Friday, June 26, 2009
Tribute: Michael Jackson's songs lyrics
"Blood On The Dance Floor"
She got your number
She know your game
She put you underIt's so insane
Since you seduced her
How does it feel
To know that woman
Is out to kill
Every night stance is like takin' a chance
It's not about love and romance
And now you're gonna get it
Every hot man is out takin' a chance
It's not about love and romanceAnd now you do regret it
To escape the world I've got to enjoy that simple dance
And it seemed that everything was on my side(Blood on my side)
She seemed sincere like it was love and true romance
And now she's out to get me
And I just can't take itJust can't break it
Susie got your number
And Susie ain't your friend
Look who took you under
With seven inches inBlood is on the dance floor
Blood is on the knife
Susie's got your numberAnd Susie says its right
She got your numberHow does it feel
To know this strangerIs out to kill
She got your babyIt happened fast
If you could onlyErase the past
Every night stance is like takin a chances
It's not about love and romance
And now you're gonna get it
Every hot man is out takin' a chance
It's not about love and romanceAnd now you do regret it
To escape the world I got to enjoy this simple dance
And it seemed that everything was on my side(Blood on my side)
It seemed sincere like it was love and true romance
And now she's out to get meAnd I just can't take itJust can't break it
Susie got your numberAnd Susie ain't your friend
Look who took you under
With seven inches inBlood is on the dance floor
Blood is on the knifeSusie got your number
You know Susie says its right
Susie's got your number
Susie ain't your friend
Look who took you under
She put seven inches inBlood is on the dance floorBlood is on the knife
Susie's got your number
Susie says its right
It was blood on the dance floor(blood on the dance floor)
It was blood on the dance floor(blood on the dance floor)
It was blood on the dance floor(blood on the dance floor)
It was blood on the dance floor(blood on the dance floor)
And I just can't take itThe girl won't break itOoo...
She got your number
She know your game
She put you underIt's so insane
Since you seduced her
How does it feel
To know that woman
Is out to kill
Every night stance is like takin' a chance
It's not about love and romance
And now you're gonna get it
Every hot man is out takin' a chance
It's not about love and romanceAnd now you do regret it
To escape the world I've got to enjoy that simple dance
And it seemed that everything was on my side(Blood on my side)
She seemed sincere like it was love and true romance
And now she's out to get me
And I just can't take itJust can't break it
Susie got your number
And Susie ain't your friend
Look who took you under
With seven inches inBlood is on the dance floor
Blood is on the knife
Susie's got your numberAnd Susie says its right
She got your numberHow does it feel
To know this strangerIs out to kill
She got your babyIt happened fast
If you could onlyErase the past
Every night stance is like takin a chances
It's not about love and romance
And now you're gonna get it
Every hot man is out takin' a chance
It's not about love and romanceAnd now you do regret it
To escape the world I got to enjoy this simple dance
And it seemed that everything was on my side(Blood on my side)
It seemed sincere like it was love and true romance
And now she's out to get meAnd I just can't take itJust can't break it
Susie got your numberAnd Susie ain't your friend
Look who took you under
With seven inches inBlood is on the dance floor
Blood is on the knifeSusie got your number
You know Susie says its right
Susie's got your number
Susie ain't your friend
Look who took you under
She put seven inches inBlood is on the dance floorBlood is on the knife
Susie's got your number
Susie says its right
It was blood on the dance floor(blood on the dance floor)
It was blood on the dance floor(blood on the dance floor)
It was blood on the dance floor(blood on the dance floor)
It was blood on the dance floor(blood on the dance floor)
And I just can't take itThe girl won't break itOoo...
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Screenwriting Myths & Scams
There are numerous erroneuous myths about the business of screenwriting and even more scams that all writers need to watch out for. If you are concerned that an individual or company you are dealing with is not legit, your first stop should be Writer Beware. You can also email you question here.
1. Everywhere I go I am in danger of having my script idea stolen. - MYTH - unless you have an idea that is so unique no two film could ever be made about it, the idea alone is virtually worthless. It is always the execution that counts. Protect the script, not the idea.
