someone else come in to take notes at workshops, rehursals etc.
For sure it will go ahead ~ steam ahead without me and I'm comfortable in the knowledge I gave a very good 'head' start to the story.
Using my 9 picture exercise (thank you John Rapsey @ ECU) to give the story some structure, there is now a character base and story spine to work from.
Can't wait to see the notice of the film accepted for screening at Cannes and look forward to one day, attending the Perth premiere.
The timing wasn't right for me ~ neither was the proposed style of script construction.
Although human relationships are my speciality, I like to actually write the script ~ work from the page but not everyone works that way, some prefer to let the script evolve as the actors work through given situations.
That's not a method I'm comfortable with so although the director and I had many brain-storming sessions where the characters, relationships and situations were thrashed out, I regretfully had to withdraw from the project.
I suggested the 'visual' director write it herself or maybe she'll have someone else come in to take notes at workshops, rehursals etc.
For sure it will go ahead ~ steam ahead without me and I'm comfortable in the knowledge I gave a very good 'head' start to the story.
Using my 9 picture exercise (thank you John Rapsey @ ECU) to give the story some structure, there is now a character base and story spine to work from.
Can't wait to see the notice of the film accepted for screening at Cannes and look forward to one day, attending the Perth premiere.
What's in Production - in Western Australia
The What's in Production document on ScreenWest's website has the latest information on Western Australian projects in pre-production, production and post production.
Download the latest edition of What's in Production now.
If you have a project that you would like listed in this document, please contact ScreenWest Funding Team Leader Shannon Jenkins.
If you are looking to get work on one of the many productions gearing up in Western Australia, then submit your details now to the WA Production Directory so that producers/production companies can contact you.
Producers - if you want to promote a production casting date or call for crew then please submit your story to be considered for inclusion in ScreenWest's weekly e-newsletter ScreenOnline.
Download the latest edition of What's in Production now.
If you have a project that you would like listed in this document, please contact ScreenWest Funding Team Leader Shannon Jenkins.
If you are looking to get work on one of the many productions gearing up in Western Australia, then submit your details now to the WA Production Directory so that producers/production companies can contact you.
Producers - if you want to promote a production casting date or call for crew then please submit your story to be considered for inclusion in ScreenWest's weekly e-newsletter ScreenOnline.
Screen Australian offers new 'springboard' for aspiring feature filmakers.
(Thanks to Screen Australia news & events)
Screen Australia is seeking applications for Springboard - a unique development and production opportunity for creative teams to write and produce a short film that acts as a creatively and professionally relevant calling card for their proposed first feature project.
The deadline for applications is September 28, 2009.
Springboard is targeted at filmmaking teams who have a final draft script ready for the marketplace and are one step away from making their first professional feature film.
Six teams will be selected to take part in two high-level workshops to develop and hone a short film proposal from scratch. Following these stages, Screen Australia will select the three most promising short film projects to go into production, with a budget of up to $120,000 each.
The Springboard workshops will be run by Simon van der Borgh and Jonathan Rawlinson - screenwriting teachers and script consultants with extensive international experience.
Simon and Jonathan have previously designed and delivered film training programs for the UK Film Council, the European Union's MEDIA Program, the British Council, the Fulbright Commission and screen agencies in the UK, Europe and Australia.
Successful applicants will be announced on November 13, with the first Springboard script development workshop scheduled for December 2009.
Screen Australia will continue to support the teams on completion of their short film, including providing festival strategy advice to assist the short in being showcased at national and international festivals.
Further information or to download the application form please visit the Screen Australia website.
Screen Australia is seeking applications for Springboard - a unique development and production opportunity for creative teams to write and produce a short film that acts as a creatively and professionally relevant calling card for their proposed first feature project.
The deadline for applications is September 28, 2009.
Springboard is targeted at filmmaking teams who have a final draft script ready for the marketplace and are one step away from making their first professional feature film.
Six teams will be selected to take part in two high-level workshops to develop and hone a short film proposal from scratch. Following these stages, Screen Australia will select the three most promising short film projects to go into production, with a budget of up to $120,000 each.
