Shirley Nishimoto: Screenwriter in Kerrville, Texas.

Nicely said Michael, you captured the feeling of frustration and success that anyone who make films feels. I will say that I have had the opportunity to make short films which I have financed myself and some that have been financed by others. I've done projects where everyone has been paid and I think although it's great to have a budget it's not always ideal. The problem I think a lot of people fail to grasp is that film making is much like driving a car it is a privilege not a right. Actors understand this most will act often for free for the experience. Everyone today makes films it is a cottage industry, 30 or 40 years ago it was much more involved because it required a certain skill set that few could acquire and perfect unless you "paid your dues" not an expression you hear very much these days. If I can raise money to make something, great, I'll do it if I can't I'll still do it because of the accessibility of high end digital equipment. There is a huge pool of talented people who "just want to do it" and I have to admit that has been some of the best experiences I've had working with people who want to create some great with little or no money. What I've ultimately come to believe is that being a film maker is about how you see yourself not how others see you. (Although it's nice if they see you that way too) You hear about people like Terrence Malick who went 20 years between making films like Days Of Heaven and The Thin Red line. Is he a filmmaker? You better believe he is. I think it's about the type of films you make and not how many. Sure everyone one wants to have a "body of work" and if that's what it's about for you, you can grab your iphone and crank out story after story but when you make that one project where you love it and then hate it and then love it again. Well that's what it's all about for me, I recently showed someone a short I made in 2007 and they said "So you make films?" and I said "Yeah" and they said "But nothing big." I could never explain to this person why I make films because they wouldn't get it, even if they nodded politely and pretended to. Most people only see filmmaking as what they see in the movies and TV for many of us it's the goal to which we aspire it is validation of our life long dreams. A chance for both professional and artistic achievement but it's no longer about that for me as you've said you have to dig deep. Grab a camera, get out there and get it done. Now! Mark Cabaroy

Am I the only screenplay writer who feels she is heading towards a dead end at a very slow speed? I have been writing for 6 years now and feel I am going nowhere, yet I know my writing has improved a great deal since I started. Is this just frustration setting in or maybe time to let it go? Does anyone else feel this way?

I'm not sure if is the place to post this, it's not a success story, so please forgive me. When I read all these success stories two things cross my mind. It can happen for me and why didn't my script get requested. We've selected a profession where rejection and disappointment are considered the norm. But to put it into perspective, think of writing like batting in baseball, if your batting .300, you can get into the Hall of Fame. It's also like the lottery, if you don't buy the ticket, you'll never win. We as writers, and we're all writers here, pour out our heart and soul to create our own special baby. Now comes the hard part - sending our baby out into the world (anyone with a college age child knows exactly what I'm talking about). In order to be successful, we have to make ourselves completely vulnerable. First when we write, second when we send our masterpieces out to be reviewed. I applaud those who open themselves up to this process and strongly encourage those who don't to jump in. It may hurt but it won't kill you. And you WILL come out as a better writer on the other side of this process. I won't lie, it sucks when you receive that PASS but you can never, ever take it personally. The difference between a successful writer and a lonely hack is our ability to process the criticism we receive. You don't have to make changes based on every comment we receive but take it to heart, think about it and make the changes that make sense. Also, don't let the naysayers get in your head. We face various forms of resistance - putting off writing, letting failure get into our heads - but the worst is not having the support and encouragement of people close to us. I'm lucky to have that support from my family and the people here. Stage 32 goes a long way to provide a place where we can get the support we all need to keep moving forward. I've been blessed to have my script requested 15 times but I've been PASSED on a hell of a lot more times (I'm not sure if my batting average is .300 but regardless I'm not quitting). December has really sucked for me in terms of getting REQUESTS but January begins soon. So as you sit here and read about all these success stories, remember everyone one of these successes are built on a foundation of PASSES and REJECTIONS. As we move into 2015, I challenge everyone to do something out of their comfort zone. Mine is to sign up for a live pitch (once I develop one). Skype scares the hell out of me. You know how the camera adds 15 pounds? It all goes to my head. It look like a live version of my driver's license picture. Utilize the services on Stage 32 (I've used other services besides Stage 32 and these are by far the best I've come across). I sound like a freakin commercial but I do have a lot of faith in the people here and try to take advantage of what I can - especially the free stuff. I can afford free! I wish everyone the best and hope you all receive more REQUESTS but each PASS brings you one step closer to a REQUEST. Don't let the fear of rejection keep you from pursuing your dream.

Hey Shirley, thanks for connecting!

Fellow artists, My journey into entertainment is yet short. But if you're curious enough you can watch this trailer http://vimeo.com/40463895 I have a few connections in Brazil. If you're interested in the country... I speak good Italian and some French, also Portuguese

Is it worth using your college fund on? What are the advantages/disadvantages? While I agree that the craft, to an extent, can be learned, does it give you the tools to make a career? What about raw talent vs education? Let's discuss.

I am a SAG background actor and live just 30 minutes from Burbank (Santa Clarita). If you can do SAG, I am available 9/1. Cheers!

Only available today, I am providing a free read of all submitted screenplays. Get some free feedback on your script by an experienced script consultant, screenwriter and film professional. Get in touch if you wish to know more... UPDATE: Thank you for all your replies to this offer. Read some very interesting work. If you would like further details on my range of services, do please feel free to get in touch and send me a message.

I just got done reading a script on talentville. The spelling, grammar and syntax were atrocious. The formatting was horrific. People, I can't stress this enough, if you can't take the time to proofread your work and follow the guideline standards of formatting, no one -- and I mean NO ONE -- will read your script. If you don't care enough about it, why should a producer, agent or manager? I know a producer who says that if he notices a typo in the first ten pages, he will toss the script. He believes that those ten pages tell him everything he needs to know about your level as a writer. Let that soak in. Yes, people will respond with "story is all that matters" and stuff like that. Yes, that is vital, but if your script looks like a doctor's prescription, no one will know, because they will not read your script.

Please COMMENT ON YOUTUBE and share on Facebook/Twitter. Ill be happy to return the favor. Thank you Shirley. that's my Nannys name heheh! Blaze Foster http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gU7e7A8MgAQ&feature=youtu.be

Have a happy one!

Thumbs up!

Hello, thank you for connecting it's good to meet you. :)

Would liek tosee some of your work Shirley, all the best Andy, I have a friend on the east coast who is in the same boat, she did a residency in california for her new play, I hope it works out for you, I think it is both about the person and the scripts you have and those ideas translate to the world, All th best Andy

Newly minted screenwriter (will graduate in Dec) near Los Angeles (Santa Clarita) who has yet to make it "big." Currently looking for work experience in the entertainment industry (since they won't come to me...). After two years (and a degree in screenwriting), this writer finds she still has a lot to learn about writing. "She" is currently reviewing her past work and in the process of rewriting her first screenplay, Sundown ("writing is rewriting"). If and when I am satisfied, I may post it on Talentville.