41 Responses to “I’m Back…”

1. Mike on Sunday: 19 July 2009|0402

   Unk,

   Welcome home!

   Keep Writing!

2. RML on Sunday: 19 July 2009|0433

   My sincerest condolences to you. May I say, though, that I was like your brother’s friend — except Fate intervened and I was put in “Safekeeping” (put on ice temporarily). It has taken thirty years of getting over it to feel comfortable enough in my skin to consider writing that story so that someone like me (and your brother’s friend) would toss the weapon into the river… before saying, “What the hell.”

   As to the project funding/distribution linkage — what’s the matter with us that we haven’t switched to “sustainability” in (a) covering production costs, and (b) the ol P & A?? To me screwing the oil companies and screwing the studios are one in the same. What’s the matter with us that we can’t put the money together ourselves? We’d rather spend thousands on seminars, workshops, software, coverages [exception: Eric the Script Doctor stands apart from the rest. He's great, actually helpful, and reasonably priced!!]

   Why don’t we as writers do what the likes of Lloyds did and become our own producers? Form our own syndicate, invest in our own projects? Why don’t we?! Why are we lackeys to the studios because we think (just as they do) that their checkbooks are the keys to the kingdom?

   We have forgotten what the true American spirit was (is): screw monopolies, big government, big religion, and any and all limitations pressed on us by the powers that be.
   What’s wrong with Hollywood is exactly what is wrong with America. Instead of being a society of entrepreneurs and “do-ers”, people who regard limitations as opportunities, we have pawned our spiritual essence to a clack of investment bankers, lawyers and accountants.

   Instead of having screenwriting contests, why don’t we raise it up a notch and have script funding contests? Why do we have to go and plead with massa so that we can be freed from the fields and get that place up in the House?

   All the best.

3. Unk on Sunday: 19 July 2009|0449

   Mike,

   Thanks…

   RML,

   I hear ya Buddy… LOL. And, I agree. Unfortunately, MOST if not all the medium-sized distributors have all but gone out of business. Ours was forced into bankruptcy back in December. When it comes to North American theatrical, there’s not a lot of competition and because of the economy, the current entities available to play with have seen this as great way to keep Indie competition down to a very dull roar thus keeping more studio fare in front of the ticket-buying demographic.

   Unk

4. Joshua James on Sunday: 19 July 2009|0635

   Unk,

   I’m really glad you’re back. Real sorry for your loss. I’m more into pacifism these days, but if I stumbled across the dickwad who wrote you that email, I’d probably reconsider my position, if only for a brief moment.

   I still owe you a couple beers, too, even though I rarely drink anymore. But for you, I’d gladly jump in front of a couple tallboys, dude.

   That is all.

5. Linda W. on Sunday: 19 July 2009|0723

   Glad to read a new post from you this morning! There’s more on my mind but for the moment, just wanted to offer up some cheer and wish you continued healing.

   As for the comparison of studios with oil companies – hmm – that might be a tad bit harsh. Oil companies have been implicated in everything from military support for rogue governments, assassinations, kidnappings, genocide, rape and pillaging of the environment, brutality towards workers – in essence, the very epitomy of evil incarnate. In fact, having worked for short intervals for a couple of oil companies in the past, I raise an eyebrow whenever I meet someone who says they’ve worked for X oil company for any amount over a year – and if it’s over a decade – I find myself immediately suspicious.

   I have no doubt studios do conspire to control the industry and those of us who are either in it or aspire to be there. No doubt there are legitimate complaints to be made. But just as the first poster suggested, we are the owners of our craft and there are options that have yet to be worked out in ways that can better serve everyone together. For now, I prefer to hold on to the belief that pulling together we will be able to work out solutions that can better serve writers as well as the other contributors to film that are also overlooked when it comes to sharing the pie.

   Cheers to you Unk for being a strong leader in this industry!

6. Christian H. on Sunday: 19 July 2009|0911

   First off, welcome back. Also, if you need anyone to hold that guy down, I’ll be there. Me and my brother aren’t that close but for someone to say that….

   About specs, I am pushing a high concept comedy that got some traction when the strike hit.

