More Don't-Miss Events!

Musical Improv class at ComedySportz starting April 30th...

Will I be the next Wayne Brady? I'm about to find out. I'm taking the musical improv class taught by ComedySportz artistic director James Thomas Bailey. Monday evenings from April 30th to May 21st. 7:30-10pm. The National Comedy Theatre, 733 Seward Street (NE of Melrose/Highland), Hollywood. $275. http://www.comedysportzla.com

Free Comic Book Day on May 5th...

Two thousand comic book stores will give away 2 MILLION comic books absolutely free! Includes comic books for all ages and tastes.
with up to 44 titles to choose from. Saturday, May 5. Free. To find your local comic book store participating go to http://www.freecomicbookday.com. To add the Free Comic Book Day MySpace page to your MySpace friends list go to http://www.myspace.com/freecomicbookday.

Manager-Producer Colin O'Reilly on May 6th...

ScreenplayLab presents Manager-Producer Colin O'Reilly [IMDB] of newly launched Menlo Park Productions. While at Smart Entertainment Colin co-produced the comedies Blades of Glory for DreamWorks and Tangled Up In Blue for ABC Family. ScreenplayLab's "fresh pages with actors" workshop will be the comedy action-adventure 'Book of Z' by Robin Rowe. Raleigh Studios, 5300 Melrose Avenue (by Paramount), Hollywood. Sunday, May 6th, 2007, 3pm to 6pm. Mingle starting at 2:30. Free with RSVP at www.ScreenplayLab.com.

Cartoon Overlord on May 6th...

My company Comic Strip Network is providing artwork and artists for this live stage comedy improv with cartoons. Imagine 'South Park' crossed with 'Mystery Science Theater 3000', and you have a good idea what the Cartoon Overlord show is like. Stellar cast of actor-comedians who've appeared on 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno', 'Curb your Enthusiasm', 'That '70s Show' and 'Scrubs'. At the beautiful 99-seat ACME Comedy Theatre in Hollywood. 135 N. La Brea Ave. Sundays, 8pm. Continuing through May 27th. Tickets $12. Or, $10 if you draw your own cartoon character. Info at www.comicstripnetwork.com. Box office 323-525-0202.

VFX Supervisors of the Movie '300' on May 8th...

L.A. SIGGRAPH presents '300' visual effects supervisor Chris Watts and other visual effects supervisors from the hit movie '300'. I've invited my friend Chris Watts and a distinguished panel of visual effects supervisors from many post-production houses that built sequences for '300'. They'll screen clips from the movie and explain how the visual effects and unique look of the film were created. Outdoor reception 6:30-7:30pm, presentation 7:30-9:30. Barnsdall Gallery Theatre, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Tuesday, May 8th, 2007. $15 at the door (or $35 to join L.A. SIGGRAPH for the year http://la.siggraph.org).

ScreenplayLab Party and Mixer on May 14th...

About 40 of us get together once a month to chat at a restaurant. Screenwriters, actors, and filmmakers. No program. Gabrielle Pantera and I will be there and able to answer questions about how we're getting our screenplay read at production companies with studio deals and by the managers of A-list stars. No telling who you might meet. At our last event I met a co-finance guy who says he wants to fund some films for me. Acapulco Mexican Restaurant, West Hollywood. Monday, May 14th, 2007, 6pm to 9pm. No cover. RSVP online at www.ScreenplayLab.com.

Warner Brothers President of Animation on June 3rd...

ScreenplayLab presents Warner Brothers President of Animation Sander Schwartz. Raleigh Studios in Hollywood. Sunday, June 3rd, 2007, 3pm to 6pm. Free with RSVP. Will start taking RSVPs in May. Check back in May at www.ScreenplayLab.com.

Manager-Producer Colin O'Reilly on May 6th

ScreenplayLab members asked, "Can you bring more managers as speakers?". We're not bringing you just any manager, it's manager-producer Colin O'Reilly fresh from 'Blades of Glory' with a brand new company. Hear about that and get your questions answered by a hot manager during an amazing 1-hour of Q&A. Did I mention this event is FREE?!! Don't miss it!

Manager-Producer Colin O'Reilly on May 6th...

ScreenplayLab presents Manager-Producer Colin O'Reilly [IMDB] of newly launched Menlo Park Productions. While at Smart Entertainment Colin co-produced the comedies Blades of Glory for DreamWorks and Tangled Up In Blue for ABC Family. ScreenplayLab's "fresh pages with actors" workshop will be the comedy action-adventure 'Book of Z' by Robin Rowe. Raleigh Studios, 5300 Melrose Avenue (by Paramount), Hollywood. Sunday, May 6th, 2007, 3pm to 6pm. Mingle starting at 2:30. Free with RSVP at www.ScreenplayLab.com.

