ScreenPlayLab

LAST CALL Robin's Birthday Party Tonight

2009-12-17T13:18:00.000-08:00

If you're coming to tonight's ScreenPlayLab event in Beverly Hills and haven't RSVPed yet, please do so now. We have 133 RSVPs and expect it will be packed. It's both an industry mixer and celebrating my birthday.

That's 7pm to 10pm at the Sidebar by Wolfgang Puck in the Regency Beverly Wilshire Hotel at Wilshire and Rodeo in Beverly Hills.

SideBar Drink Specials Tonight:

Fonterutoli, Sangiovese: $10
Huber, gruner veltliner: $12
Fantinel, prosecco sparkling: $10

It's not necessary to bring me anything as a birthday gift. I appreciate everyone coming and wishing me well.

RSVP online at:

http://www.screenplaylab.com

Love you guys!

ScreenPlayLab REMINDER: See You Tonight

2009-12-17T12:55:00.000-08:00

Hi. Got your RSVP for tonight's event. Look forward to seeing you.

Tonight's event is happening from 7pm to 10pm at the Sidebar by Wolfgang Puck in the Regency Beverly Wilshire at Wilshire and Rodeo in Beverly Hills. Even if it's been a long day for you, please bring your most upbeat self in order to make the most positive impression possible on everyone you meet.

I'll be seated near the door to make it easier to find me. I'll be signing people in and would appreciate you seeking me out so I don't miss anyone. By the way, the Sidebar is open to guests of the hotel too, not just for ScreenPlayLab.

Some people are coming with an intention to network specifically with producers or writers or agents or whoever. Someone seeking producers, for example, may ask you if there are any producers you like as a way to open an interesting conversation. You may want to consider who could help you most in your projects. Whether that's producers, directors, actors, writers, executives or representation, there will be people at tonight's event who have friends in these roles.

Tonight is also my birthday party. Some people are bringing cards or gifts, and some people may feel nervous what's appropriate to bring. For me, the best gift is that people wish me well. Nothing more is required. I'm happy that you're bringing you.

See you soon!

See you tonight in Beverly Hills

2009-11-12T18:00:00.000-08:00

Hi. Got your RSVP for tonight's event. Look forward to seeing you.

I'll be seated near the door this time to make it easier to find me. I'll be signing people in and would appreciate you seeking me out so I don't miss anyone if I had to step away for a few minutes.

Tonight's event is 7pm to 10pm, an hour later than last time. I made it later because few arrived before 7pm last month. I didn't get that info updated on the website right away. If you arrive at 6pm anyway, I'll be around.

The Sidebar at the Regency Beverly Wilshire is fantastic. However, it can get expensive if not paying attention. Do buy a drink ($6+) or a dessert ($14), but don't feel you have to get more. Sometimes the staff can be a little too helpful in serving and make an evening more pricey than intended. If you ever feel uncomfortable with the service, please let me know immediately.

Some people are coming to the mixer with an intention to talk specifically to producers or writers or agents or whoever. Asking if someone you've just met spends much time with producers, for example, is a way to open a productive conversation. It's just as good, actually better, to meet the friend of a producer first, then to meet the producer. It helps to find out a bit about people before meeting them.

Even if it's been a long day for you, please bring your most upbeat self in order to make the most positive first impression possible.

See you soon!

Happy Veterans Day

2009-11-12T17:59:00.000-08:00

Hope you're having a great Veterans Day. If you'd like to learn more about Veterans Day, here's an article I wrote today:

http://www.goshtv.net/?p=486

Because today's Veterans Day and several people in ScreenPlayLab have said they want to hear about my defense background, I'm going to do something unusual and talk mainly about myself in this note.

I became involved in defense work while teaching software design at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey. That's where naval officers study to get an advanced degree. My work there was in realistic war game software. What I worked on looked a lot like Call of Duty, the hit video game that released today. However, the version I had required much more expensive computers and was used to train soldiers.

After working for the navy, I became chief technologist for a Fortune 500 defense contractor in San Diego. It became my job to create new technology for DARPA, the research arm of the DoD, an organization that's brought us things like stealth aircraft, Predator robotic aircraft, and the Internet. Systems I created were installed at top military command centers. I sailed with the navy on the aircraft carrier USS Lincoln to test them at sea. It was a job at DreamWorks Animation that moved me away from defense and to Hollywood.

If you want to hear more, you can ask me over a drink at the ScreenPlayLab mixer on Thursday. That's at the Sidebar, Regency Beverly Wilshire, 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Thursday, Nov. 12th, 2009. Drop by between 7pm to 10pm. No cover charge. Drinks start at $6. So far 114 people have said they're coming. RSVP to be put on the list.

RSVP here: www.screenplaylab.com

Love you guys!

Beverly Hills Film/TV Mixer on Nov. 12th

2009-11-09T18:05:00.000-08:00

Please seek me out to say hi if you're at our ScreenPlayLab mixer on Thursday night at the Sidebar in Beverly Hills. Some people get shy when I'm talking with someone else, but that's a good excuse to join us. ScreenPlayLab is a friendly, outgoing group.

ScreenPlayLab has gone upscale by moving its monthly event to the most elegant hotel in Beverly Hills. Although some miss the casual spot we used to meet, others appreciate having a venue that draws more VIPs. The Sidebar, Regency Beverly Wilshire, 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Thursday, Nov. 12th, 2009. Drop by between 7pm to 10pm. No cover charge. Drinks start at $6.

Please RSVP so I have a head count and have you on the list:

RSVP: www.screenplaylab.com

*** Gabrielle's L.A. Fashion Week Video at 1,700+ Views...

ScreenPlayLab co-founder Gabrielle Pantera's runway video with American Idol's Megan Joy has over 1,700 views:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilMwr1UzjKE

All eight of her Fashion Week videos are online at www.goshtv.net/video.

*** New Media Film Festival Accepting Submissions...

Big Vision Studios VP Susan Johnston is launching the New Media Film Festival. Be viewed by distributors. Grand Prize worth over $10,000. June 11-13th, 2010, at Downtown Independent Theater, Los Angeles. Free Producer Software ($89 value) with each submission. $15 to $40.

www.NewMediaFilmFestival.com

*** The Total Picture Seminar on Nov. 14th-15th...

Jeff DeCola presents Academy Award-winning actor Martin Landau, Oscar-nominated director Mark Rydell and noted playwright-screenwriter Lyle Kessler for a 2-day course in the inter-relationship of the three critical disciplines of narrative film-making: writing, acting and directing. Writers will submit five minute scenes directed and staged for the camera by Mark Rydell. Actors will be coached by Martin Landau. The scene content will be analyzed and discussed by Lyle Kessler. Saturday, November 14, and Sunday, November 15, 2009, 10am-6pm, 9am check-in. UCLA, Haines Hall, Room 39, Los Angeles, CA. $250.

http://shorl.com/hagrupromotypy

*** Actorfest on Nov. 14th...

Backstage presents workshops with top casting directors, agents and managers. Brad Gilmore, Casting Director, Unsolved Mysteries Panel. Mark Teschner, Casting Director, General Hospital. April Webster, Casting Director, Lost, Star Trek. Matthew Berry, Casting Director, Alpha Dog, The Notebook. John Levey, Casting Director, ER, Southland. 20% off all workshops before Oct. 14th. California Market Center, Los Angeles.

actorfest.com/LAworkshops

*** Emerging Producer Non-fiction TV Competition deadline Nov. 15th...

CableU is taking submissions for their non-fiction TV pitch session at NATPE 2010 in Las Vegas. Last year's winner sold his show to the History channel.

www.cableu.tv/emergingproducers

*** Ascent-Hollywood on Nov. 18th...

Speakers Rachel Miller (ShowMeTheScreenplay.com) and Simon Lamb (SRL Law). The art and science of independent film finance, distribution. 6 pm to 9 pm, East-West Lounge, 8851 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA. Free or $15.

http://nov09-ascent-hollywood.eventbrite.com

*** Creative Talent Network Animation Expo on Nov. 20th to 22nd...

Creative Talent Network (CTN) Animation Week with the first annual CTN Animation Expo (CTN-X). Mix and mingle with top animation artists from Digital Domain, Dreamworks, Nickelodeon, Walt Disney Animation, and Sony Imageworks. The Burbank Marriott Convention Center. (800) 604-2238. 10% discount code from GreenlightJobs.com: GREENX09. $25 to $175.

http://www.ctnanimationexpo.com/

*** Artivist Film Festival on Dec. 1st to 5th...

The 6th Annual Artivist Film Festival and The 2009 Artivist Awards. Egyptian Theater, Hollywood. The Artivist Network will distribute advocate films and generate revenue for filmmakers by streaming their films online.

http://artivists.org

Digital Lounge mixer on Dec. 17th...

The Digital Lounge is a business professional networking mixer held in LA and the bay area produced by Tech Supper Club and iHollywood Forum. Los Angeles. Free.

http://techsupperclub12-17.eventbrite.com/

Love you guys!

Gosh!TV Fashion Week Video Online

2009-11-09T18:04:00.000-08:00

ScreenPlayLab co-founder Gabrielle Pantera and I produced a 2-part video of the Biatta lingerie fashion show at Rock Los Angeles Fashion Week. Online at www.goshtv.net/video

Join us for the ScreenPlayLab mixer that's a week from tomorrow. About 40 people have already signed up. Come have a drink and mingle with other friendly industry professionals in one of the nicest hotels in Beverly Hills. Details below.

AFM and HD Expo start today. The Latin Grammys are tomorrow. By the way, several participants have added comments to my Bankroll Film Finance Seminar story from last week:

http://www.goshtv.net/?p=328

*** ScreenPlayLab Mixer on Nov. 12th...

ScreenPlayLab film and television industry mixer at The Sidebar, Regency Beverly Wilshire, 9500 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California. No cover charge. Drinks start at $6. Thursday, Nov. 12th, 2009, 7pm to 10pm.

RSVP: www.screenplaylab.com

*** AFM on Nov. 4th-11th...

The American Film Market hosts over 400 production companies, screens over 500 motion pictures, and previews 100 world premieres and thousands of new projects. In cooperation with AFI Fest Oct. 31st to Nov. 3rd. Network with 8,000 industry professionals. Seminars from 100+ industry leaders. Free seminars. Industry access $250-$795.

http://www.ifta-online.org

*** HD Expo on Nov. 4th-5th...

A two day interactive conference, exposition and networking event. Online registration is FREE and includes exhibit hall, keynotes, panels, Intensive Workshops and Evening Reception. USE PROMO CODE: SHOWBZ

http://createasphere.com/november/nov_schedule.html

*** Latin Grammys on Nov. 5th...

Latin Grammy Awards. Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas. Broadcast live on Univision. 8pm. Tickets $300+

http://www.latingrammy.com
http://www.univision.com/content/channel.jhtml?chid=10383&schid=11335

*** Current TV: Media, Technology, and Transformation on Nov. 12th...

The Paley Center hosts Current TV's Max Lugavere and Jason Silva with a panel of filmmakers, web entrepreneurs, and others to explore how technology is changing the way stories are being told. 7pm. $15

http://www.paleycenter.org/fall-2009-current-tv-s-max-jason-present-media-technology-and-transformation

*** The Total Picture Seminar on Nov. 14th-15th...

Jeff DeCola presents Academy Award-winning actor Martin Landau, Oscar-nominated director Mark Rydell and noted playwright-screenwriter Lyle Kessler for a 2-day course in the inter-relationship of the three critical disciplines of narrative film-making: writing, acting and directing. Writers will submit five minute scenes directed and staged for the camera by Mark Rydell. Actors will be coached by Martin Landau. The scene content will be analyzed and discussed by Lyle Kessler. Saturday, November 14, and Sunday, November 15, 2009, 10am-6pm, 9am check-in. UCLA, Haines Hall, Room 39, Los Angeles, CA. $250.

http://shorl.com/hagrupromotypy

*** Actorfest on Nov. 14th...

Backstage presents workshops with top casting directors, agents and managers. Brad Gilmore, Casting Director, Unsolved Mysteries Panel. Mark Teschner, Casting Director, General Hospital. April Webster, Casting Director, Lost, Star Trek. Matthew Berry, Casting Director, Alpha Dog, The Notebook. John Levey, Casting Director, ER, Southland. 20% off all workshops before Oct. 14th. California Market Center, Los Angeles.

actorfest.com/LAworkshops

*** Emerging Producer Non-fiction TV Competition deadline Nov. 15th...

CableU is taking submissions for their non-fiction TV pitch session at NATPE 2010 in Las Vegas. Last year's winner sold his show to the History channel.

www.cableu.tv/emergingproducers

*** Ascent-Hollywood on Nov. 18th...

Speakers Rachel Miller (ShowMeTheScreenplay.com) and Simon Lamb (SRL Law). The art and science of independent film finance, distribution. 6 pm to 9 pm, East-West Lounge, 8851 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA. Free or $15.

http://nov09-ascent-hollywood.eventbrite.com

*** Creative Talent Network Animation Expo on Nov. 20th to 22nd...

Creative Talent Network (CTN) Animation Week with the first annual CTN Animation Expo (CTN-X). Mix and mingle with top animation artists from Digital Domain, Dreamworks, Nickelodeon, Walt Disney Animation, and Sony Imageworks. The Burbank Marriott Convention Center. (800) 604-2238. 10% discount code from GreenlightJobs.com: GREENX09. $25 to $175.

http://www.ctnanimationexpo.com/

*** Artivist Film Festival on Dec. 1st to 5th...

The 6th Annual Artivist Film Festival and The 2009 Artivist Awards. Egyptian Theater, Hollywood. The Artivist Network will distribute advocate films and generate revenue for filmmakers by streaming their films online.

http://artivists.org

Digital Lounge mixer on Dec. 17th...

The Digital Lounge is a business professional networking mixer held in LA and the bay area produced by Tech Supper Club and iHollywood Forum. Los Angeles. Free.

http://techsupperclub12-17.eventbrite.com/

Love you guys!

NBC, FX and Reveille: TV Finds New Revenue

2009-10-25T23:32:00.000-07:00

I asked NBC chairman Marc Graboff, FX Network president John Landgraf, and The Biggest Loser executive producer Mark Koops where they think television revenue will be in the new economy. Read what they said at Gosh!TV:

http://www.goshtv.net/?p=227

On the Paramount lot I see five new TV series in production: NCIS Los Angeles, Big Time Rush, Community, Men of a Certain Age, and Three Rivers. Despite some NBC scripted series going away to make room for Jay Leno in NBC prime time, and TV budgets being crammed down by a sour economy, a lot of new TV shows are starting. Meanwhile, the situation in studio film production looks grim as the high cost of money grinds production to a halt. Here's that story from my friend Dennis Toth at R&R Consulting:

http://www.goshtv.net/?p=181

Gosh!TV, published by ScreenPlayLab co-founder Gabrielle Pantera, has a new look. I'm tremendously impressed with Gabrielle that she's launched a news magazine on top of working full-time at a major TV production company. Gabrielle is at her computer writing at 4am every morning, then goes into the office at 9am to work all day on reality TV.