   I do believe in the power of some of my own money though. There have been many indie success stories. Not to say I only think about that. I don’t think there’s one route I’m not investigating.

   Funny enough the government – with Section 181 and state rebates – is making it easier to “pitch a no-risk scenario.”

   I think the biggest problem is that there are so many bad (read: not particularly profitable) movies out that studios are in search of the tent pole – especially since it’s harder on rely on DVD. They need a TF2 for every Public Enemies – the theaters do get 35% of first dollar.

   That’s why I stay as 2009 mainstream as I can. It’s much easier to reel in an audience with You Tube than with Hitler.

   A phenomenon like Sex and The City would not have worked with a 1950s time period – in my opinion. Let’s see what legs Basterds and Enemies have.

   But if you have the balls, the best thing about the indie track now is the Red camera, 4K and inexpensive. You of course need to make a good movie but try to get an F23 or ArriFlex for $50000 equipped – and you really only need one set of Primes for multiple cameras.

   Anyway, that’s neither here nor there for specs but it’s no longer a spec when ANY cameras roll.

   Again, sorry for your losses. You seem to be finding the positive though. A good thing for continued excellence.

7. emily blake on Sunday: 19 July 2009|1206

   I missed you.

   And I will gladly punch a motherfucker in the face if you need me to.

8. Mike on Sunday: 19 July 2009|1256

   Forgive me if I am being naive, but why not form a cooperative of/for film makers consisting of writers, producers, directors, actors, etc. Sure, it would be on a small scale at first, but sounds like there is a need for something along these lines. After all, Nature abhors a vacuum, and the possibilities could be well worth the effort.

   Just another brain-fart.

   Keep Writing!

9. Kirwin Sullivan on Sunday: 19 July 2009|1302

   Unk,

   I am way too happy to see you posting again. You give me something to look forward to. I’m glad to see your positive attitude in such a trying situation. Shows strength and character.

10. Kareem on Sunday: 19 July 2009|1635

    You have my condolences. It’s great having you back.

11. Unk on Sunday: 19 July 2009|1705

    Josh,

    I would like to think that MOST of us oppose war or violence as a means of settling disputes or gaining advantage…

    MOST of the time. Just not 100% of the time. LOL.

    Linda,

    My comparison of the studios to oil companies was simply in relation to distribution. LOL. They are taking advantage of the current economical situation to keep their PRODUCT in the theaters over most everything else. Quite understandable especially with new media breathing down their necks. Having said that, the studios are quite adept at a lot of underhanded dealings in the industry. I’m sure if it were a BIGGER industry… Compared to say… OIL — They’d be right there jacking it to us even more.

    Christian,

    I’m all for making your own film. That’s why I started writing screenplays oh so long ago… To make enough money to make my own films — MY way.

    Unfortunately, distribution is still one of the major hoops a filmmaker has to go through if they want to see some kind of return on their investment of hard work and the work of others that probably worked just as hard for little pay to get your vision in the can.

    The good news is that the CHEAPER you can make your own film, the EASIER it is to realize that return.

    The bad news is that most no budget (under a Mil) films suck. Bad writing combined with poor acting does not a return on investment make.

    Luckily, there are a LOT of entities trying to figure out how to distribute via the net and make money while doing so. Once that model is realized, I think the net will once again become the wild wild west for low/no budget filmmakers that make quality films.

    But we’re not there yet… Sundance saw quite a few Indie films sold for LESS than the budget it cost to make them. Probably good for the actors and director to get additional work but not good for the producers who didn’t make a dime except to be able to add a movie to their resume.

    Definitely NOT good for the myriad of crew that worked for little money in order for the filmmaker(s) to realize their vision. I’ve already been the no budget route and after doing so, I just feel it’s way too much to ask others to come on board and share a vision without getting paid.

    And my RED is on order… LOL.

    emily,

    Thanks… Same here and while you could probably kick the guy’s ass, this is that one time I really need to do it myself. LOL.

    Mike,

    A cooperative wouldn’t be a bad thing… The problem… TRUST ME ON THIS… LOL. THE PROBLEM IS EGOS!