Visual Effects Panel from '300' on May 8th

If you're interested in the hit movie '300' and want to understand its visual effects this is a must-see event! Chris Watts is a very entertaining speaker, and '300' is this year's huge surprise hit with $422M in worldwide box office. Every time I've heard Chris speak about '300' the event has been standing room only. This panel is the only time a group of the visual effects supervisors from the movie has presented together.

VFX Supervisors of the Movie '300' on May 8th...

A panel of visual effects supervisors from the hit movie '300'. I've invited my friend Chris Watts and a distinguished panel of visual effects supervisors from many post-production houses that built sequences for '300'. They'll screen clips from the movie and explain how the visual effects and unique look of the film were created.

'300' VFX Supervisors Panel:

* '300' Visual Effects Supervisor Chris Watts
* Pixel Magic Tyler Foell
* Screaming Death Monkey Jeremy Hunt
* Scanline Stephan Trojansky
* Hydraulx Chris Wells
* Buzz Images Derek Wentworth

Barnsdall is a big venue, but getting there early is recommended. There's no RSVP system for this event hosted through L.A. SIGGRAPH. Outdoor reception 6:30-7:30pm, presentation 7:30-9:30. Barnsdall Gallery Theatre, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Tuesday, May 8th, 2007. $15 at the door (or $35 to join L.A. SIGGRAPH for the year http://la.siggraph.org).

Exciting Events Coming Up

ScriptCopier Script Printing and Scanning...

Digital Printing of screenplays from Final Draft, Movie Magic, PDF or Script Ware at only 2 cents per page with free white covers and brads. Script submissions for only $10 per script including Priority Mail or FedEx Ground. Get your own private mailbox with a suite number on Wilshire Blvd. for $12 per month, includes email notification when mail or packages arrive for you. Visit www.ScriptCopier.com or email Maziar at 411@ScriptCopier.com.

Los Angeles Festival of Books on April 28-29th...

The Writers Guild Foundation will have a booth #507 at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. April 28th, 11am, Jason Reitman signing his screenplay, 'Thank You For Smoking'. 1pm, Phil Rosenthal, creator of 'Everybody Loves Raymond', signing his hot book, 'You're Lucky You're Funny'. Sunday, April 29th, 11am, Mel Shavelson, signing his new book, 'How to Succeed in Hollywood Without Really Trying, P. S. You Can't'.
1pm, Ian Gurvitz, signing his book, 'Hello, Lied the Agent'. UCLA campus. Free. www.wgfoundation.org

Cartoon Overlord on April 29th...

Live stage comedy improv with cartoons. Imagine 'South Park' crossed with 'Mystery Science Theater 3000', and you have a good idea what the Cartoon Overlord show is like. Stellar cast of actor-comedians who've appeared on 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno', 'Curb your Enthusiasm', 'That '70s Show' and 'Scrubs'. At the beautiful 99-seat ACME Comedy Theatre in Hollywood. 135 N. La Brea Ave. Sunday, April 29th, 8pm. Continuing through May 27th. Tickets $12. Or, $10 if you draw your own cartoon character. Info at www.comicstripnetwork.com. Box office 323-525-0202.

DGA President Michael Apted on May 4th...

British director Michael Apted is the speaker at Women in Film’s West Hollywood breakfast. He's directed such films and TV shows as Rome, Gorillas in the Mist, Coal Miner's Daughter, Gorky Park, and Class Action. Bel Age Hotel, San Vicente at Sunset, Friday, May 4th, 7:45am. $30. Mention www.infolist.com to get $5 off. RSVP required. WIF office at 310-657-5144.

Manager-Producer Colin O'Reilly on May 6th...

Manager-Producer Colin O'Reilly [IMDB] of newly launched Menlo Park Productions. While at Smart Entertainment Colin co-produced the comedies 'Blades of Glory' for DreamWorks and 'Tangled Up In Blue' for ABC Family. Raleigh Studios in Hollywood. Sunday, May 6th, 2007, 3pm to 6pm. Free with RSVP at www.ScreenplayLab.com.

ScreenplayLab Party and Mixer on May 14th...