The Springboard workshops will be run by Simon van der Borgh and Jonathan Rawlinson - screenwriting teachers and script consultants with extensive international experience.
Simon and Jonathan have previously designed and delivered film training programs for the UK Film Council, the European Union's MEDIA Program, the British Council, the Fulbright Commission and screen agencies in the UK, Europe and Australia.
Successful applicants will be announced on November 13, with the first Springboard script development workshop scheduled for December 2009.
Screen Australia will continue to support the teams on completion of their short film, including providing festival strategy advice to assist the short in being showcased at national and international festivals.
Further information or to download the application form please visit the Screen Australia website.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Tears after reading...
A beautiful tribute and a touching insight from John Hughes' pen pal!
http://wellknowwhenwegetthere.blogspot.com/2009/08/sincerely-john-hughes.html
http://wellknowwhenwegetthere.blogspot.com/2009/08/sincerely-john-hughes.html
A tribute to Blake Snyder
A very personal tribute to Blake Snyder, the guru of screenwriting and author of 'Save the Cat' books.
Found via Screenwriters Goldmine Blog, this piece is from the writer of 'Confessions of a Shopaholic" screenwriter and well worth a read.
In fact, after reading other articles on the blog, I'm now inspired to write a feature based purely on one of her comments...
http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=234501760316&h=qmJHu&u=TPp7x&ref=nf
Found via Screenwriters Goldmine Blog, this piece is from the writer of 'Confessions of a Shopaholic" screenwriter and well worth a read.
In fact, after reading other articles on the blog, I'm now inspired to write a feature based purely on one of her comments...
http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=234501760316&h=qmJHu&u=TPp7x&ref=nf
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Chlamydia Rap
One of the most fun assignment I've ever had was for our largest Hospital's Emergency Department - a series of 30 second ads to be played on the in-house TV's for waiting patients but which would appeal to the specific target audience of teenagers.
Well, I've worked with and written for teenagers quite a bit, so I guess I was a natural and although I impressed the hell out of them with my scripts (I know, I'm modest) in the end, the filmaker they chose didn't and the project was cancelled.
I was paid well and applauded for what I gave them, but I'm still disappointed my scripts weren't filmed. That's the lot of a screenwriter - you write so much which never sees the light of day for one reason or another even though, the scripts were good.
Here's an idea of what I gave them:
PRODUCT: 16/09/06
An extra advertisement has been requested in addition to the series of five advertisements already provided, to slot into the repeated 50 minute-showing of teen-appeal surfing video in the Emergency Department at ---- Hospital.
To be filmed by --- from -----, the target audience for the original ads and the longer video is youth, however, the additional ad is aimed at a slightly older and more monies 20 – 25 year olds and is deliver by a nurse, seated at a desk in a serious manner.
The first five ads generally tell the story of Chlamydia using toys as characters in a party atmosphere at the Dolls House, with soundtrack music provided by -----. Hands obviously (in shot) hold the toys as they enact the scenes: going up or down stairs, break-dancing etc. Full-sized beer cans will be scattered around the dolls house.
The humorous juxtaposition of toys with full sized items should provide a comedic edge together with the further juxtapositioning of a serious message in between the seemingly frivolous.
However, I know the ideas have been adapted and used in various ways for workshops and conferences etc, as has my "CHLAMYDIA RAP" which disolved the whole office into stitches (pardon the pun).
Remember, we're dealing with trying to get boring facts 'out there' and impress the specific teenage target audience in a different way which will resonate.
These were not your typical teenagers, these were drug users and drunks who, when inebriated practised dangerous habits, so I needed to write to the attention span (30 seconds) and employ a fun and funky (preferably American - TV/movies influence) style.
See what you think:
CHLAMYDIA RAP
Listen here! Y’all need to know
Chlam – ydd-ee-ah Trach – o –mat – is is
as common as ‘the clap’ is.