    Too many egos in the mix — not enough stories that the ticket-buying demographic want to see. If there could be a meeting of the minds of the KINDS of movies to make — at least at first — to keep the cooperative on its feet, no problem.

    But you cannot believe how many people want to make quirky character study Indie films. Don’t get me wrong… I like those kinds of movies too. Unfortunately, NOBODY’S BUYING…

    At least NOT at the theater unless you get lucky with something like JUNO and get huge word of mouth. Big risk to take if it doesn’t play out because the IDEA is to be able to make another movie… And another. And another.

    As far as Internet distribution, I think I’ve got an internet distribution model worked out so that everyone can make money but it’s one of those things that IF you SHARE with the wrong entities, the idea gets stolen and you run the risk of getting locked out of your own model.

    Don’t think I haven’t though LONG and HARD about this… I have. Hence, the reason I would prefer to have my own production company… And that’s what I’ve been working toward for quite awhile now. Unfortunately, the economy has put that idea on hold for the time being.

    Kirwin,

    Much appreciated.

    Kareem,

    Thanks… Again, much appreciated.

    Unk

12. Script Doctor Eric on Sunday: 19 July 2009|1724

    Welcome back, man. It’s really good to hear from you.

    I heard Emily does kickboxing, so you might want to take her up on her offer.

13. Joshua James on Sunday: 19 July 2009|1728

    Unk,

    If I recall, didn’t the producers of MEMENTO end up having to distribute it themselves? My memory is that he kicked ass at Sundance, everyone loved the movie but was afraid of it, didn’t know how to market it and so passed … and the producers ended up setting up their own separate LLC to distribute the film independently, which paid off handsomely when the movie grossed 29 mil domestically (and much more on video / dvd) … and introduced the world to the Nolans.

    I wonder if there isn’t an avenue in that regard … setting up a distribution arm … folks sometimes forget, but Miramax began as a distributer, buying foreign films (and some soft core porn) and selling it across the country … they began as distributers, and later became producers themselves.

    Nothing stopping folks from producing their own movie, so what’s stopping people from distributing it themselves?

    I ask because I don’t know, however, I don’t know distribution, and it’s likely quite changed from the late 80s … but thinking about MEMEMTO sparked the idea … the producers ended up making a shitload more dough distributing it themselves (at least, that’s my memory of it, of course).

    I have another idea for another thing, but I can’t go into it at this time. Plus, I don’t got it all figured out, neither – LOL!

    Ahem.

    That is all.

14. Christian H. on Sunday: 19 July 2009|1739

    I totally agree. I just got into an argument about just releasing your own movies and that the biggest hurdle is DISTRIBUTION. The economy is causing headaches but film makers want to make films, PERIOD. Of course you also want to make money but that’s where high concept comes in.

    Never underestimate the power of the fart joke.

    Hell, even a character study can be exciting, dramatic and mainstream. It’s all about the elements people expect to see in genre movies.

    I’ve been working on financing etc. because I have films that would be a hard sell and would need to be handled the way I envision them.

    I’ve actually started a buddy comedy and a raunchy comedy. I’m also finishing a thriller and a sort-of rom com.

    My main goal is to stay away from the “art-film.” But then I hang out in clubs too much. I think every screenwriter should spend time in a club with the music of their choice. You really see people at their most “exposed.”

    Anyway, I hope your bad days are past. I miss the discourse.

    BTW, have you heard about Scarlet and Epic? They’re due soon and now every major NLE reads RED files. With a simple DI, you can save tons on film and go to 35mm prints with no loss of resolution.

    Well, see you around. I’m invading LA in November so I can stop missing all the networking events I get emailed all week. Maybe you’ll see me running around with a cheap camera.

15. Unk on Sunday: 19 July 2009|2007

    Script Doctor Eric,

    Yeah, maybe I should take emily up on her offer… All I’ve ever learned is hwarangdo. Not a lot of room for injury there.

