Ina Norris's Lounge Discussions

Hi, Ina. What project are you looking for a team for?

Hi Ina Norris! I second Maurice, tell us more about the project and what teammembers you're looking for! Also, if you're interested in pitching our project, there are tons of execs you can pitch to and also a class on pitching television projects if you're interested (links below), and you can email success@stage32.com and let them know what you're working on so they can help you pick the right executive to speak with.

https://www.stage32.com/scriptservices/pitch-sessions?affid=ejlounge

https://www.stage32.com/classes/The-Ultimate-TV-Pitch-Class-January-2023...

Hello Reginald! I am also interested in collaboration, especially with anyone who is interested in finding great American stories to invest in. I would love to be one of your first collaborators along with your family projects.

Excellent, Willem. Let’s stay in touch to make something happen.

Russian seems like a very tricky language to learn. What kind of films are popular in the Russian indie market? Are you and your collaborators looking for specific genres?

That's interesting that you were in sales. Did you ever get tired of the hard core pitches or rejections?

Good day Reginald E. Thomas Jr. I am hoping to be able to collaborate with you and Preston who also knows me. I am looking for investors for films and hope we can connect. Tell Preston I said "Hello". Thanks.

Interesting questions. I amd EIC at Facet TV / On Demand Global and we are pushing the Virtual Theatrical Initiative. (see virtualtheatrical.com) - Without knowing more, in this case, I would say "no" but I do have other questions: as it is a musical, is the music already written and/or recorded?

Yes the score is complete all sheet music done and recorded demos made with the piano and vocal line.

Consider recording the live production with a multi-cam setup to give yourself an idea of what would work "on camera" and what would need re-structuring for the medium. But yes, generally, you'll have to reformat it for screenwriting.

Yes but it won't be difficult.

I think it's important for the story's authenticity.

I love that answer, Jess Waters, and a totally worthwhile clarification. Diversity is the foundation, but inclusivity is the goal!

Thank everyone for their comments. Great advisement.

At the end of the day people are people, but conducting an interview with a person of that race always helps with insight.

If I were writing about Native Americans, I would look at Smoke Signals first. That reminds me of when I lived on the Rez. And I would go down to a rez, if my story were based there, or the neighbourhood where the character lives (if it were about an urban Native American, to that town.)

Merely being part of an ethnic group does not mean you share a common experience. Generations feel different elements, so do people who experience family break-up, poverty, religious persecution, bullying, severe illness... basically, you need to get out of your own experience to create a character, even one that looks exactly like you.

The silly idea that you can only tell stories about your own culture and experience is extremely boring. It is the opposite of creativity.

Thank you but I am looking for an app for. a specific reason.

App for phone or for computer? And is it for audio only or audio/video recordings?

If you have a Mac (Not sure about PC but I'm guessing it's similar) go to the accessibility options, and turn on the transcription/voice option. You'll see a microphone icon in the top corner of your screen, just click it in any doc you're writing in. Voila!

Ina Norris Adobe Premiere now will transcribe from the timeline. It's used often for closed captions. Other than that, you might be able to do it even from within Windows 10 here's a link:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/transcribe-your-recordings-7f...

I do use the dictate feature in Windows 10 and it's pretty good in general. Assuming you are on windows, here 's a couple other apps that should work:

https://download.cnet.com/Transcribe-Pro-for-Windows-10/3000-20418_4-775...

and

https://transcriber.en.uptodown.com/windows

A simple search should find some for Apple as well if you are on that platform.

Thank you so much Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg

There is not much difference. The formatting is slightly different, but the main thing is that you have to think containment. There cannot be many scene changes. It just interferes with the flow of action. There should be limited characters as most productions do not want the expense of too many characters. If you want some practice, I would suggest the Meetup Group "LA Play Readers".

https://www.meetup.com/LA-Play-Reading/members/

Thanks John and Stephen! I will look into the links you have sent!

Write an outline. Know your title it will help. I like ot spend a lot of time on the ending..

Hi Ina, Check out Fiverr

I agree with Yvette Karamell Jones Walters. i got a great book cover using Fiverr

Thank you I made one on Canva and I just need to upgrade it.

I regularly use Fiverr to get my covers designed. And have never paid more than $10-$15.

Lots of free resources out there. I was quoted £800 (mates rates too!) for a cover! Sod that! https://www.adazing.com/ also has a number of offers for their book cover creation templates etc. (I'm not affiliated in any way).

Andrew Sobkovich NDAs by definition are normally mutual and actually mean the opposite of what you are saying - they don't say "go ahead and sue me" they say you cannot sue me UNLESS I reveal certain information which you have disclosed to me. But "confidentiality" agreements are often one-sided in the sense that the EMPLOYER who is paying you doesn't want you to disclose information which may end up subverting the promotion and marketability of the project. So maybe people are getting these mixed up - and those are used in many industries not just entertainment. Seriously, if you don't want to recognize you are working in an industry where leaking details might harm your employer... really just get out. As for a proper NDA, are you saying you are totally fine with the people you talk to running around talking about the details of your project? Or taking your script and developing their own slightly different one?

