Hi, everyone--
Long-time member here. Just checking in with this month's Introduce Yourself Lounge. I recently graduated from the David Lynch Screenwriting Program with an MFA, and I've been submitting my thesis script JACKSON, WYOMING to contests along with another script I wrote here which is a supernatural thriller called T.I.N.A. (THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE). The latter has been a quarterfinalist in three different competitions!
I'm seeking insights today on how to write a proof-of-concept for JACKSON, WYOMING. This is the logline: An overweight contractor wins the bid to build a multi-million-dollar mansion for a mysterious celebrity and is blindsided when he discovers it's for the guy who was his junior high school bully/crush. I have a couple of scenes that might be candidates for expansion, and I was working with one of them but people who haven't read the feature tell me they don't understand what's going on. Because I'm staying too close to the original material. I'd like to shoot it myself and try my hand at directing for the camera. About 30 years ago, I made a couple of shorts while I was at NYU's Tisch School Dramatic Writing program and have directed theater productions as well. But I think I'd like to try my hand at this short and then at directing my feature.
In terms of what I'd like to see happen here, I'm looking for my tribe. Seeking folks who'd be intrigued by my vision, and who would share their vision with me for mutual support. I'm seriously contemplating a move to L.A. after the WGA/SAG-AFTRA strikes are resolved and I'd love to have some connections made ahead of time. Sometime in February/March of 2024. I'd love to hear insights too on how to make remote connections with producers, directors and actors who could be up for being a part of my little ol' gay romance project. One thing about my script--I have avoided using swear words. I want to be a part of cracking the Hallmark type market as a gay writer too.
I have another script called ANOTHER GAY LARAMIE ROMANCE set in the town Matt Shepard was attacked and I'm working on a supernatural romance between two warlocks, one city, one small-town in a screenplay I call SMALL TOWN MAGICK. And I've started a TV project with a pilot that desperately needs revision and a bible. I don't want to overwhelm people with a litany of my projects, but it's a half-hour single-cam comedy with gay and transmale themes.
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Nice work, Richard. I graduated from NYU DWP as well. How was David Lynch's Screenwriting Program?
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I don't think I was as ready to grow when I went to DWP as I was for the DLMFA program. Meditation and spending some time in Transcendental Consciousness really helped to deepen my work. I also challenged myself to write in a genre I've never written before. (Supernatural thriller.) I wanted to stay in touch with my DWP cohort, but we've all lost track of each other. I feel my DLMFA cohort is tight by comparison.
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Richard Morell The DLMFA definitely looks like an excellent program. It was a personal process that led me to connect meditation with writing - it's such an important and unexplored part of the process. Curious, was Janet Neipris running the DWP Program when you were there?
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Hi Richard Morell - it's great to meet you here in the community. Really impressed with the work you've done and it sounds like the best is ahead for you.
I'm the director of education here at Stage 32. If I can ever offer you any support on your Stage 32 journey or recommend any of our education for you as you continue to grow creatively please email me directly at edu@stage32.com.
Based on your desire to direct your short - which is a great idea - I recommend checking out this Stage 32 class on how to make an award winning short film. Tash has meaningful experience in the field and is a generous educator. Here's a link: https://www.stage32.com/classes/How-to-Make-An-Award-Winning-Short-Film
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Carla Debbie Alleyne, I was there while Janet was the Chair, and I graduated the year before Tony Kushner and my favorite playwright ever, Maria Irene Fornes, were hired on as professors. I had Shirley Lauro, Leslie Lee, David Ives, and Venable Herndon as my professors.
And Sam, thanks for the suggestion! I have a coupon to use and I will use it to view this webinar.
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Congratulations on graduating and T.I.N.A. (THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE) being a triple quarterfinalist, Richard Morell!
You could ask for insights on how to write a proof-of-concept in the Screenwriting Lounge. Someone there might know.
Here's a great blog about finding your creative squad: www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-find-your-creative-squad-on-stage-32-3115
This blog should help too: www.stage32.com/blog/navigating-stage-32-for-your-best-experience-3095
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Richard Morell Nice! Janet was Chair when I was there as well... and I loved Leslie Lee and Venable's courses! Amazing instructors.