About 40 of us get together once a month to chat at a restaurant. Screenwriters, actors, and filmmakers. No program. Gabrielle Pantera and I will be there and able to answer questions about how we're getting our screenplay read at production companies with studio deals and by the managers of A-list stars. No telling who you might meet. At our last event I met a co-finance guy who says he wants to fund some films for me. Acapulco Mexican Restaurant, West Hollywood. Monday, May 14th, 2007, 6pm to 9pm. No cover. RSVP online at www.ScreenplayLab.com.

WG Foundation Breaking into the Box on May 19th...

Panelists (subject to availability): Peter Casey (Cheers, Frasier), Joe Cohen (CAA agent), Damon Lindelof (Crossing Jordan, Lost), Brannon Braga (Star Trek, Threshold), Jan Oxenberg (Chicago Hope, Cold Case), Jay Kogen (Simpsons, Malcolm in the Middle), Chris Brancato (X-Files, Boomtown), Winnie Holzman (My So-Called Life, Once and Again), Robin Schiff (Party of Five, The Bad Girl's Guide), Bill Chais (Family Law, Shark) and Alexa Junge (Friends, The West Wing, Big Love) with many more to come. WGAw headquarters, 7000 West Third Street (at Fairfax) Los Angeles. Saturday, May 19, 2007, 8:30–8pm. $150. www.wgfoundation.org

Blockbuster Writers Ted Elliot and Terry Rossio on May 24th...

The Writers Guild Foundation presents Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio who wrote 'Shrek' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean'. Presentation and reception. Writers Guild Theater, 135 S. Doheny Dr., Beverly Hills. Thursday, May 24, 7:30pm. $20. www.wgfoundation.org

Romantic Comedy Writer Nancy Meyers on June 21st...

The Writers Guild Foundation presents romantic comedy writer Nancy Meyers who wrote 'Private Benjamin', 'Irreconcilable Differences', 'Baby Boom' (film and TV series), 'Father of the Bride' (and its sequel), 'The Parent Trap', 'Something’s Gotta Give' and 'The Holiday'. Writers Guild Theater, 135 S. Doheny Dr., Beverly Hills. Thursday, June 21, 7:30pm. $20. www.wgfoundation.org

Gary Shusett Presents Top Producers on June 25-26th...

I'm a speaker and moderator at some of Gary's events. The event last week was sold out. Speakers, subject to availability, from the companies of Jack Black, Neil Labute, Dreamworks, Marc Platt Productions, Sci Fi Channel, Shutt-Jones Films, Thom Mount Productions, Gary Ross Company, Tom Shadyac, Robert Zemeckis, Focus Features, Nina Jacobs Productions (former Pres of Disney), Barry Mandel Productions, and more. Universal Studios. 10-6pm. June 25-26th. Discounted rate of $139 before May 5, 2007. www.sherwoodoakscollege.com

Gary Shusett Presents Studio Executives on July 18-20th...

Meet numerous heads of production and studio companies. The list of executives will include vice-presidents, presidents, CEOs, and major executives. Speakers, subject to availability, include Saturn Films, Arthur Sarkissian, George Litto, Martin Guigui, Deborah Del Prete, Henry Jaglom, Stone Village Entertainment, Gary Goldstein, Peter Rice, Jim Gianopoulos, Robert Harper, Anne Kopelson, Davis Entertainment, Scott Kroopf, David Madden, Radar Entertainment, Jerry Weintraub Productions, Hunt Lowry, Lionel Wigram, and more. Discounted rate $295 before April 30, 2007. www.sherwoodoakscollege.com

Last Week's Presentation with Luke Ryan

Last week's ScreenplayLab presentation with writer-producer Luke Ryan was fantastic!

Luke shared his experiences of becoming a reader at New Line under an assumed name, getting fired for recommending a script his boss didn't like, working as a clerk at Blockbuster, returning to New Line under his real name, becoming the personal reader to the heads of the studio, using that access to read the notes on his own script in the system, firing his manager, selling his script to New Line in a bidding war, being promoted to executive, and leaving New Line to work with Scott Aversano. Six weeks later Scott became president of MTV Films, and Luke became a development exec and VP. Luke described the four types of films that MTV Films is interested in and kept us laughing with his hilarious personal stories.

I always learn something unexpected from our speakers. For instance, Luke Ryan hails from the tiny Midwestern town of Mattoon, Illinois, thirty miles from the organic farm where I grew up. What's the chance of that? Having strong connections to make the system work for you instead of against you is the key to Hollywood.

