Hello and welcome to the May newsletter for Jen Grisanti Consultancy Inc.

This month I would like to explore our quest for relevance, especially as we navigate the rocky paths of our tumultuous times. What gives our lives and work meaning amid such change? How does what we do remain relevant while the rules of play are in upheaval?  For more on this, please go to my BLOG.

NEW PODCAST SERIES
To increase my own relevance in the digital age, I've created a podcast series called STORYWISE where I bring you the story behind the people telling stories. Each month, I'll interview one writer. The inaugural podcast is rich with story behind the storyteller, as Glen Mazzara generously reveals his truth, laying it out for all of us to relate to and be inspired by. All podcasts will be available on my website or iTunes now to catch an interview with Glen, one of TV's finest storytellers.

For my second podcast, I'll be interviewing the incredibly talented writer, Jason Filardi. If you haven't seen his most recent film 17 AGAIN, you MUST! It's a poignant and funny love story. It's also wish fulfillment at its best as gifted Zack Efron finds out what it's like to go back in time and have a second chance to do things right and relive the moment that determined his path.

WRITER/YOGA RETREAT
If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind vacation to treat yourselves even in this current economy and find new meaning in traveling, join Meaghan Townsend, one of LA's top yoga instructors, and me in Oahu on August 18-23. For more info, visit my website.  DEADLINE FOR DEPOSIT - June 5, 2009.

WRITING PROGRAMS FOR TELEVISION WRITERS
To qualify for opportunities to learn, grow, and find deeper meaning in writing experiences, I strongly encourage writers to apply to the following programs:  NBC - Writers on the Verge
ABC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, ABC FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM,  FOX DIVERSITY WRITERS INITIATIVE, WARNER BROS. WRITER'S WORKSHOP.  You can find all the information and deadlines for the above programs on my website.

NOTEWORTHY TELEVISION EPISODES
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
W - Jason Katims                              D - Jeffrey Reiner
The phenomenally written and directed season finale, "Tomorrow Blues," is rife with nail-biting cliff hangers: Eric's contract is reviewed, Billy and Mindy's wedding day arrives; Tyra anticipates word on her waitlist status; Matt prepares to leave for college; and Tim and Lyla consider their future. This episode goes above and beyond its regularly compelling stories to create new meaning with emotionally raw, real, and poignant life moments.

GREY'S ANATOMY
W - Krista Vernoff                              D - Tom Verica
"No Good at Saying Sorry (One More Chance)" is an outstanding example of relevant storytelling for our times as its themes of redemption and forgiveness are woven throughout!  Krista and Tom seamlessly brought to life the emotional complexity of human interactions as Izzie's handful of a mother shows up, Meredith and Lexie receive a visit from their now sober and remorseful father, and Meredith and the Chief go toe-to-toe about a case where a little girl shot her abusive father 17 times.

BOOKS (all of these can be ordered on my website)
PROFESSIONAL

SELLING YOUR STORY IN 60 SECONDS
Written by Michael Hauge

Powerful pitching is all about putting what's relevant up front.  In this book, Michael Hauge helps writers determine what's absolutely relevant to their stories and how to pitch them in the most effective way possible. A master teacher, Michael also wrote another one of my favorite books, SCREENPLAYS THAT SELL. 

The Bazaar by Jose Andres is a vibrant mix of sophisticated cuisine and playful lounge spaces where dining transcends to the extraordinaire.  Every bite of food is unique and delicious but definitely make sure to try the liquid cherries, liquid olives and chocolate pop rocks.

NETWORKING
I'll be in Seattle for my June seminar, so Friday Night Drinks is canceled for that month.

Because of the July 4th holiday,the next Friday Night Drinks is going to be on Thursday, July 9th.  For more info on this, go to my website at www.jengrisanticonsultancy.com
and look under Events and Seminars.

UPCOMING NEW SERIES ON ITUNES
Joel Metzger, who did a beautiful job helping me with my podcast, is producing an audio drama called HOTHOUSE BRUISER, based on his spec pilot, which garnered the top drama prize in the 2006 Slamdance Teleplay contest. He's writing and directing the entire series, which stars actors from well-known genre TV shows including LOST and BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER. Once completed, the series will be available on itunes.  Go to HOTHOUSE BRUISER for the scoop.

 

UPCOMING SPEAKING EVENTS FOR JEN GRISANTI CONSULTANCY INC.
STORYWISE SEMINAR - Seattle, WA from June 5-7
If you're in the area or know someone there who'd like to attend, let me know and I'll send them the details.

LATV FEST - July 9, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel at 4:00 p.m.
I'll be speaking on a panel about the upfronts, what will emerge as next season's hits and misses, the impact of the scaled-down budgets, layoffs and new ad models.

SCREENWRITER'S EXPO - October 18, 2009
TBD

SCRIPTWRITER'S NETWORK - Raleigh Studios November 21, 2009
FINDING YOUR VOICE by Jen Grisanti Consultancy Inc.  For more info, go to Scriptwriter's Network

CONGRATS TO
Rick Muirragui for getting staffed on Ray Romano's new show, MEN OF A CERTAIN AGE, on TNT with Andre Braugher and Scott Bakula.

John Hlavin for selling his first feature spec "Gunslinger" to Warner Bros.  Andrew Lazar is producing.  Go to THR.