Pitch Clinic on Sunday the 4th

I'm leading a free ScreenPlayLab Pitch Clinic workshop at Raleigh Studios during our Sunday event on November 4th. If you want to practice pitching in front of a live audience EMAIL ME A LOGLINE. Preference given to upbeat commercial projects, but you can ask to pitch anything. I'll email you to let you know whether selected to pitch. We have an hour, enough time to work through four or five pitches.

We'll look for the strongest points in each pitch and bring those to the forefront. I'll describe the standard pitch formula and how to break the rules. To participate as audience just RSVP online as usual. As always, before discussing stories in any public venue you should take whatever protective steps you consider necessary such as copyright or WGA registration of your script. And after the Pitch Clinic, don't miss our speaker, Nickelodeon Writing Fellowship Director Karen Kirkand. Free with RSVP online at www.ScreenPlayLab.com.

Thank you to MBST producer Brent Emery...

ScreenPlayLab presented producer Brent Emery at our Oct. 28th event. When we announced this event Brent was an executive at Maverick Films, but changed jobs. MBST clients include Woody Allen, Robin Williams, and Billy Crystal. Brent gave a fantastic presentation. If you weren't there, you really missed it. Special thanks to Raleigh Studios. By the way, we had no workshop reading on Sunday. I led an audience discussion instead. BBC 9 was there and interviewed Brent afterwards.

ROMEO & JULIUS stage play world premiere Nov. 2nd...

ROMEO & JULIUS, a new play by Tess Smith, uses comedy to show people the folly of their own prejudices. "I morphed Shakespeare's classic tragedy into a modern day farce," says Smith, "because laughter is stronger than hate." Cast by ScreenPlayLab co-founder Gabrielle Pantera. Three week run at the historic Court Theatre, (by the Hollywood United Methodist Church), 6817 Franklin Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90069. Proceeds benefit BODY POSITIVE, an H.I.V. & AIDS Research and Resource Center. Half-price tickets to ScreenPlayLab members who give product code 008.

http://www.romeoandjulius.com/
http://www.plays411.com/newsite/show/play_info.asp?show_id=1204

CROSSROADS writer-producer on Nov. 3rd...

The Creative Actors Assocation presents Crossroads Production and Management writer-producer T. J. Mancini who did FIND ME GUILTY, about the trial of mobster Jack DiNorscio (distributed by Yari Film Group). Frankies New York Italian Restaurant, 7228 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, Saturday, November 3, 11:30AM. FREE (you buy lunch).

www.creativeactors.com

ERNEST BORGNINE in A GRANDPA FOR CHRISTMAS on Nov 3rd...

SSG presents ERNEST BORGNINE in A Grandpa For Christmas. Premiere presentation. Screening with Q&A. Complimentary concessions provided by the Hallmark Channel. Saturday, Nov 3rd, 2pm. Free with RSVP online at www.ScreenPlayLab.com.

Nickelodeon Writing Fellowship Director on Nov. 4th...

ScreenPlayLab presents Nickelodeon Writing Fellowship Director Karen Kirkand [IMDB]. 30-minute talk followed by an hour of audience Q&A. Also, Pitch Clinic with Robin Rowe. Open forum for practicing pitching your projects in front of a live audience. (Email me to apply to pitch in clinic.) Raleigh Studios, 5300 Melrose Ave., Hollywood. 3-6pm. Free with RSVP online at www.ScreenPlayLab.com.

Fox SVP of distribution on Nov. 7th...

ScreenPlayLab presents Twentieth Century Fox SVP of domestic distribution Chris Aronson. 30-minute talk followed by an hour of audience Q&A. Chris creates company distribution policy for the U.S. and Canadian sales divisions for movies such as THE SIMPSONS MOVIE. This is a must-see event for producers and filmmakers ready to learn the art of domestic distribution and how to work with major studio distribution. No workshop tonight. Featured speaker only. Los Angeles Theatre, 615 S. Broadway, Los Angeles (in downtown historic district), Wednesday, Nov. 7th, 2007, 8pm to 9:30pm. Networking at 7:30pm. FREE with RSVP online at wwww.ScreenPlayLab.com.

THE SAND PEBBLES screening on Nov. 9th...

AMIA presents THE SAND PEBBLES, a 4k restoration of the classic film starring Steve McQueen. Following the success of The Sound of Music, director Robert Wise chose to film Robert McKenna's prize-winning 1962 novel, The Sand Pebbles. Shot in Taiwan and Hong Kong, the film is about a Navy gunboat patrolling the Yangtze River on the eve of the Chinese revolution in 1926. Friday, November 9, 2007 at 8pm, Zanuck Theatre on the Fox lot, Los Angeles. FREE with RSVP:

www.amianet.org/events/sand_pebbles.htm

Photography by Robin Rowe...

Need headshots? I like to shoot outside at the beach in Santa Monica in the morning or late afternoon when the light is soft. $175.

http://movieeditor.com/photography/

What's ScreenPlayLab?