Gabrielle's writing includes interviews with best-selling authors and reviews of new books from all the top publishers. Here's her 4-star review of the book Cleopatra's Daughter and a personal interview with author Michelle Moran:

http://www.goshtv.net/?p=216

Gosh!TV covers entertainment news, technology and business. What do you think of the new Gosh!TV website? If you have any positive feedback or suggestions for improvement, please let me know.

*** Bankroll Film Finance Seminar - What You Missed...

On October 24th, Bankroll book author Tom Malloy presented a seminar on how to bankroll your own film to a packed house at the 99-seat Lost Studio in Hollywood. Almost half the people there I recognized from ScreenPlayLab.

Malloy described his experiences as an actor-producer financing his own films. Rather than wait for a casting director to cast him and the studio to greenlight the picture, he's reached out to high net worth investors to back his films. His latest film, Love and Dancing, stars himself and Amy Smart.

Malloy says he likes to have film projects in the $250k to $6M range, that less than $250k would mean he's working for free and that over $6M is unlikely to be profitable without studio backing. In pitching individual investors, Malloy says a key technique is to pitch to the vested interest. For example, a major investor in Love & Dancing is the owner of a chain of dance studios. And, Amy Smart loves to dance. Accepting the role meant she'd receive weeks of training from a top ballroom dancer.

http://bankrollthebook.com/

*** ScreenPlayLab Mixer on Nov. 12th, and What You Missed Last Time...

I ran into mogul David Geffen while waiting in line at valet parking during our October ScreenPlayLab mixer. The superb Ferrari parked in the driveway wasn't his. Like me, he drives a Prius.

ScreenPlayLab's monthly film and television industry mixer has been called the most fun and engaging of all the Hollywood industry networking events. Mingle with industry players in all aspects of the business...writers, producers, actors, managers, cinematographers, composers, more.

For November, I'm moving the start time for the mixer an hour later because almost nobody arrived until an hour into the event last time. See you At Wolfgang Puck's Sidebar lounge in the incredibly posh Regency Beverly Wilshire hotel, 9500 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills. Jacket or cocktail dress attire recommended. Drop by for a drink or fancy dessert between 7pm to 10pm. Room capacity 80. We had about 100 guests overall last time. No cover. RSVP at:

www.screenplaylab.com

*** Twitter: 50 TV Insiders to Follow Right Now...

http://www.thewrap.com/print/8512

*** 140 Characters Conference on Oct. 27th and 28th...

Jeff Pulver presents #140conf where twitter is a platform and a language we speak. #140conf is not an event about microblogging or the place where people share twitter "tips and techniques" but rather where we explore the effects of the emerging real-time Internet, the "State of Now." Explore the effects of twitter on: Celebrity, "The Media", and Advertising. This event will have a special focus on the use of twitter in the entertainment industry. Celebrity Red Carpet. Kodak Theater, Hollywood. $200 to $995.

http://lax.140conf.com/
http://lax.140conf.com/speakers-2

*** FIX Viral Video Contest Accepting Submissions...

Viral video contest for the movie FIX, starring Olivia Wilde. The winner receives two round trip airfare tickets to New York City for the premiere of the film, two nights hotel stay in Manhattan, a digital camera, autographed FIX merchandise, including an autographed script of the movie, and press and photo ops on the red carpet. Winning video screened at the premiere. Show us what YOUR fix is, tell us about the one thing that you can't live without, in a creative, fun and compelling way. Videos should be no longer than 5 minutes long. Director Tao Ruspoli will choose the top 5 semi-finalist videos based on creativity, ingenuity, and by how much he is entertained/moved/humored by your FIX. Contest through 11/10/2009.

http://contests.luthiersociety.com/unsponsored/whats-your-fix

*** Goodbye Boxbe and Comcast Email Users...

The approach of some companies presenting themselves as anti-SPAM services is to block all mass mailers. This will reduce email in your inbox, but with the side-effect that you no longer receive useful free newsletters. Boxbe and Comcast are a couple companies that send me automated emails saying I'm failing to meet their (secret) standards for email transmission. These warning messages are vague, and the process to resolve them takes indefinitely long.

There isn't much motive for companies like this to resolve anything because they want to charge those who send email to their customers. That I send out a newsletter for free baffles them. They expect me to charge you for it so they can take a cut. For anyone with Boxbe or Comcast, you may want to use an alternative email address to subscribe to ScreenPlayLab.

*** CTAM Summit Oct. 25th to 27th...

Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing conference to exchange ideas about marketing and technology-based products. Visionary insights from the industry’s leading strategic thinkers with actionable take-aways to impact your business strategy. Meet with top industry executives during this open agenda, and informal Q&A discussion that puts you in a room with one industry executive to ask your burning questions. Denver, Colorado Convention Center.

http://www.ctam.com/html/summit

*** Billboard's Film & TV Music Conference on Oct 29th-30th...

Network and share music with the best music supervisors, composers, directors, songwriters and producers in the business. Beverly Hilton, Beverly Hills, CA. $399.

www.billboardevents.com/billboardevents/filmtv/index.jsp

*** AFM on Nov. 4th-11th...

The American Film Market hosts over 400 production companies, screens over 500 motion pictures, and previews 100 world premieres and thousands of new projects. In cooperation with AFI Fest Oct. 31st to Nov. 3rd. Network with 8,000 industry professionals. Seminars from 100+ industry leaders. Free seminars. Industry access $250-$795.

http://www.ifta-online.org

*** Anzu Lawson Guest Stars on Criminal Minds on Nov. 4th...

ScreenPlayLab member Anzu Lawson guest stars as "Dr. Ruiz" on Criminal Minds at 9pm on CBS.

*** Dawson's Creek: A Look Back on Nov. 4th..

The Paley Center hosts a celebration featuring members of Dawson's Creek's cast and creative team. Busy Philipps, "Audrey Liddell". James Van Der Beek, "Dawson Leery". Kevin Williamson, Creator/Executive Producer. 7pm. $15

http://www.paleycenter.org/fall-2009-dawsons-creek-a-look-back

*** Latin Grammys on Nov. 5th...

Latin Grammy Awards. Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas. Broadcast live on Univision. 8pm. Tickets $300+

http://www.latingrammy.com
http://www.univision.com/content/channel.jhtml?chid=10383&schid=11335

*** Current TV: Media, Technology, and Transformation on Nov. 12th...

The Paley Center hosts Current TV's Max Lugavere and Jason Silva with a panel of filmmakers, web entrepreneurs, and others to explore how technology is changing the way stories are being told. 7pm. $15

http://www.paleycenter.org/fall-2009-current-tv-s-max-jason-present-media-technology-and-transformation

*** The Total Picture Seminar on Nov. 14th-15th...

Jeff DeCola presents Academy Award-winning actor Martin Landau, Oscar-nominated director Mark Rydell and noted playwright-screenwriter Lyle Kessler for a 2-day course in the inter-relationship of the three critical disciplines of narrative film-making: writing, acting and directing. Writers will submit five minute scenes directed and staged for the camera by Mark Rydell. Actors will be coached by Martin Landau. The scene content will be analyzed and discussed by Lyle Kessler. Saturday, November 14, and Sunday, November 15, 2009, 10am-6pm, 9am check-in. UCLA, Haines Hall, Room 39, Los Angeles, CA. $250.

http://shorl.com/hagrupromotypy

*** Actorfest on Nov. 14th...

Backstage presents workshops with top casting directors, agents and managers. Brad Gilmore, Casting Director, Unsolved Mysteries Panel. Mark Teschner, Casting Director, General Hospital. April Webster, Casting Director, Lost, Star Trek. Matthew Berry, Casting Director, Alpha Dog, The Notebook. John Levey, Casting Director, ER, Southland. 20% off all workshops before Oct. 14th. California Market Center, Los Angeles.

actorfest.com/LAworkshops

*** Emerging Producer Non-fiction TV Competition deadline Nov. 15th...

CableU is taking submissions for their non-fiction TV pitch session at NATPE 2010 in Las Vegas. Last year's winner sold his show to the History channel.

www.cableu.tv/emergingproducers

*** Creative Talent Network Animation Expo on Nov. 20th to 22nd...

Creative Talent Network (CTN) Animation Week with the first annual CTN Animation Expo (CTN-X). Mix and mingle with top animation artists from Digital Domain, Dreamworks, Nickelodeon, Walt Disney Animation, and Sony Imageworks. The Burbank Marriott Convention Center. (800) 604-2238. 10% discount code from GreenlightJobs.com: GREENX09. $25 to $175.

http://www.ctnanimationexpo.com/

*** Artivist Film Festival on Dec. 1st to 5th...

The 6th Annual Artivist Film Festival and The 2009 Artivist Awards. Egyptian Theater, Hollywood. The Artivist Network will distribute advocate films and generate revenue for filmmakers by streaming their films online.

http://artivists.org

Love you guys!

REMINDER: See You Tonight at the Mixer!

2009-10-15T15:47:00.001-07:00

Got your RSVP for tonight. We have 166 RSVPs, so expect a packed event.

The Sidebar at the Regency Beverly Wilshire is a sophisticated, modern lounge only steps away from Rodeo Drive. A wide selection of wines and cocktails, plus a small menu of select appetizers and scrumptious deserts. Try the dark chocolate souffle. Wines start at $10, beers $6, deserts $14. Happy hour until 7pm features $7 well drinks and $7 appetizers. Limited bar and couch seating. If you want dinner, Wolfgang Puck's CUT restaurant is next door.

The Sidebar
Regency Beverly Wilshire
9500 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, California 90212

PARKING: Parking meters on Beverly Drive south of Wilshire are free after 7pm. Inexpensive garage parking at the Beverly Hills city garage on Beverly south of Charleville. Valet parking at the Regency Beverly Wilshire is $12.

Smoking is not permitted at any ScreenPlayLab event.

* How to Meet that Agent, Producer or Director...

Don't bring a script, a headshot, or a flyer to a mixer. It can mark you as desperate. No celebrity is going to arrive with a script or headshot in hand, right? If your headshot fits on your business card, that's fine.

A mixer isn't the place to discuss a deal. It's noisy and there's no privacy. It's best to set up a meeting for later.

As simple as it may seem to take the direct approach, introducing yourself to a VIP cold is the hardest way to set up a meeting. Most people are cautious with people they don't know who want something from them. The person with the power to get you a meeting is the friend of the VIP. Some people get tunnel vision of talking only to those who can help directly. Indirect help, a phone call to the right person on your behalf, is most effective.

* What to Talk about at an Industry Mixer...

No pressure, everyone you meet will be forming an impression of your ability to succeed in the entertainment business. To be fair, you'll be doing the same with them. Embrace that we're living in a meritocracy where success is rewarded and failure is best avoided.

Talk about your successes and how grateful you are to be in Hollywood. As in professional sports, complaining about being in the game is considered very poor sportsmanship. We're all lucky to be here. If you encounter anyone not being "good in the room", let me know so I can help them.

* Meet the Dutch Producers...

Dutch television producers Frank Van Rooen and Rick de Graaf are shooting a reality series for the Dutch National Network about personal experiences working in Hollywood. They may bring their camera tonight, if anyone would like to be interviewed.

Love you guys!

LAST CALL: Beverly Hills Mixer Tonight!

2009-10-15T02:12:00.000-07:00

We have over 130 RSVPs for tonight's ScreenPlayLab event. If you haven't signed up already, fill in the online form now to be added to the list. Don't miss the ScreenPlayLab mixer at the elegant Regency Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. Thursday, Oct. 15th, 6pm to 9pm, in the Sidebar lounge.

http://www.screenplaylab.com

Sandra Milliner in Entourage and Three Rivers...

Congratulations to ScreenPlayLab member Sandra Milliner for being in the ENTOURAGE season finale that aired Oct. 4th. She was in the scene with Turtle. Sandra appears in CBS Three Rivers on Sunday, November 1st.

* Showbiz Expo on October 17th...

Best-selling author Joyce Schwarz is moderating the ShowBiz Expo Los Angeles Keynote Panel, "Ca$hing in on the New Hollywood," from 2pm to 3pm in the ShowBiz Expo Theatre, second level. The ShowBiz Expo Los Angeles Conference runs from 10am to 7:30pm. Workshop and panel topics include breaking into voiceovers, getting good press for your production, careers in reality TV, secrets of successful screenwriting, production contracts, post-production – the process, getting your film distributed, how to get an agent in 30 days or less, TV pitch secrets, Q & A with casting directors, film festivals, the world of cinematography, fundraising for productions and more. FILM, STAGE & SHOWBIZ EXPO, Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S Figueroa St., Los Angeles, Saturday October 17, 2009, Registration Opens at 9:45 AM, Expo Hours: 10am to 6pm. $10+

http://www.theshowbizexpo.com

* Variety Entertainment and Technology Summit on October 19th...

All day conference with panels of television network presidents, the president of ICM, producers, and more. Loews, Santa Monica. 9am. Oct. 19th. $495.

http://www.digitalhollywood.com/VarietySummit.html

* VideoSLR Seminar on Oct. 20th...

LADIG presents "VideoSLR a New Frontier in Imaging" sponsored by Canon, featuring the Canon 5D mark II with Bruce Dorn, renowned photographer, filmmaker, teacher and Explorer of Light. Bruce will also be talking about the new Canon 7D and Canon may bring a 7D as well. Samys Camera will showcase their rental departments support for the videographer, Eizo will have several new monitors of special interest and Red Rock Micro will have examples of their 5D video rig accessories that bring pro DP features to the camera.
Tuesday Oct. 20th, 7PM to 9:30 PM, International Cinematographers Guild, 7755 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. Food, refreshments. (323) 876-6383 $20. No ticket sales at the door.

* AFM on Nov. 4th to 11th...

The American Film Market hosts over 400 production companies, screens over 500 motion pictures, and previews 100 world premieres and thousands of new projects. In cooperation with AFI Fest Oct. 31st to Nov. 3rd. Network with 8,000 industry professionals. Seminars from 100+ industry leaders. Free seminars. Industry access $250-$795.

http://www.ifta-online.org

Don't miss the AFM Favorite Film Pitch on November 7th to 10th, part of the People's Choice Awards:

http://www.ifta-online.org/afm/favoritefilmpitch/

And, the AFM Finance Conference on Nov. 6th:

http://www.ifta-online.org/afm/seminar.asp

* Film Finance Section 181 Seminar on Nov. 6th...

Attorney-producer Corky Kessler presents a seminar on film tax credits, in particular, Section 181 federal tax code. Corky will discuss how to get grandfathered in before this expires in 2009 and efforts to get the tax incentive renewed. BEVERLY GARLAND HOTEL, 4222 Vineland Avenue, North Hollywood, CA. NOVEMBER 6, 2009, from 6 pm to 8 pm. Send an e-mail to puremagic@earthlink.net with your name and the names of any persons who wish to attend with you. (818) 889-5330. RSVP required. FREE.

Love you guys!