I've just run into another (slightly unrelated) issue: I can't write (my handwriting looks like a goose tried to write while clutching a pen in its wing). Is it OK to sign with an X or is it too outdated?

NDAs don't really mean you can't share the news with your family and friends that's an over reach of their intent. Likely if you read the fine print it's probably directed at marketing, announcements and the like. One wrong post can send any project into a deep spin in the wrong direction so its intent to protect its success. NDAs also protect trade secret stuff so you aren't announcing things you might learn through the process of a deal. So don't be a stuffed shirt and don't end a deal over a NDA and definitely if you are inclined towards that let an entertainment lawyer look at it and advise you before you say no.

Hey Stefano if your normal signature is and always has been an X you can get away with it. But if not, sorry it's not going to fly. But signatures are the one thing no one complains about the handwriting so you shouldn't be uptight about your signature at all in the first instance.

Shadow. Of course you cannot be sued if you said nothing to anyone as you would not have contravened the NDA. Signing most NDAs on productions does NOT have equal two sided effects, the actions and control are strictly one sided. The wording often is such that should you say anything about a given project down to revealing its name leaves you in violation and thus open to legal action. It is not an issue of subverting in the NDA but any disclosure at all about the project named in the NDA. I specifically stated that if the NDA had an actual reason to exist and a defined end date, that went a long way to getting me to sign it. Which I have. This is a discussion, sorry you have an issue with differing ideas, but spare me the knee-jerk childish BS about “getting out of the industry”. We create projects for public viewing, anyone bright enough will know what was done and be able to discern a method to achieve it as soon as the project is screened. Your idea of utter secrecy in protecting “trade secrets” (regardless of who actually brings the techniques to the production) for no reason, is at odds with the incessant questions about how many social media followers people have and every behind the scenes “making of” so common in productions now.

Dan. Signing an NDA for the Oscars? The reasons are obvious since among other things there can be videos from as yet unannounced winners who cannot be at the live show, but was there an end date on your NDA? The day after the live telecast? I would expect so but if not you just broke the NDA. Which would make absolutely no difference to anyone about anything if you had but you could be sued because of that “breach”. That is the problem.

Stefano, an “X” is fine if it is written in blood, except for Vampire movies.

NDAs are not based upon “intent” but what is written on the page you sign. I do not recall ever seeing the term “intent” on any NDA.. Simply, if an NDA has nothing valid to protect and no end date, think very carefully about signing it. A production company that is either so incompetent as to not include an expiration or one that is so controlling it demands absolute secrecy in perpetuity, may not be an entity you wish to be involved with on any level.

How is it that the industry lasted over 100 years without an NDA in sight and now every Tom Dick and Harry wants an NDA for their production, seemingly with special attention to the productions done by dicks.

Hey Stephen! That is a great question. Have you thought about speaking with one of the producers on the Script Services roster who might be able to mentor you in this next step in your career? There are so many great producers on the site and I would be happy to discuss some potential mentors you can speak with directly about this. Feel free to reach out to me directly at j.mirch@stage32.com - I am the Director of Script Services and work with filmmakers, producers, and screenwriters to guide their steps. I look forward to hearing from you! In the meantime, check out our roster of mentors here: https://www.stage32.com/scriptservices/coverage/buy?id=6

Hey Stephen King - any luck finding help on this?

Hi, Stephen. Do you need to do a BP for your company, or for a particular project? Those would take two different approaches. You could probably adapt a 'regular' business plan if it's for your prodco, and those are easy to find. If it's for a creative project, shoot me an e-mail upperwest.llc@gmail.com . I have one whose previous version opened a few doors (I'm updating it now due to team changes and market differences).

I use fiverr to get sample film productions business plans.

You want to go into producing; have you checked your sanity level?

Thank you for posting and giving us the opportunity to join the meeting.

Ina Norris: I hope you find some positive energy through all this. This is a mere interruption, though a major one, but our industry (industries, as theatre and film are really different) will survive. It will be changed and I hope for the better. There will be new opportunity in the new environment. Keep well and safe yourself.

Hey, Ina Norris! Great to meet you! Honestly, Stage32 and the Writer's Room is how I've met all of my recent contacts of late. Just going on to the Lounges and responding to people's posts has generated so many new contacts! How about you?

Oh, man, you're a powerhouse! Would you do me a favor and post in the Acting Lounge about your experience teaching? It could be COVID-related, although I really want to know more about "educat[ing] youth about life through theater." https://www.stage32.com/lounge/acting

Enjoy exploring the lounges, and don't forget to comment and respond to others’ posts, too!

Thanks what a great idea. I will do that.

Sounds wonderful. Congratulations!

This is a subject matter I always wanted to see more of.

Thank you all!

Welcome aboard Hope Allen !

We love to see it!