2. I got an email inviting me to send my script to an agency! But they need me to pay some photocopying and mailing costs. - SCAM - First, legit agents never solicit clients unless they have just won a screenwriting contest or received a standing ovation at the Sundance screening of their new film. Second, photocopying costs, mailing expenses, reading fees, marketing fees, travel fees or any other type of fee that an agent, manager or other representative attempt to charge you is a SCAM. Agents signatory to the Writer's Guild are explicitly forbidden from charging anything other than a percentage of your writing income after they have made a sale. Find an agent on the WGA signatory list.
3. My new agent/manager seems great, but they didn't ask me to sign a contract. That must mean they are not the real thing. - MYTH - Surprisingly, many major Hollywood agencies and management companies rely solely on verbal agreements. However, a legitimate company should have no trouble providing a written contract if you request one (which is recommended).
4. My new agent/manager wants to use my query letter to send to production companies. - SCAM - This person has no connections and should not be representing you. Professionals do not send out your query letters or hold you responsible for providing any kind of marketing tools.
5. My new agent/manager says his client list is confidential, but he assures me he has sold many screenplays. - SCAM - Any agent/manager who can not tell you the name of at least one satisfied, verifiable client does not have any.
6. An agent says he wants to represent me, but first I must have coverage done on my script by a certain company. - SCAM - Most likely, the "agent" either owns the reading company or is getting a share of the profits. This is not someone who is interested in helping you with your writing career.
You may also, however, find yourself dealing with a legitimate agency who doesn't say this outright but rather sends you a brochure on a script reading company in response to your letter, thus implying the same thing. For this murky ground, which is somewhat unethical but nonetheless legal, read this very important article:
Slush Pile - Todd Longwell reports on unsolicited screenplays and the new screenplay consulting services (Filmmaker Magazine)
7. I read that script reading companies will get you an agent or manager or hook you up with a production company if your script gets a "Recommend". - SCAM - I should clarify, this can happen. To date, one reading company has made one script sale in this manner. But beware, what these companies don't tell you is that most of them will charge you a percentage of your earnings in addition to the reading fee you have already paid. Storybay, for example, charges 7.5% of your GROSS earnings. Studionotes and Scriptshark charge 10% of the profits. ScriptPIMP and StoryXchange both charge 5%. This is the same as paying two agents (plus a reading fee). It is definitely not recommend.
source: http://www.thescriptsource.net/Myths&Scams.html
1. Everywhere I go I am in danger of having my script idea stolen. - MYTH - unless you have an idea that is so unique no two film could ever be made about it, the idea alone is virtually worthless. It is always the execution that counts. Protect the script, not the idea.
2. I got an email inviting me to send my script to an agency! But they need me to pay some photocopying and mailing costs. - SCAM - First, legit agents never solicit clients unless they have just won a screenwriting contest or received a standing ovation at the Sundance screening of their new film. Second, photocopying costs, mailing expenses, reading fees, marketing fees, travel fees or any other type of fee that an agent, manager or other representative attempt to charge you is a SCAM. Agents signatory to the Writer's Guild are explicitly forbidden from charging anything other than a percentage of your writing income after they have made a sale. Find an agent on the WGA signatory list.
3. My new agent/manager seems great, but they didn't ask me to sign a contract. That must mean they are not the real thing. - MYTH - Surprisingly, many major Hollywood agencies and management companies rely solely on verbal agreements. However, a legitimate company should have no trouble providing a written contract if you request one (which is recommended).
4. My new agent/manager wants to use my query letter to send to production companies. - SCAM - This person has no connections and should not be representing you. Professionals do not send out your query letters or hold you responsible for providing any kind of marketing tools.
5. My new agent/manager says his client list is confidential, but he assures me he has sold many screenplays. - SCAM - Any agent/manager who can not tell you the name of at least one satisfied, verifiable client does not have any.
6. An agent says he wants to represent me, but first I must have coverage done on my script by a certain company. - SCAM - Most likely, the "agent" either owns the reading company or is getting a share of the profits. This is not someone who is interested in helping you with your writing career.
