Expo Reminder & Drinks Gathering Announcement

So, first of all, I wanted to remind you all one last time about the two seminars I am teaching at this year's Screenwriting Expo. After being named a Star Speaker the last three years at the Expo, I've been invited back to present my most popular seminar from last year, "Effective Use of Flashbacks and Voiceovers."

Even more exciting for me is the new seminar I will be teaching this year: "Writing in a Web 2.0 World." In preparing this seminar, I've had the chance to speak to many professionals who are very involved in the world of web video, and the like, and have also read and watched a ton of material on the subject. The seminar will exploring what is unique about writing scripts for the web, as well as highlighting ways to market yourself, network, and straight out work using Web 2.0 technologies.

Furthermore, I wanted to spread the word about this year's 4th Annual post-Expo Scribosphere Drinks gathering on Sunday night. All are welcome to join, so please come if you are at the Expo, or just feel like popping over anyway. This year we'll be returning to the scene of the first year's gathering, the beautiful Moroccan-themed (and nearby) Figueroa Hotel, and we will be at the poolside bar. The Fig is at 939 S. Figueroa St., 90015 (for your GoogleMaps-ing pleasure), and is easy walking distance from the Convention Center. Figure we'll start by around 6:00 on Sunday evening, though I may arrive sooner. We'll end whenever things just wind down naturally!

Feel free to leave a note here, or email me, to let me know that you'll be joining. Also, if you'll be attending the Expo and want to meet up some other time, feel free to get in touch as well!

Hope to see many of you there!

Tags: Screenwriting+Expo, Scribosphere

New Screenwriting/Indie Production Website

I recently learned about a new website that is designed to help collaborations through the entire production process. Named Five Sprockets, the site offers some free software (including yet another free screenwriting application) and free registration. The site's name is a reference to the five stages of the production process: Development, Pre-production, Production, Post-production and Distribution.

I have not tried out the screenwriting software, so to be honest I can't speak to its quality. But what attracted me most to the site is its "Community" section. In an easy-to-use format, the section offers how-to videos for use by indie filmmakers, articles aimed at guiding the developing screenwriter (a number of which seem to offer solid insights), event listings, and discussion forum. There is also a job board, though at this point listings are still extremely sparse (the site is still in beta).

There are many sites out there aimed at this niche, and I can't claim to have spent much time on all of them. But this site definitely seems like one worth keeping an eye on!

Tags: screenwriting, indie+filmmaking, Five+Sprockets

Late for Halloween

I just saw this "trailer" that would most appropriately be titled Halloween at The Office. I got a kick out of it, though it is not nearly as well done or entertaining as Shining.



Interesting how horror and comedy seem to often work as two sides of the same coin. To wit, this story about a new project for Xbox Live.

Tags: horror+films, comedies

Annual Fall Script Services Sale

Well, it is that time of year again, when I reduce prices on my screenplay consulting services. I am again offering a 10% discount on my main screenplay services for the next two months, through the end of 2008!

Full, in-depth Development Notes now go for just $270, reduced from the usual $300 price. Less comprehensive but always popular Studio Style Coverage is now only $135, marked down from $150. And of course, each service still comes with a free follow-up phone call after you receive your report!

I'm pleased to have kept my prices on the more affordable and lower end of prices for comparable options out there. And I'm proud of the positive responses I've gotten from my clients, including numerous repeat customers. To give you an idea, here are a few endorsements from some of my prior clients:

"Having used other screenplay services in the past, the thing I appreciate about Joel's services the most is the fact that he treats you as a fellow writer and takes the extra time to make sure you understand his comments in order to strengthen your script for sale." -- Nathan Flood

"Joel's coverage is clear, concise and tells you the issues in your script in a non-judgmental way which is invaluable for any writer struggling with an early draft. Plus he's fast and excellent value for money, always a bonus!" -- Lucy, UK, www.lucyvee.blogspot.com

"FunJoel was thorough, professional, and didn't pull any punches. In a field fraught with intense competition, Joel Haber encourages the new writer to reach for the best within them -- to produce a quality script -- and nails both strengths and weaknesses with uncanny precision." -- Robin Roderick/Critical Mass

"It's a rare thing for a reader to have both a good analytical mind and a creative sensibility. Joel has both these qualities in abundance. Plus, he's got a helluva good sense of humor." -- J. Edwards

"Finally -- a script consultant who delivers real value and real advice, without patronizing or antagonizing." -- Chase Libbey

I look forward to working with many of you this Fall! If you are interested, please email me directly (change the bracketed [AT] and [DOT] to the appropriate symbols), and we can discuss specifics. And if you are curious about what each of those types of reports entails, click on the sidebar link to the left that reads "Fun Joel's Screenplay Services," or HERE.

Thanks!

UPDATE: If you're coming here via Alex Epstein's blog, welcome! If you haven't been here before, please dig through the archives. I also look forward to hopefully working with some of you soon.

Tags: script+reading, screenplay+coverage