Bankroll Film Finance Seminar on Oct. 24th

2009-10-11T22:35:00.000-07:00

Tom Malloy, who has a new book out about film finance called "Bankroll", is teaching an all-day seminar. Tom will share insights based on his success raising money as an actor financing his own films. My business development executive read Bankroll and is enthusiastic to be at the seminar. I'll be there, too. Tom will talk about creating a business plan, finding investors, how to get the first dollar in, and his experience raising budgets from $550k to over $10M.

Presented by Carole Lee Dean and From the Heart, the Bankroll seminar is October 24th, Saturday, 9:30am to 4:30pm, at the Lost Studio, 130 South La Brea, Los Angeles. Continental breakfast included. $79. For a 15% ScreenPlayLab discount, use the code GRANT:

http://www.fromtheheartproductions.com/Indie_Film.shtml

* ScreenPlayLab Mixer on Oct. 15th...

Don't forget the ScreenPlayLab mixer is coming up this Thursday, Oct. 15th, 6pm to 9pm, in the Sidebar lounge at the elegant Regency Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. That's the swank hotel from the film Pretty Woman. More than 90 RSVPs so far. To put yourself on the list, use the online form at: www.ScreenPlayLab.com

* ScreenPlayLab Opportunities, Get Involved

I know of many member projects that need help with development, casting, locations, marketing, production and post. It may not pay anything, but it's great experience for the right person. If you want to get involved, let me know.

* Screenwriting Expo on Oct. 15th to 18th...

If you're looking for a big screenwriters conference with thousands of participants and a hundred panels and events, this is it. Register at the Wilshire Grand Hotel, 930 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles. $100+.

http://screenwritingexpo.com/register.html

* Variety Entertainment and Technology Summit on October 19th...

All day conference with panels of television network presidents, the president of ICM, producers, and more. Loews, Santa Monica. 9am. Oct. 19th. $495.

http://www.digitalhollywood.com/VarietySummit.html

* AFM on Nov. 4th to 11th...

The American Film Market hosts over 400 production companies, screens over 500 motion pictures, and previews 100 world premieres and thousands of new projects. In cooperation with AFI Fest Oct. 31st to Nov. 3rd. Network with 8,000 industry professionals. Seminars from 100+ industry leaders. Free seminars. Industry access $250-$795.

http://www.ifta-online.org

Don't miss the AFM Favorite Film Pitch on November 7th to 10th, part of the People's Choice Awards:

http://www.ifta-online.org/afm/favoritefilmpitch/

And, the AFM Finance Conference on Nov. 6th:

http://www.ifta-online.org/afm/seminar.asp

Love you guys!

Mixer at Regency Beverly Wilshire Oct. 15th

2009-10-03T14:43:00.000-07:00

ScreenPlayLab is moving! New night. New Beverly Hills location. Our next mixer is Thursday, Oct. 15th, 2009, 6pm to 9pm, at the Sidebar at the Regency Beverly Wilshire. Room capacity is limited to 80. Make your FREE RSVP online now at:

www.screenplaylab.com

ScreenPlayLab's monthly film and television industry mixer has been called the most fun and engaging of all the Hollywood industry networking events. Mingle with industry players in all aspects of the business...writers, producers, actors, managers, cinematographers, composers, more. ScreenPlayLab is the most positive outgoing group in Hollywood.

The Sidebar is a sophisticated, modern lounge adjacent to Wolfgang Puck's CUT restaurant. Sidebar is the ultimate Beverly Hills bar experience. Only steps away from Rodeo Drive, the Sidebar is located in the elegant Regency Beverly Wilshire hotel that was featured in the film Pretty Woman.

A wide selection of wines and cocktails, plus a small menu of select appetizers and scrumptious deserts. Try the dark chocolate souffle. Wines start at $10, beers $6, deserts $14. Happy hour until 7pm features $7 well drinks and $7 appetizers. Limited bar and couch seating. Room capacity 80.

The Sidebar
Regency Beverly Wilshire
9500 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, California 90212

* Bankroll Film Finance Early Bird Deadline Oct. 5th...

Carole Lee Dean and From the Heart present a film financing seminar with "Bankroll" author Tom Malloy. You'll learn from Malloy's experiences raising money for multi-million dollar films and how there's money all around you. Creating a business plan, finding investors, how to get the first dollar in, and more. October 24, Saturday, 9:30am to 4:30pm. The Lost Studio, 130 South La Brea, Los Angeles. Continental breakfast included. $79. Get a discount of 15% as a ScreenPlayLab member by putting the code GRANT in the discount field. Early bird registration includes a free copy of Malloy's book.

http://www.fromtheheartproductions.com/Indie_Film.shtml

* Robin's Articles on Television Editing

I'm writing a series of stories being published by the Motion Picture Editors Guild. Find them here:

www.movieeditor.com

* Billboard Mobile Entertainment at CTIA on Oct. 6th...

The International CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment 2009 Convention October 7-9, 2009 San Diego Convention Center, San Diego. $399. 646.654.4643

www.billboardevents.com/billboardevents/melivefall/index.jsp
www.ctiashow.com

* Digital Music Forum West Oct. 7th to 8th...

Now in its 4th year, 300 decision-makers in the music industry gather in Los Angeles each year for the 2-day deal-makers forum to network, do deals, and share ideas about the business. Cutting-edge business topics, demos, and unrivaled access to some of the most progressive companies in Hollywood and Silicon Valley. Label execs from EMI, Sony BMG, Universal, and Warner. Digital music execs from eMusic, Napster, Rhapsody, MySpace, Live Nation, Ticketmaster, ARTISTdirect, Amazon.com, Nokia, Pandora, Yahoo!, YouTube, imeem, RealNetworks, and Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. Special $499. Call 800-950-7667 to request the Digital Media Wire Rate of $259.

http://www.digitalmusicforum.com/west/

* Non-fiction Authors Teleseminar Oct. 8th...

Steve Harrison is offering a teleseminar to writers who've written a non-fiction book or are thinking of writing one in the future. Phone seminar with guest authors. Hear what rich authors do differently than poor authors. Famous past guests have included the authors of Chicken Soup for the Soul and Rich Dad Poor Dad. Other guest authors are not so famous, yet making six figures without being on any bestseller list. Free 75-minute telephone seminar Thursday, October 8th at 11am PST or 4pm PST. FREE. RSVP at:

http://www.freepublicity.com/RichAuthorSecrets/?10452

* Artivist Film Festival on October 8th to 11th...

The 6th Annual Artivist Film Festival. Artivist Awards to honor the winning films of the annual Artivist Film Festival and the work of outstanding advocate celebrities. Egyptian Theater, Hollywood.

http://artivists.org

* San Diego Asian Film Fest on Oct. 15th-29th...

The San Diego Asian Film Foundation presents the 10th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival, one of the largest exhibitions of Asian international and Asian American cinema in North America. Along with narrative features, the Festival showcases documentaries, short films, and animation. The Festival is competitive, offering awards in various categories and cash prizes for filmmakers.

http://www.sdaff.org/festival/festival.php

* Screenwriting Expo Oct. 16th-18th...

Star Trek film writers Alex Kurtzman are Roberto Orci are Guests of Honor at this year's Screenwriting Expo. Workshops with top writers, agents and managers. Wilshire Grand Hotel Los Angeles, 930 Wilshire Blvd., downtown Los Angeles. Prices start at $100.

http://screenwritingexpo.com/

The Screenwriting Expo is seeking volunteers for sign-in and other tasks:

http://screenwritingexpo.com/volunteer.html

* Billboard's Film & TV Music Conference on Oct 29th-30th...

Network and share music with the best music supervisors, composers, directors, songwriters and producers in the business. Beverly Hilton, Beverly Hills, CA. $399.

www.billboardevents.com/billboardevents/filmtv/index.jsp

* AFM on Nov. 4th-11th...

The American Film Market hosts over 400 production companies, screens over 500 motion pictures, and previews 100 world premieres and thousands of new projects. In cooperation with AFI Fest Oct. 31st to Nov. 3rd. Network with 8,000 industry professionals. Seminars from 100+ industry leaders. Free seminars. Industry access $250-$795.

http://www.ifta-online.org

* Backstage Presents Actorfest on Nov. 14th...

Workshops with top casting directors, agents and managers. Brad Gilmore, Casting Director, Unsolved Mysteries Panel. Mark Teschner, Casting Director, General Hospital. April Webster, Casting Director, Lost, Star Trek. Matthew Berry, Casting Director, Alpha Dog, The Notebook. John Levey, Casting Director, ER, Southland. 20% off all workshops before Oct. 14th. California Market Center, Los Angeles.

actorfest.com/LAworkshops

* Emerging Producer Non-fiction TV Competition deadline Nov. 15th...

CableU is taking submissions for their non-fiction TV pitch session at NATPE 2010 in Las Vegas. Last year's winner sold his show to the History channel.

www.cableu.tv/emergingproducers

*Artivist Film Festival on Dec. 1st to 5th...

The 6th Annual Artivist Film Festival and The 2009 Artivist Awards. Egyptian Theater, Hollywood. The Artivist Network will distribute advocate films and generate revenue for filmmakers by streaming their films online.

http://artivists.org.

* Interested in Casting, Biz Dev, Locations or Production?

I know of many projects that need help with casting, business development, locations, or production. Lots of ScreenPlayLab members are developing their own projects. It may not pay anything, but it's great experience for the right person. If you want to get involved, let me know. If you know someone in college, there's an unpaid college intern position available at the office of a major production company.

Love you guys!

Dutch Producers at Mixer on 9/14/09

2009-09-12T18:10:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to invite you to our monthly ScreenPlayLab mixer on Monday, September 14th, 2009, at Sharky's restaurant in Beverly Hills. Come by between 6:30pm and 9pm to chat with like-minded writers, producers, talent and others in the industry who love the film and TV business.

Free with RSVP at http://www.screenplaylab.com

*** The Dutch Producers, Making Your Film or TV Show for FREE...

Dutch television producers Frank Van Rooen and Rick de Graaf are shooting a reality series for the Dutch National Network about personal experiences working in Hollywood. They're especially looking for Dutch nationals, however anyone can be included in their show. To be interviewed, bring your Dutch friends or your best story about getting your break in Hollywood.

Do you need help with your production? Frank and Rick are making a generous offer to ScreenPlayLab members. To help us shoot our shows for free. Frank and Rick are in Hollywood shooting their reality series until the end of October. While here, they want to participate in many productions. That experience could be included as part of their reality series or not. If you have a film or series in production or ready to go, this is a very interesting opportunity. They have two Canon HD cameras and gear. Samples of their work:

http://www.frankvanrooijen.com
http://www.gorillia.tv

*** Interest in Casting, Locations or Production?

To get the right type of project in our credits or just for fun, sometimes it's good to do something extra. I know of interesting low budget projects that need help with casting, locations, and production. If anyone else wants to step up like Frank and Rick have done, offer to get involved in projects for free, let me know. I also know of unpaid college intern positions available in the office of a major production company.

*** Why Don't We Need No Stinkin' Badges?

Each month I'm asked why ScreenPlayLab mixers don't have name badges. We used to print badges. Why not anymore?

ScreenPlayLab mixers are quite informal. Unlike typical Hollywood events, there's no velvet rope to keep anyone away. Having a bit of anonymity can prevent a stampede. It may be an Easter egg hunt to find the television executives, major film producers, or representation who are in the room. The advantage is when you do encounter someone interesting you aren't in a line or behind a rope.

For the VIP, a little anonymity is a way to find out what people are really like. A producer shared this story with me this week. He saw an actress walking by on the street, someone pleasant but who wouldn't stop to talk to anyone who can't help her career. As she walked by she asked casually, what's up? "I'm with Entourage now." Dead stop. She tried, but he wouldn't take her number.

For those trying to break in, it can be frustrating that it's hard to befriend anyone above you who can lift your career. For those who've made it, it's frustrating that everyone wants you to help their careers and isn't thinking what you need to do your job. ScreenPlayLab can help. Results include gaining representation, getting a story optioned, or getting to work on productions. The mixer may seem like a party, but is also an audition. I hope you can make it.

Love you guys!

Free Beverly Hills Industry Mixer Sept. 14th

2009-09-08T01:46:00.000-07:00

It's time to sign up for the next ScreenPlayLab mixer. One week away. Details below.

I'm writing a weekly series of stories being published by the Motion Picture Editors Guild. Here's my article about the making of the TV series THE VAMPIRE DIARIES:

http://www.editorsguild.com/FromTheGuild.cfm?FromTheGuildid=101

Robin and Gabrielle's Projects...

One of my favorite questions at our ScreenPlayLab mixers is, "What projects are you working on that you can talk about?" In case you're interested, here are some of our projects:

http://www.screenplaylab.com/project/

Gosh!TV Featured Product: Rolling Razor...

The Rolling Razor uses an innovative razor technology that delivers a comfortable shave so close it's amazing. Tired of nicks and misses? Get a quick perfect shave. Get the Rolling Razor. $15. Available at http://www.goshtv.net

Caity Lotz Behind the Scenes Footage...

ScreenPlayLab member Caity Lotz is in a green screen action movie that's wrapped:

http://www.caitylotz.com/www.caitylotz.com/Video_1.html

Vanguard Films Acquires Galacticus Story...

Producer John H. Williams (Shrek, Seven Years in Tibet) acquired ScreenPlayLab member Michael Chase Walker's live-action and animated fantasy epic. Galacticus, Circus of the Beyond, tells the story of a legendary troupe of mythical creatures, exotic fantasy aerialists, powerful wizards, and a mysterious ringmaster as they navigate a treacherous realm plagued by corrupt border men and despotic tyrants.

TV Pitch Workshops...

http://pitchtvlikeapro.com/

Disney Buys Marvel...

Bank of America's half billion dollar investment in Marvel looks safe, as Disney buys Marvel for $4B.

http://www.hollywoodtoday.net/?p=10574

The Digital Chiefs on Sept. 8th...

HRTS, in association with NATPE, presents The Digital Chiefs. Moderated by Bob Iger, President and CEO, The Walt Disney Company. 818.789.1182

http://hrts.org/irmevents.aspx?id=15

TheGroupLA on Sept. 12th...

Bring biz cards and mingle with your post production buddies. Saturday, September 12, 2009, 2pm. The Cat and the Fiddle, 6530 W Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-468-3800

http://thegroupla.org

Supermentors Coaching Session on Sept. 13th...

Marc Zicree presents a session where each writer, director, producer, actor, etc., gets individual personalized coaching to help them jump to the next level of their career and suceed spectacularly. Paty's Restaurant, 10001 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake, CA, from 6:30-9:30 PM. $30. Longer courses available.

http://zicree.com

ScreenPlayLab Beverly Hills Mixer on Sept. 14th...

Mingle with upbeat writers, actors, producers, directors and others in the film and television industry 50 to 100 people. You're encouraged to introduce yourself, say what sort of help you'd like and ask how you can help others. If you're shy, will get you started by introducing you around. Great people, organic Mexican food (inexpensive) and $3 margaritas. Free street parking or park under Crate & Barrel for $3. Sharky's Mexican Grill, in the back room, 435 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills. Monday, Sept. 14th, 6:30pm-9:30pm. Get on the guest list with free RSVP online:

www.screenplaylab.com

WESTDOC Documentary and Reality Conference Sept. 14-16th...

