I am happy to report that this opportunity for artists is attracting people new to their craft as well as seasoned veterans. Seems there's a lot of questions being asked of me on the subject of screenwriting and writing in general as well as acting and filmmaking. Now you may contribute as well! Please feel free to respond to any of the questions posted in Potpourri. If you have an encouraging and credible contribution, I would love to post it!

Please never take one person's response as gospel. I suggest you ask the same question of two or three different writers or teachers and read two or three different books on the subject. In other words, read, read, read!

Monday, March 28, 2005

Competition Homepage - Official Rules - FAQ - Filmmaker Toolkit - Dear Filmmaker:
Amazon.com, the Tribeca Film Festival, and American Express(r) are pleased to announce we are now accepting entries for the Amazon Theater/Tribeca Film Festival Short Film Competition--Founding Partner, American Express. We invite you to take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity to premiere your short film to an audience of millions--and compete for the grand prize of a prepaid American Express card in the amount of $50,000, to be used toward your next film project. Through April 13, we're accepting digital submissions of never-before-screened films that are no longer than 7 minutes and are appropriate for a general audience. The full list of rules and instructions has been posted at www.amazon.com/shortfilms. We look forward to receiving your submission. Good luck!
Sincerely,
Amazon.com

Monday, November 29, 2004

THE 4TH TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL, April 21 to May 1, 2005
We are currently accepting submissions for feature and short films of all genres. Short Film Deadline: December 10, 2004. Feature Film Deadline: December 17, 2004. For more information:http://www.tribecafilmfestival.org. TRIBECA ALL ACCESS CONNECTS. The Tribeca Film Institute is also accepting submissions for TAA Connects, running April 25-28, which seeks screenplays and documentary proposals from U.S.-based directors and screenwriters of color. Early deadline: December 10, 2004. Final deadline: February 4, 2005. Submission guidelines: http://www.tribecafilminstitute.org.

Thursday, September 16, 2004

Hey, do you think I'll get anything out of a Learning Annex Acting for Beginners class, or should I gird my loins and go to UCLA Extension? - Tracy
I can't tell you. Acting coaches are like therapists, you're going to click with one and not the other. I tell everyone and anyone to just go with you gut and STAY IN YOUR BUDGET. And as soon as you don't like 'em or aren't learning anything - MOVE ON. I have terrible luck at the learning annex. But went to see Henry Winkler the other day and LOVED it. Class wise, I'm always disappointed cuz they seem to tell you little and then hawk their classes outside the learning annex. I swore off of them and got roped into H. Winkler - well worth it, but he was just positive speaking you know?

I have no idea about UCLA and without knowing your budget I'd pick up a copy of Back Stage West and call some teachers in there unless you know for sure you want to to LA or UCLA. Prices range from $25/class to $500 a month and EVERYTHING in between. I have found that most DECENT teachers charge at least $150/month or $50/class.

I have several requirements - can I audit for free or not (not a deal breaker) and what are the requirements for missing if I have a gig? I will NOT work with someone who gives no slack even if you book something with proper warning cuz you're in class to book work, why are you going to penalize me when I get a gig. My 2 cents.

Thursday, September 9, 2004

A.Word.A.Day (AWAD)
We can never ever stop learning. As artists, how are we to mirror the world in which we live if we can't express ourselves? We all need a little help - The music and magic of words -- that's what A.Word.A.Day (AWAD) is about. We are a community of more than 550,000 linguaphiles in at least 200 countries. You too can subscribe at http://wordsmith.org/awad/subscribe.html. Come, explore the world of words, share it with other wordlovers, and delight in the joy of words.

Wednesday, August 25, 2004

DRAMAPALOOZA! is now just over a month away, and the Alliance of Los Angeles Playwrights is planning a tremendous day. There will be two great networking events, the Director-Dramatist Exchange and the Actor-Playwright Meet 'n' Greet, where playwrights will get to swap info and make connections with directors and actors, respectively. We'll have a pair of educational and entertaining symposia, So They Wanna Produce My Play: Now What?, and Singular Sensation: Writing the One-Person Play. For the total fun factor, don't miss our first ever Monologue Slam, and the whole day concludes with the 6th annual ALAP Playreading Festival, featuring some of LA's best new ten-minute plays. For actors, this is their chance to bring their headshots and put them right into the hands of playwrights who need actors for future readings and productions. For directors, here's an opportunity to let playwrights know about the kind of scripts for which they're looking. And for playwrights, of course, the whole day is about them, advancing their craft and their careers. Saturday, September 18th from 11 AM to 6 PM at the Community Center at Plummer Park, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood. www.laplaywrights.org/dramapalooza2004.html. Email is: info@laplaywrights.org

