Question for Dean

[Jennifer Gray (Maurine)]

I think this has been asked before, and I even searched the site, but couldn't find it...so hope this sin't a repeat. <BR> <BR>Anyhow, I was curious as to what writing style you used for screenplays? <BR> <BR>Thanks

[He represents, the Lollypop guild (F_U_N_G_U_S)]

Hit and miss? ;Þ

[Devlin]

I'm not sure I understand the question, Jennifer. Do you mean what software do I use when writing a screenplay? If so, I use Movie Magic Screenwriter. <BR> <BR>-Dean Devlin

[The Wizard of Oz (Mike)]

Jennifer, do you mean Structure, like Classic Structure or 3-act?

[Jennifer Gray (Maurine)]

Ya knw..I just remembered today what it was, after having looked at some internet sites.... <BR> <BR>You had mentioned you used index cards to help devellop ideas for scenes. hehehe <BR> <BR>Of course, cause I couldn't remember what it was initially that I had read, I wasn't even sure how to ask the question. heh <BR> <BR>Thanks for the info you did give...and any more tips you may have... <BR> <BR>I am in particular curious to understand how to tie in one sceene to another...I guess I should watch a few moviees and see how others have done that. Heck, got the Patriot, bet that would be a good place to start.

[He represents, the Lollypop guild (F_U_N_G_U_S)]

Sounds like simply "brainstorming". Keep a little notepad with you, and when an idea comes to you, just jot down the idea. Keep the pad by your bed, because a lot of ideas tend to come to you after a good nights rest.

[Devlin]

I believe you should always be able to boil down the story you want to tell into one sentence in the way they do in the TV GUIDE. For instance, "The world is attacked by alien invaders and a group of disparate strangers have to come together in order to save the planet." <BR> <BR>Once you have your "one line" description of your story, try to flush it out into a short "treatment", dividing your story into three sections, SET UP, CONFLICT and RESOLUTION. The first third of your story should set up the conflict of your story, the next two thirds should be the actual conflict and the last third the resolution of that conflict. My treatments are anywhere from 4 pages long to 30 pages long, depending on how much detail I want to go into. <BR> <BR>Once you have your treatment, take a bunch of 3x5 cards and write down each scene of the movie onto each card (this way you can rearrainge the scene's order). You should have one card for each scene you intend to write. Once you have all your cards done, start writing your script. <BR> <BR>That's how I do it, anyway. Good luck. <BR> <BR>-Dean Devlin

[He represents, the Lollypop guild (F_U_N_G_U_S)]

You've got me curious now, Mr. D. What movie had a 4 page treatment?

[Sheri Gordon (Sheri)]

Jen, how Dean described it above is how I did it, and it worked great! (Got it out of Syd Field's book on screenwriting that Fungus was so kind to get for me! (And that Dean signed for me too. I'm still working on my script, Dean! <IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)"> Thanks for the encouragement way back when.)) <BR> <BR>With all the cards on the table, literally, I could re-arrange scenes as I felt they needed it, then sat down and wrote them out in order, numbering them just for my OWN sake to keep tabs on them. I'm in the process of expanding that into screenplay format. I'm up to page 34 right now. One of these millenia I'll get it done. <IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)"> I keep getting too many new web clients and no time to do it! <BR> <BR>Yes, Yes, Mikey I know, time management! Hard thing to do though when everyone wants a big piece of your time! hahaha <BR> <BR>Guess maybe NOW would be a good time to go write. Black Horse Desigh should be CLOSED on Sundays! *giggle*

[The Wizard of Oz (Mike)]

I think most writers do it that way, thanks to Hitchcock. Get your premise or logline down. Write your treatment down in a visual/cinematic style; keeping mindful of the setup, play-out and pay-off as you write the broad narrative, then put it into a purely cinematic treatment. I don't go into anything like a short story, or anything descriptive, like "with half-strangled cries" (to quote Hitchcock) and that sort of thing. Just the actual movement or action, and then indicate the dialogue. <BR> <BR>Instead of cards, I use a "structure form" that I transfer it onto the computer and write the script as I go, (hitting every indicated beat) getting some meat into it... keeping mindful of each character's emotional tone level and make-up (keeps me honest). When I'm finished and have written the script, it's then I write another treatment from the script, since a treatment is also a saleable item. <BR> <BR>I then leave it for a couple of weeks, then put my "Script Doctor" hat on and make rude, sarcastic, and uncompromising comments about my script on the page in red. That's the only time I use cards. hehe