ScreenPlayLab is more than 2,000 screenwriters, actors, and filmmakers. Robin Rowe and Gabrielle Pantera, the founders of ScreenPlayLab, are writer-producers developing projects based on best-selling novels. For more than two years, we've been hosting weekly ScreenPlayLab events in Hollywood. We host workshops, industry mixers, and present talks with industry VIPs.

Three dozen actors and many writers have signed agent representation as a result of ScreenPlayLab. Variety reported that a screenplay read in ScreenPlayLab's actors workshop has been set up as a $20M feature. To enter a script to be considered for ScreenPlayLab's workshop series costs $39. There are no membership dues for ScreenPlayLab and events are free. To join send an email to info@ScreenPlayLab.com with the subject 'Subscribe'.

Love you guys!

LAST CALL Maverick Films exec Oct 28th

ScreenPlayLab presents producer and Maverick Films executive Brent Emery. On Sunday, Oct. 28th, 3-6pm. And during the same event, an actors reading with audience feedback of fresh pages from a new screenplay. Raleigh Studios, 5300 Melrose Ave., Hollywood. Free with RSVP online at www.ScreenPlayLab.com.

Nickelodeon Writing Fellowship Director on Nov. 4th...

ScreenPlayLab presents Nickelodeon Writing Fellowship Director Karen Kirkand [IMDB]. 30-minute talk followed by an hour of audience Q&A. Also, Pitch Clinic with Robin Rowe. Open forum for practicing pitching your projects in front of a live audience. (Email me to apply to pitch in clinic.) Raleigh Studios, 5300 Melrose Ave., Hollywood. 3-6pm. Free with RSVP online at www.ScreenPlayLab.com.

Fox SVP distribution on Nov. 7th...

ScreenPlayLab presents Twentieth Century Fox SVP of domestic distribution Chris Aronson. 30-minute talk followed by an hour of audience Q&A. Chris creates company distribution policy for the U.S. and Canadian sales divisions for movies such as THE SIMPSONS MOVIE. This is a must-see event for producers and filmmakers ready to learn the art of domestic distribution and how to work with major studio distribution. No workshop tonight. Featured speaker only. Los Angeles Theatre, 615 S. Broadway, Los Angeles (downtown historic district), Wednesday, Nov. 7th, 2007, 8pm to 9:30pm. Networking at 7:30pm. FREE with RSVP online at wwww.ScreenPlayLab.com.

Photography by Robin Rowe...

See my latest shots with actor David Hasselhoff, MTV LAGUNA BEACH star Kristin Cavallari, and ABC DANCING WITH THE STARS host Carrie Ann Inaba:

http://movieeditor.com/photography/

Need headshots? $175. Email me for details.

What's ScreenPlayLab?

ScreenPlayLab is more than 2,000 screenwriters, actors, and filmmakers. Robin Rowe and Gabrielle Pantera, the founders of ScreenPlayLab, are writer-producers developing projects based on best-selling novels. For more than two years, we've been hosting weekly ScreenPlayLab events in Hollywood. We host workshops, industry mixers, and present talks with industry VIPs.

Three dozen actors and many writers have signed agent representation as a result of ScreenPlayLab. Variety reported that a screenplay read in ScreenPlayLab's actors workshop has been set up as a $20M feature. To enter a script to be considered for ScreenPlayLab's workshop series costs $39. There are no membership dues for ScreenPlayLab and events are free. To join send an email to info@ScreenPlayLab.com with the subject 'Subscribe'.

Love you guys!

Thank you for the Los Angeles Theatre

ScreenPlayLab is made possible by the support of many theaters, and it's always a pleasure when I can announce a new theater has joined us. ScreenPlayLab thanks Michael and Ezatollah Delijani and the entire Delijani family for donating the use of the 2,100-seat Los Angeles Theatre. I also thank 'King of Downtown' Brady Westwater, the head of economic development of the Historic Downtown Los Angeles Business Improvement District. With its soaring six-story lobby and 2,100-seat art deco auditorium, the Los Angeles Theatre is located in the downtown Los Angeles Broadway theater distinct. The theater was built in 1931 by studio chief William Fox.

For our first event at this venue, ScreenPlayLab presents Twentieth Century Fox senior vice president of domestic distribution Chris Aronson. Chris will give a 30-minute talk followed by an hour of audience Q&A. He's responsible for U.S. and Canadian distribution policy for hit movies such as The Simpsons Movie. This is a must-see event for producers and filmmakers eager to learn the art of big box office domestic distribution. It's an opportunity to learn how to work with a major studio on distribution. Los Angeles Theatre, 615 S. Broadway, Los Angeles (downtown historic district), Wednesday, Nov. 7th, 2007, 8pm to 9:30pm. Networking at 7:30pm. FREE with RSVP online at wwww.ScreenPlayLab.com.

What's ScreenPlayLab?