    Josh,

    From what I remember, Newmarket distributed it themselves, yeah… They tapped foreign first with outstanding results. American distributors watched it but couldn’t figure out HOW to market it. Newmarket is a mid-sized distributor so they have venues in place to distribute to. They can easily release a film to something like 500 to 700 theaters which is what most mid-sized distributors can do. American distributors wouldn’t touch it after seeing it. Some though it was brilliant — which of course, it is — some just couldn’t figure out who would pay money to see it. The trick however, was that it was shot for less than $5 Mil. CHEAP. So even medium box office success makes MEMENTO an amazing success. Which it is.

    I’m pretty sure however, that it took QUITE a LONG TIME to get it seen in the U.S. even though Newmarket both makes and distributes films. I would think that the success it had overseas had something to do with the first screenings here in America because I saw the premiere myself when it came out and at the time in Northern California, you could only catch it at an art house theater which I did.

    There’s absolutely nothing from stopping a filmmaker from distributing a film on their own… For me however, it would be TIME. I know several filmmakers that have taken their under $100K film and after 2 to 3 years of self-distribution, ended up making anywhere from a Mil to 3 Mil. That is certainly a way to go if you don’t mind being basically ON TOUR for the next 2 years promoting your film. There is always the CHANCE and maybe even opportunity that IF the film is of high quality like MEMENTO, somebody will come along and do it justice.

    If I remember correctly, Harvey Weinstein tried to buy MEMENTO after he turned it down. LOL.

    Christian,

    I am totally UP on the RED and its siblings coming out… In fact, if the siblings live up to their rivalry, I will be more than happy to obtain a few of them too. LOL.

    I’ve even got a great place in Austin that does AMAZING transfer to film CHEAP.

    Distribution though… That’s KEY.

    The good news is that IF your first film is in fact done well enough to garner distribution, then distribution for film numbers 2, 3, 4, etc. are even easier.

    Unk

16. Joshua James on Sunday: 19 July 2009|2113

    The early Chuck Norris films were independently distributed, too, according to his early autobiography … he’d have more than a couple movies out and would arrive to a city not sure which of his films he was promoting.

    So it’s possible, then, for a couple guys like us (heheh) to produce a movie and hire a couple more guys to distribute it for us?

    I mean, it doesn’t HAVE to be us on the road, promoting it, any more than Harvey or Bob did it only themselves, right?

    Heh. Just sayin’.

    Hwrangdo is no joke, a forefather of Hapkido and Tang Soo Do (which itself later to become Tae Kwon Do) the art of the Korean Royal Guard. Norris got his first black belt in Tang So Do, not karate, actually.

    But I’ve digressed.

17. Unk on Sunday: 19 July 2009|2144

    Josh,

    It’s definitely POSSIBLE. In fact, if one (or two) were inclined to self-distribute a film and dedicate themselves to that film for at least 2 years, bigger and BETTER things would definitely come from it i.e., venues for distributing successive films.

    Again, I’ve worked out a model to do this in a way that I THINK and FEEL would be profitable as long as the film was done on the cheap… Quality but CHEAP. LOL.

    And you’re correct… It would be best to hire a couple of people to that part of it in order to work on new stuff. Maybe have the filmmakers HIT the bigger venues with Q&A and DVD sales.

    I learned hwarangdo in the Navy… Let’s just say it was the ACCELERATED version. LOL.

    Unk

18. Joshua James on Sunday: 19 July 2009|2316

    MEMENTO would be a good model, then, done for a reasonable price (actors and crew paid, I believe, at least scale) … a smart quality film, done well, then start our own distribution arm, hire some smart cookies to run it, and bing!

    Cool … when do we start? LOL!

19. Unk on Monday: 20 July 2009|0146

    Geez… When do we start? LOL.

    Here’s the problem AS OF TODAY. Distribution. Not in the way I was explaining it before however.

    In reality, it’s actually NOT TOO DIFFICULT to raise $5 Mil or less with a QUALITY script and a name or two in the cast and trust me, there are a LOT of amazing actors willing to work for scale if the script is amazing.

    So the financing is THERE. But without being able to lock down North American distribution, nobody wants to release the funds.

    That’s TODAY.

    Methinks things COULD turn around by spring… Just a hunch on my part mind you.