[Javier Ariel Garza (Jag)]

I'm a 4 year old when it comes to writing screenplays, but I can actually see what Dean and ya'll are saying -- like in ID4 -- actually, pretty much any movie. The light has shineth. <BR> <BR>Thanks for detailed explanation and interesting tips. <BR> <BR>-=JAG!

[He represents, the Lollypop guild (F_U_N_G_U_S)]

"One man. One giant tentacle. One helluva good time!" <BR> <BR>How's that for a tagline? ;Þ

[Jennifer Gray (Maurine)]

Ok...thanks for everyones input. <IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)"> It really helped, as I had just jumped to the cards, and hadn't done any of the other stuff. <BR> <BR>BTW, I found that software Dean Devlin mentioned, Movie Magic Screenwriter, for $99 dollars with current student id....seems a good price, and since my spelling tends to suck a bit, probably a smart investment.

[Sheri Gordon (Sheri)]

Fungus, would that be under Triple X? ;-)

[Shaken, not stirred... (F_U_N_G_U_S)]

That's a good price. Most people use "Final Draft", which is twice that much. <BR> <BR>And Sheri, 8Þ~~~~~~ pbt :]

[Sheri Gordon (Sheri)]

I'm using Final Draft and the darned thing crashed on me twice tonite, JUST when I got my pivotal point of the story written out. <BR> <BR>GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR <BR> <BR>Was I pissed!!!! <BR> <BR>I hope I remembered it all. It was sooo good. (Yes, the autobackup is on, but it was in between the times of backups)

[Shaken, not stirred... (F_U_N_G_U_S)]

Okay Mr. D, you're on the spot now: <BR> <BR>I was watching "The Blockbuster Imperative" on Trio (a cable station). They used Godzilla (rather extensively) as an example of overhyping. You made one statement about Godzilla that has me curious. You claim: <BR>"The biggest mistake we made, was to throw the viewer right into the story, assuming they already had feelings about Godzilla." <BR> <BR>Now, IMO, this is not an erroneous assumption (why else would they remake it?). But I'm curious why you feel that was the biggest mistake, and how you would have changed it given the time.

[Mag.art.Katharina Kahler (Seahorse)]

Me actualy likes to scribble ideas. That means to paint short storyboards, so the story developes visualy before my eyes. But the writing method Dean Devlin describes is classical, everyone uses it.You can find a lot about writing computerprograms under :www.writersstore.com <BR>and about writing treatments there is a lot of information under : www.writingtreatments.com <BR>Sometimes I also want to discuss my ideas with other writers, You know Billy Wilder cowrote the most of his screenplays with other writes, so I am not alone with this point of view. And for me as an Austrian writer, it is very interesting to discuss stories with English natural speakers. ( I also evolve my English with these discussions ) <BR>By the way I am making a course to work on the language right now. Mostly I am writing in German language, But I tried a screenplay in English, which has 70 pages right now. An excert of it is at the homepage : www.freelancewriting.com under the page " Neverending story " by seahorse ( it´s me ).And if You want to discuss a new filmproject with the possibility of people all over the world to take part with a sequence ( or appearance ) take a look at : www.thecoming.iodrakon.com <BR>or write to Mr.Oded Kojocaru ( from Israel) under : <A HREF="mailto:filmmaker82@hotmail.com">filmmaker82@hotmail.com</A> ( He is the projectkoordinator and very open for ideas ). <BR>Hey, maybe also Dean Devlin wants to join us with a sequence ? But I don´t think so, he has made the most of his films to the theme "THE COMING" with different output : Aliens, Gozilla, ect. and is working on the new one, that´s coming out soon I hope. If he wants to join us with his tips,or sponsor the project, he is welcome. And naturaly You all on the board too. <BR> <BR>Greetings <BR> <BR>Nina

[Curtis Hartman (Curtis)]

Hey Delvin, does Electric Entertainment have an internship program? You can email me if you wish. <BR> <BR><A HREF="mailto:sizz0@hotmail.com">sizz0@hotmail.com</A> <BR> <BR>-Curtis

[Shaken, not stirred... (F_U_N_G_U_S)]

Delvin?