ScreenPlayLab is more than 2,000 screenwriters, actors, and filmmakers. Robin Rowe and Gabrielle Pantera, the founders of ScreenPlayLab, are writer-producers developing projects based on best-selling novels. For more than two years, we've been hosting weekly ScreenPlayLab events in Hollywood. We host workshops, industry mixers, and present talks with industry VIPs.

Three dozen actors and many writers have signed agent representation as a result of ScreenPlayLab. Variety reported that a screenplay read in ScreenPlayLab's actors workshop has been set up as a $20M feature. To enter a script to be considered for ScreenPlayLab's workshop series costs $39. There are no membership dues for ScreenPlayLab and events are free. To join send an email to info@ScreenPlayLab.com with the subject 'Subscribe'.

Love you guys!

MAGMA comedy show on Thursday Oct 25th

MAGMA is a molten mix of film shorts, comedy, limericks, music and other sizzling surprises. Featuring Andrea Shreeman, Colin Stuart, Deborah DiMiceli, Ken-Ali, Mark Edward Lewis, Mary Torres, Pete George, and Shannah Laumeister. 7pm for the pre-show schmooze and gourmet Mexican finger food. 7:30pm show. Theatre Theater, 5041 Pico Boulevard, (west of La Brea, across from the Comedy Union). FREE with RSVP at:

http://shorl.com/jalepyprafrajy

What you missed last time...

Great get-together at the ScreenplayLab mixer on Oct. 22nd in Beverly Hills. I enjoyed chatting with actors, producers, writers, a manager, and a future agent working at William Morris. What a fun evening! Thank you for coming.

Thank you HITCH screenwriter Kevin Bisch...

Kevin Bisch was the guest speaker for my Trick or Treatment course this week. If you're not part of that you really missed it. Talked about his background as a journalist (hey, me too!) and how he got his first screenplay LAST FIRST KISS (and why it was renamed HITCH) to Overbrook as a star vehicle for Will Smith. Kevin is currently working on THE ARRANGEMENT, a romantic comedy about a florist, and GREAT WITH KIDS for Disney.

MAVERICK FILMS executive on Oct. 28th...

ScreenplayLab presents producer and Maverick Films executive Brent Emery. On Sunday, Oct. 28th, 3-6pm. And during the same event, an actors reading with audience feedback of fresh pages from a new screenplay. Raleigh Studios, 5300 Melrose Ave., Hollywood. Free with RSVP at www.ScreenPlayLab.com.

Sherwood Oaks classes October 29-31st...

Sherwood Oaks Experimental College presents film classes with producers, agents, and managers for $75 per day.

www.sherwoodoakscollege.com/upcoming_classes.htm

Nickelodeon Writing Fellowship Director on Nov. 4th...

ScreenPlayLab presents Nickelodeon Writing Fellowship Director Karen Kirkand [IMDB]. 30-minute talk followed by an hour of audience Q&A. Also, Pitch Clinic with Robin Rowe. Open forum for practicing pitching your projects in front of a live audience. (Email me to apply to pitch in clinic.) Raleigh Studios, 5300 Melrose Ave., Hollywood. 3-6pm. Free with RSVP at www.ScreenPlayLab.com.

Fox SVP distribution on Nov. 7th...

ScreenPlayLab presents Twentieth Century Fox SVP of domestic distribution Chris Aronson. 30-minute talk followed by an hour of audience Q&A. Chris creates company distribution policy for the U.S. and Canadian sales divisions for movies such as THE SIMPSONS MOVIE. This is a must-see event for producers and filmmakers ready to learn the art of domestic distribution and how to work with major studio distribution. No workshop tonight. Featured speaker only. Los Angeles Theatre, 615 S. Broadway, Los Angeles (downtown historic district), Wednesday, Nov. 7th, 2007, 8pm to 9:30pm. Networking at 7:30pm. FREE with RSVP at wwww.ScreenPlayLab.com.

Photos by Robin Rowe...

Need headshots? I've got a $100 special for ScreenplayLab members. See my latest shots with actor David Hasselhoff, MTV LAGUNA BEACH star Kristin Cavallari, and ABC DANCING WITH THE STARS host Carrie Ann Inaba:

http://movieeditor.com/photography/

What's ScreenPlayLab?

ScreenPlayLab is more than 2,000 screenwriters, actors, and filmmakers. Robin Rowe and Gabrielle Pantera, the founders of ScreenPlayLab, are writer-producers developing projects based on best-selling novels. For more than two years, we've been hosting weekly ScreenPlayLab events in Hollywood. We host workshops, industry mixers, and present talks with industry VIPs.

Three dozen actors and many writers have signed agent representation as a result of ScreenPlayLab. Variety reported that a screenplay read in ScreenPlayLab's actors workshop has been set up as a $20M feature. To enter a script to be considered for ScreenPlayLab's workshop series costs $39. There are no membership dues for ScreenPlayLab and events are free. To join send an email to info@ScreenPlayLab.com with the subject 'Subscribe'.