It’s spead by sex without a hat,
don’t even know when you’re got at
- s’real dangerous for bubs ‘n testies,
‘cos it’s sneaky ‘n snarly ‘n silent as
‘til your eyes go pink ‘n your bum goes red.
Before y’know it – you’re real sick in bed.
Just pee in a cup - then give it up.
We’ll tell you by text so no-one knows
–one shot anti-be, ‘n away you go.
Frances Macaulay Forde © 2006
Well, I've worked with and written for teenagers quite a bit, so I guess I was a natural and although I impressed the hell out of them with my scripts (I know, I'm modest) in the end, the filmaker they chose didn't and the project was cancelled.
I was paid well and applauded for what I gave them, but I'm still disappointed my scripts weren't filmed. That's the lot of a screenwriter - you write so much which never sees the light of day for one reason or another even though, the scripts were good.
Here's an idea of what I gave them:
PRODUCT: 16/09/06
An extra advertisement has been requested in addition to the series of five advertisements already provided, to slot into the repeated 50 minute-showing of teen-appeal surfing video in the Emergency Department at ---- Hospital.
To be filmed by --- from -----, the target audience for the original ads and the longer video is youth, however, the additional ad is aimed at a slightly older and more monies 20 – 25 year olds and is deliver by a nurse, seated at a desk in a serious manner.
The first five ads generally tell the story of Chlamydia using toys as characters in a party atmosphere at the Dolls House, with soundtrack music provided by -----. Hands obviously (in shot) hold the toys as they enact the scenes: going up or down stairs, break-dancing etc. Full-sized beer cans will be scattered around the dolls house.
The humorous juxtaposition of toys with full sized items should provide a comedic edge together with the further juxtapositioning of a serious message in between the seemingly frivolous.
However, I know the ideas have been adapted and used in various ways for workshops and conferences etc, as has my "CHLAMYDIA RAP" which disolved the whole office into stitches (pardon the pun).
Remember, we're dealing with trying to get boring facts 'out there' and impress the specific teenage target audience in a different way which will resonate.
These were not your typical teenagers, these were drug users and drunks who, when inebriated practised dangerous habits, so I needed to write to the attention span (30 seconds) and employ a fun and funky (preferably American - TV/movies influence) style.
See what you think:
CHLAMYDIA RAP
Listen here! Y’all need to know
Chlam – ydd-ee-ah Trach – o –mat – is is
as common as ‘the clap’ is.
It’s spead by sex without a hat,
don’t even know when you’re got at
- s’real dangerous for bubs ‘n testies,
‘cos it’s sneaky ‘n snarly ‘n silent as
‘til your eyes go pink ‘n your bum goes red.
Before y’know it – you’re real sick in bed.
Just pee in a cup - then give it up.
We’ll tell you by text so no-one knows
–one shot anti-be, ‘n away you go.
Frances Macaulay Forde © 2006
Tropfest and Wine
Was asked to come up with a short script for Tropfest: the theme is 'dice'and it needs to be shot soon to fit in with the time-line. So I did and sent it off last night...
It's a deceptively simple idea with a very basic theme of life and death, two characters, one location for interiors and exteriors. Very low - in fact ZERO budget.
Hope David & Matt like it and decide to go with it. They're pretty quick at deciding once they're read the script, so I should know today if it's clicked with them, or not.
A little while ago I was asked to come up with an idea for a US wine competition no more than 7 min (but they wanted 3min), no copyright material and totally original - not just a basic ad, but something a little different. It was for a South Australian Winery.
As is my want, I stewed on the idea for a while then arrived at two scripts for them:
The first idea is a short film (promo) for a reality TV series idea I've come up with. It's doable in the future but whether this company would take it any further is a big question. However, the short 'promo' film for it, is a stand-alone 3 min short film, very low budget and easily shot in-house.
The second script (also low budget) is a dramatised 3 min advert specifically for their wines but done in (I hope) a subtle and sophisticated way, oozing the monied life-style which suits their brand.
So, the ideas are being taken to the board and now I wait for a decision...
