Last weekend, the Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) and the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) celebrated writers, announcing the winners of the 2011 Writers Guild Awards for outstanding achievement in writing for screen, television, radio, news, promotional, videogame, and new media writing at simultaneous ceremonies at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel-Grand Ballroom in Los Angeles and the AXA Equitable Center in New York City.

The LA event was packed! And it was a blast to see writers treated like rockstars! I think the writers enjoyed it too …

SCREEN WINNERS

Original Screenplay
Inception, Written by Christopher Nolan

Adapted Screenplay
The Social Network , Screenplay by Aaron Sorkin; Based on the book The Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich

Documentary Screenplay
Inside Job , Written by Charles Ferguson; Co-written by Chad Beck, Adam Bolt

TELEVISION WINNERS

Drama Series
AMC’s Mad Men , Written by Jonathan Abrahams, Lisa Albert, Keith Huff, Jonathan Igla, Andre Jacquemetton, Maria Jacquemetton, Brett Johnson, Janet Leahy, Erin Levy, Tracy McMillan, Dahvi Waller, Matthew Weiner

Comedy Series
ABC’s Modern Family, Written by Jerry Collins, Paul Corrigan, Alex Herschlag, Abraham Higginbotham, Elaine Ko, Joe Lawson, Steven Levitan, Christopher Lloyd, Dan O’Shannon, Jeffrey Richman, Brad Walsh, Ilana Wernick, Bill Wrubel, Danny Zuker

New Series
HBO’s Boardwalk Empire , Written by Meg Jackson, Lawrence Konner, Howard Korder, Steve Kornacki, Margaret Nagle, Tim Van Patten, Paul Simms, Terence Winter

Episodic Drama – any length – one airing time
“The Chrysanthemum and the Sword” (AMC’s Mad Men), Written by Erin Levy

Erin Levy & Matt Weiner, "Mad Men"

Episodic Comedy – any length – one airing time
“When It Rains, It Pours” (NBC’s 30 Rock), Written by Robert Carlock

Long Form – Original – over one hour – one or two parts, one or two airing times
HBO’s The Special Relationship, Written by Peter Morgan

Long Form – Adaptation – over one hour – one or two parts, one or two airing times
HBO’s The Pacific, “Part Eight,” Written by Michelle Ashford and Robert Schenkkan, Based in part on the books Helmet for My Pillow by Robert Leckie and With The Old Breed by Eugene B. Sledge with additional material from Red Blood, Black Sand by Chuck Tatum and China Marine by Eugene B. Sledge

Animation – any length – one airing time
“The Prisoner of Benda” (Comedy Central’s Futurama), Written by Ken Keeler

Comedy/Variety – (Including Talk) Series
Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report , Writers: Barry Julien, Dan Guterman, Eric Drysdale, Frank Lesser, Glenn Eichler, Jay Katsir, Max Werner, Meredith Scardino, Michael Brumm, Opus Moreschi, Peter Gwinn, Rich Dahm, Rob Dubbin, Scott Sherman, Stephen Colbert, Tom Purcell, Peter Grosz, Paul Dinello

Comedy/Variety – Music, Awards, Tributes – Specials
PBS’ National Memorial Day Concert 2010, Written by Joan Meyerson

VIDEOGAME WRITING WINNER
Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood, Story by Patrice Desilets, Jeffrey Yohalem, Corey May; Lead Script Writer: Jeffrey Yohalem; Script Writers: Ethan Petty, Nicholas Grimwood, Matt Turner

NEW MEDIA WRITING WINNERS

Outstanding Achievement in Writing – Original New Media
“The Real Thing,” “Identity Crisis,” “Girl Talk,” “Naming Things,” “Curtain Up” (Anyone But Me), Written by Susan Miller, Tina Cesa Ward

Outstanding Achievement in Writing – Derivative New Media
“Strip Pong,” “Tear Jerks,” “Brainstorm,” (Frank vs. Lutz), Written by Jon Haller; 30 Rock New Media

For a complete list of winners, go to WGA.org.

Am very excited about the LA Writing Retreat. The first session is tomorrow, Monday, September 27.

Topic is Character Development in Fiction and Non-Fiction works.

Exercises will help participants explore:

- Appearance & Attributes

- Backstory

- Dialogue

We will discuss how these elements are relevant in fiction and non-fiction, and then spend time working on current projects.

Sign up for one session or all four!

To register, go to http://writeonfall2010.eventbrite.com (Use code: “WriteOn” for 10% off)

* * *

Concentrate on your craft without leaving Los Angeles.