Love you guys!

LAST CALL for ScreenplayLab mixer Oct. 22nd

Fun get-together to meet with other filmmakers, actors and writers. If we stay home we might as well be back in Kansas, right? Find a co-writer, an agent, a producer, a mentor, a job, a new friend. It's all networking. Monday, Oct. 22nd, 6-9pm. In the backroom at Sharkey's Mexican Restaurant, 435 N. Beverly Dr. (South of Little Santa Monica), Beverly Hills. Park across the street in the city garage for $2 after 6pm. Free with RSVP at www.ScreenPlayLab.com.

Photos by Robin Rowe...

See my latest shots with actor David Hasselhoff, MTV LAGUNA BEACH star Kristin Cavallari, and ABC DANCING WITH THE STARS host Carrie Ann Inaba. If you need headshots, I've got a $100 special for ScreenplayLab members. Email me for details.

http://movieeditor.com/photography/

Screenwriting in Microsoft Word with MovieEditor...

Sometimes you don't want a big expensive screenwriting package like Final Draft because it's someone else's computer you're borrowing or maybe it's overkill. The MovieEditor plug-in makes Microsoft Word into scriptwriting software. No more banging on the Tab key in Word. To participate in beta testing, email me.

Thank you Phil Brock of Studio Talent Group...

Agent Phil Brock was a guest VIP speaker for my Trick or Treat-ment course. Phil is always informative and inspiring. Besides being an agent, he heads the Santa Monica chapter of Big Brothers and Sisters. Phil talked about how to get ahead in biz as a writer, how long you should expect it to take to sell your script if you're an unknown writer (at least a year), and revealed that he likes to read historicals as sample scripts. If you're not in my course this month you're really missing it.

What's ScreenPlayLab?

ScreenPlayLab is more than 2,000 screenwriters, actors, and filmmakers. Robin Rowe and Gabrielle Pantera, the founders of ScreenPlayLab, are writer-producers developing projects based on best-selling novels. For more than two years, we've been hosting weekly ScreenPlayLab events in Hollywood. We host workshops, industry mixers, and present talks with industry VIPs.

Three dozen actors and many writers have signed agent representation as a result of ScreenPlayLab. Variety reported that a screenplay read in ScreenPlayLab's actors workshop has been set up as a $20M feature. To enter a script to be considered for ScreenPlayLab's workshop series costs $39. There are no membership dues for ScreenPlayLab and events are free. To join send an email to info@ScreenPlayLab.com with the subject 'Subscribe'.

Love you guys!

Filmmakers, Actors, Writers, Let's Party! Oct. 22

Coming up, ScreenPlayLab's next industry mixer. Informal get-together to meet with other filmmakers, actors and writers. In Beverly Hills on Monday, Oct. 22nd, 6-9pm. Free with RSVP at www.ScreenPlayLab.com.

What You Missed...

Last Sunday at ScreenPlayLab, Paul Guay gave an informative and very funny talk about his experience as a comedy writer for LIAR LIAR and many other screenplays. If you weren't there, you really missed it! We also had a fun reading of the last fifteen pages of my martial arts screenplay BOOK OF Z. Got great notes from the actors, from our speaker Paul Guay and his wife Susan, and others in the audience.

Thank you to our casting director Gabrielle Pantera and our actors:

John Stancari - as Max
Vyvy Nguyen - as Nichi
Jim McCaffree - as Lot and Gasso
Mark Sheldon - as Tommy and Tekmo
Fay Gauthier - Narrator

Nick Writers Fellowship director Karen Kirkland on Nov. 4th...

I just opened RSVPs for Nickelodeon Writers Fellowship director Karen Kirkland, speaking on Nov. 4th. In the 42-seat theater at Raleigh Studios. Don't wait too long or it may be full. Free with RSVP at www.ScreenPlayLab.com.

Actor Headshots by Robin Rowe for $100...

Everyone knows I'm a journalist, but you might not know I'm a photographer, too. I'm shooting headshots for my actor friends. I shoot with Nikon, 35mm film, digital high res prints. If you know someone who needs headshots, they can email me for details.

Screenwriting in Microsoft Word with ROBIN.DOT...

As I hope you already know, Final Draft is 25% off for ScreenPlayLab members. (Contact me for details.) However, sometimes you don't want to install a big screenwriting package because it's someone else's computer you're borrowing. My new ROBIN.DOT plug-in makes Microsoft Word into scriptwriting software. I'm looking for writers who'd like to be a beta site for testing it. Email me.

ScreenPlayLab Puts Fresh Emphasis on Play...

Even after two years, people still get confused and call us the "screenwriters lab" or "screen lab". We're starting to capitalize the P in ScreenPlayLab so maybe people remember we're here to PLAY, that we're filmmakers, actors and writers having fun creating comedy and upbeat family content.

Robin and Gabrielle, What We're Doing...