You may also, however, find yourself dealing with a legitimate agency who doesn't say this outright but rather sends you a brochure on a script reading company in response to your letter, thus implying the same thing. For this murky ground, which is somewhat unethical but nonetheless legal, read this very important article:
Slush Pile - Todd Longwell reports on unsolicited screenplays and the new screenplay consulting services (Filmmaker Magazine)
7. I read that script reading companies will get you an agent or manager or hook you up with a production company if your script gets a "Recommend". - SCAM - I should clarify, this can happen. To date, one reading company has made one script sale in this manner. But beware, what these companies don't tell you is that most of them will charge you a percentage of your earnings in addition to the reading fee you have already paid. Storybay, for example, charges 7.5% of your GROSS earnings. Studionotes and Scriptshark charge 10% of the profits. ScriptPIMP and StoryXchange both charge 5%. This is the same as paying two agents (plus a reading fee). It is definitely not recommend.
source: http://www.thescriptsource.net/Myths&Scams.html
Monday, June 8, 2009
How to write a step outline for a script
A step outline is a detailed telling of a story intended to be turned into a screenplay for a motion picture. The step outline details every scene and beat of a screenplay's story and often has indications for dialog and character interactions. The scenes are often numbered for convenience. It is similar to a scriptment and more detailed and specific than either a treatment or an outline. It can also be an extremely
useful tool for a writer working on a spec script.
#Step 1
Start by selecting a movie or an episode of one you favorite TV shows. Begin with the opening shot and write down the major steps that carry the story from start to end. This is a step outline, at least in abbreviated form.
#
Step 2
Take you own project. On paper, begin by building a list of your major scenes in one or two sentences for each. Start with broad strokes: your story’s beginning, middle and end.
#
Step 3
Now expand this list each to include the in-between steps that will carry you from the first scene to the last. This bare-bones step outline is essentially a list of the scenes in your story in linear fashion.
#
Step 4
Now expand each step, using no more of two sentences for all of your steps. Each of the steps should clearly describe what happens in that scene. At this point, you're not really concerned about the details: no dialogue, no set dressing, no minor characters unrelated to the central action of the scene.
#
Step 5
Now that you written you step outline, go back and reread it. This is where your step outline can tell you what works and more importantly what doesn’t. If, as you read your story moves forward only by fits and starts, you have a problem. But it is much easier to make corrections here rather than after you’ve written your screenplay.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2171325_write-step-outline-script.html
useful tool for a writer working on a spec script.
#Step 1
Start by selecting a movie or an episode of one you favorite TV shows. Begin with the opening shot and write down the major steps that carry the story from start to end. This is a step outline, at least in abbreviated form.
#
Step 2
Take you own project. On paper, begin by building a list of your major scenes in one or two sentences for each. Start with broad strokes: your story’s beginning, middle and end.
#
Step 3
Now expand this list each to include the in-between steps that will carry you from the first scene to the last. This bare-bones step outline is essentially a list of the scenes in your story in linear fashion.
#
Step 4
Now expand each step, using no more of two sentences for all of your steps. Each of the steps should clearly describe what happens in that scene. At this point, you're not really concerned about the details: no dialogue, no set dressing, no minor characters unrelated to the central action of the scene.
#
Step 5
Now that you written you step outline, go back and reread it. This is where your step outline can tell you what works and more importantly what doesn’t. If, as you read your story moves forward only by fits and starts, you have a problem. But it is much easier to make corrections here rather than after you’ve written your screenplay.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2171325_write-step-outline-script.html
JUNE 2009 NEWS
Many things going on, it’s been a while since I last published my hottest news, but you know what this usually means…I’ve been busy with writing! Funny isn’t it? Too busy with writing to write! (smiles)
Anyway, here are the latest news:
I’ve just FINISHED « EARTH FRIENDS« an animation screenplay based upon the short story by Jodi Raven Hawk. She hired me in December 2008 to pen the script, and it has been a great pleasure to work on this positive and poetic story, which I would describe as an ecological wizard of oz.