The WESTDOC CONFERENCE is a new conference dedicated to the Non-Fiction and Reality broadcast industry, an event designed by producers for producers. Three days of panels, seminars and a Pitchfest. Speakers include senior executives from TLC, Discovery, ABC, Animal Planet, National Geographic Network, E! Entertainment, History Channel, ITVS, MTV, Spike TV, Tru TV. Doubletree Suites Hotel, Santa Monica, CA. September 14th-16th, 2009. $650

www.TheWestdoc.com

Art of the Music Deal on Sept. 16th...

NARIP presents How To License Music For Film & TV in LA. Wednesday, Sept 16, 7:30pm-10:15pm. Los Angeles Film School, 6363 Sunset Boulevard, Main Theater, 1st Floor, Los Angeles, CA. $40.

www.narip.com

Bob Fraser Actors Map Workshop Sept. 19th-20th...

Showrunner Bob Fraser workshop "I Give Actors the Map". Saturday, September 19 at 10:00am to Sunday, September 20 at 2:50pm. Media Center Holiday Inn.

http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=148063374713&mid=1089ef6G21ed146cG69d6e79G7

The Emmys on Sept. 20th...

www.emmys.org

Reading at Beyond Baroque on Sept. 205h...

Beyond Baroque presents a reading of Party Pirates. Two computer programmers working for an online invite service (think evite.com) add themselves to the best parties. Beyond Baroque, 681 Venice Blvd, Venice, CA. Sunday, September 20, 2PM.

Ascent-Hollywood on Sept. 24th...

Ascent-Hollywood presents Brillstein-Grey Entertainment Partners Talent Manager Danny Sussman. Network, mingle, and have a great time. Interactive, high-energy opportunities to promote yourself, your projects and/or clients. 6-9pm. Aqualounge, 424 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA. $15.

http://ascent-hollywood.eventbrite.com

NARIP Brunch on Sept. 26th...

NARIP brunches are where music industry types eat, meet and greet. Expand your network. Mingle with record industry pros. Make deals. Milo's in LA, at the home of Lola & Mikael Sandgren. 11am. All are welcome. You need not be a member to attend. Register at:

www.narip.com

Mock Negotiation of Producer Agreement in LA on Sept. 30th...

NARIP's Art of the Music Deal series continues, this time with hand-picked pros who will shake out the essentials of a producer and share their experience about what you need to know. Wed, Sept. 30, 2009. SAE Institute, 6565 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA. 7pm. $40.

www.narip.com

Screenwriting Expo Oct. 16th-18th...

Workshops with top casting writers, agents and managers. Wilshire Grand Hotel.

http://screenwritingexpo.com/

Actorfest on Nov. 14th...

Workshops with top casting directors, agents and managers. Brad Gilmore, Casting Director, Unsolved Mysteries Panel. Mark Teschner, Casting Director, General Hospital. April Webster, Casting Director, Lost, Star Trek. Matthew Berry, Casting Director, Alpha Dog, The Notebook. John Levey, Casting Director, ER, Southland. 20% off all workshops before Oct. 14th. California Market Center, Los Angeles.

actorfest.com/LAworkshops

Artivist Film Festival on Dec. 1st to 5th...

The 6th Annual Artivist Film Festival and The 2009 Artivist Awards. Egyptian Theater, Hollywood. The Artivist Network will distribute advocate films and generate revenue for filmmakers by streaming their films online.

http://artivists.org.

L.A. Comedy Shorts Festival Deadline Dec. 18th...

The 2010 season is open for submissions. Submit your comedy short films and your feature and short comedy screenplays. Early Deadline is October 2nd. Final Deadline is December 18, 2009.

http://www.lacomedyshorts.com

Billboard Mobile Entertainment at CTIA on Oct. 6th...

The International CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment 2009 Convention October 7-9, 2009 San Diego Convention Center, San Diego. $399. 646.654.4643

www.billboardevents.com/billboardevents/melivefall/index.jsp
www.ctiashow.com

Billboard's Film & TV Music Conference on Oct 29th-30th...

Network and share music with the best music supervisors, composers, directors, songwriters and producers in the business. Beverly Hilton, Beverly Hills, CA. $399.

www.billboardevents.com/billboardevents/filmtv/index.jsp

Artivist Film Festival on October 8th to 11th...

The 6th Annual Artivist Film Festival. Artivist Awards to honor the winning films of the annual Artivist Film Festival and the work of outstanding advocate celebrities. Egyptian Theater, Hollywood.

http://artivists.org

Digital Music Forum West Oct. 7th to 8th...

Now in its 4th year, 300 decision-makers in the music industry gather in Los Angeles each year for the 2-day deal-makers forum to network, do deals, and share ideas about the business. Cutting-edge business topics, demos, and unrivaled access to some of the most progressive companies in Hollywood and Silicon Valley. Label execs from EMI, Sony BMG, Universal, and Warner. Digital music execs from eMusic, Napster, Rhapsody, MySpace, Live Nation, Ticketmaster, ARTISTdirect, Amazon.com, Nokia, Pandora, Yahoo!, YouTube, imeem, RealNetworks, and Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. Special $499. Call 800-950-7667 to request the Digital Media Wire Rate of $259.

http://www.digitalmusicforum.com/west/

AFM on Nov. 4th-11th...

The American Film Market hosts over 400 production companies, screens over 500 motion pictures, and previews 100 world premieres and thousands of new projects. In cooperation with AFI Fest Oct. 31st to Nov. 3rd. Network with 8,000 industry professionals. Seminars from 100+ industry leaders. Free seminars. Industry access $250-$795.

http://www.ifta-online.org

Emerging Producer Non-fiction TV Competition deadline Nov. 15th...

CableU is taking submissions for their non-fiction TV pitch session at NATPE 2010 in Las Vegas. Last year's winner sold his show to the History channel.

www.cableu.tv/emergingproducers

Love you guys!

Comedy Walk Show Aug. 20th FREE

2009-08-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

Comedy Walk, the world's biggest free monthly comedy event, has its next show on Thursday. I'm the executive producer. Host Stevie Mack presents 18 of L.A.'s best comedians. The Downtown Fashion Walk is happening before and during Comedy Walk. See dozens of models and comedians in downtown Los Angeles in a festival atmosphere. FREE. RSVP at:

www.comedywalk.com

New MovieEditor.com Rate Card Is Online...

If you know someone who needs production or post-production done, please send the work to my company. I have a new cameraman and editor rate card that makes it easier to budget those hard-to-estimate projects. Check it out:

www.movieeditor.com/ratecard/

Downtown Film Festival Los Angeles on August 12th-22nd...

Volunteer coordinator Grace Alpert seeking film festival volunteers. Named by L.A. Downtown News the Best Event in 2008. Dozens of film screenings and related activities over 11 days. Festival volunteers for theater ushering, event hospitality, event planning & production, street team marketing, and much more. Tell Grace your skills to match you to a specific area. Festival highlights: Sustainable L.A. green program on August 20, Music Film Series at the Grammy Museum, Digital.Art.LA art videos and installations, tribute to Paul Newman, Jackson 5 in Africa. Volunteers must attend orientation on Saturday, July 25, 1-2pm or Thursday, July 30, 6-7pm. At the Downtown Film Festival L.A. office, Engine Co. No. 28 Building, 2nd Floor, 644 S. Figueroa between 7th & Wishire, Los Angeles, CA. Adjacent to the MTA 7th/Metro Station.

www.dffla.com

MGLA on Aug. 18th...

Motion Graphics L.A. has professional networking, presents the latest in digital editing technology, and shows sizzle reels of members. Gallery Theatre at Barnsdall Art Park, 4800 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA. 7pm-10pm. FREE. RSVP at:

www.mgla2.org

Wonderland Screenwriter Todd Samovitz on Aug. 19th...

The Writers Boot Camp presents breakfast at Bergamot with speaker Todd Samovitz. Wednesday, August 19th, 2009. 7:45am – 9:45am. Todd Samovitz talk about protecting creative endeavors. 2525 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica. $25.

www.WritersBootCamp.com

Generating Revenue from New TV Models on Aug. 25th...

Tech Supper Club presents Endemol SVP Digital Media Joerg Bachmaier, Producer of TV shows like Deal or No Deal, Extreme Homemakeover, Big Brother, Fear Factor. Mindmatics CEO Kai Buehler, text messaging for top TV shows like Deal or No Deal, Big Brother, Survivor, Biggest Loser, America’s Next Top Model. New Markets for Monetizing Video for TV, Online and Mobile Platforms, Innovative Strategies for Content Distribution that Make Money. August 25, 2009, 6pm-9pm. Blank Spaces, 5405 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles. Buffet dinner with open bar:
6-7:30pm. Program: 7:30-9pm. $30 to $50.

www.techsupperclub.com

UCLA Writers Faire on August 30th...

More than 60 writers and screenwriters present 24 sessions. UCLA, Young Hall courtyard, 11am-3pm. Free. Parking in lot 2 costs $10.

http://uclaextensionedu/writersfaire

ScreenPlayLab Beverly Hills Mixer on Sept. 14th...

Mingle with upbeat writers, actors, producers, directors and others in the film and television industry 50 to 100 people. You're encouraged to introduce yourself, say what sort of help you'd like and ask how you can help others. If you're shy, will get you started by introducing you around. Great people, organic Mexican food (inexpensive) and $3 margaritas. Free street parking or park under Crate & Barrel for $3. Sharky's Mexican Grill, in the back room, 435 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills. Monday, Sept. 14th, 6:30pm-9:30pm. FREE event. RSVP online:

www.screenplaylab.com

WESTDOC Documentary and Reality Conference Sept. 14-16th...

The WESTDOC CONFERENCE is a new conference dedicated to the Non-Fiction and Reality broadcast industry, an event designed by producers for producers. Three days of panels, seminars and a Pitchfest. Speakers include senior executives from TLC, Discovery, ABC, Animal Planet, National Geographic Network, E! Entertainment, History Channel, ITVS, MTV, Spike TV, Tru TV. Doubletree Suites Hotel, Santa Monica, CA. September 14th-16th, 2009. $650

www.TheWestdoc.com

Art of the Music Deal on Sept. 16th...

NARIP presents How To License Music For Film & TV in LA. Wednesday, Sept 16, 7:30pm-10:15pm. Los Angeles Film School, 6363 Sunset Boulevard, Main Theater, 1st Floor, Los Angeles, CA. $40.

www.narip.com

The Emmys on Sept. 20th...

www.emmys.org

NARIP Brunch on Sept. 26th...

NARIP brunches are where music industry types eat, meet and greet. Expand your network. Mingle with record industry pros. Make deals. Milo's in LA, at the home of Lola & Mikael Sandgren. 11am. All are welcome. You need not be a member to attend. Register at:

www.narip.com

Mock Negotiation of Producer Agreement in LA on Sept. 30th...

NARIP's Art of the Music Deal series continues, this time with hand-picked pros who will shake out the essentials of a producer and share their experience about what you need to know. Wed, Sept. 30, 2009. SAE Institute, 6565 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA. 7pm. $40.

www.narip.com

Ascent-Hollywood on Sept. 16th...

Ascent-Hollywood presents Brillstein-Grey Entertainment Partners Talent Manager Danny Sussman. Network, mingle, and have a great time. At Lucky Strike Lanes (closing down 4 private bowling lanes for networking fun). Lots of door prizes. Interactive, high-energy opportunities to promote yourself, your projects and/or clients. Wed. Sept. 16th, 6-9pm. 10% discount code "SPLNGF". $25 to $50.

http://ascent-hollywood.eventbrite.com

Billboard Mobile Entertainment at CTIA on Oct. 6th...

The International CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment 2009 Convention October 7-9, 2009 San Diego Convention Center, San Diego. $399. 646.654.4643

www.billboardevents.com/billboardevents/melivefall/index.jsp
www.ctiashow.com

Billboard's Film & TV Music Conference on Oct 29th-30th...

Network and share music with the best music supervisors, composers, directors, songwriters and producers in the business. Beverly Hilton, Beverly Hills, CA. $399.

www.billboardevents.com/billboardevents/filmtv/index.jsp

Artivist Film Festival on October 8th to 11th...

The 6th Annual Artivist Film Festival. Artivist Awards to honor the winning films of the annual Artivist Film Festival and the work of outstanding advocate celebrities. Egyptian Theater, Hollywood.

http://artivists.org

Digital Music Forum West Oct. 7th to 8th...

Now in its 4th year, 300 decision-makers in the music industry gather in Los Angeles each year for the 2-day deal-makers forum to network, do deals, and share ideas about the business. Cutting-edge business topics, demos, and unrivaled access to some of the most progressive companies in Hollywood and Silicon Valley. Label execs from EMI, Sony BMG, Universal, and Warner. Digital music execs from eMusic, Napster, Rhapsody, MySpace, Live Nation, Ticketmaster, ARTISTdirect, Amazon.com, Nokia, Pandora, Yahoo!, YouTube, imeem, RealNetworks, and Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. Special $499. Call 800-950-7667 to request the Digital Media Wire Rate of $259.

http://www.digitalmusicforum.com/west/

AFM on Nov. 4th-11th...

The American Film Market hosts over 400 production companies, screens over 500 motion pictures, and previews 100 world premieres and thousands of new projects. In cooperation with AFI Fest Oct. 31st to Nov. 3rd. Network with 8,000 industry professionals. Seminars from 100+ industry leaders. Free seminars. Industry access $250-$795.

http://www.ifta-online.org

Emerging Producer Non-fiction TV Competition deadline Nov. 15th...

CableU is taking submissions for their non-fiction TV pitch session at NATPE 2010 in Las Vegas. Last year's winner sold his show to the History channel.

www.cableu.tv/emergingproducers

Love you guys!

ScreenPlayLab Networking Tips

2009-08-15T11:46:00.000-07:00

This is the reminder that went out last week. Has some tips that I good to remember any time you're networking...

[ScreenPlayLab] REMINDER: Got Your RSVP for Tonight

Hi. Got your RSVP for tonight's mixer. Look forward to seeing you. That's at Sharky's Mexican Grill, in the back room, 435 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills. Monday, August 10th, 6:30pm-9:30pm. Free street parking or park under Crate & Barrel for $3.

ScreenPlayLab is fun and a great place to meet others in the industry. Please bring your most upbeat outgoing self. When networking it's important for everyone to remember that they're creating a first impression of how much fun they'll be to work with. If you encounter anyone engaging in career self-sabotage by being less than positive about their experiences, please let me know right away.

Sometimes people feel unsure what to talk about at a mixer. If that's you, be prepared to talk about some little Hollywood success from your life this week. For example, that could be an audition that you had or that you completed writing some pages of your latest screenplay. How big a success is less important than that you're grateful for your success.