We're reporting on FASHION WEEK LA for HOLLYWOOD TODAY this week. I'm writing about LA Femme Festival, where I met Rosanna Arquette on Sunday. Gabrielle is reviewing the book NEVER SURRENDER for BRITISH WEEKLY. I'm reviewing several movies. When you've got exciting news, please email to let me know.

What Percentage of Films Are Original This Month?

About half of movies in release this month are originals. The rest are adaptations, sequels, remakes, based on a play, or based on real life events. Out of 25 major and mini-major releases in Octoer 2007, 12 are original. If we count only the majors, it's 8 of 15. My analysis is based on data from http://the-numbers.com/movies/release.php.

REMAKE: The Heartbreak Kid - Paramount Pictures
BOOK: The Seeker: The Dark is Rising - 20th Century Fox
ORIGINAL: Feel the Noise - Sony Pictures
ORIGINAL: Michael Clayton - Warner Bros.
LIFE: My Kid Could Paint That - Sony Pictures Classics
ORIGINAL: The Good Night - Sony Pictures
BOOK: Control - Weinstein Co.
PLAY: Why Did I Get Married? - Lionsgate
ORIGINAL: We Own the Night - Columbia
SEQUEL: Elizabeth: The Golden Age - Universal
ORIGINAL: Across the Universe - Sony Pictures
ORIGINAL: Lars and the Real Girl - MGM
REMAKE: Sleuth - Sony Pictures Classics
ORIGINAL: O Jerusalem - Samuel Goldwyn Films
GRAPHIC NOVEL: 30 Days of Night - Sony Pictures
ORIGINAL: Rendition - New Line
ORIGINAL: The Comebacks - 20th Century Fox
BOOK: Gone, Baby, Gone - Paramount Pictures
ORIGINAL: Things We Lost in the Fire - Paramount Pictures
BOOK: Reservation Road - Focus Features
ORIGINAL: Dan in Real Life - Buena Vista
SEQUEL: Saw IV - Lionsgate
LIFE: Man from Plains - Sony Pictures Classics
LIFE: Music Within - MGM
ORIGINAL: Rails & Ties - Warner Independent Pictures

What's ScreenPlayLab?

ScreenPlayLab is more than 2,000 screenwriters, actors, and filmmakers. Robin Rowe and Gabrielle Pantera, the founders of ScreenPlayLab, are writer-producers developing projects based on best-selling novels. For more than two years, we've been hosting weekly ScreenPlayLab events in Hollywood. We host workshops, industry mixers, and present talks with industry VIPs.

Three dozen actors and many writers have signed agent representation as a result of ScreenPlayLab. Variety reported that a screenplay read in ScreenPlayLab's actors workshop has been set up as a $20M feature. To enter a script to be considered for ScreenPlayLab's workshop series costs $39. There are no membership dues for ScreenPlayLab and events are free. To join send an email to info@ScreenPlayLab.com with the subject 'Subscribe'.

Love you guys!

See you Sunday!

[If you RSVPed for Sunday's event you should have already gotten this note by email.]

Hi. See you Sunday for ScreenplayLab! Raleigh Studios, 5300 Melrose Ave., Hollywood. Enter at Van Ness Gate, across from Paramount. Free parking on the street (check signs) or $5 on the lot if available.

FYI, we have press coming from BBC 6 to do a story and to interview us before the event.

Arrive between 2:30 and 3pm so we can start on time. This event is not full. If you wish to bring a guest you can. If you can't make it, please email me a note so I won't print a badge for you.

Agenda:

2:30-3pm Sign in and mingle
3-4pm Workshop reading: BOOK OF Z
4:15-5:45 Featured speaker: Paul Guay

ScreenplayLab is an open forum. When you sign in you'll be asked to sign our standard "tell us no secrets" release. Here it is if you want to read it ahead of time:

http://screenplaylab.com/audience.release.html

Love you guys!

Screenwriter for LIAR LIAR on Oct. 14th

Hi. Don't miss hearing screenwriter Paul Guay who co-wrote LIAR LIAR. Find out what it's like to write for Jim Carrey. See us Sunday at ScreenplayLab at Raleigh Studios in the 42-seat theater. And at the same event, reading workshop by actors of the last pages of my martial arts comedy BOOK OF Z. Free with RSVP at www.ScreenplayLab.com.

I've been at screenings for LARS AND THE REAL GIRL, O JERUSALEM, and CONTROL. Watch for my movie reviews this week. Gabrielle is busy covering new books every week. Gabrielle and I are both covering Fashion Week LA. And, I'll be covering AFM and AFI Fest coming up in a couple weeks. Links to our articles at www.movieeditor.com

LIAR LIAR screenwriter on Oct. 14th...

ScreenplayLab presents writer Paul Guay who co-wrote LIAR LIAR. On Sunday, Oct. 14th, 3-6pm. And during the same event, an actors reading with audience feedback of fresh pages from the new martial arts comedy screenplay BOOK OF Z by Robin Rowe. Raleigh Studios, 5300 Melrose Ave., Hollywood. Free with RSVP at www.ScreenplayLab.com.