This week's speaker is 'Just Shoot Me' writer-producer Marsh McCall. Here's your chance to ask questions of a successful TV writer-producer and hear the personal story of his rise. Besides having great speakers like Marsh as a free event, ScreenplayLab is special because our presentation format is mostly audience Q&A. Ask what you need to know.

Animation Events This Week

Comic Book and Graphic Novel Writers Group on April 24th...

Writers and graphic artists welcome. With Emmy-winning author MICHAEL REEVES who's written for STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION, TWILIGHT ZONE, SLIDERS, THE FLASH, FATHER DOWLING MYSTERIES. Writer/story editor on BATMAN THE ANIMATED SERIES, GARGOYLES for Disney, and a New York Times bestselling author with over two dozen titles sold. He's written Comic Books for both the SUPRMAN ADVENTURES and THE BATMAN ADVENTURES for D.C. Comics and IRREGULARS for Dark Horse. He co-wrote and co-produced with Marc Scott Zicree WORLD ENOUGH AND TIME, a webisode of STAR TREK: NEW VOYAGES. Contact James Shea . PATY’S ON RIVERSIDE, 10001 Riverside Dr. (4 blocks West of Pass Ave.), Toluca Lake. Tuesday, April 24, 2007 at 7pm. No cover charge.

WGA Animation Writers Caucus Schmooze on April 25th...

The Animation Writer’s Caucus Animation Schmooze with guest Gregory
Noveck, senior vice president, Creative Affairs, DC Comics. He works closely with Time Warner’s filmed entertainment subsidiaries, including Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Independent Pictures, Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Animation, and New Line Cinema on DC Comics-based projects. For WGA members and guests in the animation industry. Contact Laura Watson 323-782-4894. Wednesday, April 25th at 7pm. Hamburger Hamlet, 9201 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. No cover charge.

Cartoon Overlord on April 29th...

Live stage comedy improv with cartoons. Imagine 'South Park' crossed with 'Mystery Science Theater 3000', and you have a good idea what the Cartoon Overlord show is like. Stellar cast of actor-comedians who've appeared on 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno', 'Curb your Enthusiasm', 'That '70s Show' and 'Scrubs'. At the beautiful 99-seat ACME Comedy Theatre in Hollywood. 135 N. La Brea Ave. Sunday, April 29th, 8pm. Continuing through May 27th. Tickets $12. Or, $10 if you draw your own cartoon character. Info at www.comicstripnetwork.com. Box office 323-525-0202.

MTV Films VP Luke Ryan on Sunday

Hi. MTV Films development exec Luke Ryan is our speaker this week.

Luke Ryan is a writer-producer who in addition to being an exec at Paramount has his own screenplay in development at New Line. This Sunday is a great opportunity for you to ask questions about how to get ahead with MTV Films, Nickelodeon, Paramount, New Line, writing and producing. You don't want to miss this one!

Our workshop reading will be the first act of the chop-socky action-adventure feature screenplay 'The Book of Z'.

FREE with RSVP at www.ScreenplayLab.com
Sunday, April 22nd, 2007, 3pm to 6pm
Mingle starting at 2:30

Raleigh Studios
Enter at Van Ness Gate
5300 Melrose Avenue (across from Paramount)
Hollywood, California
Free parking available on the street
Parking on the lot, if available, costs $5

Fresh Pages Workshop Reading with Actors (3-4pm)

ScreenplayLab workshops fresh pages from a new comedy or upbeat drama with actors in front of a live audience with moderated feedback. This week: The Book of Z by Robin Rowe. In this chop-socky action-adventure feature, a student joins a Korean family defending an ancient relic from power-mad ninjas.

Featured Speaker with Q&A (4:15-5:45)

MTV Films VP Luke Ryan [IMDB] will describe development at MTV Films and Nickelodeon. MTV Films is a division of Paramount Pictures. His producing credits include the cult comedy hit Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle and the forthcoming New Line Cinema release Martian Child, starring John Cusack. Luke began his career in Hollywood as a screenwriter. His script Humbuggin’ is currently in development at New Line. He teaches Understanding Genre” and “Introduction to Producing” at UCLA Extension.

ScreenplayLab is more than 1,400 screenwriters, actors, and filmmakers helping each other advance their careers at studios and networks.

ScreenplayLab Pitch Clinic and Ent Lawyer on Sunday

People are asking, when is our next pitch clinic? It's this Sunday! Don't miss it! RSVP online at www.ScreenplayLab.com to get on our gate list. Free!

Not only story pitches, we'll be practicing personal pitches where the writer, actor or filmmaker is the product. Most people lack confidence pitching but in Hollywood we all have to do it. Here's your chance to practice and get tips.