Some people feel shy at first at introducing themselves. If that's you, please seek me out when you arrive so I can introduce you to a few people to get you started. If I look engaged speaking to someone else, don't hang back approaching me. I'm there to talk to everyone. A question I often ask people is, how can I help you?

When you sign in you're also signing our audience release. You can read a copy from the link on our home page. In essence, it says you understand that ScreenPlayLab is a public event. Please don't reveal your secrets at ScreenPlayLab. If you need to discuss something in confidence with someone, arrange a private meeting for later.

Thank you!

Robin

ScreenPlayLab Mixer Was Monday

2009-08-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

Catching up by posting this email announcement I forgot to put online last week...

[ScreenPlayLab] LAST CALL: ScreenPlayLab Mixer on Monday

Don't miss the next ScreenPlayLab mixer Monday, August 10th, in Beverly Hills. Free. RSVP now at www.screenplaylab.com.

SAVE THE CAT Author Blake Snyder Passed Away...

Many of us in ScreenPlayLab knew writer-teacher Blake Snyder from his Save the Cat book and other projects. Blake was recognized as a great and caring teacher. I'd talked with Blake about speaking at ScreenPlayLab, which he said he would do sometime. Unforunately, he's passed away. There's a memorial fund for Blake at Beyond Shelter. Further information: www.blakesnyder.com

Robin's Notes...

Thank you to everyone who dropped by www.goshtv.net and gave feedback on my new website. That was helpful, and I've made changes.

Thank you to everyone who's asked to be part of my TV writers group. I got through the first set of responses and am replying to those today. To sample prospective writers I send them the first two pages of a comedy pilot I wrote and see if writers can match it when they write sample pages 3 and 4. The story is about a troubled horse, sort of Mr. Ed with issues. I got a lot of responses. It will

Thank you to everyone who's asked to be part of my TV writers group. I got through the first set of responses and am replying to those today. To sample prospective writers I send them the first two pages of a comedy pilot I wrote. Then writers try to match it when they write sample pages 3 and 4. I'm currently using a story is about a troubled horse, a sort of Mr. Ed with issues. I got a lot of responses. It may take me a week to get through them all.

Congratulations for Emmy Nominations to Zodiak Entertainment...

TV production company Zodiak Entertainment was nominated for two Emmy awards this week for the detective mini-series Wallander that broadcast on PBS-TV. After Wallander broadcast on the BBC last year, it won the BAFTA award fro best drama seriew. ScreenPlayLab co-founder Gabrielle Pantera works at Zodiak.

ScreenPlayLab Beverly Hills Mixer on August 10th...

ScreenPlayLab presents a FREE INDUSTRY MIXER with writers, actors, producers, directors and others in the film and television industry. It's an upbeat casual group helping each other succeed. Typically 50 to 100 people. You're encouraged to introduce yourself, say what sort of help you'd like and ask how you can help. If you're shy, let me know and I'll get you started by introducing you around. Great people, organic Mexican food (inexpensive) and $3 margaritas. Free street parking or park under Crate & Barrel for $3. Sharky's Mexican Grill, in the back room, 435 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills. Monday, August 10th, 6:30pm-9:30pm. FREE event. RSVP online:

www.screenplaylab.com

Shakespeare in the Park from June 26th to August 30th...

The Independent Shakespeare Company presents the Tempest and Henry V. Barnesdall Park, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA. Free.

www.independentshakepeare.com

Downtown Film Festival Los Angeles on August 12th-22nd...

Volunteer coordinator Grace Alpert seeking film festival volunteers. Named by L.A. Downtown News the Best Event in 2008. Dozens of film screenings and related activities over 11 days. Festival volunteers for theater ushering, event hospitality, event planning & production, street team marketing, and much more. Tell Grace your skills to match you to a specific area. Festival highlights: Sustainable L.A. green program on August 20, Music Film Series at the Grammy Museum, Digital.Art.LA art videos and installations, tribute to Paul Newman, Jackson 5 in Africa. Volunteers must attend orientation on Saturday, July 25, 1-2pm or Thursday, July 30, 6-7pm. At the Downtown Film Festival L.A. office, Engine Co. No. 28 Building, 2nd Floor, 644 S. Figueroa between 7th & Wishire, Los Angeles, CA. Adjacent to the MTA 7th/Metro Station.

www.dffla.com

Write On! Breaking Through Writers Block on Aug. 15th...

Writer Debra Eckerling offers strategies for brainstorming, project management,and staying on track when you really don't want to. Bring paper, pen, and your favorite excuses for procrastinating. Aug 15, 2009, 1:30-3:30pm. The Learning Garden, Venice High School, 13000 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. $25.

http://www.storylink.com/event/WriteOnWritersBlock
http://writeononline.com/

UCLA Writers Faire on August 30th...

Moe than 60 writers and screenwriters present 24 sessions. UCLA, Young Hall courtyard, 11am-3pm. Free. Parking in lot 2 costs $10.

http://uclaextensionedu/writersfaire

WESTDOC Documentary and Reality Conference Sept. 14-16th...

The WESTDOC CONFERENCE is a new conference dedicated to the Non-Fiction and Reality broadcast industry, an event designed by producers for producers. Three days of panels, seminars and a Pitchfest. Speakers include senior executives from TLC, Discovery, ABC, Animal Planet, National Geographic Network, E! Entertainment, History Channel, ITVS, MTV, Spike TV, Tru TV. Doubletree Suites Hotel, Santa Monica, CA. September 14th-16th, 2009. $650. Register now for $450 with code PL200. $200 discount code good for next two weeks.

www.TheWestdoc.com

Artivist Film Festival on October 8th to 11th...

The 6th Annual Artivist Film Festival. Artivist Awards to honor the winning films of the annual Artivist Film Festival and the work of outstanding advocate celebrities. Egyptian Theater, Hollywood.

http://artivists.org

Digital Music Forum West Oct. 7th to 8th...

Now in its 4th year, 300 decision-makers in the music industry gather in Los Angeles each year for the 2-day deal-makers forum to network, do deals, and share ideas about the business. Cutting-edge business topics, demos, and unrivaled access to some of the most progressive companies in Hollywood and Silicon Valley. Label execs from EMI, Sony BMG, Universal, and Warner. Digital music execs from eMusic, Napster, Rhapsody, MySpace, Live Nation, Ticketmaster, ARTISTdirect, Amazon.com, Nokia, Pandora, Yahoo!, YouTube, imeem, RealNetworks, and Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. Special $499. Call 800-950-7667 to request the Digital Media Wire Rate of $259.

http://www.digitalmusicforum.com/west/

AFM on Nov. 4th-11th...

The American Film Market hosts over 400 production companies, screens over 500 motion pictures, and previews 100 world premieres and thousands of new projects. In cooperation with AFI Fest Oct. 31st to Nov. 3rd. Network with 8,000 industry professionals. Seminars from 100+ industry leaders. Free seminars. Industry access $250-$795.

http://www.ifta-online.org

Emerging Producer Non-fiction TV Competition deadline Nov. 15th...

CableU is taking submissions for their non-fiction TV pitch session at NATPE 2010 in Las Vegas. Last year's winner sold his show to the History channel.

www.cableu.tv/emergingproducers

Love you guys!

Feel Good Film Festival Opens Tonight

2009-08-07T20:00:00.001-07:00

Please take a moment to visit our new website with film, television and book news:

www.goshtv.net/film

Just getting started with this site. Let me know your suggestions.

Don't miss the next ScreenPlayLab mixer is August 10th in Beverly Hills. RSVP now at www.screenplaylab.com. The Feel Good Film Festival opens tonight at the Egyptian Theatre. See below for details on these and many more Hollywood industry events.

I was bace at TCA this week, the twice-yearly event where networks promote their upcoming shows to television critics. Last week it was the cable networks. This week is broadcast networks. I got to talk with Jay Leno, who talked about his plans for The Jay Leno Show. "There is no NBC," says Leno. "It's a bunch of trailers in Burbank. The real NBC is the affiliates. We want to provide a strong lead-in to local news."

I also got to chat with Nick Willing about Alice, his re-interpretation of Alice in Wonderland along the lines of what he did with Tin Man to the Wizard of Oz.

The Feel Good Film Festival Aug. 7th to Aug. 9th...

Three-day event once again features films that highlight positive themes, happy endings, make audiences laugh, and capture the beauty of our world. The Opening Night Gala presentation of Chris Dowling’s ROCK SLYDE kicks a program of 60 films, including 16 features, 34 shorts, and 10 student films as well as 2 webisodes. Festival yellow carpet, in honor of FGFF’s sunflower logo, live musical performances in the Egyptian Theatre courtyard presented by Audiorents, an original screenplay competition, an original song competition, a panel discussion, and a Closing Night Awards Gala, hosted by Brian Krause of Charmed with a Tribute to film and television legend Ed Asner. Egyptian Theatre.

http://fgff.org/

Meghan Leone in A Midsummer Night's Dream Aug. 7th to 16th...

Meghan Leone stars as "Titania" in the Shakespeare classic. Aug. 7th-16th. Tuesdays through Saturdays 8pm. Sundays 7pm. Irene Gilbert Theater, Stella Adler Studio, 6773 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd Fl., Hollywood, CA. 323-465-4446

Tim Tyler in Sexual Neuroses of Our Parents Aug. 7th to 22nd...

Tim Tyler stars at the Luna Playhouse. West coast premiere of

A developmentally disabled young woman But she then discovers her sexuality. Not Suitable for Younger Audiences. Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm
August 7 (opening), 8; 14, 15, 21, 22. Luna Playhouse, 3706 San Fernando Road, Glendale, CA. $20. 818-500-7200

Deborah Geffner on SyFy Aug. 8th and 9th...

Deborah Geffner stars in the SyFy Channel movie Infestation. Aug. 8th at 9pm. Aug. 9th at 1am.

ScreenPlayLab Beverly Hills Mixer on August 10th...

ScreenPlayLab presents a FREE INDUSTRY MIXER with writers, actors, producers, directors and others in the film and television industry. It's an upbeat casual group helping each other succeed. Typically 50 to 100 people. You're encouraged to introduce yourself, say what sort of help you'd like and ask how you can help. If you're shy, let me know and I'll get you started by introducing you around. Great people, organic Mexican food (inexpensive) and $3 margaritas. Free street parking or park under Crate & Barrel for $3. Sharky's Mexican Grill, in the back room, 435 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills. Monday, August 10th, 6:30pm-9:30pm. FREE event. RSVP online:

www.screenplaylab.com

Shakespeare in the Park from June 26th to August 30th...

The Independent Shakespeare Company presents the Tempest and Henry V. Barnesdall Park, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA. Free.

www.independentshakepeare.com

Downtown Film Festival Los Angeles on August 12th-22nd...

Volunteer coordinator Grace Alpert seeking film festival volunteers. Named by L.A. Downtown News the Best Event in 2008. Dozens of film screenings and related activities over 11 days. Festival volunteers for theater ushering, event hospitality, event planning & production, street team marketing, and much more. Tell Grace your skills to match you to a specific area. Festival highlights: Sustainable L.A. green program on August 20, Music Film Series at the Grammy Museum, Digital.Art.LA art videos and installations, tribute to Paul Newman, Jackson 5 in Africa. Volunteers must attend orientation on Saturday, July 25, 1-2pm or Thursday, July 30, 6-7pm. At the Downtown Film Festival L.A. office, Engine Co. No. 28 Building, 2nd Floor, 644 S. Figueroa between 7th & Wishire, Los Angeles, CA. Adjacent to the MTA 7th/Metro Station.

www.dffla.com

Write On! Breaking Through Writers Block on Aug. 15th...

Writer Debra Eckerling offers strategies for brainstorming, project management,and staying on track when you really don't want to. Bring paper, pen, and your favorite excuses for procrastinating. Aug 15, 2009, 1:30-3:30pm. The Learning Garden, Venice High School, 13000 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. $25.

http://www.storylink.com/event/WriteOnWritersBlock
http://writeononline.com/

UCLA Writers Faire on August 30th...

Moe than 60 writers and screenwriters present 24 sessions. UCLA, Young Hall courtyard, 11am-3pm. Free. Parking in lot 2 costs $10.

http://uclaextensionedu/writersfaire

WESTDOC Documentary and Reality Conference Sept. 14-16th...

The WESTDOC CONFERENCE is a new conference dedicated to the Non-Fiction and Reality broadcast industry, an event designed by producers for producers. Three days of panels, seminars and a Pitchfest. Speakers include senior executives from TLC, Discovery, ABC, Animal Planet, National Geographic Network, E! Entertainment, History Channel, ITVS, MTV, Spike TV, Tru TV. Doubletree Suites Hotel, Santa Monica, CA. September 14th-16th, 2009. $650. Register now for $450 with code PL200. $200 discount code good for next two weeks.

www.TheWestdoc.com

Artivist Film Festival on October 8th to 11th...

The 6th Annual Artivist Film Festival. Artivist Awards to honor the winning films of the annual Artivist Film Festival and the work of outstanding advocate celebrities. Egyptian Theater, Hollywood.

http://artivists.org

Digital Music Forum West Oct. 7th to 8th...

Now in its 4th year, 300 decision-makers in the music industry gather in Los Angeles each year for the 2-day deal-makers forum to network, do deals, and share ideas about the business. Cutting-edge business topics, demos, and unrivaled access to some of the most progressive companies in Hollywood and Silicon Valley. Label execs from EMI, Sony BMG, Universal, and Warner. Digital music execs from eMusic, Napster, Rhapsody, MySpace, Live Nation, Ticketmaster, ARTISTdirect, Amazon.com, Nokia, Pandora, Yahoo!, YouTube, imeem, RealNetworks, and Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. Special $499. Call 800-950-7667 to request the Digital Media Wire Rate of $259.

http://www.digitalmusicforum.com/west/

AFM on Nov. 4th-11th...

The American Film Market hosts over 400 production companies, screens over 500 motion pictures, and previews 100 world premieres and thousands of new projects. In cooperation with AFI Fest Oct. 31st to Nov. 3rd. Network with 8,000 industry professionals. Seminars from 100+ industry leaders. Free seminars. Industry access $250-$795.

http://www.ifta-online.org

Emerging Producer Non-fiction TV Competition deadline Nov. 15th...

CableU is taking submissions for their non-fiction TV pitch session at NATPE 2010 in Las Vegas. Last year's winner sold his show to the History channel.

www.cableu.tv/emergingproducers

Love you guys!

Free Beverly Hills Mixer on August 10th

2009-08-01T18:23:00.000-07:00

This week is the Producers Guild party, Hollywod Pitchfest, ITVFest, Shakespeare in the park, and more. The next ScreenPlayLab mixer is August 10th. See below for details on these and many more Hollywood industry events.

I had a blast at TCA this week, the twice-yearly event where networks promote their upcoming shows to television critics. "Everyday citizens have changed the course of history," says Matt Damon. "What can you do?" Matt Damon was talking about The People Speak, his new series with the History channel about citizens who've made political change through protest.

