Arlene Mantek's Lounge Discussions

I personally LOVE when there's filming going on near me. It makes me feel like I'm part of the production. So fun to watch it later and recognize the houses and buildings. Thanks for posting Julie!

I live in Brooklyn, and even though there is a small TV studio nearby (As The World Turns was the last show that filmed there regularly), and several films and TV shows shoot outdoor shots from time to time, the residents are pretty clueless about the whole film and TV protocol. (A lot of people from other countries live in my neighborhood, and I don't think they watch American TV. Most of the people I encounter don't speak English). They see the craft services table and act like "Wow, free food for us!" Also, lots of kids with cars come cruising by with the car stereo BLARING, which has got to be a headache for trying to film a scene.

I live in a neighborhood where there is a film shoot every single day. We make them pay for the privilege since the crews alter our "quality of life" and often damage property. Nec possum tecum vivere, nec sine te!

This post totally correlates with the upcoming webinar, Place Based Filmmaking. Pretty cool!

We had a Hollywood production come out to my part of Illinois and it was really cool. All my neighbors came out and checked out the set and everyone from Hollywood was really cool. They were filming an independent film and they needed farm backgrounds. One of the actors went to the high school I went to and suggested they shoot there. Really cool.

And here's me just moved to LA, Shaun! But then it's my home town so I have reasons other than work for coming back. It's very interesting, what you say though. Especially about Louisiana.

Good idea to move to LA. Move to Burbank. That is one of the greatest concentrations of writers. Visit the Writers Store there. I have no financial interest. They can get you grounded. Forget writing movies, focus on TV show and Mini Series scripts. They are far quicker to complete and there is more demand. Read what the moves the Cohen Brothers are making and figure it out from there. Also, LA is a music city too. Think you can write lyrics hook up with the music crowd too. Burbank is good for that. Burbank is inland, not near the beach, but is it where it is at as far as writing both TV and music. Good luck. Craig

I appreciate the info Robin and Jeffrey. I'm soaking in all of the advice everyone is giving me. I'm set on the move to L.A. because it puts me in a situation where I can get to opportunities quicker instead of having to fly to L.A. any time a agent or producer wants to meet.

It sounds like your mind is made up and I’d say you’re making the right choice. LA is where the deals get made and the deals begin with a great script. Some agents don’t even read query letters that don’t have a SoCal zip code. I know a few ppl who’ve scored high on the BlackList, had talks with producers and managers, but their scripts were passed on because the writers weren’t in LA or weren’t willing to move. You’re right about the meetings. I’ve been told by several folks that you may have consecutive meeting requests from agents and they’re not gonna skype with you or chat with you on the phone. It’s a face-to-face biz. You can’t fly out every time someone calls you and wants to meet with you. Whenever I read about unknown writers finally breaking in, the common denominator between them is that THEY’RE ALREADY IN LA. It totally makes a difference. Are there exceptions? Yes, but I’ve been in DC the past 6 years hoping to be an exception. LA is where all your connections are if you want to become a paid, working screenwriter. Time to pull the trigger!

Thanks Brandi and Kamamla for the encouragement! The more I read your golden bits of advice I realize making this move to L.A. is the right choice. I'm just looking to collect as much insight on the town as possible. As for Alle, you are serving to be a dream killer (for those who are not extremely confident in their abilities) but you've only convinced me even more that relocating to L.A. is the right thing to do. From what I understand all your future plans evolve around you moving to L.A. and all your professional connections (80%) reside in L.A. Unlike yourself most people don't have the financial freedom to operate as smooth as you appear to in this business. Putting it frank, I encourage you to discover a more fruitful environment for your disparaging commentary, thanks.

Robert, if you'd studied three-act structure, you probably would start noticing the act breaks in movies. Finding Forrester is a fine example. It has a very traditional three act structure. Watch it again -- the act breaks are where you think to yourself, "wow, that act was even worse than the last one." :)

Good one, Kerry!

Bingo! Lol

The Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is a current movie where virtually everything we have been taught unfolds onto the screen - while the devises could have been disguised better, a very good film.

Look upon it as foreplay, Andre, timing and pacing are important, too quick/soon may not get you the desired results - consider the commencement of the second act when your hand is finally resting on her knee - what comes next and the eventual outcome is dependant on your ability - I think this simple rule of thumb may serve you well re parameters, good luck.

It’s not a great movie (even by giallo standards), but my absolute favorite title is Your Vice Is A Locked Room And Only I Have The Key - I blind-bought this movie on that amazing title alone

Jojo Rabbit for a feature and Money Heist for a series.

Leslie: the title Money Heist in English is better the original "La casa de papel/the house of paper." But the Spanish title suggests that the lives of everyone in the was fragile/or a lie.

Actually I think paper translates to money. —as in the house of money. But paper does have a weak feeling, but I interpret it to the weak money system in Spain that can falling down

No Country For Old Men, There Will Be Blood, Mindhunter, there are so many!

And regarding La Casa de Papel, that title has a double meaning. It translates figuratively as The House of Money and metaphorically as an unstable/fragile house, in reference to the team and their plans. It's a great title that got butchered in the english translation!

I am a huge fan of "Pushing Daisies"; In fact I am currently watching the season 1 DVD. Did you play the coroner? IMO, it was a TV series that was cancelled too soon.

Love Pushing Daisies!! Welcome!

Yes Arlene I played the coroner. And it was cancelled too soon. Thanks.

It was such a pity. Pushing Daisies was such a great series. Your career is also most impressive Sy.