    Of course, there’s always tossing all your own money in the mix and, if I didn’t have some commitments and people counting on me for certain things, I’d have no problem dumping ALL my money on the right project.

    It actually makes much more sense to use somebody else’s financing if you can get it and trust me, with distribution locked down, financing isn’t that difficult at all to raise. In fact, there’s a lot of financing floating around right now… As long as you’ve got distribution. LOL.

    Of course WE’RE talking about self-distribution here… Which means, spending all your own money OR being able to find financing not dependent upon locked in distribution.

    But if that does mean spending all your money on the film… Paying everyone involved and then, when said film is in the can, you still need to pony up the overhead for the self-distribution.

    To do it RIGHT, in my humble estimation — so nobody goes hungry, one would need at least $1.3 Mil to move forward.

    $1.3 Mil is NOTHING but in the right hands and the right script, could make a movie on HiDef and if it doesn’t sell at the major festivals or other outlets, then you take the $.3 Mil and start your self-distribution model… That’s theatrical, DVD, Books, t-shirts, etc. A special ONE-OFF DVD than can only be obtained through a theater screening. The ONE-OFF would contain stuff that a regular DVD simply would not have. The good news is that you can even charge a premium price for a ONE-OFF. There’s a LOT more to this model that I am NOT explaining however.

    The problem RIGHT NOW is the economy… Nobody’s buying. LOL. My model was developed for operation in a fairly stable if not robust economy.

    If you were pushing theatrical RIGHT NOW TODAY, there’s the distinct possibility that a hell of a lot of theaters wouldn’t even want your business because it’s just easier and to their thinking, more profitable to play studio fare.

    And to me… Personally… The trick is NOT MONEY. Hell, I love a good bowl of top ramen. I can still get it for 20 cents where I live… LOL. The trick is bringing OTHERS into the fold. I feel that when you do that, you owe them. You have a responsibility to them to insure that they can still pay their bills.

    I think with this current economy, we’re not quite there YET. Don’t ask me why spring but spring is my hunch for the beginning of a turnaround.

    But yeah… A couple of good people to oversee the self-distribution and about 3 to 5 GOOD telemarketer types… One could easily nab 500 to 700 venues… Not all at once but easily within the 2 year period but after that 2 year period? Mid-sized distribution house.

    I’m a little short… I am in the ballpark but just a little short. Could I do it with LESS? Maybe but these days, I tread lightly when it comes to getting others to have FAITH in YOUR VISION. Nothing wrong with that and in fact, many of the right people will step up because they DO have faith in you.

    And then faith begins to wane when the bills come in and you can never blame someone for moving on to a paying gig.

    $1.3 Mil is NOTHING when it comes to money and making a film and like I said, I am pretty sure I have a new media revenue plan and model figured out that NOBODY’s even considered. LOL. It’s actually kind of scary because I keep thinking someone is going to USE it any day now…

    But they don’t and perhaps they won’t. The good news is that the longer this model isn’t used, the more lucrative it can become. The first to use it will probably be the most successful IF it’s done correctly.

    Some interesting links:

    One Hell of a Ride: “Off Jackson Avenue” Director John-Luke Montias

    Off-screen legal drama for film distributor MGM

    Coming to a movie screen near you, the best in theater

    Debts forcing top Vancouver filmmaker out of business

    Bizarre Trailer For I Love You Phillip Morris

    Spare a dime? I’m making a movie

    20 Years in, Strand Still Releasing (Prudently) on the Edge

    Studios ignore niche pics

    The Twitter Effect For Movie Studios

    Some outstanding articles on self-releasing:

    Adventures in Self-Releasing: Week Three of Our Theatrical Release

    Adventures in Self-Releasing: Four Weeks In and Going Strong

    Adventures in Self-Releasing: If I Wanted to Go on Tour, I Would Have Been a Rock Star

    Adventures in Self-Releasing: Signed One Deal, But Still Learning

    Adventures in Self Releasing: Where the Money Comes from and How

    There’s more of these blog posts available but the ones above will give you a little idea of what it takes to self-distribute.