[The Wizard of Oz (Mike)]

I agree, Fungus. I thought his name was "Dean" or "Mr. Devlin".

[Curtis Hartman (Curtis)]

I suppose "Mr. D" would be more appropriate? <BR> <BR>;) <BR> <BR>-Curtis

[Shaken, not stirred... (F_U_N_G_U_S)]

Yes, yes it would :]

[Curtis Hartman (Curtis)]

I think I caused this thread to die.... <BR> <BR>:-(

[Sheri Gordon (Sheri)]

How so? <IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)"> <BR> <BR>For what it's worth, Curt, the proper way to apply for an internship wouldn't be to post on a public bbs. ;-) Have your people contact his people. hehehe Ja know? Gotta go through the proper channels for that sort of thing, if you want it to get taken seriously.

[Shaken, not stirred... (F_U_N_G_U_S)]

I hope nobody takes this personally, but a little respect would help in that arena too. Saying "Hey , do you have something I want? Email me!" is not the most considerate way of doing things...

[Curtis Hartman (Curtis)]

That means more work!! lol j/k... <BR> <BR>Seeing that associates of Electric Entertainment posted here I figured it would be easier and faster to get info this way. But your right, I honestly do mean to be taken seriously and this probably isn't the best way to accomplish that. <BR> <BR>Oh and if I'm not mistaken...internships don't just help the Intern. It's pretty much free work for the employer. =P <BR> <BR>And just so I'm not *completely* off subject...I read the different ways to put together a screenplay. Whenever I think about making a story/movie, I seem to always be drawn to what the climax will be before I get to any other element of the story. Perhaps this is a bad habit?

[The Wizard of Oz (Mike)]

Curtis, <BR> <BR>Internships are usually for students who are currently registered at an accredited undergraduate or graduate institution. <BR> <BR>Studios and production companies offer both paid and unpaid internships. All students interested in an unpaid internship must submit a letter from their school stating that they will receive academic credit for participation in our program. Those interested in a paid position may earn credit as well, but it is not mandatory. <BR> <BR>Bacically, this is work experience for the intern, to learn what is involved in the performance of the career you hope to enter. <BR> <BR>More often than not, a company or studio will get their staff from their intern list. The best and most concientious and driven of these are put on the top of the list to actually be employed. <BR> <BR>Some of the employees wanted requests I get from Studios (Mainly Paramount & MGM - sometimes Universal) and production companies are those for interns. <BR> <BR>As an example, Below is an internship position from Universal Studios (minus the requisition number and application details <BR> <BR>Job Title: Intern <BR>Group: Universal Recreation Group <BR>Business Unit: Universal Studios Hollywood <BR>Dept ID / Dept Name: COR100000 - Interns <BR>Location: Universal City, CA <BR>Job Description: Responsible for assisting in the reinforcement of service standard profiles for each departmental hourly position. Responsible for coaching employees in said standards and communicating employee progress to department Managers and Human Resources. ·Assist in the institutionalization of Service Standards processes for each hourly high guest contact position to identify specific behaviors of successful candidates. Assist in the development of communication tools to communicate and reinforce standards at the Lead and hourly levels of the organization. ·Reinforce service standards in the field through observation, feedback and evaluation. Communicates strong performers and under performers to the operators for follow-up. Spends time in the venues coaching and interacting with Crew Members to raise proficiency of employee base. ·Assist in the editing and revision of training materials and tools as needed. Must be a currently enrolled student at an accredited College or University. Interest in Human Resources or Training preferred, not mandatory.

