JULY NEWSLETTER - JEN GRISANTI CONSULTANCY INC.
Artistic
moments occur when we have hit the pinnacle of our craft and it's these moments
that artists strive for. What goes into an artistic moment? It is the time of
deepest expression. You are, more than likely, the most free and open that
you've ever been. You hit a beauty that resonates with your audience at the
deepest level. You open yourself up and become the most vulnerable you've ever
been. It is a time when everything comes together and your truth decides to
come out. You connect with your core and, by doing so, you connect with your
audience. For more on this blog, go to The Huffington Post.
THE WRITERS STORE The Writers Store has updated their website. Check it out.
The Writers Store is now selling my new CDs and workbooks. Please go to my Author's Page to read the article I wrote on "Writing The TV Spec and Pilot Scripts" and to order any of my products or any of the other hundreds of AMAZING products they sell for writers.
They also have a series of brilliant interviews under Expert Advice.
STORYWISE SEMINAR - STORY STRUCTURE FOR TV SPECS AND PILOT
SCRIPTS
Saturday, July 17, 2010 from 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at
the Writers Junction at 1001 Colorado Ave., Santa Monica 90401
This two and a half hour seminar will go in depth into story structure for television spec and pilot scripts. In the seminar, as well as in the workbook, I will break down several of the current shows that make strong specs. With each show I break down, I will write a formula that will help you to write a strong spec script from the show. In our discussions about pilot structure, we will go over the top  pilots picked up this year. In the workbook, I will break down their story structure and show you how you can learn from them to improve your writing. We will also go into universal moments, theme and symbolism and messages. The seminar will be all about guiding you to write standout TV spec and pilot scripts. The goal is to increase your chances of getting staffed and selling a pilot.
In
an effort to encourage community and networking, I plan to have a networking
mixer following this event. The mixer will be at Salute Wine Bar at 2435 Main St., Santa Monica from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
The
cost of this event is
$85.00 
STORYWISE TELESEMINAR
I want to extend a special CONGRATS to the people that participated in my first teleseminar. At the end of the 10 weeks, it felt GREAT to know that there were 42 people with new spec scripts ant 61 people with new pilot scripts.
TESTIMONIALS
"Jen, This has been such an inspirational five weeks. Your guidance through the narrative, spiritual and emotional process of writing a new pilot from scratch has helped me immensely - not only on this project - but also with all my work going forward. Instead of being exhausted by the process, I am only energized!"
Ryan Harris, TV Writer
"You can spend hours upon hours, draft after draft, trying to bang your
plot into a predetermined shape or fit your story into a formula. Jen's
special talent as a teacher--really, as a spirit guide for story--is to
show you how to find structure in emotion. The elements of story
that might look mechanical are right there inside your characters, and
if you listen to them (and to her), you can let them out."
Michelle
Chihara & Josh Joy Kamensky, NBC-Uni Writers on the Verge
"Jen is an incredible guide through what can be a very confusing and
turbulent journey. She takes the complex craft of writing and breaks it
down into its clearly defined pieces, honing in on the primal
motivations that move characters and audiences alike. Her notes and
critique have pushed me to new levels with each project she's read. As a
baby writer in this business, having that helping hand in your corner
makes all the difference. Jen is warm, welcoming, and balances the sharp
insight of her notes with the peaceful zen of her presence. Writing can
be a daunting task, one that often places you in an emotionally
vulnerable position. With Jen at your side that task seems less extreme,
and she makes you realize that getting to that vulnerable place is
where you'll find the GOLD of your story."
Keto Shimizu, Staff WriteLili Ramirez, TV Writer on The Cape, NBC-Uni Writers on the Verge
"There isn't anything like the expertise, personalized guidance and motivating services experienced while taking Jen's Spec Teleseminar. Writing my spec under Jen's guidance was a remarkably positive experience. With the helpful handouts, poignant tips, timely deadlines and invaluable notes, I couldn't help but to write my best sample, even far beyond my expectations. Jen helped me take my spec writing to the next level! I unreservedly and highly recommend any of Jen's services for any writer who wants to further their writing and experience "Spec Writing" success!"
Natasha TASH Gray, NBC-Uni Writers on the Verge
"I would definitely recommend the Jen Grisanti Pilot Teleseminar to aspiring writers who are, like myself, just diving into the world of writing for television. I learned so much by witnessing other participants take their ideas from pitch to finished pilot in under six weeks with the expert advice from Ms. Grisanti."
Vanya Asher, Actor/Writer
"Participating in Jen's Spec Teleseminar is one of the best investments I have made in my journey as a writer. I am confident that the lessons Jen has taught me about the craft of writing will stay with me for life. With love, insight and expertise, Jen provides feedback that is on-point at every phase of the writing process. From concept sheet to your spec's final draft, Jen will help you keep a laser-like focus on the story you want to tell. Additionally, Jen creates a nurturing class environment in which you feel her undivided attention and unwavering commitment to helping you accomplish your writing goals. Jen's passion for story is contagious and helped bring out some of my strongest work thus far."
Lili Ramirez, TV Writer
WRITING COMPETITIONS
SHOWBIZZLE
Showbizzle.com has put together an open competition to discover and promote talented writers who are looking to have their material produced.
Some of you may know that Chuck Rosin (MISS MATCH, LEAP YEARS, DAWSON'S CREEK, BEVERLY HILLS, 90210) teaches writing at UCLA Extension -- and one of his prime focuses in the class (as in life) is to help writers of all stripes cope with the emotional fluctuations and insecurities that come with this profession/territory. Possibly one of the best pieces of advice he gives is for every writer, professional or not, to treat every project as an exercise, knowing that you benefit every time your pen hits the paper. That's why showbizzle.com is offering this platform, for talented writers to challenge themselves in a supportive, but realistic, environment while getting the kind of recognition and confidence one needs to survive as a writer...especially in this town, where hardly anybody is Committed to Making Hollywood User-Friendly.