AFI FEST Needs Volunteers for Nov 1-11th...

AFI Fest is seeking enthusiastic, energetic, and devoted volunteers to assist with a during the festival. Bigger and bigger with opening night film Lions for Lambs, starring Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep, and Robert Redford. Volunteers needed in Santa Monica and at the Arclight in Hollywood. Go to www.afi.com/afifest and click Get Involved! When signing up note that you were referred by ScreenplayLab.

Actors, on-screen interviewers are needed for the red carpet. Filmmakers note that videographers and editors are needed. Also front desk, journalist, party help, translators, assistants, PR, marketing, technical, grip, ticketing, ushers, and shuttle drivers.

What's ScreenplayLab?

ScreenplayLab is more than 2,000 screenwriters, actors, and filmmakers. Robin Rowe and Gabrielle Pantera, the founders of ScreenplayLab, are writer-producers developing projects based on best-selling novels. For more than two years, we've been hosting weekly ScreenplayLab events in Hollywood. We host workshops, industry mixers, and present talks with industry VIPs.

Three dozen actors and many writers have signed agent representation as a result of ScreenplayLab. Variety reported that a screenplay read in ScreenplayLab's actors workshop has been set up as a $20M feature. To enter a script to be considered for ScreenplayLab's workshop series costs $39. There are no membership dues for ScreenplayLab and events are free. To join send an email to info@screenplaylab.com with the subject 'Subscribe'.

Love you guys!

[ScreenplayLab] LAST CALL Beverly Hills Mixer on Oct. 8th

Hi. Last call for the Screenplaylab mixer Monday night in Beverly Hills. Free with RSVP at www.ScreenplayLab.com.

I just put up the RSVP form for producer and Maverick Films executive Brent Emery speaking at ScreenplayLab on October 28th. Maverick Films, of course, is Madonna's production company. This event is in a 42-seat theater, so don't wait too long. Free with RSVP at www.ScreenplayLab.com.

More articles from Robin and Gabrielle...

Catch my movie reviews of ELIZABETH THE GOLDEN AGE, THE JANE AUSTEN BOOK CLUB, and more:

www.movieeditor.com

Catch Gabrielle's book reviews of ELIZABETH PIRATE QUEEN, BLACK SABBATH RAT SALAD, and more:

www.movieeditor.com/books.html

ScreenplayLab Beverly Hills Mixer Oct. 8th...

Our next Beverly Hills industry mixer is on Monday Oct. 8th from 6pm-9pm. ScreenplayLab is a fantastic group of upbeat writers, actors, filmmakers, and agents. Fifty came to our last mixer, which is typical. If we're not getting out meeting people in the biz we might as well be back in Kansas, right? Come see us in the secret backroom at Sharky's Mexican Restaurant, 435 N. Beverly Dr. (South of Little Santa Monica)
Beverly Hills. 6-9pm. Free with RSVP online at www.ScreenplayLab.com. Park for $2 in city garage across the street by Crate & Barrel after 6pm.

Small Screen Visual Effects on Oct. 9th...

Los Angeles SIGGRAPH presents Los Angeles production houses Blur, Entity, Stargate Digital, and Zoic. To discuss their pipelines for working within the budget and time constraints of episodic television and commercials to produce feature film quality visual effects. Tuesday, October 9th, 2007, 6:30-7:30pm Outdoor Reception, 7:30-9:30pm Presentation. Food Provided. Barnsdall Art Park, 4800 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood. $15.

http://la.siggraph.org

Discount to ScreenplayLab members for LA Femme Festival Oct. 11-14th...

LA Femme Festival with host Melissa Rivers and honoring Martha Coolidge, Rosanna Arquette, Lea Thompson, and Sara Risher. Film Festival, Seminars, Parties and Award Ceremony. Fine Arts Theatre 8556 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Hills. October 11-14th, 2007. ScreenplayLab members discount $59.99, instead of $150.

Writer Catherine Ann Jones on Oct. 13th...

The Writers Store presents "The Way of Story" With Catherine Ann Jones, an award-winning playwright and screenwriter whose credits include Emmy-nominated "The Christmas Wife" and the popular television series "Touched by An Angel." Oct 13th, 11am-12:30pm. The Writers Store, 2040 Westwood Blvd., Westwood. FREE with RSVP:

www.storylink.com/event/223

Film and TV development panel Q&A on Oct. 13th...

Scriptwriters Network presents a development panel featuring Q&A with guests including: David Guy Levy-President/CEO Periscope Entertainment, Ara Katz Executive Producer Artfire Films, Leo Chu Executive Producer MTV Networks/Spike TV. Charlie Chaplin Theater at Raleigh Studios, 5300 Melrose Ave. Doors open at 1pm, speaker at 1:30pm. Regularly $15, $10 for members ScreenplayLab who print this invitation. 888-796-9673.

www.scriptwritersnetwork.org

LIAR LIAR screenwriter on Oct. 14th...