Wish me luck!
It's a deceptively simple idea with a very basic theme of life and death, two characters, one location for interiors and exteriors. Very low - in fact ZERO budget.
Hope David & Matt like it and decide to go with it. They're pretty quick at deciding once they're read the script, so I should know today if it's clicked with them, or not.
A little while ago I was asked to come up with an idea for a US wine competition no more than 7 min (but they wanted 3min), no copyright material and totally original - not just a basic ad, but something a little different. It was for a South Australian Winery.
As is my want, I stewed on the idea for a while then arrived at two scripts for them:
The first idea is a short film (promo) for a reality TV series idea I've come up with. It's doable in the future but whether this company would take it any further is a big question. However, the short 'promo' film for it, is a stand-alone 3 min short film, very low budget and easily shot in-house.
The second script (also low budget) is a dramatised 3 min advert specifically for their wines but done in (I hope) a subtle and sophisticated way, oozing the monied life-style which suits their brand.
So, the ideas are being taken to the board and now I wait for a decision...
Wish me luck!
R I P John Hughes
Another hero: the amazing John Hughes dead at 59.
"Sixteen candles", "Pretty in Pink", "Ferris Beuller's Day Off", "Home Alone" series...
Very, very scary - I'm the same age!
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-john-hughes7-2009aug07,0,6413498.story
"Sixteen candles", "Pretty in Pink", "Ferris Beuller's Day Off", "Home Alone" series...
Very, very scary - I'm the same age!
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-john-hughes7-2009aug07,0,6413498.story
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
RIP Blake Snyder
Sad news - the author of my favourite screenwriting bible 'Save the Cat' died of a sudden heart attack, yesterday. His shared wisdom means he will never die.
http://www.blakesnyder.com/2009/08/blake-snyder-1952-2009/
http://www.blakesnyder.com/2009/08/blake-snyder-1952-2009/
Introducing THIS screenwriter in Western Australia...
Sorry - my previous post seems to have confused people: this blog is where I will post my personal views on being a screenwriter living in Western Australia... So, it's all about me!
At the moment I'm working on a few projects - small projects which I hope will lead to bigger.
Like all serious writers, I spend a lot of time rattling out scripts which producers ask for but which go no-where! Not because the script is bad - it may not even have been read but because the very subjective nature of our industry means many a script or project gets a lot of time and energy invested by all involved, for absolutely no return - except the experience.
For example, I wrote a couple of shorts scripts for a Wine company in the Eastern States to consider. They needed a short film script to make quickly for a competition which would give them a lot of exposure in the US. In the process I came up with a TV Series Idea which I really like and hope they run with... but we'll see. I'm waiting patiently for them to get back to me...
Meanwhile I'm jotting down a couple of ideas for an award-winning crew I've worked with before to make the next short which hopefully will lead to a feature or an on-going larger project.
(They're also waiting on my script for the next Tropfest which I have open in another screen right now!)
Of course the spector of my unfinished 'No Strings' draft (number - I don't know, I've done so many) stays in the background. I need to get to finish that one because I can't go any further without a producer or director and need to start sending it out to my list of preferables.
So I'm up to page 59 on this rewrite and need a good 2 weeks clearance to get into the last half but just can't find the time!
So - back to it...
At the moment I'm working on a few projects - small projects which I hope will lead to bigger.
Like all serious writers, I spend a lot of time rattling out scripts which producers ask for but which go no-where! Not because the script is bad - it may not even have been read but because the very subjective nature of our industry means many a script or project gets a lot of time and energy invested by all involved, for absolutely no return - except the experience.
For example, I wrote a couple of shorts scripts for a Wine company in the Eastern States to consider. They needed a short film script to make quickly for a competition which would give them a lot of exposure in the US. In the process I came up with a TV Series Idea which I really like and hope they run with... but we'll see. I'm waiting patiently for them to get back to me...
Meanwhile I'm jotting down a couple of ideas for an award-winning crew I've worked with before to make the next short which hopefully will lead to a feature or an on-going larger project.