    Unk

20. Joshua James on Monday: 20 July 2009|0208

    Thanks Unk.

    Someday that beer, someday …

21. emily blake on Monday: 20 July 2009|0800

    Okay I can’t afford to keep spending money on martial arts classes. Stop bringing up new forms I then want to go learn.

    I was just about to start jujitsu.

22. Jimi Woo on Monday: 20 July 2009|1725

    So glad your back Unk.
    Things haven’t been the same round these parts.
    In case you haven’t noticed, you have been well missed – thanks for once again enlightening us with your knowledge.

23. Ann Wesley Hardin on Monday: 20 July 2009|1754

    It’s good to see you back and hornery as ever. Rock on with your bad self ;)

24. Ryan on Tuesday: 21 July 2009|0344

    Man is it great to see you back! Unk-withdrawls… I’m glad to see you back like never before. I hope your family is doing good as well.

    Thanks again for sharing your insight. It’s much appreciated.

25. Chris on Tuesday: 21 July 2009|0844

    Unk,

    Just wanted to add my name to the list of people so glad you’re back with us.

    Suicide is a bitch. It feels so much like betrayal. For me, I was amazed at how I could love someone so much but in turn hate them for what they did.

    It gets easier after a while. The pain never leaves but eventually the edge fades and you’re left with a fuzzy emotion you can’t quite explain. But at least it’s manageable.

    At any rate. I’m happy for you because you’ve reached a place where you can tolerate us again. ;)

    You’re an incredible motivation for us. I know in my case, I suck, but your wisdom and guidance make me want to keep working at it.

    So thank you, Unk.

    P.S. I too am not above beating the shit out of who ever sent you that email. Maybe we can form a line like in Airplane! :)

26. Adam on Tuesday: 21 July 2009|1107

    Unk, thanks for coming back to us and for such a great post.

    The production machines are broken. The distribution machines are broken. Don’t despair! It will continue to get easier and easier to collaborate with people that you know (and people that you don’t) and companies compete to give us bandwidth, storage, social networking and distribution (think Google, youtube, and a whole bunch of companies that haven’t launched yet). Basically, technology will enable us to go around what’s broken as youtube, google, apple and others will let the content owner pick it’s price, format and length. Imagine the Apple App Store, but for movies. Now imagine 10 of these.
    Once Hulu, Apple, Youtube, Comcast, Netflix, etc. have people coming and paying for shows, they will want to catch the ‘long tail’ of content. And there will be new companies trying to take a bite of that tail.

    This will ramp up in about 1 yr, and really be fleshed out in about 5-7.

    However, it means EVERYONE will do it, and it will be hard for the public to find the gem amongst all the pebbles and trash.

    Unk, my guess is that we will need to write and produce “films” in a serialized way — much like how Dickens’ books were released chapter by chapter. This will give viewers a smaller price and a shorter expectation of viewtime. What do you think?

    Before everyone yells at me about how this will continue to kill off feature films that are viewed in theaters: yes, I know. It will take even more viewing hours and $ away from the cinemas.

    Unk, about your loss. I’m not even going to pretend to know what it’s like to lose a brother to suicide, or what grieving or gratitude is appropriate. When I need joy and peace, I don’t turn to the dysfunctions of my family but to the everyday things that I’m thankful for. Today, it’s your post, some work, good weather, and towels.

27. val on Tuesday: 21 July 2009|1514

    Unk,

    long time lurker first time commentor. so glad you came back especially when you sure don’t have to.

    not to piss anyone off out there who might read this but let’s be honest, there is no other site like this.

    i mean you really make me think and the way you explain stuff even with the cursing always makes sense to me. no double talk not reiterated from some article bs.

    i’ve gone to a lot of screenwriting sites and i am still plowing through yours and am learning so much its making my head spin. i’m a published novelist trying to turn one of my novels into a screenplay based on an email you replied to a year ago with some really really good advice.

    i sent that same exact email to all the other sites out there and you were the only one who bothered to reply back and you were right on all counts.

    i am now getting paid to turn my book into a script and even though it is scaring the hell out of me, i am loving every minute of it.

    i picked up a few books and opened them only to close them right back up because it’s all the same old rehashed stuff.

    normally, i would never ever write this much to anyone but i just wanted you to know that i do truly appreciate you and your rants and observations. and your structure is perfect for writing novels. lol.

    thanks again and may GOD bless.

    val

28. Benny on Tuesday: 21 July 2009|1526

    I don’t know what to do anymore.
    I’m giving up on screenwriting and I’m really fed up trying to option my award winning(contests) screenplays.