Wednesday, August 11, 2004

PAFF EXTENDS FREE FILM SUBMISSION DEADLINE
[Tuesday, August 10, 2004] The Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF), America's largest and most prestigious Black film festival, is currently accepting submissions of independent features, shorts, narratives and documentary films made by or about people of African descent for their 2005 festival taking place in Los Angeles February 10-21, 2005. The deadline for submissions is October 31, 2004. The filmmaker need not be of African descent. The free submission period has been extended to September 1, 2004. Applicants who submit their works for consideration postmarked before September 2, 2004 will have the submission fee waived. Submissions made after September 1 are subject to a submission fee based upon submission postmark. Submission forms and information are available at www.paff.org. For more information, please call (323) 295-1706 or email info@paff.org.

Established in 1992, The Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the promotion of cultural and racial tolerance and understanding through the exhibition of film, art and creative expression. It is PAFF's goal to present and showcase the broad spectrum of Black creative works, particularly those that reinforce positive images and help to destroy negative stereotypes. We believe film and art can lead to better understanding and foster communication between peoples of diverse cultures, races, and lifestyles, while at the same time, serve as a vehicle to initiate dialogue on the important issues of our times. Each year, PAFF presents: Over One Hundred (100) quality films from the United States, Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, the South Pacific and Canada, all showcasing the diversity and complexity of people of African descent. One of America's largest fine art shows featuring prominent and emerging black artists and fine crafts people. Local, national and international poets, musicians and storytellers.
email: info@paff.org, phone: 323-295-1706, http://www.paff.org.

Friday, August 6, 2004

Teach Yourself For FREE - Actors, Writers, Filmmakers!
ACTORS Tired of performing and seeing the same old monologues and scene work? WRITERS Classes/Workshops just too expensive? FILMMAKERS Trying to strengthen your creativity?

One of my favorites sites http://books.mirror.org/gb.links.html . GREAT BOOKS. READ THE CLASSICS!!!! I love to read, it's one of my favorite pastimes. When reading classics, I have found GREAT monologues and scenes that are "original" for class, auditions, etc. I get to use my writing/editing skills as well because I often have to piece the monologue and/or scene together from several chapters. As a writer, reading classics is a terrific way to build your vocabulary while immersing yourself in perfect literary structure without a teacher breathing down your back. Just absorb, absorb, absorb. Filmmakers are told to watch every classic film that they can get their hands on, or watch the genre in which you aspire to direct or produce. Well, what do we hate? Movies and story lines wherein we say "I've seen that already!!!" Go to the classics to know what to do and what NOT to do. You can download most classics online!!! How great is that? I'm reading Balzac right now and every final paragraph of each chapter baits me to hurriedly turn the page. Where better to learn than with Masters? The link above lists numerous sites to download books - FREE. Or, just google "Classic Books" or "Classic Literature" and read on!

What is a Wordbook?

Wordbook is a unique vocabulary building program created by the Johnson O'Connor Research Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization that has been engaged in aptitude and vocabulary research since 1922. Note from Sandy: These books are only $5 each. I get no money from referrals. This suggestion is because I found this site helpful and intriguing and have ordered the books for myself.

Why use Wordbooks?
Wordbook is unique in two ways. First, words are arranged in a statistically determined order of difficulty. More than 15,000 public and private school students were tested to determine the exact level of the 1,440 words in the program. Second, the eighty-item pretest below will tell you which Wordbook is right for your level of word knowledge. As a result, you will be presented with words you are ready to learn, words that are at the borderline of your knowledge.

How are the Wordbooks arranged?
Wordbook is a series of eight workbooks, each 96 pages long. Each chapter begins with a Pretest consisting of fifteen multiple choice items covering the fifteen words in the chapter. You take the Pretest to discover which words you do not know. The Pretest is followed by a discussion of each word, giving its pronunciation and meaning and using it in several sentences. An important additional feature of the discussion is the frequent explanation of common misunderstandings of the word based on analyses of the statistical data used in calculating the word's level of difficulty. After the discussions, three exercises give you opportunities to test your understanding of the words in the chapter. There is a review test after every three chapters to check on how well you have retained what you have studied. An appendix of common prefixes and suffixes is included in each book. http://members.aol.com/jocrf19/wdbk.html#home

Friday, August 6, 2004

DOCUCLUB SEEKS SUBMISSIONS
DOCUCLUB Call For Entries. Do you have a documentary rough-cut and need constructive feedback? Submit to DocuClub's Fall In-the-Works programs in NYC. Visit http://www.docuclub.org for info.