ScreenplayLab presents writer Paul Guay who co-wrote LIAR LIAR. On Sunday, Oct. 14th, 3-6pm. And during the same event, an actors reading with audience feedback of fresh pages from the new martial arts comedy screenplay BOOK OF Z by Robin Rowe. Raleigh Studios, 5300 Melrose Ave., Hollywood. Free with RSVP at www.ScreenplayLab.com.

Toxik at MGLA on Oct. 16th...

Motion Graphics Los Angeles presents Autodesk Toxik and guest artists Three Legged Legs. Tuesday, October 16, 7pm to 10pm. Barnsdall Art Park, 4800 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood. FREE.

http://mgla.org/nextmeeting.html

Writer Blake Snyder on Oct. 18th...

The Writers Store presents Save the Cat! author and screenwriter Blake Snyder. Oct 18th, 7-9pm. The Writers Store, 2040 Westwood Blvd., Westwood. FREE with RSVP:

www.storylink.com/event/BlakeSnyder

Scriptwriters Network screenwriting class on Oct. 20th...

Scriptwriters Network presents Derek Rydall, author of 'There's No Business Like Soul Business: A Spiritual Path to Enlightened Screenwriting.' Saturday, October 20, 2007, 1pm, CBS/Radford Studios, Multipurpose Room 8, 4024 Radford Ave., Studio City. Doors open at noon, with the speakers at 1pm. RSVP VIA E-MAIL NO LATER THAN MIDNIGHT ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18 AT: INFO@SCRIPTWRITERSNETWORK.ORG You must give your name & the names of any guests. Regularly $15, $10 for members ScreenplayLab who print this invitation. 888-796-9673.

www.scriptwritersnetwork.org

iMovie 08 at LAFCPUG on Oct. 24th...

Los Angeles Final Cut Pro Users Group presents Final Cut Pro creator Randy Ubillos to show off his latest creation, iMovie 08. Wednesday, October 24, 2007, 6:45PM-whenever. Barnsdall Art Park, 4800 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood. $5.

www.lafcpug.org

KITE RUNNER screenwriter David Benioff on Oct. 24th...

The Writers Guild Foundation presents DAVID BENIOFF, screenwriter of The Kite Runner as well as The 25th Hour, Stay, and Troy. Benioff will be interviewed in depth about his screenwriting career by journalist and critic F.X. Feeney. Wednesday October 24, 7:30pm. MGM Tower Screening Room, 10250 Constellation Ave, Century City. Reception follows. $20.

www.WGFoundation.org

Screenwriting Expo seeks volunteers for Oct. 24-28th...

The Screenwriting Expo is a big 4-day convention hosted by Creative Screenwriting magazine that draws thousands of hopeful writers. Volunteers are REQUIRED to work TWO of the four days. Receive $125 basic 4-day pass to the Expo to use when not working. Parking and lunch provided on days you work, as will an Expo T-Shirt. Not included are evening networking parties, the $5 fees for many classes, or the pitch sessions.

http://shorl.com/gygrumypyfruto

MAVERICK FILMS executive on Oct. 28th...

ScreenplayLab presents producer and Maverick Films executive Brent Emery. On Sunday, Oct. 28th, 3-6pm. And during the same event, an actors reading with audience feedback of fresh pages from a new screenplay. Raleigh Studios, 5300 Melrose Ave., Hollywood. Free with RSVP at www.ScreenplayLab.com.

Sherwood Oaks classes October 29-31st...

Sherwood Oaks Experimental College presents film classes with producers, agents, and managers for $75 per day.

www.sherwoodoakscollege.com/upcoming_classes.htm

What's ScreenplayLab?

ScreenplayLab is more than 2,000 screenwriters, actors, and filmmakers. Robin Rowe and Gabrielle Pantera, the founders of ScreenplayLab, are writer-producers developing projects based on best-selling novels. For more than two years, we've been hosting weekly ScreenplayLab events in Hollywood. We host workshops, industry mixers, and present talks with industry VIPs.

Three dozen actors and many writers have signed agent representation as a result of ScreenplayLab. Variety reported that a screenplay read in ScreenplayLab's actors workshop has been set up as a $20M feature. To enter a script to be considered for ScreenplayLab's workshop series costs $39. There are no membership dues for ScreenplayLab and events are free. To join send an email to info@screenplaylab.com with the subject 'Subscribe'.

Love you guys!

LA Femme Film Festival on Oct. 11-14th

LA Femme Festival with host Melissa Rivers and honoring Martha Coolidge, Rosanna Arquette, Lea Thompson, and Sara Risher. Film Festival, Seminars, Parties and Award Ceremony. Fine Arts Theatre 8556 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Hills. October 11-14th, 2007. ScreenplayLab members discount $59.99, instead of $150.

http://screenplaylab.com/2007/la.femme.html

Kudos to Perry Smith in THE OFFICE airing Oct. 4th...