For more information on Showbizzle.com Writer Search, visit www.showbizzle.com/writers_search_info, then submit a monologue for your chance to see your work performed on video!
The SCRIPTWRITERS NETWORK
The
Scriptwriters Network is delighted to announce that applications for
its first High Concept Screenplay Competition are now open. Deadline is
30 November 2010. Click to Enter.
DESCRIPTION:
The High Concept Screenplay Competition welcomes all genres and aims to discover, honor and reward different approaches, eclectic points of view and unique voices in screenwriting. A high concept screenplay:
- has a great premise - the idea is king (Big)
- has a memorable title - it conveys what the movie is about (Wedding Crashers)
- has a visual logline - you can see the movie (40 Year Old Virgin)
- has universal appeal - all demographics "get it" (Star Trek)
- has a simple throughline, clear conflicts, high stakes, a hook, a ticking clock and/or a twist (The Godfather, Liar Liar)
- can be summed up succintly in 25 words or less (Seven, Home Alone)
BENEFITS:
First Place - $3000
Second Place - $1000
Third Place - $500
EVENTS AROUND TOWN
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This
event will be held at:
The Writers Guild Theater
135 South Doheny Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210 | |
Monday, July 12 at
7:00 pm
In Person:
Ryan Murphy,
Cocreator/Executive Producer
Brad Falchuk,
Cocreator/Executive Producer
Ian Brennan,
Cocreator/Executive Producer
Glee's writing team discusses the process of
crafting this rousing paean to the transformative powers of performance.
Read More 
Buy Tickets A limited number of free tickets to this event are
available for members of WGA, ATAS, SAG, AFTRA, DGA, and PGA. You must
show your membership card at the door for admission to the event. Tickets
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This
event will be held at:
The Writers Guild Theater
135 South Doheny Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
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Monday, July 19 at
7:00 pm
In Person:
Steve Levitan,
Cocreator/Executive Producer
Christopher
Lloyd, Cocreator/Executive Producer
Additional guests to be announced.
The show's cocreators and executive producers Steve Levitan
and Christopher Lloyd talk about the genesis and story
lines of their hit show, Modern Family, about a chaotic
extended family whose individual members are both familiar and exotic.
Read More
Buy Tickets A limited number of free tickets to this event are
available for members of WGA, ATAS, SAG, AFTRA, DGA, and PGA. You must
show your membership card at the door for admission to the event. Tickets |
ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
Wednesday July 21st at 6:00 PM
- Come hear keynote speaker, Michael
Wright,
Executive Vice President/Head of Programming - TBS/TNT/TCM speak about
his career and rise through the ranks
- Meet, mingle
and share your
industry knowledge with the 2010 Summer Interns
- Enjoy a
complimentary dinner by Panera and a dessert reception
- Seating is
limited, so please
RSVP by July
16th to 818-754-2830
We look forward to seeing you there! Click the link below
to download the official invitation
http://www.emmysfoundation.org/sites/emmysfoundation.org/files/10InternInvite.pdf
PODCAST SERIES
My newest Storywise Podcasts include; Ted Humphrey
(THE GOOD WIFE, UNIT, SHARK, THE NINE)  Debra
J. Fisher (THE FORGOTTEN, CRIMINAL MINDS, CHARMED, THE OC). Rick Muirragui (THE GOOD GUYS, MEN OF A CERTAIN AGE, PAST LIFE, LIFE, CHARMED).
My podcast with George
Mastras (BREAKING BAD, THE DRESDEN FILES, THE EVIDENCE) will be up at the end of next week.You can listen to all my podcasts on my website or iTunes.
Script Magazine/Final Draft is promoting this podcast as well.
FRIDAY NIGHT DRINKS
The next Friday Night Drinks is Friday, August 6, 2010 at the X Bar at the Century Plaza Hotel at 2025 Ave. of the Stars. There will not be one in July because of the 4th of July holiday.
RESTAURANTS
RED O
8155 Melrose Ave., LA 90048 (323) 655-5009
This is one of my FAVORITE new restaurants! It is healthy Mexican Cuisine and other light dishes by Rick Bayless of Top Chef. The ambiance is GORGEOUS, probably some of the most beautiful I've seen in LA. The service is PHENOMENAL. The food is SPECTACULAR. I recommend the Duck Taquitos and the Mole that Rick did on Top Chef.
STORYWISE CDs
and WORKBOOKS
I just completed two new CDs and two new
workbooks. Essentially, they encompass everything that I learned about
story over the past 18 years.
They are available by ordering below or through The Writers Store. In a month, they will also be available as downloads and for order on my new Store Page.
CD - "How To Write A TV Spec Script"
Cost - $15.95
Workbook - "How To Write A
TV Spec Script"
Cost - $19.95
CD - "How To Write A TV
Pilot Script"
Cost - $18.95
Workbook - "How To Write A
TV Pilot Script"
Cost - $22.95
You can buy both CDs and
both workbooks for $60.00
If you have an interest in how my business works, you will want to watch this promo video produced by Superneato Productions.
EVENT UPDATES
You can follow me on Twitter for the latest event updates, news on other writing events around town and restaurant updates at Twitter.
CONGRATS
Chitra Elizabeth Sampath for staffing on SOUTHLAND.
Terrell Lawrence for writing a script for Tyler Perry's company.
Jeffrey Amano for production beginning on his script "The Nation."
QUOTE
"Appear as you are, Be as you appear."
~Rumi
Love,
Jen
www.jengrisanticonsultancy.com
Developing From Within
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