MTV The Buried Life is reality TV about four college boys who set out to fulfill their list of big goals at a young age and to also help strangers achieve their dreams. Joan Rivers says, "Nouveau rich is so dumb they will tell you how they made it," for her TV Land series How'd You Get So Rich? Michael Eisner showed off his Nick at Nite series Glenn Martin DDS, a sort of Happy Days meets the Simpsons roadtrip in 3d claymation.

Lucy Lawless confirmed she gets naked in the 300-inspired Starz TV series Spartacus. Dave Tennant and Russell T Davies talked about leaving BBC Doctor Who at the top, to be taken up by showrunner Steven Moffat of Coupling.

I'm reading submissions for my comedy writers group. Like the creativity game where one person says the first sentence of a story and the next person makes up the next line, some ScreenPlayLab writers are writing sample pages 3 and 4 based on the first two pages of a script I wrote. Those who can match my style I want to include in a group where each person writes just a few pages on the same screenplay. Interesting way to crank out pilots fast. I'm also looking at writers for others. So far, I'm seeing more drama than comedy from my would-be comedy writers. Harder than it looks?

ScreenPlayLab Comedy Writers Group...

By invitation only. For comedy writers interested in being part of a collaborative writers group to write spec pilots. I write the step outline and the first scene. Each writer writes one scene. To be considered write a 2-page sample that continues from the first two pages of a pilot I wrote. In other words, you write pages 3 and 4 having only the first two pages of the script as your guide. Email me for a copy of the sample script if interested. In your email state whether you're local, what city you're based in. Free.

Zicree Supermentors on August 2nd...

Career tune-up for actors, writers, directors, producers. Sunday, August 2nd, 6:30pm–9:30pm, Paty's Restaurant, 10001 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake, CA. $30. Also, six-week teleconference class starts August 4. $599.

www.zicree.com

Shakespeare in the Park from June 26th to August 30th...

The Independent Shakespeare Company presents the Tempest and Henry V. Barnesdall Park, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA. Free.

www.independentshakepeare.com

ITVFest July 30th to August 6th...

The 4th annual Independent Television Festival presents innovative independent pilots and webseries screenings, and panels on Writing, Casting, Representation, Pitching, International Formats, Multi Platform Buzzwords, Development for TV, Web TV Success Stories, Development for the Web. Opening Night Gala on Thursday, July 30th, in the courtyard of The Sunset Strip, 8000 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA. Red carpet arrivals at 7pm. Mingling until 11pm. Bar sponsored by Stella Artois, Hypnotic, Pama, Icelandic and Monster. Hors d'oeuvres sponsored by Sansai Japanese Grill and Trader Joe's. Music by Athena Reich, Jessie Payo and The MakePeace Brothers. Must RSVP at itvfestgala.eventbrite.com by Tuesday, July 28th, 2009. $20. ITVFest which will be held at Laemmle's Sunset 5 from July 31-August 6th. Most events and screenings are $10.

itvfest.org

New York International Independent Film and Video Festival on July 30th-August 6th...

NYIIFVF presents every genre including, World Cinema, Science-Fiction, Horror, Action/Adventure, Animation, War, Psychological Thriller, Crime, Drama, Comedy, Family, Experimental, Dance Theatre, Romance, as well as a compelling slate of high-quality documentaries. The following 27 countries and territories will be represented: USA, France, Spain, India, Japan, Italy, Israel, Germany, Argentina, Bulgaria, Finland, Belgium, Sweden, UK, Netherlands, Denmark, New Zealand, Australia, Colombia, Ghana, Switzerland, Faroe Island, Montenegro, Belarus, Greece, Puerto Rico and Canada. Film market and networking party at the Cabana Club, 1439 Ivar Ave. at Sunset, on Thursday, July 30th from 6pm-10pm. Opening night will also include a special presentation for NYIIFVF award recipients. Festival screenings at the Regency Fairfax Cinema, 7907 Beverly Blvd at Fairfax, Los Angeles, CA, from July 31st-August 6th, 2009.

www.nyfilmvideo.com

13th Annual Hollywood Pitch Festival on Aug. 1st-2nd...

Presented by Fade In Magazine, 200+ producers, directors, agents and managers, executives and casting directors on one roof. Previous years' festivals script sales: Born To Shop to Fox, The Meddlers to Warner Bros., and If Only to ABC, which recently aired. Intercontinental Hotel. 310-441-5151. $425

http://www.hollywoodpitchfestival.com/

Organization of Black Screenwriters Animation Panel on Aug. 1st...

OBS presents inside knowledge on how to work in animation; the current climate of animation, the differences in 3D, television, and feature film, and how to bring your animated ideas to life. Farcor Studios The Proud Family EP Ralph Farquhar, DreamWorks Animation Kung Fu Panda Production Engineer Kwesi Davis, The Proud Family Writer David Wyatt, Boondocks Writer Jason Van Veen, VO Actor AfroSamurai Greg Eagles, Teapot Animator Daveed Kolodny-Nagy, Da Jammies Animator-Director Tyree Dillihay, and X-Men Animator-Director Jim Simon. Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Bldg, Main Conference Room, 1999 West Adams Blvd., Los Angeles. FREE Parking behind building on Hobart Avenue off Adams Blvd. Sat., August 1, 2009. $20 (cash only). RSVP 310.844.8755

www.obswriter.com

Producers Guild of America Annual Recruiting Party on Aug. 5th...

The Producers Guild invites prospective members for drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and networking with PGA Board Members. Prospective members have credits in film, TV, documentary, reality or web and newmedia, at all levels of the producing team. PGA Open to TV, Film, and New Media producing team including: Executive Producers, Producers, Co-Producers, Associate Producers, Production Managers, Supervisors, Coordinators, Segment, Field, Story and Show Producers, Post Producers, Supervisors and Coordinators, VFX Producers and Coordinators. Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at 7pm. Above Beverly Hills Rooftop Lounge, Thompson Beverly Hills Hotel, 9360 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA. RSVP to pgamixer@yahoo.com.

www.producersguild.org

USC Directors Party August 6th...

USC Summer Directing Intensive works-in-progress screening, party and panel of industry pros. USC School of Cinematic Arts 900 W. 34th St. Room SDA 112. Party in courtyard from 6:15. Screening/Industry panel 7-10pm. August 6, 2009.

http://cinema.usc.edu/about/events/

ScreenPlayLab Beverly Hills Mixer on August 10th...

ScreenPlayLab presents a FREE INDUSTRY MIXER with writers, actors, producers, directors and others in the film and television industry. It's an upbeat casual group helping each other succeed. Typically 50 to 100 people. You're encouraged to introduce yourself, say what sort of help you'd like and ask how you can help. If you're shy, let me know and I'll get you started by introducing you around. Great people, organic Mexican food (inexpensive) and $3 margaritas. Free street parking or park under Crate & Barrel for $3. Sharky's Mexican Grill, in the back room, 435 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills. Monday, August 10th, 6:30pm-9:30pm. FREE event. RSVP online:

www.screenplaylab.com

Downtown Film Festival Los Angeles on August 12th-22nd...

Volunteer coordinator Grace Alpert seeking film festival volunteers. Named by L.A. Downtown News the Best Event in 2008. Dozens of film screenings and related activities over 11 days. Festival volunteers for theater ushering, event hospitality, event planning & production, street team marketing, and much more. Tell Grace your skills to match you to a specific area. Festival highlights: Sustainable L.A. green program on August 20, Music Film Series at the Grammy Museum, Digital.Art.LA art videos and installations, tribute to Paul Newman, Jackson 5 in Africa. Volunteers must attend orientation on Saturday, July 25, 1-2pm or Thursday, July 30, 6-7pm. At the Downtown Film Festival L.A. office, Engine Co. No. 28 Building, 2nd Floor, 644 S. Figueroa between 7th & Wishire, Los Angeles, CA. Adjacent to the MTA 7th/Metro Station.

www.dffla.com

Write On! Breaking Through Writers Block on Aug. 15th...

Writer Debra Eckerling offers strategies for brainstorming, project management,and staying on track when you really don't want to. Bring paper, pen, and your favorite excuses for procrastinating. Aug 15, 2009, 1:30-3:30pm. The Learning Garden, Venice High School, 13000 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. $25.

http://www.storylink.com/event/WriteOnWritersBlock
http://writeononline.com/

UCLA Writers Faire on August 30th...

Moe than 60 writers and screenwriters present 24 sessions. UCLA, Young Hall courtyard, 11am-3pm. Free. Parking in lot 2 costs $10.

http://uclaextensionedu/writersfaire

WESTDOC Documentary and Reality Conference Sept. 14-16th...

The WESTDOC CONFERENCE is a new conference dedicated to the Non-Fiction and Reality broadcast industry, an event designed by producers for producers. Three days of panels, seminars and a Pitchfest. Speakers include senior executives from TLC, Discovery, ABC, Animal Planet, National Geographic Network, E! Entertainment, History Channel, ITVS, MTV, Spike TV, Tru TV. Doubletree Suites Hotel, Santa Monica, CA. September 14th-16th, 2009. $650. Register now for $450 with code PL200. $200 discount code good for next two weeks.

www.TheWestdoc.com

Artivist Film Festival on October 8th to 11th...

The 6th Annual Artivist Film Festival. Artivist Awards to honor the winning films of the annual Artivist Film Festival and the work of outstanding advocate celebrities. Egyptian Theater, Hollywood.

http://artivists.org

AFM on Nov. 4th-11th...

The American Film Market hosts over 400 production companies, screens over 500 motion pictures, and previews 100 world premieres and thousands of new projects. In cooperation with AFI Fest Oct. 31st to Nov. 3rd. Network with 8,000 industry professionals. Seminars from 100+ industry leaders. Free seminars. Industry access $250-$795.

http://www.ifta-online.org

Emerging Producer Non-fiction TV Competition deadline Nov. 15th...

CableU is taking submissions for their non-fiction TV pitch session at NATPE 2010 in Las Vegas. Last year's winner sold his show to the History channel.

www.cableu.tv/emergingproducers

Love you guys!

ITVFest Kicks of July 30th

2009-07-27T00:29:00.000-07:00

Coming this week is ITVFest, the TV festival. See below for details on that and many other Hollywood industry events.

What's New with Robin...

Earlier in the week I was an invited speaker at a conference in northern California. On my flight I happened to be seated next to the Yahoo director of advertising architectures. As I was eating pizza last night with my friend Erik, it struck me how much things have changed in video advertising. When Erik founded VideoBanner.com, one of the first Internet video advertising companies, most venture capitalists told him not to bother with it, that it was a market that would never amount to anything! Today we have Hulu, YouTube, MySpaceTV....

Most of the video projects I'm editing at MovieEditor.com these days are reality, such as handwriting analysis, restoration of an ancient fishing lagoon in Hawaii, and news segment interviews. I was also hired as DP on the handwriting project. If you meet anyone looking for a HDV DP or a Final Cut Pro editor, point them my way.

I'll be busy with the Television Critics Association (TCA) this week. Their event is for the networks and cablers to present their new shows for the season to journalists. If you're not a journalist, you can't get in.

http://tvcritics.org/

TVTracker TV and Film Premiere Alerts...

Get an email each week of upcoming television and film premieres. Free.

www.TVtracker.com

LA Sketch Comedy Writers YahooGroup...

David Roman Daniels hosts this list forum for writers into sketch comedy. This was a happening group a few years ago when it was meeting at the Writers Store. The list exists as a resource for comedy writers. Please post a question. Free.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lasketchcomedy/

Greenwriter Screenplays Website...

Greenwriter wants to change the way Hollywood and writers buy and sell screenplays. Let's save 90 million pages in 6 months. Every year, screenwriters in America print more than 180 million sheets of paper. In just six months, we want to cut that number in half. Free for screenwriters.

www.greenwriter.org

Get the NATPE Pilot Bible...

The NATPE PILOT BIBLE includes show title, U.S. network/syndicator, international distributor, producer/coproduction entity, list of executive producers, cast, show synopsis and pick-up status for every 2009-2010 U.S. prime time series pilot picked up for the coming season. Get your FREE copy here:

http://natpe.org/natpe/images/pdf/PB09_pilotBible.pdf

Silvana Vienne Singing at LIFE on July 27th...

Wilshire Singer Showcase presents "BEIRUT, HATIKVA: THE HOPE, A TIME FOR US" with host John Jones. Hear Silvana and other performers sing and play the keyboard at this lovely restaurant in the miracle mile. Silvana will be singing three songs and playing keyboard as KiTtYkAT. Monday, July 27, 8:30pm-11:30pm. LIFE on Wilshire, 6311 Wilshire Blvd., corner of Crescent Heights. No cover/minimum, please buy something.

Ultimate Laff-Down Comedy XVII FINALS on July 29th...

Host Zoltan, Special Guest Jackie Fabulous. Tim Babb, John Byford, Cate Gary, Erin Highberg, David Hukari, Adam Rank, Thai Rivera, Ron Swallow. Wednesday, July 29, 2009. Final round 8:30pm. Must be 18 years or older to attend. Flight Bistro & Social Lounge, 8082 Adams Ave., Huntington Beach, CA. 949-223-0298. $12.

http://www.laffdown.com/tixXVII.htm

IIFF Film Financing Townhall on July 29th...

With Oscar winner Ron Bass, Fox Searchlight CFO Jill Gwen, and other leading experts. The Los Angeles chapter of the Institute for International Film Financing (IIFF) continues its series of monthly gatherings at the junction of film and finance. Wednesday, July 29, 2009. 7pm-10pm. Los Angeles Film School, Sunset and Vine, Hollywood. $60.

http://iiff.info/PVNGH

ITVFest July 30th to August 6th...

The 4th annual Independent Television Festival presents innovative independent pilots and webseries screenings, and panels on Writing, Casting, Representation, Pitching, International Formats, Multi Platform Buzzwords, Development for TV, Web TV Success Stories, Development for the Web. Opening Night Gala on Thursday, July 30th, in the courtyard of The Sunset Strip, 8000 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA. Red carpet arrivals at 7pm. Mingling until 11pm. Bar sponsored by Stella Artois, Hypnotic, Pama, Icelandic and Monster. Hors d'oeuvres sponsored by Sansai Japanese Grill and Trader Joe's. Music by Athena Reich, Jessie Payo and The MakePeace Brothers. Must RSVP at itvfestgala.eventbrite.com by Tuesday, July 28th, 2009. $20. ITVFest which will be held at Laemmle's Sunset 5 from July 31-August 6th. Most events and screenings are $10.

itvfest.org

New York International Independent Film and Video Festival on July 30th-August 6th...