Tuesday, August 3, 2004

Film Festivals - Call For Entries
8th Annual GEORGE LINDSEY UNA FILM FESTIVAL / ** ENTRY DEADLINE - OCTOBER 31, 2004 **. Accepting entries in professional, faculty and student categories for long/short narrative, short documentary, music video & animation. Fees range $20 - $5 per entry. Festival will be April 22-24, 2005 at the University of North Alabama, in Florence. During the event accepted entries will be screened and workshops will be conducted by industry professionals. Festival Office: (256) 765-4592 - lindseyfilmfest@una.edu.

Global Peace Film Festival. The second Global Peace Film Festival in Orlando, FL, from November 16-21, 2004 is seeking submissions. http://www.PeaceFilmFest.org. Deadline August 9, 2004. Seeking films on issues of global peace, peace activism, community mediation, environmental peace, media and its role in democracy, conflict resolution, interfaith efforts towards peace, providing safe environments for children and families. Apply online through Without a Box or download a paper submission form at http://www.PeaceFilmFest.org.

Sunday, July 4, 2004

Shoestring Radio
http://www.shoestring.org/srt_submit.htmlShoestring Radio Theatre is a nationally-syndicated radio drama program featuring original radio plays by contemporary writers as well as adaptations of traditional favorites-everything from classic murder mysteries, "radio noir," and historical dramas to contemporary comedies, thrillers, and science fiction. Submission Guidelines "Shoestring Radio Theatre" accepts submissions from writers. We are always looking for good, original radio plays of any genre. We have produced dozens of scripts submitted by writers from all over the world who originally found us on the web.

Sunday, July 4, 2004

Hollywood Cheat Sheet for Filmmakers
Producers, Production Coordinators, Department Heads, Film Professionals: The Hollywood Cheat Sheet is provided FREE to industry decision makers who are searching for discounts and incentives on production-related products and services. www.hollywoodcheatsheet.com Great discounts from vendors.

Saturday, May 15, 2004

Location! Location! Location!
Hi Sandra, I'm working on a indie short and I'm looking for locations. Everyone suggested I talk to you about my search. I'm looking for a location for a cafe/juice bar scene. I will probably need it for a day or two. The dates would be June 5-6 or June 12-13. Do you have any ideas about locations? Free would be great. I may be able to pay a small rental fee. Someone suggested that I try nightclubs because they're closed during the day and may be more flexible. If you have any suggestions, ideas or tips, they would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

No, I'm not a location scout, that's a specialty that I don't have but if you want free you have to learn the art of begging or finding all your friends and friends of friends, landlord, neighbors, who may or may not know a restaurant owner, etc. If you have artistic types on board, you can do this in a garage with the right set/flats/set dressing - especially if the garage is dry walled and possibly air conditioned (or not) cuz you can roll up the door and get all kinds of angles, put in a fake bar, fake shelves, bottles filled with colored liquid, etc.

Obviously you can shoot establishing shots guerrilla/drive-by style depending on where you're going to promote the short - some places may allow it for the credit in the short, but all I can tell ya' is get on the phone and start with the people you know.

Insurance may or may not be a problem. If you have it - mention it up front. If you don't it's your risk and theirs. A risk that I personally would not take in someone else's establishment. You could be ruined before you ever begin your career. Nightclubs are good but they're probably going to demand insurance (and money) - I wouldn't NOT try them though - you may get lucky. I don't allow digital/film shooting at my studio/theatre any longer. I would get on the phone, go through my local neighborhood or places that I frequent and start asking. I don't know if that helps, but if this is a small set like the Friends Coffee shop small - - you can really cheat in an apartment and/or garage or empty warehouse type setting with the right artistic student/set dresser, etc. Hope that helps but without know the entire situation (who you have on board) it's hard to tell what you could find. Be resourceful, and don't give up that's my best advice. Good luck!

Sunday, February 1, 2004

In Support of Local Theatre - that's affordable! :-)
15 Minutes of FEM 5: 32 All New Women perform their 32 All New One-Woman Shows - Each night, 1 performer moves on to our "Best Of" Night, and get this: YOU PICK THE WINNER EACH NIGHT. C'mon, everyone says you're so judgmental, PROVE THEM RIGHT... Mondays @ 8pm; Wednesdays @ 8pm; Beginning January 26th - February 18th at The Egyptian Arena Theatre, 1625 N. Las Palmas Ave. in Hollywood; Mention BCT and get 2-for-1 Tickets - that's just $5 each Reservations: 323-692-9601; For a full list of performers and more info: www.15minutesoffem.com