After the workshop, our featured speaker is entertainment attorney William Vu.

Sunday, April 15th, 2007, 3pm to 6pm
Mingle starting at 2:30
Free with RSVP!

3-4pm: Pitch Clinic - Workshop with Robin Rowe

Bring in your pitch to practice in front of a live audience. You can pitch a story idea or yourself as a writer, actor, or filmmaker. With help from the audience, Robin will give suggestions how to build on the best part of your pitch. Due to time constraints, not everyone gets to pitch. Robin Rowe is a screenwriter with experience pitching to studios and networks.

4:15-5:45pm: Featured Speaker with Q&A - William Vu

Entertainment attorney William Vu was the director of Business and Legal Affairs at the G4/TechTV television network for four years. He conducted M&A due diligence for Comcast's acquisition of TechTV and Universal's acquisition of PolyGram.

Raleigh Studios
Enter at Van Ness Gate
5300 Melrose Avenue (across from Paramount)
Hollywood, California
Free parking available on the street
Parking on the lot, if available, costs $5
Smoking is not permitted at any ScreenplayLab event

ScreenplayLab is more than 1,400 screenwriters, actors, and filmmakers helping each other advance their careers at studios and networks. More than two dozen actors and writers have signed agent representation as a result.

Cheers,

Robin
--
ScreenplayLab
Beverly Hills, California
www.ScreenplayLab.com

Last call and many upcoming events

Mexican party and mixer on April 9th...

Last call for tonight's party. Gabrielle Pantera and I will be there and able to answer questions about how we're getting our screenplay read at production companies with studio deals and by the managers of A-list stars. At Acapulco Mexican Restaurant, Cabo backroom, 385 N La Cienega Blvd (north of Beverly Center), West Hollywood. April 9th, 2007, 6pm to 9pm. No cover. RSVP online at www.ScreenplayLab.com.

Entertainment attorney William Vu on April 15th...

Featured Speaker with Q&A: Entertainment attorney William Vu, former director of Business and Legal Affairs G4/TechTV television network, to discuss entertainment law. At Raleigh Studios in Hollywood next to Paramount. Sunday, April 15th, 2007, 3pm to 6pm. Free with RSVP at www.ScreenplayLab.com.

MTV Films VP Luke Ryan on April 22nd...

Featured Speaker with Q&A: MTV Films VP Luke Ryan [IMDB] will describe development at MTV Films and Nickelodeon. His producing credits include the cult comedy hit 'Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle'. At Raleigh Studios in Hollywood next to Paramount. Sunday, April 22nd, 2007, 3pm to 6pm. Free with RSVP at www.ScreenplayLab.com.

'Just Shoot Me' writer Marsh McCall on April 29th...

Featured Speaker with Q&A: 'Just Shoot Me' writer Marsh McCall [IMDB] to discuss screenwriting. At Raleigh Studios in Hollywood next to Paramount. Sunday, April 29th, 2007, 3pm to 6pm. Free with RSVP at www.ScreenplayLab.com.

ScreenplayLab Mexcan Party Monday night

It's a party! Mingle with working screenwriters, actors and filmmakers. Cheap margaritas and inexpensive Mexican food. No cover charge. Join myself and Gabrielle Pantera for a fun get-together this Monday night in Hollywood.

We order drinks starting at 6pm, food at about 7pm. Guests are encouraged to mingle...so meet as many people as you can. We usually have about 35 people. No speaker or workshop, just relaxing.

Acapulco Mexican Restaurant
Cabo Backroom
385 N La Cienega Blvd (north of Beverly Center)
West Hollywood, CA 90048
Monday, April 9th, 2007, 6pm to 9pm

Get on the guest list! RSVP now at http://ScreenplayLab.com

VFX Presentation from 'The Guardian' on April 12th

Join VFX Producer Susan Zwerman and VFX Supervisor William Mesa as they share their experiences in filming the visual effects for the action/adventure feature film 'The Guardian'. Thursday, April 12th, 6pm mingle, 7-9pm presentation. Stage 15 next door to Gnomon, 1015 North Cahuenga, Hollywood, RSVP: reserve@gnomon3d.com (323) 466-6663. Free.

ACME Sketch Comedy Writers Lab Showcase on April 5th

ScreenplayLab's Gabrielle Pantera and works of other comedy writers in a sketch showcase. One night only! Acme Comedy Theater, 135 N. La Brea (near Beverly), Hollywood, www.acmecomedy.com, Thursday, April 5th at 8PM. $5.