NYIIFVF presents every genre including, World Cinema, Science-Fiction, Horror, Action/Adventure, Animation, War, Psychological Thriller, Crime, Drama, Comedy, Family, Experimental, Dance Theatre, Romance, as well as a compelling slate of high-quality documentaries. The following 27 countries and territories will be represented: USA, France, Spain, India, Japan, Italy, Israel, Germany, Argentina, Bulgaria, Finland, Belgium, Sweden, UK, Netherlands, Denmark, New Zealand, Australia, Colombia, Ghana, Switzerland, Faroe Island, Montenegro, Belarus, Greece, Puerto Rico and Canada. Film market and networking party at the Cabana Club, 1439 Ivar Ave. at Sunset, on Thursday, July 30th from 6pm-10pm. Opening night will also include a special presentation for NYIIFVF award recipients. Festival screenings at the Regency Fairfax Cinema, 7907 Beverly Blvd at Fairfax, Los Angeles, CA, from July 31st-August 6th, 2009.

www.nyfilmvideo.com

13th Annual Hollywood Pitch Festival on Aug. 1st-2nd...

Presented by Fade In Magazine, 200+ producers, directors, agents and managers, executives and casting directors on one roof. Previous years' festivals script sales: Born To Shop to Fox, The Meddlers to Warner Bros., and If Only to ABC, which recently aired. Intercontinental Hotel. 310-441-5151. $425

http://www.hollywoodpitchfestival.com/

Organization of Black Screenwriters Animation Panel on Aug. 1st...

OBS presents inside knowledge on how to work in animation; the current climate of animation, the differences in 3D, television, and feature film, and how to bring your animated ideas to life. Farcor Studios The Proud Family EP Ralph Farquhar, DreamWorks Animation Kung Fu Panda Production Engineer Kwesi Davis, The Proud Family Writer David Wyatt, Boondocks Writer Jason Van Veen, VO Actor AfroSamurai Greg Eagles, Teapot Animator Daveed Kolodny-Nagy, Da Jammies Animator-Director Tyree Dillihay, and X-Men Animator-Director Jim Simon. Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Bldg, Main Conference Room, 1999 West Adams Blvd., Los Angeles. FREE Parking behind building on Hobart Avenue off Adams Blvd. Sat., August 1, 2009. $20 (cash only). RSVP 310.844.8755

www.obswriter.com

Producers Guild of America Annual Recruiting Party on Aug. 5th...

The Producers Guild invites prospective members for drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and networking with PGA Board Members. Prospective members have credits in film, TV, documentary, reality or web and newmedia, at all levels of the producing team. PGA Open to TV, Film, and New Media producing team including: Executive Producers, Producers, Co-Producers, Associate Producers, Production Managers, Supervisors, Coordinators, Segment, Field, Story and Show Producers, Post Producers, Supervisors and Coordinators, VFX Producers and Coordinators. Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at 7pm. Above Beverly Hills Rooftop Lounge, Thompson Beverly Hills Hotel, 9360 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA. RSVP to pgamixer@yahoo.com.

www.producersguild.org

USC Directors Party August 6th...

USC Summer Directing Intensive works-in-progress screening, party and panel of industry pros. USC School of Cinematic Arts 900 W. 34th St. Room SDA 112. Party in courtyard from 6:15. Screening/Industry panel 7-10pm. August 6, 2009.

http://cinema.usc.edu/about/events/

ScreenPlayLab Beverly Hills Mixer on August 10th...

ScreenPlayLab presents a FREE INDUSTRY MIXER with writers, actors, producers, directors and others in the film and television industry. It's an upbeat casual group helping each other succeed. Typically 50 to 100 people. You're encouraged to introduce yourself, say what sort of help you'd like and ask how you can help. If you're shy, let me know and I'll get you started by introducing you around. Great people, organic Mexican food (inexpensive) and $3 margaritas. Free street parking or park under Crate & Barrel for $3. Sharky's Mexican Grill, in the back room, 435 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills. Monday, August 10th, 6:30pm-9:30pm. FREE event. RSVP online:

www.screenplaylab.com

Downtown Film Festival Los Angeles on August 12th-22nd...

Volunteer coordinator Grace Alpert seeking film festival volunteers. Named by L.A. Downtown News the Best Event in 2008. Dozens of film screenings and related activities over 11 days. Festival volunteers for theater ushering, event hospitality, event planning & production, street team marketing, and much more. Tell Grace your skills to match you to a specific area. Festival highlights: Sustainable L.A. green program on August 20, Music Film Series at the Grammy Museum, Digital.Art.LA art videos and installations, tribute to Paul Newman, Jackson 5 in Africa. Volunteers must attend orientation on Saturday, July 25, 1-2pm or Thursday, July 30, 6-7pm. At the Downtown Film Festival L.A. office, Engine Co. No. 28 Building, 2nd Floor, 644 S. Figueroa between 7th & Wishire, Los Angeles, CA. Adjacent to the MTA 7th/Metro Station.

www.dffla.com

Write On! Breaking Through Writers Block on Aug. 15th...

Writer Debra Eckerling offers strategies for brainstorming, project management,and staying on track when you really don't want to. Bring paper, pen, and your favorite excuses for procrastinating. Aug 15, 2009, 1:30-3:30pm. The Learning Garden, Venice High School, 13000 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. $25.

http://www.storylink.com/event/WriteOnWritersBlock
http://writeononline.com/

WESTDOC Documentary and Reality Conference Sept. 14-16th...

The WESTDOC CONFERENCE is a new conference dedicated to the Non-Fiction and Reality broadcast industry, an event designed by producers for producers. Three days of panels, seminars and a Pitchfest. Speakers include senior executives from TLC, Discovery, ABC, Animal Planet, National Geographic Network, E! Entertainment, History Channel, ITVS, MTV, Spike TV, Tru TV. Doubletree Suites Hotel, Santa Monica, CA. September 14th-16th, 2009. $650. Register now for $450 with code PL200. $200 discount code good for next two weeks.

www.TheWestdoc.com

AFM on Nov. 4th-11th...

The American Film Market hosts over 400 production companies, screens over 500 motion pictures, and previews 100 world premieres and thousands of new projects. In cooperation with AFI Fest Oct. 31st to Nov. 3rd. Network with 8,000 industry professionals. Seminars from 100+ industry leaders. Free seminars. Industry access $250-$795.

http://www.ifta-online.org

Love you guys!

LAST CALL, Free TV Pilot Bible

2009-07-13T00:40:00.000-07:00

LAST CALL for our ScreenPlayLab mixer in Beverly Hills. If you're one of the people who had trouble with the sign-up form, please try again at www.screenplaylab.com. I replaced the server. Great event to network with other professionals moving ahead in the business.

Read the Latest Reality TV Market Tips...

I interviewed the president of the Discovery Channel and also the president of the Fox Reality Channel to ask them what the state of the reality television market is today. Download your copy of my article here:

http://www.screenplaylab.com/2009/reality.tv.latvfest.pdf

Get the NATPE Pilot Bible...

The NATPE PILOT BIBLE includes show title, U.S. network/syndicator, international distributor, producer/coproduction entity, list of executive producers, cast, show synopsis and pick-up status for every 2009-2010 U.S. prime time series pilot picked up for the coming season. Get your FREE copy here:

http://natpe.org/natpe/images/pdf/PB09_pilotBible.pdf

ScreenPlayLab Mixer on July 13th...

Join us for a FREE INDUSTRY MIXER at Sharky's Mexican restaurant in Beverly Hills on Monday, July 13th. ScreenPlayLab is known for its upbeat casual atmosphere. People really mingle at our mixers. If you're shy, let me know and I'll get you started by introducing you around. Meet writers, actors, producers, directors and others in the film and television industry.

Great people, organic Mexican food (inexpensive) and $3 margaritas. Free street parking or park under Crate & Barrel for $3. Sharky's Mexican Grill, in the back room, 435 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills. 6:30pm-9:30pm. FREE event.

RSVP at www.screenplaylab.com

* WGA Foundation Events from July 25th...

The WGA Foundation presents WRITING FOR TELEVISION all-day TV writing workshop on Saturday, July 25, 10am-6pm, $150. WRITERS ON GENRE SERIES (Comedy, Horror, Sci-fi, Action, Drama) on 5 Wednesdays, from July 1 thru 29. $80.

http://wgfoundation.org

PerformerTrack Actor Seminars from July 14th...

PerformerTrack prsents Talent On Target: Submission Secrets, Audition Tips, Booking Strategies, and how to grab the attention of Agents and Managers. JULY 14th, 2009, 11:45AM-2:00PM, 365 Main Incorporated located near LAX, 2260 East El Segundo Blvd., El Segundo, CA 90245. Turning Contacts Into Career-Building Connections on JULY 23rd, 2009, 10:45AM-12:15PM. FREE with RSVP:

http://www.performertrack.com

Love you guys!

Beverly Hills Mixer Monday July 13th

2009-07-11T20:33:00.000-07:00

Join us for a FREE INDUSTRY MIXER at Sharky's Mexican restaurant in Beverly Hills on Monday, July 13th.

RSVP at www.screenplaylab.com

ScreenPlayLab is known for its upbeat casual atmosphere. People really mingle at our mixers. If you're shy, let me know and I'll get you started by introducing you around. Meet writers, actors, producers, directors and others in the film and television industry.

Great people, organic Mexican food (inexpensive) and $3 margaritas. Free street parking or park under Crate & Barrel for $3. Sharky's Mexican Grill, in the back room, 435 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills. 6:30pm-9:30pm.

* WGA Foundation Television Workshop July 25th...

The WGA Foundation presents WRITING FOR TELEVISION all-day TV writing workshop on Saturday, July 25, 10am-6pm, $150. WRITERS ON GENRE SERIES (Comedy, Horror, Sci-fi, Action, Drama) on 5 Wednesdays, from July 1 thru 29. $80.

http://wgfoundation.org

Love you guys!

New VH-1 Show Seeking Female Guitarist

2009-06-20T09:56:00.000-07:00

Thank you to the 90 guests who came to our mixer/party on Monday to make it a special night. Gabrielle and I appreciate everyone who made her birthday and ScreenPlayLab's 4-year anniversary so much fun. We're grateful to know so many nice people. What a great town Hollywood is!

For the party I baked two birthday cakes from scratch, a yellow cake center with banana chocolate frosting. That was an adventure! I was so busy Monday that I didn't get started baking until two hours before the event. I had to put the icing in the freezer to cool it. I had to make up a new icing recipe because I didn't realize I didn't have all the ingredients. Gabrielle and I are working on a vegetarian cookbook together.

I have projects coming up that need people. Let me know if you'd like to be involved. See below. Our next Beverly Hills mixer is July 13th. See www.screenplaylab.com

* VH-1 Casting Female Guitarist...

VH-1 needs a female lead guitarist for their newest show. If that's you, come to Pi on Sunset, 8848 W Sunset Blvd on Friday the 26th of June between 2PM and 9PM to meet the executive producers. Find out if VH-1 can make you the next rock icon! For more info send contact info and picture/demo to <...>

* Robin's Faith Documentary Shooting...

I'm producing a documentary about the positive impact of faith and religion on people's lives. Seeking individuals with strong beliefs able to express themselves in an on camera interview. Describe the personal benefits of religion and tangible results of faith personally experienced. Email me if interested.

* Robin's Fire Bear Animation Short...

A friend of mine asked if she can animate a scene from my animation screenplay Fire Bear for her portfolio. Fire Bear is the story of a bear who becomes a fireman. In tone, it's somewhere between Disney's Jungle Book and DreamWork's Shrek. If anyone else would like to create Fire Bear animation, storyboard or concept art as something for their portfolio, let me know. Experience not required. Open to artists in any location.

* Jennifer's Review of In the Loop...

ScreenPlayLab member Jennifer Huber's review of indie film IN THE LOOP:

http://www.hollywoodtoday.net/2009/06/19/in-the-loop/

* Gabrielle's Feature Book Reviews...

Gabrielle Pantera is the book features editor for Hollywood Today and for British Weekly. Some of her latest book feature stories:

http://www.hollywoodtoday.net/2009/06/17/books-in-a-good-place/
http://www.hollywoodtoday.net/2009/06/16/books-sidetracked-a-kurt-wallander-mystery/
http://www.hollywoodtoday.net/2009/06/16/books-the-french-gardener/

* The Caucus Online 3-D Production Q&A through June 30th...

Q&A in the Caucus Forums. This is a special invitation for an exclusive online Q&A with panelists from the 3-D TV event last Friday.
If you were able to attend you saw some amazing demos of the latest camera, display and post-production technology and learned how to produce long-form programming in 3-D without giving your audience a headache! The best minds in 3-D will be available to answer your questions and discuss the state of the art in 3-D production: USC's Phil Lelyveld, 3ality Digital CEO Sanford R. Climan, Stereographer Ray Hannisian, Director Robert Duncan McNeill "Chuck" Comedy Series, 3ality Digital Head of Production Ted Kenney, Panasonic R&D VP Eisuke Tsuyuzaki. Post your question now; this discussion thread is open through June 30, 2009 only.

forums.caucus.org

* WGA Foundation Events from June 25th...

The WGA Foundation presents FRANCIS VEBER (La Cage Aux Folles, The Tall Blond Man with One Black Shoe) Thursday, June 25, 7:30-9:30pm, $19. WRITING FOR TELEVISION all-day TV writing workshop on Saturday, July 25, 10am-6pm, $150. WRITERS ON GENRE SERIES (Comedy, Horror, Sci-fi, Action, Drama) on 5 Wednesdays, from July 1 thru 29. $80.

http://wgfoundation.org

* Los Angeles Greek Film Festival Starting June 25th...

The third annual Los Angeles Greek Film Festival (June 25-28, 2009) showcases new films from Greek filmmakers worldwide. Our foremost goal is to promote Greek Cinema and cultural exchange while bridging the gap between Greek filmmakers and Hollywood. This year LAGFF offers a diverse program of films, a panel discussion and a tribute to a prominent Greek-American director. Orpheus Awards are given to the most outstanding new films in the dramatic, documentary and short film categories. $12.

http://lagreekfilmfestival.org/

* AIGA SPARK Mixer at The Chalet on June 25th...

The American Institute of Graphics Arts presents a mixer at The Chalet in Eagle Rock. Bar fare includes goodies like belgian fries, crostini and a gourmet cheese plate. And, a selection of European ales. Collect 5 business cards and have a cocktail on us. The SPARK series is a monthly social gathering for all L.A. area creatives and an opportunity to network and spark connections with others. June 25th, 7-10pm. The Chalet, 1630 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles. No registrations, just show up and mingle:

http://aigalosangeles.org/

* Pink Slip Recruiter Party on July 7th...

This is the last Pink Slip Party scheduled for The Crescent Beverly Hills Hotel. A mixer and job fair, recruiters, particularly from the entertainment industry, are invited to meet job seekers. $5 martiinis. 403 N. Crescent Dr. (next to Paradigm), Beverly Hills. 6pm-8pm. FREE event:

http://pinkslipmixers.com/calendar/event/2009/6/2/98448
www.crescentbh.com

* NBC Writers on the Verge Deadline June 30th...

NBC Writers on the Verge is a 10-week program focused on polishing writers and readying them for a staff writer position on a television series. We are looking for writers who are "almost there," but need that final bit of preparation with their writing and personal presentation skills. We particularly encourage writers of diverse backgrounds to apply. June 30, 2009 (3:00 PM PST deadline). FREE.

http://www.nbcunicareers.com/earlycareerprograms/writersontheverge.shtml

* ABC Disney Fellowship Deadline July 1st...