Sunday, September 14, 2003

Sorry No Potpourri Questions Lately!
I haven't been getting a lot of questions lately and I've been swamped getting the studio ready for the play. Our new program ON THE AIR is a great hit and I invite you to vote for an audience favorite. One question I did get however, was "how do I break in" to voice over that is - - - well, one idea that I recommend to all actors is to volunteer to work in an agent's office. This could be the single most valuable experience for a new actor or voiceover artist. Surround yourself with what you want to become. I worked in my agent's office in New York when I first relocated after college and I learned what works and what doesn't. I also learned to respect the hard work that agents do and I learned that they have to deal with a lot of rejection too! Yeah! You don't think of that do ya'? Well - you might not "break in" but you'll learn what it takes!

Monday, August 25, 2003

Movies of the Future
I read an article in Newsweek (August 25, 2003) title Look Who's in 'Town', a documentary about Thornton Wilder's play OUR TOWN being performed in Compton. What I want to bring to your attention is the web site http://www.filmmovement.com. Although there was a tremendous rise in popularity for documentaries this past year, as we all know, many of them still don't reach smaller venues, or smaller cities shall we say. Filmmovement.com is a new concept in distribution. You can get these popular documentaries (and others) on DVD immediately, while they are still playing in theatres. I know the feeling, because I grew up in a town of 4,000 people total and we were always late in getting EVERYTHING. I thought this would be of interest not only to filmmakers but writers and actors as well who work regularly with independent producers who might not know about this option. Great concept and not a moment too soon.

Thursday, August 14, 2003

I've been reading books on starting my own theatre and to be honest I'm more lost now than before I started. I know you started your own theatre company, could you enlighten me?
Whoa! This is a loaded question. Opening a theatre is not for the weak at heart. I went into it thinking it would be work, but not overwhelming. Well, believe me, it's both. Not to mention, extremely expensive. At first glance, my advice would be not to do it. Unless, of course, you're crazy like me. I think it's great that you're reading books. Keep reading, you can never learn too much. First decide if you want to be profit or non-profit. 99% of the theatres in LA are non-profit, but it's your choice because if you're going to go non-profit, that's a whole other set of books you'll want to read.

Secondly, are you going to go it alone or do this with a team? Eventually you'll have to have a team - are you going to be in charge? In addition to your reading efforts, I would speak with local theatre owners and managers, ask to take them to lunch and try to get their advice. They may be willing, they may be much too busy.

Start by finding a space to rent. Don't just run out and rent any old thing. Check parking and zoning. Remember, you must obtain a license to do business from the state. If you get that far, the next step is to actually build the space into the theatre you want. Be prepared to spend some money and be prepared for surprises. Trust me on this one, even when it looks like you didn't spend much, you most assuredly did. My rule of thumb would be - if you don't have at least $50,000 to burn, don't burn anything at all. Sorry, but you did ask you know. If you would like further book recommendations I will gladly send you some that I found informative.

Sunday, July 27, 2003

Sandy, I've decided that I want to write. I realize a career in writing is difficult. My family says I'm nuts and if I'm not making a living at it in say two years, I should get a real job. What do you think?
If you want to write, write. No time limits should be placed on any artistic endeavor. You'll get there when you have something to say. However, I am a firm believer that aspiring artists shouldn't be starving artists. Get a job if you don't already have one and do it well. That discipline will help you discipline your writing. The job will also quiet your family and will more than likely cause them to support your writing efforts. Oh, yeah, in the wee hours of the morning when you're writing, it's nice to be able to go get a bite to eat from the refrigerator - - need I say more?

Friday, July 25, 2003

How do I get published without getting ripped off?

I don't know. How do you? First of all why would you think you're going to get ripped off? Be specific. Have you been ripped off before? Or are you afraid and using that as an excuse? Educate yourself, knowledge is power so arm yourself. I don't think you need to go to law school but you can read up on different contracts available at the library or on this site. Make a list as to what you expect out of a book deal and be honest with yourself. List your "absolute wants," "must haves" and "will compromise" deal points - then find out if you're being unreasonable or if you are in the ball park. How, you ask? Seek out published writers and get some feedback. Maybe you don't know you're being ridiculous in your "must haves" or maybe you're giving up too much in some other areas.

Have you tried someone like Xlibris While I have not dealt with them in getting anything published, I know several people who are extremely happy with them. Their web site reads as follows: "At Xlibris, we give you everything you need to publish and sell your book. We work with you to finalize your manuscript with our Copyediting Service, create an attractive book with our Publishing Services, promote your published book with our Marketing Services and then print copies on-demand for your readers. Of course, you always keep all rights to your work." I'd say that's a good place to start.

