UPCOMING EVENTS IN JULY FOR JEN GRISANTI CONSULTANCY INC.

Hello, I am sending these weekly updates leading up to the Pitch and Pilot Seminar as well as the Writer/Yoga Retreat.  I'll also inform you of events and happenings around town for writers.  And look for reminders about Writing Program deadlines.

TELEVISION PITCH AND PILOT SEMINAR
I am teaching a Television Pitch and Pilot Seminar on Saturday, July 18, 2009 at UCLA from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The purpose of this class is to purely focus on story structure in pilots and how to pitch your pilot.  I will be reviewing the structure of some of the strongest pilots that were just picked up and explaining why they work.  I'll also be giving out information on what the top development executives are looking for in pilots and pitches. 

Additionally, Zack Sherman, President of Zinc Media Group based at Fox Studios, will join me as a guest speaker.  He has an extensive background in development and his company just sold their first international pilot.  He will speak to you about development and international opportunities for writers.

Register now: The cost of the class is $75.00.  I only have space for 50 people.

WRITER/YOGA RETREAT
I designed this retreat for two purposes - wellness and productivity.  In the current economy many people cannot afford to take a vacation.  However, if you could write the whole thing off and come back with a strong script and a healthy attitude from doing yoga, what have you got to lose?  The retreat takes place from August 18-23 at The Turtle Bay Resort in Oahu.   For more info, visit my website. 

Register now: Sign-ups have started!  The deadline to sign up is July 15, 2009.  The deposit is $500.00.  This amount goes towards whichever package you choose.  Keep in mind that the prices listed include the cost of the hotel.  The remainder is due at the beginning of August.

NEW PODCAST SERIES
I am very excited to announce my third podcast is available for my new series, STORYWISE, which features an interview with one of the strongest emotional writers in TV, Krista Vernoff, EP/Showrunner on GREY'S ANATOMY.  Krista gives you very honest and revealing insights into her journey as a working writer.  Krista is also a new author of the book, THE GAME ON! DIET:  KICK YOUR FRIEND'S BUTT WHILE SHRINKING YOUR OWN.  The podcast is available on my website or iTunes.

My next guest on my Storywise Podcast series is one of my favorite writers on the rise, Tracy McMillan.  Tracy is currently a writer on UNITED STATES OF TARA.  I mistakenly gave her the credit of Executive Producer/Showrunner on my last update but only because I believe in her talent and know she's headed in that direction.  You will want to tune in and hear what she has to say.  It will be available at the end of July.

WRITERS GUILD FOUNDATION
The Writer's Guild Foundation presents WRITERS ON GENRE SERIES. 

ACTION/ADVENTURE/THRILLER - July 1st
David Goyer (Blade, Batman Begins); Simon Kinberg (Mr. and Mrs. Smith, X-Men: The Last Stand); Zak Penn (X-Men:  The Last Stand, The Incredible Hulk) and Gary Scott Thompson (The Fast and the Furious)
HORROR - July 8th
Patrick Melton & Marcus Dunstan (Saw IV, V), Scott Kosar (Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Amityville Horror); Stiles White and Juliet Snowdon (Knowing and upcoming Poltergeist remake)
DRAMA AND TRUE STORIES - July 15th
James Gray (We Own the Night, Two Lovers); Susannah Grant (Erin Brokovich, The Soloist); Robert Nelson Jacobs (Chocolat, The Shipping News) and Howard Rodman (Joe Gould's Secret, Savage Grace)
SCI-FI AND FANTASY - July 22nd
John August (Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory); Michael Goldenberg (Contact, Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix); Stephen McFeely & Christopher Markus (The Chronicles of Narnia); and William Wisher (Terminator 2:  Judgment Day)
COMEDY - July 29th
Jim Herzfeld (Meet the Parents, Meet the Flockers); Kirsten Smith (The House Bunny, Legally Blonde); Jon Lucas and Scott Moore (The Hangover, Four Christmases)

I am going to the whole series.  I highly recommend it.  If you want to write, the best place to be is around other writers, listening and learning from their stories.

WRITING PROGRAM DEADLINES
NBC - WRITERS ON THE VERGE                (June 30, 2009)
ABC TELEVISION WRITING FELLOWSHIP (July 1, 2009)
FOX DIVERSITY WRITERS' INITIATIVE       (July 3, 2009)
WARNER BROS. WRITERS' WORKSHOP   (July 25, 2009)


REMINDER FRIDAY NIGHT DRINKS
Friday Night Drinks is on THURSDAY, July 9th this month because of the 4th of July holiday.  Come out and see what new connections you can make.  It is at the X Bar in the Century Plaza Hotel from 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.  All are welcome.

Also, on July 9th, I will be speaking at a panel for LATV Fest at 4:15 p.m. at the Century Plaza Hotel.  LATV Fest.