Join writing coach Debra Eckerling, creator of WriteOnOnline.com, for a weekly workout series, starting the end of September.

This unique retreat will allow you to explore the art and craft of writing though exercises designed to stimulate your creativity, develop your style, and increase your productivity. Each session will also allow time to work on your current projects, brainstorm blocks, and ask questions.

Beginning and intermediate writers welcome. Snacks will be served.

Mondays, September 27, October 11, 18, 25
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Venice, California – Location revealed after signup

Regular: $247 for 4 sessions
Per Session: $67/session (Use code: “WriteOn” for 10% off)

Space is limited. All participants will be invited to an exclusive post-retreat follow-up teleconference on November 1, 2010.

To register, go to http://writeonfall2010.eventbrite.com/

]]> http://writeononline.com/2010/09/26/la-writing-retreat-927-character/feed/ 0 http://writeononline.com/2010/09/12/la-writing-retreat/ http://writeononline.com/2010/09/12/la-writing-retreat/#comments Mon, 13 Sep 2010 00:01:09 +0000 Debra Eckerling http://writeononline.com/?p=5166

Concentrate on your craft without leaving Los Angeles.

Join writing coach Debra Eckerling, creator of WriteOnOnline.com, for a weekly workout series, starting the end of September.

This unique retreat will allow you to explore the art and craft of writing though exercises designed to stimulate your creativity, develop your style, and increase your productivity. Each session will also allow time to work on your current projects, brainstorm blocks, and ask questions.

Beginning and intermediate writers welcome. Snacks will be served.

Mondays, September 27, October 11, 18, 25
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Venice, California – Location revealed after signup

Early Bird: $197 for 4 sessions, sign up before September 20
Regular: $247 for 4 sessions
Per Session: $67/session (space permitting)

Space is limited. All participants will be invited to an exclusive post-retreat follow-up teleconference on November 1, 2010.

To register, go to http://writeonfall2010.eventbrite.com/

Congrats to the writers who were honored at the 62nd Annual Emmy® Awards. Best Comedy Modern Family and Best Drama Mad Men were also the winners for Outstanding Writing.

And the writing-winners are …

Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series:
Modern Family – Pilot – ABC
Writers: Steven Levitan and Christopher Lloyd

Steve Levitan, Modern Family

Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series:
Mad Men – “Shut the Door, Have a Seat” – AMC
Writers: Erin Levy and Matthew Weiner

Erin Levy, Mad Men

Post a Question for Erin Levy in the StoryLink Community.

Outstanding Writing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Special:
63rd Annual Tony Awards – CBS
Writer: Dave Boone
Special Material Written By: Paul Greenberg

Outstanding Writing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Series:
The Colbert Report – Comedy Central
Head Writer: Barry Julien
Writers: Stephen Colbert, Allison Silverman, Tom Purcell, Rich Dahm, Michael Brumm, Rob Dubbin, Opus Moreschi, Peter Gwinn, Jay Katsir, Frank Lesser, Glenn Eichler, Peter Grosz, Meredith Scardino, Max Werner, and Eric Drysdale

Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special:
You Don’t Know Jack – HBO
Writer: Adam Mazer

For a complete list of Emmy Awards Winners go to www.emmys.com.

* * *

Sublime Primetime: On Thursday, August 26, 2010, the Writers Guild Foundation and Writers Guild of America – West conducted their annual panel of Emmy-nominated Writers.

Lost’s Carton Cuse (third from right) moderated the panel which included (bottom row) Robert King & Michelle King, The Good Wife; Rolin Jones, Friday Night Lights; (top row) Andy Richter, The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien; Steven Levitan, Modern Family; Bruce C. McKenna and Robert Schenkkan, The Pacific; Mindy Kaling, The Office; Brad Falchuk & Ryan Murphy &Ian Brennan, Glee.

The mood was Precious on Friday, March 5, at Film Independent’s 2010 Spirit Awards.

Precious took home awards for Best First Screenplay (Geoffrey Fletcher), Best Director, and Best Feature, as well as Best Lead (Gabourey Sidibe) and Supporting Female (Mo’Nique). (Fletcher and Mo’Nique brought home the gold at Sunday‘s Oscars, as well.) Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber received the award for Best Screenplay for (500) Days Of Summer.