[Curtis Hartman (Curtis)]

Thanks Mike that helps a lot. This fall is when I start college so I supposed I'm jumping the gun.

[Chris Ceraolo (Chris)]

That's for the park side of things, not the film side of things, Mike. <BR> <BR>Believe me, I know. Did you hear that Diller stepped down?! <BR> <BR>Chris <BR>The FOX plant

[The Wizard of Oz (Mike)]

Phyllis Diller??

[The Wizard of Oz (Mike)]

Chris, the Intern job was only an example, not as a real position. <BR> <BR>If the position was for a Production Manager's or Production Office Intern, I wouldn't list it here.

[Chris Ceraolo (Chris)]

Barry Diller... <BR> <BR>Oh, and if it was a production internship, I would go for it. <BR> <BR>Chris <BR>The FOX Plant

[Christine Elizabeth (Eliza)]

I don't know how it works in the movie industry but, in my line of work you don't necessarily need to be a student or graduate to get into an internship.If you have somewhat related experience and a good list of refs, you may get in.You can't tell me that every person in the movie industry has gone to school.Plus I guess it depends on your age. (unfortunately)But that's just my opinion,(based on my experience of being "out there"!!

[The Wizard of Oz (Mike)]

To get the best, you need those with the appropriate education. <BR> <BR>You don't become a screenwriter because you watch a lot of films. <BR> <BR>You don't become a director because you can order people around without them getting mad at you. <BR> <BR>It's the proper education that gets you the job. If you don't know what you're doing or why you're doing it that way, you haven't a hope of breaking into the profession legitimately.

[The Wizard of Oz (Mike)]

Chris, the Internship i sent you for the Nixon movie is in LA. I don't put unpaid internships in the Newsletter cos WSAI members are professionals in other areas, though it gives them an opportunity to learn another facet of the industry. <BR> <BR>The office internships on a production are invaluable to a screenwriter as it provides more on-hands knowledge in working in the areas of film production and development, which is what a writer needs to know as part of his craft.

[Christine Elizabeth (Eliza)]

So your saying that if a "nobody" sends in a sreenplay (for example) he/she is going to be ignored because they did not attend a film school....Ok <BR>I guess I was wrong.

[Shaken, not stirred... (F_U_N_G_U_S)]

actually, he/she would be ignored unless it was submitted by an agent on his/her behalf :]

[Christine Elizabeth (Eliza)]

Though I am not "formally" educated on the subject...That I did know.<IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)">By the way,how's it going with your writing?

[Lord of the Pants (F_U_N_G_U_S)]

I don't write much, but the one thing I was excited about writing is potentially shot down <IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/sad.gif" ALT=":("> <BR> <BR>I wanted to write a Dragonball Z movie (yes, DBZ. I'm a fan, and as such, I have respect for the property, and think I could do it justice), but Fox recently announced they are starting to work on it <IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/sad.gif" ALT=":("> <BR> <BR>Still, I'll be busy with other things, so it's not a *huge* deal.

[Christine Elizabeth (Eliza)]

Don't worry about it Big F! <BR> There are plenty of stories in the Big City.(which ever.. city you live in..) <BR>My city, not so much!(and not so big either) <BR>So most of my writing comes from my large imagination. <BR>And of course the 3 Rs. <BR>Research, Research and Research. <BR>Education be damned, Me write goodly english! <BR><IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)">

[The Wizard of Oz (Mike)]

There are 3 axioms in screenwriting. <BR> <BR>1. You never stop learning how to write. <BR>2. screenwriting is more difficult than intricate brain surgery. <BR>3. You have to have the tech of screenwriting 100% down so that, like Dean in the Godzilla script, you can utterly misspell the word 'cloud' and no one could give a damn. <BR> <BR>I'll add a 4th. <BR>If you know your craft, even a nobody (a Greek-Canadian for example), can get an Oscar

[Christine Elizabeth (Eliza)]

point #1: You always continue learning <BR> <BR>point #2 Are you a successful brain surgeon? Doubtful!!! <BR> <BR>point #3 It's not 100% perfection, if you misspell on your work. <BR> <BR>point #4 Chill!!!! <BR> <BR>ELIZA AND HER SIS!