« Earth friends«, is very far from the screenplays I’m used to write, principally thrillers, and I really had to inject a lot of fun to my writing style! Fortunately, Jodi helped me a lot with her suggestions, she had a very precise vision of what she wanted the script to feel like, and she has been some kind of « director » to me on this project.
Each week, I would send her the pages I had written, and she sent me the pages back with notes
« I like that », »delete this », « more positive », more upbeat » etc…
At the beginning I had a darker vision of the story, (my dark side again) but I quickly understood this would not serve the message she wanted to convey. And finally, we’ve been on the same page.
The finale version of the screenplay is very far from the very first sheets I had sent her, and the first rough draft! I can’t believe what we have achieved! What a fantastic venture it has been! Turning a 10 pages short story into a 110 pages screenplay! Now, I feel there is nothing I could not write! (smiles)
After « earth friends », I’m thinking of returning to my first love: « THRILLERS ». I have a vision of a screenplay which would be a mixture of « silence of the lambs » and « seven« , I have finished a step outline for this project this week-end and I’m very satisfied with it, of course, it’s just a 10 PAGES STEP OUTLINE, so the most difficult part is yet to come, but writing a step outline is very good way to know where I want to go, where my characters are going and what they’re doing. I have read somewhere that « A step outline is a road map, where to find the direction of my story. » and I think it’s true, I recommend every writer to write one!
In addition to writing, I’m currently promoting my latest screenplays, wrote 4 features between last year and the start of 2009, and I want to devote much time to find a home for the scripts, patience and perseverance will be the key there, and I hope they won’t fail to accompany me on this way.
I already received a very good review of my recent 1930 gangsters screenplay, I’m glad since I have high expectation for it, hope the future won’t deceive me!
Time will tell us…
Have a great June and a great summer!
Thanks for reading, thanks for all the support!
Jordan.
Anyway, here are the latest news:
I’ve just FINISHED « EARTH FRIENDS« an animation screenplay based upon the short story by Jodi Raven Hawk. She hired me in December 2008 to pen the script, and it has been a great pleasure to work on this positive and poetic story, which I would describe as an ecological wizard of oz.
« Earth friends«, is very far from the screenplays I’m used to write, principally thrillers, and I really had to inject a lot of fun to my writing style! Fortunately, Jodi helped me a lot with her suggestions, she had a very precise vision of what she wanted the script to feel like, and she has been some kind of « director » to me on this project.
Each week, I would send her the pages I had written, and she sent me the pages back with notes
« I like that », »delete this », « more positive », more upbeat » etc…
At the beginning I had a darker vision of the story, (my dark side again) but I quickly understood this would not serve the message she wanted to convey. And finally, we’ve been on the same page.
The finale version of the screenplay is very far from the very first sheets I had sent her, and the first rough draft! I can’t believe what we have achieved! What a fantastic venture it has been! Turning a 10 pages short story into a 110 pages screenplay! Now, I feel there is nothing I could not write! (smiles)
After « earth friends », I’m thinking of returning to my first love: « THRILLERS ». I have a vision of a screenplay which would be a mixture of « silence of the lambs » and « seven« , I have finished a step outline for this project this week-end and I’m very satisfied with it, of course, it’s just a 10 PAGES STEP OUTLINE, so the most difficult part is yet to come, but writing a step outline is very good way to know where I want to go, where my characters are going and what they’re doing. I have read somewhere that « A step outline is a road map, where to find the direction of my story. » and I think it’s true, I recommend every writer to write one!
In addition to writing, I’m currently promoting my latest screenplays, wrote 4 features between last year and the start of 2009, and I want to devote much time to find a home for the scripts, patience and perseverance will be the key there, and I hope they won’t fail to accompany me on this way.
I already received a very good review of my recent 1930 gangsters screenplay, I’m glad since I have high expectation for it, hope the future won’t deceive me!
Time will tell us…
Have a great June and a great summer!
Thanks for reading, thanks for all the support!
Jordan.
Friday, June 5, 2009
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