BEST FEATURE
Precious – Producers: Lee Daniels, Gary Magness, Sarah Siegel-Magness

BEST DIRECTOR
Lee Daniels – Precious

BEST FIRST FEATURE
Crazy Heart – Director: Scott Cooper
Producers: T Bone Burnett, Judy Cairo, Rob Carliner, Scott Cooper, Robert Duvall

BEST SCREENPLAY
Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber – (500) Days Of Summer

BEST FIRST SCREENPLAY
Geoffrey Fletcher – Precious

JOHN CASSAVETES AWARD – Given to the best feature made for under $500,000. Award given to the writer, director, and producer.
Hump Day – Writer/Director/Producer: Lynn Shelton

BEST FEMALE LEAD
Gabourey Sidibe – Precious

BEST MALE LEAD
Jeff Bridges – Crazy Heart

BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE
Mo’Nique – Precious

BEST SUPPORTING MALE
Woody Harrelson – The Messenger

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Roger Deakins – A Serious Man

BEST DOCUMENTARY
Anvil! The Story of Anvil – Director: Sacha Gervasi

BEST FOREIGN FILM - An Education (UK/France)- Director: Lone Scherfig

ACURA SOMEONE TO WATCH AWARD – The 16th annual Acura Someone to Watch Award recognizes a talented filmmaker of singular vision who has not yet received appropriate recognition. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by Acura.
Kyle Patrick Alvarez – Easier With Practice

CHAZ & ROGER EBERT TRUER THAN FICTION AWARD – The 15th annual Truer Than Fiction Award is presented to an emerging director of non-fiction features who has not yet received significant recognition. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant.
Bill Ross and Turner Ross – 45365

PIAGET PRODUCERS AWARD – The 13th annual Piaget Producers Award honors emerging producers who, despite highly limited resources demonstrate the creativity, tenacity, and vision required to produce quality, independent films. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by Piaget.
Karin Chien – The Exploding Girl, Santa Mesa

ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD – (Given to one film’s director, casting director, and its ensemble cast)
A Serious Man
Directors: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Casting Directors: Ellen Chenoweth, Rachel Tenner
Ensemble Cast: Richard Kind, Sari Lennick, Jessica McManus, Fred Melamed, Michael Stuhlbarg, Aaron Wolff

Congratulations to all the 2010 Spirit Award Winners. Film Independent is the non-profit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival.

For video clips from the 25th Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards, go to: http://www.babelgum.com/spiritawards

Time for another Write On! Workshop!

Deadlines make the world go round. But what do you do when ideas, words, and motivation escape you?

In this seminar, starting at 1:30 PM on The Learning Garden patio, freelance writer Debra Eckerling will offer strategies for brainstorming, project management,and staying on track when you really don’t want to! Remember, bring paper, pen, and your favorite excuses for procrastinating! Suggested donation $25! Questions, or to RSVP email writeononline@yahoo.com. RSVP also available on the Write On! Facebook Page or on StoryLink.com..

Write On!: Creating An Online Identitiy will be on Wednesday, June 10, starting at 6:30 pm, at The Learning Garden. In today’s climate, having an online presence is one of the most valuable assets a writer – or anyone in business – can possess! Learn strategies for marketing yourself on the web, including why and how to create a blog, using social networking effectively for self-promotion, enewsletters, and more! Remember, bring business cards to jumpstart your networking! Suggested donation $25, includes pizza and drinks! RSVP required by June 9th to writeononline@yahoo.com. For details: check out StoryLink or the Write On! Facebook Page.

Remember, the June Write On! Meeting will be th THIRD Wednesday, June 17. Send newsletter items to writeononline@yahoo.com by June 15. Post your June Goals by June 15 on the Write On! Online Facebook Page for a chance to win a FREE iScript.

The deadline for the Write On! Online/The Write Environment Query Contest is June 22. The winner in each category – Screenplay, Teleplay, Fiction (novel), and Non-Fiction (book) – will have their query letter read by a literary agent, among other prizes. http://writeononline.com/2009/05/11/write-on-onlinethe-write-environment-query-contest/.

For Tips on Query Writing, check out the Write On! Author Q&A with Wendy Burt Thomas, The Writers Digest Guide to Query Letters.

Film Independent announced the official selections for the 2009 Los Angeles Film Festival, presented by the Los Angeles Times. Now in it’s 15th year, the Los Angeles Film Festival will run from Thursday, June 18 to Sunday, June 28. The Los Angeles Film Festival is widely recognized as a world-class event, showcasing the best in new American and international cinema and providing the movie-loving public with access to some of the most critically acclaimed filmmakers, film industry professionals, and emerging talent from around the world.

If you’re in the area, you must check it out! There a lot to see, listen to, and learn.

The 2009 Los Angeles Film Festival will screen over 200 feature films, shorts, and music videos, representing more than 30 countries. For the first time this year, international films will be included in the narrative and documentary competition categories.