[Chris Ceraolo (Chris)]

Hey, I happen to know for a fact that brain surgeons at Harvard take multiple choice tests. <BR> <BR>My mom asked that of her surgeon, the chair of the department (mom's good like that). And she's good, btw. No return of tumour! <BR> <BR>WHOO HOOO! <BR> <BR>Chris <BR>The FOX Plant

[Christine Elizabeth (Eliza)]

<IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)">

[Curtis Hartman (Curtis)]

What all does screenwriting include? Planned special effects? Choreography?

[The Wizard of Oz (Mike)]

Thank you Curtis for brightening my day with your joke. <BR> <BR>I apologise, Eliza, for being harsh. I'm here in Australia trying to teach Aussies how to write, which is the most soul-destroying and irritating thing anyone can do. So please forgive me. You teach them one thing, they do the opposite. <BR> <BR>I give an exam at the end of the 14 week course (yes Chris, some are multiple choice - if some of these guys were brain surgeons, they'd operate on your knee - or some organ women think we guys think with.) <BR> <BR>in the question: <BR> <BR>The screenplay format is a specifically arranged layout that allows what? <BR> <BR>a) The writer to segment the specific elements so it looks neater on the page. <BR>b) Makes it to be easier for the actor to find his lines of dialogue. <BR>c) Helps the director, crew, actors, etc. to do their particular jobs by providing a division of functions in the script. <BR> <BR>Out of a class of a dozen, eight answered "B" to the question. These are guys that will not only write scripts, but hope to become Script Analysts or Production Office Staff. <BR> <BR>This question had to do with one full 8 hour day on the parts of the script in relation to the various jobs of production crew members. <BR> <BR>Anyone wanna tackle this question? (the questions are paraphrased for space) <BR> <BR>This is partially the reason my nerves were frayed. <BR> <BR>Again I apologise. <BR> <BR>Re Brain surgery. For a writer to describe the actions and dialogue of a neurosurgeon in a scene, the writer would be required to do a cursery study on the specific operation and tools used. Being one that included a similar scene in a TV series a few years ago, I had a neurosurgeon help be study and drill me on the proceedure.

[Christine Elizabeth (Eliza)]

Hey I'm here to argue. <BR>Sorry if I goaded you on.(I'm evil that way) <BR>No apology necessary. <BR>I'm just "positive girl" when it comes do doing difficult things; Say'en things like,"you go man" or "Keep writing you will get there!" <BR>It's kind of sickening,I know. <BR>My guess hmmmmm, would be.. <BR>C <BR> <BR>Did I fail, Did I fail???? <BR>Your not alone.I am also wierd about the subject. <BR>I had applied to film school and could not go because I became ill, I guess I'm alittle old anyway. <BR>Hang in there,(see I'm doing it again) <BR>You'll cram the info into their heads somehow!

[Sheri Gordon (Sheri)]

He's trying with me, but my schedule has issues. heehee <BR> <BR>Too many things to do, too little time to do them all in!

[Chris Ceraolo (Chris)]

It is "C". <BR> <BR>But, I did go to film school, live in a town that was supposed to Hollywood East-Didn't happen. <BR> <BR>But hey, it's life. <BR> <BR>If I lived in OZ, I would be at your class, I promise you. <BR> <BR>Chris <BR>The FOX Plant

[Christine Elizabeth (Eliza)]

So your one of the people making him nuts!Shame on you!<IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)">

[Christine Elizabeth (Eliza)]

I mean Sheri He He!!!

[Christine Elizabeth (Eliza)]

Hey.. I got the question right!(well I still need confirmation from "the teacher"!

[The Wizard of Oz (Mike)]

I also do graduate coaching on Truby, Michael Rabiger, Bastian Cleve, and Pat Miller. <BR> <BR>The idea being to have guys that can are knowlegable enough to tell Carpenter, Mark Anthony, William Orr, and Lucas (past clients)if their work is up to scratch.