    I’m really fed up.

    It’s hot.
    I’m behind on my bills.
    Only $800.00 in savings.
    Wife wants to visit her sick mother in UK.
    Son wants to go to dance school and join American Idol? Crazy!!!!
    Sick grandparents — terminally ill.
    Living from pay cheque to pay cheque.
    Boss busting me.
    Wife wants to have more babies.
    I don’t know what to do anymore.

    I can’t cope with this writing and selling
    stress and daily angst.

29. Rob on Tuesday: 21 July 2009|1550

    Benny – gosh, how many of us have been there? I know I have. I want to stop after every screenplay I write and never sell.

    But that is the very reason I keep coming back here to Unk’s site. I don’t know about everyone else but every time I read one of Unk’s posts about screenwriting and even the posts with videos and links I feel like he’s really trying to tell ME something.

    It’s taken me 3 years to get the guts up to leave a comment and today is the day. Let me tell you what I think my problem is or why I haven’t sold a screenplay yet.

    Nothing I’ve written is high concept. Nothing I’ve written is anything that anyone would probably pay money to see. I’ve also won a couple of contests and placed in several more. Not big contests mind you but contests you’re heard of.

    They’re all crap. I read what Unk said about contests a long time ago and it actually pissed me off after reading it. I was determined to prove himn wrong but I never did.

    I am finally beginning to understand that it’s my damn screenplays. They are well written for what they are but what they are not are the kinds of specs anyone in the business wants to read. Because of a few of the contests, I managed to fly to Los Angeles and have a few meetings and in every one of those meetings I was asked what else I had and when I answered, these people just kept looking at their watches and cell phones. They were not interested in my weird little screenplays and I just knew I was going to sell one of them.

    I’ve also had Unk reply to probably more than 50 questions/emails over the years and every reply is lengthy and could easily be turned into a post and I for one am just so grateful he’s willing to tell it like it is. He read one of my scripts (sorry Unk!) a year ago and said he liked it but didn’t think it would ever sell. Man did that ever hurt. Cut me to the bone but I am finally seeing the light of day. But he was also right in telling me that every one of my quirky littel specs is a piece of movie real estate so that when I eventually do make it with a sale or two, I can always go back to these things in my desk drawer and make it myself.

    I just want to say from my heart, welcome back! I for one really missed coming to the site every day and not reading new comments and insights. To say that I’ve learned a lot about screenwriting from here is an understatement but more important, I’ve learned about the business.

    And to Benny, hang in there Bro! Really and truly. If you need to take a leave of absence from writing, do that with the idea of coming back to it recharged.

    I know that’s what Unk would say :)

    Thanks Unk!

30. Christian H. on Tuesday: 21 July 2009|1722

    UNK,
    Yep, that’s my next step. DISTRIBUTION. At this point I know where to get money for a film but even if you have the money for distribution you need an “arm.”

    I’ve been thinking of several Internet models also, but right now the Internet – I think – is better for promotion rather than distribution.

    I think it’ll change as broadband becomes more prevalent though. I’m right now really pushing a family comedy that just cracks me up. I have the same idea as you, get an assignment or a sale, KILL IT and then make my own films.

    One day. One day soon.

31. Jonny Atlas on Wednesday: 22 July 2009|0223

    You’ve been in my prayers, Unk. I could never express how sorry I am you had to go through such a horrible experience.

    It’s really good to have you back.

32. WoodySr on Wednesday: 22 July 2009|0816

    Hey UNK…Glad you’re back with us!

    You’ve taken the tough first step, now things will slowly get better. But, it’ll never be the same.