(They're also waiting on my script for the next Tropfest which I have open in another screen right now!)
Of course the spector of my unfinished 'No Strings' draft (number - I don't know, I've done so many) stays in the background. I need to get to finish that one because I can't go any further without a producer or director and need to start sending it out to my list of preferables.
So I'm up to page 59 on this rewrite and need a good 2 weeks clearance to get into the last half but just can't find the time!
So - back to it...
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Introduction to ScreenwritingWA
G'day!
I write under the name of Frances Macaulay Forde for the page, stage and screen and have been published and sometimes (in a very minor way) awarded for my efforts.
No - you've probably never heard of me or seen or read anything I've written - but what the heck! Here's my chance to offer an opinion about what touches, interests or affects me in my world, and to see if you have the same experiences.
You have the choice to read or not and even, if so inclined, post a comment but may I ask you to please consider who may be reading this and write appropriately.
On my writing website I offer poetry, scripts, stories, books and photos.
I'm also listed on these sites Screenwest, Film & Television Institute, Fremantle and Perth Film Circle.
As the initiator and host of Poets Corner @ Pages Cafe in the Perth Cultural Centre, many poets from emerging to established shared their work with an adoring audience. For three years we met monthly, often well-known poets would guest host, inviting their favourite poets to read.
Many photos have been posted on the Poets Corner website and I'm busy updating the pages with more information. Eventually I hope to have videos recorded during our events and podcasts of poems and poets available on the website too.
30 years ago I had my heart broken and ran away from Zambia to Australia. A bronzed Aussie swept me off my feet and we had two very beautiful children who're now having children of their own. Divorce is never easy and I swore I wouldn't ever marry again - but never say never! After 17 years on my own the Irishman man I could have married all those years ago found my name on the internet. The story appears in NOTEBOOK MAGAZINE You'll read how he whisked me over to Cork for 14 months of focussed romance and we got married amongst the yaghts on Hillarys Boat Harbour as the sun went down on my old life.
Nearly all my dreams have come true - I write in beautiful Perth, Western Australia where the sunsets are spectacular and the beaches pristine.
All I'm hoping for now is to see one of my feature scripts up on the big screen and another book of my poems published - I'm working on it!
&(:o))
I write under the name of Frances Macaulay Forde for the page, stage and screen and have been published and sometimes (in a very minor way) awarded for my efforts.
No - you've probably never heard of me or seen or read anything I've written - but what the heck! Here's my chance to offer an opinion about what touches, interests or affects me in my world, and to see if you have the same experiences.
You have the choice to read or not and even, if so inclined, post a comment but may I ask you to please consider who may be reading this and write appropriately.
On my writing website I offer poetry, scripts, stories, books and photos.
I'm also listed on these sites Screenwest, Film & Television Institute, Fremantle and Perth Film Circle.
As the initiator and host of Poets Corner @ Pages Cafe in the Perth Cultural Centre, many poets from emerging to established shared their work with an adoring audience. For three years we met monthly, often well-known poets would guest host, inviting their favourite poets to read.
Many photos have been posted on the Poets Corner website and I'm busy updating the pages with more information. Eventually I hope to have videos recorded during our events and podcasts of poems and poets available on the website too.
30 years ago I had my heart broken and ran away from Zambia to Australia. A bronzed Aussie swept me off my feet and we had two very beautiful children who're now having children of their own. Divorce is never easy and I swore I wouldn't ever marry again - but never say never! After 17 years on my own the Irishman man I could have married all those years ago found my name on the internet. The story appears in NOTEBOOK MAGAZINE You'll read how he whisked me over to Cork for 14 months of focussed romance and we got married amongst the yaghts on Hillarys Boat Harbour as the sun went down on my old life.
Nearly all my dreams have come true - I write in beautiful Perth, Western Australia where the sunsets are spectacular and the beaches pristine.
All I'm hoping for now is to see one of my feature scripts up on the big screen and another book of my poems published - I'm working on it!
&(:o))
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