“Our goal at Film Independent is to represent the breadth of stories being told and to reflect the issues that are happening on a local and global level through the art of cinema,” said Dawn Hudson, Executive Director of Film Independent. “With the Los Angeles Film Festival, we at Film Independent further support our year-round work of cultivating a community of filmmakers and filmgoers alike.”

Universal Pictures’ action-thriller Public Enemies will screen as the Centerpiece Premiere at this year’s Festival. Acclaimed filmmaker Michael Mann directs Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, and Academy Award¬Æ winner Marion Cotillard in the story of legendary Depression-era outlaw John Dillinger (Depp)—the charismatic bank robber whose lightning raids made him the number one target of J. Edgar Hoover’s fledglin g FBI and its top agent, Melvin Purvis (Bale), and a folk hero to much of the public.

Narrative Competition: The Narrative Competition is comprised of films made by talented emerging filmmakers that compete for the Target Filmmaker Award, which carries a $50,000 unrestricted grant funded by Target. The winner is determined by a panel of jurors. Films in this section are also eligible for the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature.

* Dear Lemon Lima, Suzi Yoonessi — WORLD PREMIERE

* Harmony & Me, Bob Byington

* Hollywood, je t’aime, Jason Bushman — WORLD PREMIERE

* Passenger Side, Matt Bissonnette — Canada – WORLD PREMIERE

* Turistas, Alicia Scherson — Chile — U.S. PREMIERE

* Wa Do Dem (What They Do), Sam Fleischner, Ben Chace — WORLD PREMIERE

* Zero Bridge, Tariq Tapa — USA/India — U.S. PREMIERE

Documentary Competition: The Documentary Competition is comprised of films made by talented emerging filmmakers that compete for the Target Documentary Award, which carries a $50,000 unrestricted grant funded by Target. The winner is determined by a panel of jurors. Films in this section are also eligible for the Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature.

* After the Storm, Hilla Medalia — WORLD PREMIERE

* Bananas!*, Fredrik Gertten – Sweden — WORLD PREMIERE

* Branson, Brent Meeske — WORLD PREMIERE

* Convention, AJ Schnack

* The Last Beekeeper, Jeremy Simmons

* October Country, Michael Palmieri, Donal Mosher — WORLD PREMIERE

* Those Who Remain, Juan Carlos Rulfo, Carlos Hagerman — Mexico – U.S. PREMIERE

International Showcase: The International Showcase highlights innovative independent narrative and documentary features from outside of the United States. Films in this section are eligible for Audience Awards for Best International Feature, Best Narrative Feature, or Best Documentary Feature.

* Adhen, Rabah Ameur-Zaimeche — France/Algeria

* Autumn, √ñzcan Alper — Turkey

* Birdwatchers, Marco Bechis — Italy/Brazil (IFC Festival Direct)

* Bronson, Nicolas Winding Refn — England (Magnolia Pictures)

* Calimucho, Eugenie Jansen — Netherlands

* Call If You Need Me, James Lee — Malaysia — NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE
* Carmen Meets Borat, Mercedes Stalenhoef — Netherlands

* City of Borders, Yun Suh — Israel

* Elementary Training for Actors, Mart√≠n Rejtman — Argentina — INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE

* Extraordinary Stories, Mariano Llin√°s — Argentina

* High-Rise, Gabriel Mascaro — Brazil — NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE

* Los Bastardos, Amat Escalante — Mexico (Kino International)

* Mid-August Lunch, Gianni di Gregorio — Italy

* My Dear Enemy, Lee Yoon-ki — South Korea

* Our Beloved Month of August, Miguel Gomes — Portugal/France

* The Queen and I, Nahid Persson Sarvestani — Sweden (7th Art Releasing)

* Sacred Places, Jean-Marie T√©no — France/Cameroon

* Stella, Sylvie Verheyde — France

* Unmade Beds, Alexis Dos Santos — England (IFC Festival Direct)

* A Week Alone, Celina Murga — Argentina

* West of Pluto, Henry Bernadet, Myriam Verreault — Canada

Summer Showcase: The Summer Showcase section offers an advance look at this summer’s most talked about independent film releases from the festival circuit. Films in this section are eligible for Audience Awards for Best International Feature, Best Narrative Feature, or Best Documentary Feature.