    Now, back to helping us make some sense out of this crazy desire to write a script…

    Regards,

    Bob

33. Margaret on Wednesday: 22 July 2009|2310

    Me too – I’m glad to see you back. What a tough thing to go through. Have been keeping an eye on this blog and whispering a prayer for you now and then. Blessings…

34. Sarah on Thursday: 23 July 2009|1219

    UNK, I’m so sorry to read of your brother’s suicide. I feel sick about it and I’ve never met either of you. I’m glad you’re doing okay. Welcome back – I missed ya. x

35. Luzid on Thursday: 23 July 2009|1416

    I’m very sorry for your loss.

36. jimmy b. on Thursday: 23 July 2009|2015

    Glad you’re back. I appreciate your candor and intensity. Does everything you’ve been through these months have a soundtrack, a theme song? Rock on…

37. Scott on Thursday: 23 July 2009|2156

    Master YodUnk,

    My heart pulls for you, man. Truly. In a world filled with sons’a'bitches waiting for the new sucker wannabe screenwriter who’ll pay $500 for someone to tell them their script is good, you are the lone light. You are the guy who takes the time to pass on honest advice, criticisms and words of wisdom.

    I have been away in a small Caribbean country for a few months bonding with my new adopted daughter before I brought her home. No hot water. No television. No internet – barely – 2 minutes every 2 weeks if I was lucky. No news. Rain. Rain. Rain. Although, none of it mattered when my daughter started to call me Dada and my wife Mama.

    But I return home to the world of communication, and I log on with a few hours set aside to check in and see what Unk can teach me, and I find the sad news.

    I am truly saddened for you and have no words to offer that can make you feel better. I can only say I am sorry for your loss and the pain that came with it.

    I also want to thank you, because I spent those times over the last few months when the daughter and wife were cuddled up and asleep to write and rewrite my latest high concept action script with a kick-ass 4 act stone cold structure. My managers love it and it looks like it’s gonna be the one that starts it all for me after 17 years of writing and writing and writing and never giving up.

    You gave me advice on this when I asked you about the idea and the way I was planning to take it, and with that I’ve hit a home run, so I thank you wholeheartedly.

    And everyone, in these hard economic and depressing times, always remember… writing doesn’t cost a thing. Except blood, sweat and tears.

    Scottie screenwriter.

38. Jim Henshaw on Friday: 24 July 2009|0902

    Welcome back to the keyboard, Unk. I lost a brother this year too and understand where you’re coming from.

    It’s always hardest for those of us who traffic in backstory and motivation to understand that the choices people make are impossible to unravel. Hell, I have trouble figuring out most of my own.

    Move forward and peace will come. It always does.

    Jim

39. John on Friday: 24 July 2009|1037

    I haven’t checked out the site for a while, I’ve been trying to get my no budget summer project rolling while holding down a full-time job. I was watching ‘The Getaway’ (1972) the other night on TV, and remembered the story about Steve McQueen offering UNK a beer on some dirt bike event. So I thought: better check out the site for some more inspiration, and then I see the sad news: so sorry to hear about your (double) tragedy. The loss of a loved one is always a life-changing event. When my mother died several years ago I immediately lost my confidence, and for some time lost interest in everything. I felt like I was waiting for a taxi to arrive all the time and couldn’t get down to anything. But time is a great healer; as they say, problems will cross your path but they will cross, they won’t stay. All the best UNK, glad you’re back.
    John.

40. Kid In The Front Row on Friday: 31 July 2009|0839

    That’s a really incredible post, man. Sorry to hear that life got so insane there, but I’m glad you’re coming out of in strongly and with yourself in tact. I’m glad I found your blog.

41. John Meehan on Wednesday: 5 August 2009|0753

    great to have you back, unk. and my thoughts and condolences to your family.

    while on the sad subject of condolences, however, i think it’s only fitting that we remember the sudden passing of blake snyder in the way he would have loved best –

    by writing… and by tabling all further discussion of MEMENTO. man, blake hated that film! (though i’m sure he’d get a kick out knowing that it’s still got people talking after all of these years).

    prayers to you and yours and to the friends and family of blake snyder!

Leave a Reply