[The Wizard of Oz (Mike)]

Yes, 'C' is the answer. <BR> <BR>Eliza, Sheri is Canadian, not an Aussie. <BR> <BR>Chris, you can still do the course. I can put you in touch with someone close to you. Or If you'd like to do it on-line...? <BR> <BR>I have to warn you, compared to me, Writers Bootcamp is for wimps. <BR> <BR>I can be gentle and put you in touch with the guy that taught Speilberg instead.

[Lord of the Pants (F_U_N_G_U_S)]

you mean, somebody actually is publically willing to take credit for that? <BR> <BR>>;Þ

[Will Finch (Shetan)]

I picked C and I didn't even go to film school. Extras aren't required to. C'mon Mike give us a harder one. *wink*

[Curtis Hartman (Curtis)]

"What all does screenwriting include? Planned special effects? Choreography?" <BR> <BR>"Thank you Curtis for brightening my day with your joke." <BR> <BR>Okay, now I feel really niave. The question was honest.. <BR> <BR>Or you must have meant Chris?

[The Wizard of Oz (Mike)]

Will, If i asked: <BR>"A single moment of inner movement can be broken down into what four steps?", <BR>that would be unfair 'cos only Dean and Roland would be able to answer it. <BR> <BR>Yes, Fungus, he is happy to admit it. <IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)"> <BR> <BR>Will, Re extras: This book will help. "In The Background... An Extra's Handbook" by Bill Tarling (ISBN 0-88924-267-4), released through Simon & Pierre Publishing. The author is Canadian (not that there's anything wrong with that. hehe) <BR> <BR>Curtis, don't feel bad. Pity the Aussie film critic who said about a director (that's been teaching directing for the last 30 years, and wrote and direced a film in 2001), "He seems to be getting better the more practice he gets."

[Chris Ceraolo (Chris)]

Okay Mike, <BR> <BR>How can I take it on line, how many pages do you need? <BR> <BR>Chris <BR>The FOX Plant

[Will Finch (Shetan)]

A quick guess Mike,... facial expression, tone of voice, body language, and application....but of course, I'm not a writer.. Thanks for the book.

[The Wizard of Oz (Mike)]

Much more than that, Will. Apart from America where every man and his dog can become an extra, in Canada, Australia, England, and Germany, extras are actors or actors in training. <BR> <BR>In Canada, everyone who wants to enter the Industry does the orientation course that tells you who is what, what is what, what terms are used, set etiquette, and occupational health & safety. Even producers and writers do the same course. <BR> <BR>In Australia and England it's a standard part of the actor's toolkit. <BR> <BR>Russell Crowe, Nichole Kidman, Judy Davis, Mel, Lucy Lawless, etc. all had their first jobs as extras... and their agents would give them what was available. In between acting assignments they were doing Extra work, they became Principle Extras (an extra given direction or focussed on by the camera or given a couple of words to say - same pay as bit-part). They can progress to a 25 or 50 worder (bit-part), to more work to support to lead. <BR> <BR>An example of me in four weeks: I was an extra in neighbors (1 day). Later in the week i was co-lead in a Indie feature (8 days), I then did a week of production office work, interspersed with reading with actors at auditions (and became a bit-part actor on their production). <BR> <BR>Then i was an extra on a TV show (2 days) then three days later played a drug dealer in the same show in a different episode, while acting as Script Supervisor, filling in for the one that got the flu. <BR> <BR>In the last week, while reading for three companies during the day, I was directing theater at night. <BR> <BR>So you see, actors do extra work. Extras are trained actors, but mostly actors in training. The same rules apply to Extras as they do to actors, in presentation, attiude, professionalism, and on-set behavior. An Extra or "Background Performer" by definition, is part of a crowd or background, and usually not meant to stand out and definitely not to look at the camera, like two extras did in ID4. In that case they would be pulled out immediately, sent home, and their agent informed.