If selected by the ABC Disney Fellowship, you become a $50,000-a-year network staff writer overnight. Many fellowship winners become permanently staffed on shows or become network executives. You need to write a great television spec script of a currently airing drama or comedy (from any network) and send it in by the July 1 deadline. FREE.

http://abctalentdevelopment.com/

Join us on LinkedIn or Twitter...

www.linkedin.com/in/robinrowe
http://twitter.com/GPantera

Love you guys!

LAST CALL: Beverly Hills Mixer Tonight

2009-06-15T14:52:00.000-07:00

We have 129 RSVPs so far for tonight. If you're coming and haven't RSVPed already, please do so now.

www.screenplaylab.com

ScreenPlayLab is known for its upbeat casual atmosphere, that industry people really mingle at our mixers. If you're shy, let me know and I'll get you started by introducing you around. Meet writers, actors, producers, directors and others in the film and television industry.

When at ScreenPlayLab remember to bring your most enthusiastic upbeat professional self. Everyone prefers to work with those who behave like winners, who project confidence and are comfortable talking about recent successes. If your one of the people who find it hard to think of anything you've accomplished, talk to me tonight. I'm sure I can find something that's been overlooked. I try to connect people based on who they say they want to meet.

Join us at Sharky's Mexican restaurant in Beverly Hills on Monday, June 15th. There will be cake and the usual chips and dips. Also, organic Mexican food (inexpensive) and $3 margaritas. Free street parking or under Crate & Barrel for $3. Sharky's Mexican Grill, The Back Room, 435 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills. 6:30pm-9:30pm.

We have a lot to celebrate. ScreenPlayLab and co-founder Gabrielle Pantera are both celebrating birthdays. Don't miss it!

Love you guys!

FREE - Don't Miss June 15th Mixer

2009-06-12T20:10:00.000-07:00

We have a lot to celebrate this Monday at ScreenPlayLab's monthly mixer. ScreenPlayLab and co-founder Gabrielle Pantera are both celebrating birthdays. ScreenPlayLab is known for its upbeat casual atmosphere, that people really mingle at our mixers. Meet writers, actors, producers, directors and others in the film and television industry. We have 65 RSVPs so far for Monday.

Join us at Sharky's Mexican restaurant in Beverly Hills on Monday, June 15th. There will be cake and the usual chips and dips. Also, organic Mexican food (inexpensive) and $3 margaritas. Free street parking or under Crate & Barrel for $3. Sharky's Mexican Grill, The Back Room, 435 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills. 6:30pm-9:30pm. Free event with RSVP here:

www.screenplaylab.com

* Gabrielle's TV Job...

For those wondering why Gabrielle has been so busy lately. After two years working for Pierce Brosnan on films, Gabrielle is excited to have left MGM to join a major television production company. For someone like Gabrielle who loves fast-paced, TV is the place to be. Zodiak Entertainment produces over 5,000 hours of television programming a year:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zodiak_Entertainment

* Robin's Article in the Editors Guild Magazine

I write two or three articles a year for the Editors Guild Magazine. The current issue has my story about remote editing on the TV series Curious George, also online:

https://www.editorsguild.com/Magazine.cfm?ArticleID=720

* Zicree Supermentors Classes from June 15th...

Writer-Producer-Directors Marc and Elaine Zicree (STAR TREK NEXT GENERATION, DEEP SPACE NINE, BABYLON 5, SLIDERS, LIBERTY'S KIDS, SMURFS, HE MAN, SUPERFRIENDS, FRIDAY THE 13TH THE SERIES, LAZARUS MAN, THE TWILIGHT ZONE COMPANION) were nominated last year for the Hugo and Nebula awards and won the TV Guide Award for the STAR TREK episode they made with George Takei. Six-Week SuperMentors Intensive for actors, writers, directors and producers is limited to ten students. Get yourself and your material in shape, pitching effectively, targeting buyers, allies and mentors, building teams, getting the Industry and the world to pay attention to you big-time and long-term. Starts Monday, June 15, 2009, 7pm-10pm in West Hollywood and runs once a week for six weeks. $799. Elite Master Class with Bill Wallen and Marc & Elaine Zicree. Starts Tuesday, June 23, 2009, from 7-10 PM in West Hollywood. $1200. Six-Week Teleconference Class once a week for six weeks. Starts Wednesday, June 17, 2009. $799. 323-363-1259.

www.zicree.com

* DMALA Meeting on June 16th...

DMALA presents a monthly meeting for those in television graphics and digital media. Tuesday, June 16. Gallery Theatre at Barnsdall Art Park, 7-10pm. 4800 Hollywood Boulevard (between Vermont and Normandie), Hollywood, CA. FREE with RSVP:

http://dmala.org

* LAFCPUP Meeting on June 17th...

The L.A. Final Cut Pro Users Group presents Owen Walker from Adobe on RED/Adobe Premiere 4.1 workflow. Owen will show the new features in 4.1. Motion 3 Guru Andy Neil will be showing off Motion's graphical design capabilities and how to animate graphics with behaviors. DVD Guru Bruce Nazarian will make a special announcement on the world of Blu-ray. Plus Stump the Gurus, Show and Tells, and Raffle. 6pm. Gallery Theatre at Barnsdall Art Park, 7-10pm. 4800 Hollywood Boulevard (between Vermont and Normandie), Hollywood, CA. $5

www.lafcpug.org

* WGA Foundation Events from June 25th...

The WGA Foundation presents FRANCIS VEBER (La Cage Aux Folles, The Tall Blond Man with One Black Shoe) Thursday, June 25, 7:30-9:30pm, $19. WRITING FOR TELEVISION all-day TV writing workshop on Saturday, July 25, 10am-6pm, $150. WRITERS ON GENRE SERIES (Comedy, Horror, Sci-fi, Action, Drama) on 5 Wednesdays, from July 1 thru 29. $80.

http://wgfoundation.org

* Los Angeles Greek Film Festival Starting June 25th...

The third annual Los Angeles Greek Film Festival (June 25-28, 2009) showcases new films from Greek filmmakers worldwide. Our foremost goal is to promote Greek Cinema and cultural exchange while bridging the gap between Greek filmmakers and Hollywood. This year LAGFF offers a diverse program of films, a panel discussion and a tribute to a prominent Greek-American director. Orpheus Awards are given to the most outstanding new films in the dramatic, documentary and short film categories. $12.

http://lagreekfilmfestival.org/

* AIGA SPARK Mixer at The Chalet on June 25th...

The American Institute of Graphics Arts presents a mixer at The Chalet in Eagle Rock. Bar fare includes goodies like belgian fries, crostini and a gourmet cheese plate. And, a selection of European ales. Collect 5 business cards and have a cocktail on us. The SPARK series is a monthly social gathering for all L.A. area creatives and an opportunity to network and spark connections with others. June 25th, 7-10pm. The Chalet, 1630 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles. No registrations, just show up and mingle:

http://aigalosangeles.org/

* NBC Writers on the Verge Deadline June 30th...

NBC Writers on the Verge is a 10-week program focused on polishing writers and readying them for a staff writer position on a television series. We are looking for writers who are "almost there," but need that final bit of preparation with their writing and personal presentation skills. We particularly encourage writers of diverse backgrounds to apply. June 30, 2009 (3:00 PM PST deadline). FREE.

http://www.nbcunicareers.com/earlycareerprograms/writersontheverge.shtml

* ABC Disney Fellowship Deadline July 1st...

If selected by the ABC Disney Fellowship, you become a $50,000-a-year network staff writer overnight. Many fellowship winners become permanently staffed on shows or become network executives. You need to write a great television spec script of a currently airing drama or comedy (from any network) and send it in by the July 1 deadline. FREE.

http://abctalentdevelopment.com/

* Pink Slip Recruiter Party on July 7th...

This is the last Pink Slip Party scheduled for The Crescent Beverly Hills Hotel. A mixer and job fair, recruiters, particularly from the entertainment industry, are invited to meet job seekers. $5 martiinis. 403 N. Crescent Dr. (next to Paradigm), Beverly Hills. 6pm-8pm. FREE event:

http://pinkslipmixers.com/calendar/event/2009/6/2/98448
www.crescentbh.com

ScreenPlayLab Mission...

ScreenPlayLab is more than 3,700 producers, actors, writers, directors, agents and executives helping each other succeed in television and film. FREE membership. FREE membership. FREE events. FREE newsletter of upcoming Hollywood events with good news. To join send an email to info@ScreenPlayLab.com with the subject 'Subscribe'.

Love you guys!

Invitation to Gabrielle's Birthday Party June 15th

2009-06-02T15:28:00.000-07:00

Birthday party combined with ScreenPlayLab mixer in two weeks. Other announcements...

Pink Slip recruiters monthly mixer is tonight. ScreenPlayLab member Jeremy Mitchell's film released. Thank you to ABC Disney and Fine Arts Theatre. Robin's movie editing projects. USC WCA industry event discount code. California's Funniest Female Contest. Free photography workshop. ABC Disney Fellowship deadline. Culture Unplugged seeking freelance bloggers. Details below...

ScreenPlayLab Mixer and Birthday Party on June 15th...

ScreenPlayLab co-founder Gabrielle Pantera is having a birthday. It's ScreenPlayLab's birthday, too. We're now four years old. The party is at Sharky's in Beverly Hills on Monday, June 15th, from 6:30 to 9:30pm. There will be cake and the usual chips and dips. Also, organic Mexican food (inexpensive) and $3 margaritas. Free street parking or under Crate & Barrel for $3. Sharky's Mexican Grill, The Back Room, 435 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills. 6:30pm-9:30pm. Free event with RSVP here:

www.screenplaylab.com

Thank You ABC Disney and Fine Arts Theatre...

What a fantastic event! Over 300 people attended our third annual event on May 17th with the ABC Disney Fellowship. KABC-TV showed up to cover it. Frank Gonzalez presented an overview of opportunities at ABC Disney and then we took audience Q&A for over an hour. Thank you to all who came and participated. Special thanks to ABC Disney and ABC Disney Fellowship director Frank Gonzalez, ABC Disney Talent Development VP Tim McNeal, and to Ollie Ashtari-Larki. A big thank you to the Fine Arts Theatre and Michael Hall for making this event possible. If you know anyone who needs to present a screening, here's the link:

http://www.studioscreenings.com/

Jeremy Mitchell's KNOW THY ENEMY Released by Lionsgate and Blockbuster...

Shout out to actor-producer Jeremy Mitchell whose rapper musical drama has hit shelves at Blockbuster and everywhere in distribution with Lionsgate. You could have seen Jeremy at a recent ScreenPlayLab mixer. Jeremy is a actor who decided to produce his own films. Read the story of how he got his movie made and distributed:

http://www.hollywoodtoday.net/2009/05/30/know-thy-enemy-rapper-war/

Robin's Movie Editing...

I'm currently editing a performance video called NO LIMITS for the Kennedy Center. NO LIMITS was shot on the new Canon HF20 flash camera in MTS format and converted into 1080p59.94 to edit in Final Cut Pro. This solid-state $900 HD camera is smaller than a can of soda pop. Plugs into USB and shows up as a disk drive. Another project, THE ORACLE is a DVD I'm editing that reveals clues in the Bible to stop the apocalypse. BAD KITTY, the Funny or Die video I'm editing about an adorable yet vicious cat, is with the composer and will go to the sound editor next as soon as I get the tracks.

If you know anyone looking for a picture editor for their movie, episodic, video, or reel, send them my way. I have a crew of people I work with, so the same goes if anyone needs a composer, a sound editor, and so forth.

Pink Slip Recruiter Party on June 2nd...

The Crescent Beverly Hills Hotel presents a mixer and job fair the first Tuesday of every month. Recruiters, particularly from the entertainment industry, are invited to meet job seekers. It's a combined happy hour and job fair. Two month's ago this event had senior recruiters from almost every major studio. Last month fell on Cinco de Mayo and was much smaller. Which recruiters will be there tonight? I haven't had time to check. Show up tonight and find out. $5 martiinis. 403 N. Crescent Dr. (next to Paradigm), Beverly Hills. 6pm-8pm. FREE event:

http://pinkslipmixers.com/calendar/event/2009/6/2/98448
www.crescentbh.com

Free Digital Imaging Workshops Starting June 3rd...

Second in a series of free classes at Icon. Digital Image Workflow classes focus on the same topic for one month. If you have to miss a class one week, it will repeat the next week. Seating is limited to 15 people. June topic: Calibrating for Digital Capture. Shooting a test to determine your camera's true ISO rating, Color calibration using the DNG Profile Editor app, Setting up presets and processing defaults for ACR/Lightroom, Automating camera downloading, renaming and converting. Icon Photo Lab, 5450 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-933-1666. Wednesdays, 7-8:30pm. FREE.

www.eventbrite.com/event/343992892

California's Funniest Female Contest starting June 5th...

Bill Word is bringing back CFFC for it's seventh year. Starting June 5th through final round on August 15, 2009. At Ballroom is Back! Dance Studio, 2980 McClintock Way UNIT C, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. There's still time to enter...

http://www.funniestfemale.com

USC Women of Cinematic Arts (WCA) Industry Forum on June 6th...

WCA founder Phoebe Shackeroff is offering ScreenPlayLab members a discount on WCA's big event this Saturday, June 6th, at USC's new Cinematic Arts Complex. A full day of panels with networking on the changing entertainment landscape. Long list of industry VIP speakers includes American Idol showrunner David Goffin, Mad Men Associate Producer Marcy Patterson, JibJab Head Writer Andy Ochiltree, Cold Case writer-producer Alicia Kirk, Pushing Daisies Writer Dara Creasey, and more. Continental breakfast, lunch, reception and prizes courtesy of Mole Richardson, Final Draft, and Kodak. $50. SPECIAL DISCOUNT: $40 with code "SPL WCA2009" if purchased by Wednesday.

www.uscwca.org/home/Industry_Forum_2009.html

ABC Disney Fellowship Deadline July 1st...

If selected by the ABC Disney Fellowship, you become a $50,000-a-year network staff writer overnight. Many fellowship winners become permanently staffed on shows or become network executives. You need to write a great television spec script of a currently airing drama or comedy (from any network) and send it in by the July 1 deadline. FREE.

http://abctalentdevelopment.com/

Culture Unplugged Call for Blog Writers....

Culture Unplugged, a platform that raises consciousness of filmmakers and unites people through their spirit, is looking for writers who wish to blog and engage with global audience in a dialogue. Freelance. Compensation DOE. If you have experience as film/media critic, social scientist, cultural anthropologist, or editorial journalist, contact.

www.cultureunplugged.com/filmedia/truthSeekers.php

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ScreenPlayLab Mission...

ScreenPlayLab is more than 3,700 producers, actors, writers, directors, agents and executives helping each other succeed in television and film. FREE membership. FREE membership. FREE events. FREE newsletter of upcoming Hollywood events with good news. To join send an email to info@ScreenPlayLab.com with the subject 'Subscribe'.

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