I have a very good friend who spent two years diligently researching publishing and self publishing for a novel. The research was well spent. If you think you're going to get ripped off, you'll probably attract it. List your goals and go for what you want with positivity instead. Good luck!

Monday, July 14, 2003

How do I obtain the equivalent of an ISBN number? Is this separate from the UPC/bar code on the back of a book? I notice on Amazon.com that the CDs have "ASIN" numbers, not ISBN numbers. Do I need both? Or can I just use one or the other? I have done no research on this yet, you're my starting point, so please be kind if you could just point me in the right direction.

I will point you in the right direction. Your publisher will handle this. If you don't have a publisher, try these two links to get your started. (1) ISBN Australia; and (2) the State Library of Queensland. That should get your started! Good luck!

Thursday, July 10, 2003

Sandy, I'm shooting a digital video with rain, but the rain hardly shows on tape, what's up with that?

Dear What's Up: To shoot rain or fog, you must back light your shots. Without this critical lighting, water will not show.

Wednesday, July 9, 2003

I'm planning to write a one-hour teleplay. The problem is, I've never written one before. Can I write it like a normal screenplay?

The quick answer to that question is, no. The long answer is writing for any media can be fun but without some knowledge of the beat, it is mostly just painful. Clue number one is your screenplay is written in three acts. The one-hour teleplay or episode is written in four acts. I don't think it would hurt you to pick up a book on teleplays. Good luck!

Tuesday, June 24, 2003

I am an aspiring actress and the only parts I'm being offered are ones where I have to do partial nudity. So far, I haven't gone there but I want to work. Any suggestions?

It's hard being an actress these days when mainstream films and A-list actresses are baring it all. If nudity doesn't bother you that's one thing. But if you're like me, it does. I won't do it, so I've obviously turned down some work. Being an actress means you have to make choices that you can live with. I have a very good friend who, against her better judgment did partial nudity very early in her career when she was very, very young. She has regretted it ever since. Be honest with yourself and don't commit to more than you can handle. Remember, you are no less an actress when roles are hard to find than you are if you are working every day. I say once an actress, always an actress.

Wednesday, June 11, 2003

I want to produce a short on DV. What topics are better suited for festivals?

What topics are you interested in? Your shot at festivals is determined by a lot of variables, but first, you have to love your subject matter. That love affair is your first objective, go find it! To make a short on a topic you know nothing about and have n real feelings for is pretty much a waste of time. In other words, if you are going to make it to any festival, your work has to have passion.

Thursday, June 5, 2003

I'm new at this digital filmmaking and I have a question about F-stops. Do I need a light meter and what F-stop should I shoot at?

This question pops up so much that I can't believe it isn't required reading included with the purchase of every digital camera. Of course you need a light meter although some would argue that a digital camera is its own light meter. You always want to know how hot your set is. Your F-stop will be determined by your story - in other words - mood. Bright for upbeat and dark for drama. No one F-stop works for every shoot. Be creative and use every tool at your disposal.

Wednesday, June 4, 2003

I want to write plays and screenplays, but the abuse I get from people who read my work is killing me. What do I do when my readers poke fun of my work?

We've talked about this before, but rehashing on this subject is always warranted. Be careful who reads your work. People who really care about you will be honest and constructive. So don't allow those with an ax to grind, to grind you. I suggest you keep writing and know that everyone who has ever written anything knows your pain. You know the old saying - no pain, no gain.

Tuesday, June 3, 2003

With all the acting teachers in LA how do I know who to choose?

Audit, audit, audit. Most teachers allow audits - some do not. Go with your gut. Invest time into the effort and ask your friends and other actors at auditions where they are studying. Acting teachers are all quite different and yet very much the same. Find someone who makes you comfortable and teaches a philosophy you can agree with. I like to take a little from here and a little from there, mixed in with a little Dr. Freud. In other words, seek and ye shall find. In all seriousness, NEVER let a teacher belittle you or make you feel small. Get out before anyone messes with your confidence. I'm not talking about constructive criticism that you just don't want to hear - I'm talking about abuse - move on - there are plenty of teachers to choose from.

Monday, June 2, 2003

I want to make film but where do I start?

For all you wannabe filmmakers, producers and directors - - stop wishing for big dollars so you can play with the big boys and show up with 35mm equipment and grip trucks. Go grab an inexpensive digital camera and make two three or four or maybe a half-dozen video shorts with the experience under your belt and the product to show your talent, respect will come. I believe that respect beats showing off every time.