* 35 Shots of Rum, Claire Denis — France (Cinema Guild)

* Big River Man, John Maringouin

* Cold Souls, Sophie Barthes (Samuel Goldwyn Films)

* Facing Ali, Pete McCormack (Lionsgate)

* Humpday, L ynn Shelton (Magnolia Pictures)

* In the Loop, Armando Iannucci — England (IFC Films)

* It Might Get Loud, Davis Guggenheim (Sony Pictures Classics)

* No Impact Man, Laura Gabbert & Justin Schein

* Paper Heart, Nicholas Jasenovec (Overture Films)

* Still Walking, Hirokazu Kore-eda — Japan (IFC Films)

* We Live in Public, Ondi Timoner

Free Screenings:

* Amreeka, Cherien Dabis (National Geographic Films) — Project:Involve Screening

* Crude Oil, Wang Bing — China — NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE

* Election, Alexander Payne (1999) — 10th Anniversary

* Ghostbusters, Ivan Reitman (1984) — 25th Anniversary

* Hot Rod Girl, Leslie H. Martinson (1956)

* How I See It: Youth Filmmaking From Streets to Streams,

* The Muppet Movie, James Frawley (1979) — 30th Anniversary

* Those Who Remain, Juan Carlos Rulfo, Carlos Hagerman — Mexico – U.S. PREMIERE

This Festival’s Opening and Closing Night Films, Guest Director, Artists in Residence, and special guests—as well as programming for the Festival Talks, Director Lunch Talks, Coffee Talks, Kodak Focus and the Financing Conference—will be announced shortly.

Passes to attend the Festival are available immediately for Film Independent members, and beginning May 18 for the general public. In addition to screenings and events, Festival passes provide access to a series of networking receptions and entry to the ZonePerfect live.create. lounge, where Festival pass holders can interact with Festival filmmakers and professionals in the film community. General admission tickets to individual films go on sale beginning May 29. Contact the Festival Ticketing Center for passes, tickets and event information by calling 866.FILM.FEST (866.345-6337) or visit LAFilmFest.com. Festival Passes and tickets can also be purchased in person beginning on Friday, June 12 at the Festival Ticketing Center located at 1038 Westwood Blvd.

Film Independent is the non-profit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival. For more information and a complete schedule, go to www.FilmIndependent.org.

Film Independent presented the 2009 Spirit Awards on the beach in Santa Monica on Saturday, February 21. A celebration honoring films made by filmmakers who embody independence and who dare to challenge the status quo, the Spirit Awards—which began as a small grassroots program—has grown into one of the most anticipated events of the film year.

BEST PICTURE: The Wrestler, Producers: Darren Aronofsky and Scott Franklin

BEST DIRECTOR:Tom McCarthy, Director, The Visitor

BEST SCREENPLAY:Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Written by Woody Allen

BEST FIRST FEATURE:Synecdoche, New York, Director: Charlie Kaufman, Producers: Anthony Bregman, Spike Jonze, Charlie Kaufman, and Sidney Kimmel

BEST FIRST SCREENPLAY:Milk, Writer: Dustin Lance Black

JOHN CASSAVETES AWARD (for the Best Feature made for under $500,000):In Search of a Midnight Kiss, Writer/Director: Alex Holdridge, Producers: Seth Caplan and Scoot McNairy

BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE:Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona

BEST SUPPORTING MALE: James Franco, Milk

BEST FEMALE LEAD: Melissa Leo, Frozen River

BEST MALE LEAD: Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY:Maryse Alberti, The Wrestler

BEST FOREIGN FILM:The Class, Director: Laurent Cantet

BEST DOCUMENTARY:Man on Wire, James Marsh

Heather Rae, producer of Frozen River and Ibid, received the 13th annual Piaget Producers Award, which honors emerging producers who, despite highly limited resources, demonstrate the creativity, tenacity, and vision required to produce quality, independent films. The winner of the Producers Award receives an unrestricted grant of $25,000 funded by Piaget.

Lynn Shelton, director of My Effortless Brilliance, won the 16th annual Acura Someone To Watch Award, a $25,000 unrestricted grant created to honor a talented filmmaker of singular vision who has not yet received appropriate recognition. The award is funded by Acura.

Margaret Brown, director of The Order of Myths, won the 15th annual LACOSTE Truer Than Fiction Award, presented to an emerging director of non-fiction features who has not yet received significant attention. The award is accompanied by a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by LACOSTE.

Also given was the 2nd annual Robert Altman Award, given to one film’s director, casting director, and ensemble cast. Charlie Kaufman’s directorial debut Synecdoche, New York received this award, along with casting director Jeanne McCarthy, and ensemble cast members Hope Davis, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Catherine Keener, Samantha Morton, Tom Noonan, Emily Watson, Dianne Wiest, and Michelle Williams.

For more information, go to http://www.spiritawards.com/.