As someone exposed to countless cold pitches and screenplays each week, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to stand out. A great introduction email and a polished script are your ticket to catching attention in a competitive industry. Here are some practical tips …
Personal and Executive Assistants CAN Thrive
Overcoming Micro-management and Toxic Workplaces Your manager scrutinizes every email you send, nitpicking over punctuation like it’s a matter of life and death. After a tense meeting goes south, they unload their frustrations onto you, as if you were the cause of their failure. A …
The Changing Landscape of Film Work in Vancouver: Why We Need More Canadian Content
It’s been a while since I posted! I’ve been hustling in the Vancouver film and TV industry, working hard just to keep working. My reward? I’ve had the opportunity to work on some incredible large-format shows like Yellowjackets, Happy Face, and Percy Jackson. More recently, …
How to Write for Reality TV
During my foray into reality TV, I came to understand that the story producers/editors are essentially the writers. Although they are not writing screenplays with dialog and action, they are outlining what needs to happen for each episode of the series to be engaging. Their …
Behind the Scenes: How Reality TV Comes to Life
I’ll admit, I don’t watch reality TV. I mean, I’ve occasionally watched a few episodes out of curiosity, but my real interest is in how it’s made and what makes it successful. Since there has been little work for me in the world of scripted …
The WGA and SAG Strike: A Crossroads for Hollywood But a Boon for Vancouver’s Independent Filmmaking?
WHAT’S HAPPENING Even for those who are not “in the industry” a hotly debated topic of conversation these days is, of course, the ongoing WGA and SAG/AFTRA dual strike. It’s a hot bed of complex issues, with far-reaching implications for the global film industry. It …
Review and Comparison of the Top 10 Freelance Virtual Work Websites
The rise of the gig economy has paved the way for an abundance of freelance virtual work opportunities. With numerous platforms available, it can be overwhelming for you choose the right one that aligns with your skills and goals. Below, I’ve done some of the …
Budget Template
If you don’t have Movie Magic Budgeting, you can begin creating your budget using my Indie Budget Template. In this budget template, you have different categories related to the various stages of your film production: Development, Pre-production, Production, and Post-production. Each category includes specific line …
10 Steps for Rewriting Your First Draft
Rewriting a screenplay is like sculpting a piece of art. It’s a process of refining, reshaping, and sometimes even starting over. Here’s a step-by-step approach that I’ve found to be effective: Take a Break: After you’ve finished your first draft, take a little time away …
10 Steps to Breakdown Scripts for Budgeting
Read the Script: Start by thoroughly reading the script to gain a clear understanding of the story, characters, locations, and any specific requirements. Create a Script Breakdown Sheet: Set up a spreadsheet or use specialized script breakdown software to create a breakdown sheet. Each row …