[Christine Elizabeth (Eliza)]

Holy crap Mike! Do you sleep? <BR>I feel crappy today. I was back at "blanken" work for only three "blanken" days and those germ infested "blank" heads infected me. Now I have a cold! <BR>(This message has been edited for content) <BR>Rated G)<IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)">

[The Wizard of Oz (Mike)]

Well, let's see... It's 3am in Melbourne (not the one in Florida), and I've just finished getting the newsletter out. <BR> <BR>Hope you're feeling better. <BR> <BR>Oh, by the way... what's sleep?? heheh

[Christine Elizabeth (Eliza)]

I'm not feeling better yet but I picked up some JD so I should be feeling better soon. <BR>What is the newsletter about?

[Christine Elizabeth (Eliza)]

If you don't mind me asking, that is!

[The Wizard of Oz (Mike)]

It's a members newsletter that goes out to, well... members. These people are a diverse hotch potch of people, like writers, producers, directors, script supervisors, UPM's, actors, agents, etc. Sort of a mini global film community. Everybody scratching each other's backs. <BR> <BR>Fungus. I'll send you some info just in on the StarWars 111 Animaniacs working at Fox in Oz. <BR> <BR>No. Fungus isn't a member. It's just that this info is up his alley.

[Chris Ceraolo (Chris)]

Mike, <BR> <BR>I don't know if it was this post, or another one, where you said you sent me e-mail. <BR> <BR>I didn't get it. <BR> <BR>Try me at <A HREF="mailto:Skates@worldnet.att.net">Skates@worldnet.att.net</A> <BR> <BR>Thanks! <BR>Chris

[The Wizard of Oz (Mike)]

The fox plant

[Will Finch (Shetan)]

Chris, I had tried to send you an e-mail a while back, but I don't think you ever got it. <BR> <BR>Mike, I guess some of us extras only have the opportunity as of late for hands-on training, which is a benefit to filming in America. Opportunities abound, and can come when you least expect them. If you're an extra, and are asked to be a "stand-in" would you look at the camera? <BR>Your work week seems very busy to me (ditto to Eliza's remark do you ever sleep)...Mr. D and Mr. E kept us on set until close to midnight once, and I suppose that was good training for another recently when we left as dawn was breaking, but what better way to see and learn first hand the making of a film. To get up close to Mel, (Mr. Gibson is the Mel you're referring to right?) is an opportunity only afforded by being an extra! And to nod at Heath Ledger and the Oscar winning Chris Cooper as he was having coffee is pretty darn neat. Watching Adam Baldwin, Joely Richardson, Lisa Brenner, Jason Isaacs amongst others was quite an experience. I even thought I saw Leon Rippy "posing" as an Extra one day, but am not entirely sure. Wish I knew. Nicole Kidman was in one partially filmed here lately and though I looked and looked, did not or could not recognize her. I think Renee Zellweger talked to me once, and though some near me said it wasn't, I still think it was (maybe wishful thinking) Maybe some of those big stars "hide" themselves, I don't know. Anyway, her interview on Bravo was freaking great. Oh, and did I mention 3 Free haircuts!! Cost savings all around! <BR> <BR>What do you mean by "reading for three companies"? <BR> <BR>Hey, good idea Mike old boy, whenever someone does a movie on The Loch-Ness Monster, maybe a picture of a dog should be taken to the "Extras call" ....hee hee, only in America..(and Dean's BBS) <BR> <BR><IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/messages/14/1095.jpg" ALT="snarling Ness">

[Christine Elizabeth (Eliza)]

M Just making chit-chat!<IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)">

[The Wizard of Oz (Mike)]

Will, <BR>Re: stand-in looking at camera. <BR>Only when directed to... by the director. Your eye-line should be directed about 8 inches above or beside the camera, never straight on. More often than not, you'd be standing on a quarter angle, side on or three-quarter angle to the camera. <BR> <BR>If you have to look at the camera, Imagine your lines are written on a card held on top of or beside the camera. A good cinematographer would hold out their hand above or beside. Talk to the hand. Or you could pick someone standing right next to the camera and deliver the lines to them. <BR> <BR>Those hours are normal. On location if the script calls for a night shoot in the city, it would be done way after hours or before people wake up so there's no people or car traffic around. Besides, it sometimes works out cheaper than a day shoot in the city. <BR> <BR>Re: Talking to "Stars". There's usually an imaginary brick wall between an Extra and an actor. Respect that. If you're on location as an Extra, leave the 'fan' you at home. Meryl Streep is legendary for being beligerant to Extras... who approach her as fans. This is because she's there to do a job, as you are. She and other actors lose focus on their character if approached by an over-excited fan. So if you have to talk to them, be professional, don't gush. <BR> <BR>I've been on many a set where the 'star' has joined a group of extras who have been talking shop. For example, during a set-up for Moby Dick we were talking Shakespeare with Patrick Stewart (his favorite subject)for the hour and a half it took. <BR> <BR>There is sometimes a downside to those "free haircuts". It took me over a month to get the (non-permanent) irridescent red hair coloring out after doing Journey to the Center of the Earth. heheh

[Will Finch (Shetan)]

Thanks for all the info Mike, one other quick question. Would it be customary to tip the hairstylist? I've actually felt guilty not doing so, because in normal life situations, one would. Should I just do so the next time our paths cross? <BR>I guess it depends on the individual "star" as to interaction with the extras. I've seen some on occasion, but no real "gushing".

[The Wizard of Oz (Mike)]

The production company pays the hairdresser... if they're a normal business. <BR> <BR>The hairdressers that are industry-based get a salary based on standard fees. Their salary is laid out by the IATSE. <BR> <BR>The only tips you would give them should be based on your area of expertese... so you can give them tips on fashion, accounting, that putting studs in their lower lip doesn't make them look professional... that type of thing. hehe Don't tip them money.

[Will Finch (Shetan)]

IATSE? Isn't that the logo of the gears or sprocket?? near the bottom of the screen? <BR> <BR>Heck, I'm getting a head start on the book with the "wiz" here. What's your idea on "hazard" pay? If you had to film in the rain, would that be added money? <BR> <BR>It seems Eight Legged Freaks is open for a "returns". When do you think it should be done? <BR> <BR>If a "star" said, Hey, lets go get a cup of coffee, would it be appropriate or the professional thing to do, or should you check with an A.D. first? <BR> <BR>Meryl Streep should lighten up, after all we're people too. If she ever does a movie around here, maybe an extra should ask her to go horseback riding or something..I'll let you know what she says hehe. <BR> <BR>What the heck is an appendix good for? What purpose does it serve? I can't seem to find any reasonable explanation. I think it may be the air bladder when we were fish..don't know?? My boy and I were gearing up for a 10K run here recently, and the night before he became very nauseous and ill. I was thinking just jitters, but no.. he was sick all weekend and ended up with an appendicitis and having it removed. (healing and getting better now) <BR> <BR>Which "Journey..." were you in with the red hair? <BR> <BR>Which Electric/Centrop movie is your favorite? <BR> <BR>Please explain "readings" <BR> <BR>Have you ever seen Maverick with James Garner and Mel Gibson? <BR> <BR>Hope you're better now 'Eliza.

[The Wizard of Oz (Mike)]

IATSE = International Alliance of Theatrical & Stage Employees. <BR> <BR>Anything that can possibly be hazadous to your health, like Bungy Jumping, doing stunts, or arguing with the director. <BR> <BR>Re Elf: Ask Dean... <BR> <BR>Check with the AD. He/she has to knowhere you are at all times. Better to stay close. <BR> <BR>An appendix is usually at the back of a book and provides extra info, forms ect... or to lubicate your lower intestine (since it's also a gland), depending on what you're gonna use it for. Don't put a secreting gland at the back of a book. <BR> <BR>The Hallmark "Journey..." <BR> <BR>Which Electric/Centrop movie is my favorite?? Only the ones well written and directed. C'mon, yer asking someone who's biased... <BR> <BR>Readings: reading and creating a "coverage" on screenplays. An adult's version of a book report. <BR> <BR>Yes, I have seen "Maverick"

[Will Finch (Shetan)]

Thanks Mike, ... we probably owe Maurine an apology for taking over her thread.