ScreenplayLab member Perry Smith has a co-star role on THE OFFICE, Episode: Dunder Mifflin Infinity, airing Thursday, Oct. 4th. She also booked another co-star role on THE SHIELD on the FX Channel to air in January 2008. Perry has been in many ScreenplayLab readings.

Kudos to Stefany Northcutt...

Another ScreenplayLab member signs with an agent. "Because of you guys I got signed with RPM's commercial division!", says Stefany Northcutt. "YEAH! THANKS YOU GUYS!" Stefany was in a recent ScreenplayLab reading.

ScreenplayLab Beverly Hills Mixer Oct. 8th...

Our next Beverly Hills industry mixer is on Monday Oct. 8th from 6pm-9pm. ScreenplayLab is a fantastic group of upbeat writers, actors, filmmakers, and agents. Fifty came to our last mixer, which is typical. If we're not getting out meeting people in the biz we might as well be back in Kansas, right? Come see us in the secret backroom at Sharky's Mexican Restaurant. Free with RSVP online at www.ScreenplayLab.com.

LIAR LIAR screenwriter on Oct. 14th...

ScreenplayLab presents writer Paul Guay who co-wrote LIAR LIAR. On Sunday, Oct. 14th, 3-6pm. And during the same event, an actors reading with audience feedback of fresh pages from the new martial arts comedy screenplay BOOK OF Z by Robin Rowe. Raleigh Studios, 5300 Melrose Ave., Hollywood. Free with RSVP at www.ScreenplayLab.com.

ScreenplayLab Q4 Calendar...

2007.10.8 Mon - Mixer @ Sharky's Beverly Hills
2007.10.14 Sun - LIAR, LIAR screenwriter Paul Guay @ Raleigh Studios
2007.10.22 Mon - Mixer @ Sharky's Beverly Hills
2007.10.28 Sun - Maverick exec Brent Emery @ Raleigh Studios
2007.11.4 Sun - Nickelodeon Writing Fellowship Karen Kirkland @ Raleigh Studios
2007.11.12 Mon - Mixer @ Sharky's Beverly Hills
2007.12.3 Mon - Mixer @ Sharky's Beverly Hills
2007.12.9 Sun - Disney Channel exec Reena Singh @ Raleigh Studios
2007.12.16 Sun - Mixer @ Sharky's Beverly Hills - Robin's Birthday

What's ScreenplayLab?

ScreenplayLab is more than 2,000 screenwriters, actors, and filmmakers. Robin Rowe and Gabrielle Pantera, the founders of ScreenplayLab, are writer-producers developing projects based on best-selling novels. For more than two years, we've been hosting weekly ScreenplayLab events in Hollywood. We host workshops, industry mixers, and present talks with industry VIPs.

Three dozen actors and many writers have signed agent representation as a result of ScreenplayLab. Variety reported that a screenplay read in ScreenplayLab's actors workshop has been set up as a $20M feature. To enter a script to be considered for ScreenplayLab's workshop series costs $39. There are no membership dues for ScreenplayLab and events are free. To join send an email to info@screenplaylab.com with the subject 'Subscribe'.

Love you guys!

Beverly Hills Mixer on Oct. 8th

Our next Beverly Hills industry mixer is on Monday Oct. 8th from 6pm-9pm. ScreenplayLab is a fantastic group of upbeat writers, actors, filmmakers, and agents. Fifty came to our last mixer, which is typical. If we're not getting out meeting people in the biz we might as well be back in Kansas, right? Come see us in the secret backroom at Sharky's Mexican Restaurant. Free with RSVP online at www.ScreenplayLab.com.

Thank you ABC director Ray Ricord...

We had the first session of my TRICK OR TREATMENT course last night. For anyone who missed it, this is a group seven writers including myself who are taking the month of October to make our treatments and screenplays the best they can be. Something fantastic about ScreenplayLab is we're self-selecting. It's the people who believe in what we're doing and step up who accomplish something. What a great group of writers are in this course! I'm excited to be part of it. We're having our first in-person study session tonight.

Our first session was a conference call with ABC director of television movies and mini-series Ray Ricord. Ray was, as always, awesome. ABC is the "big dog" of TV movies and mini-series, with projects as large as $40M. They want to set trends, not follow them. Ray shared fantastic insights how to get ahead as a writer and how to appeal to ABC.

Here's an interesting factoid for those who may be thinking they're getting too old as writers. Ray says he hires writers for ABC who are over 60. And, he has no writers who are under 40 or maybe even 50 years of age. You could be too young! Nothing against younger writers, for high profile projects ABC looks for writers who show experience in their writing and have a track record. When Ray reads a writer, he likes to read several screenplays by the writer at one time. Bottom line: write a lot of scripts, be a great writer, and have an agent.

Celebrity Charity Causes...

Here's a list, in no way complete, of celebrities and the charities they support:

http://screenplaylab.com/celebrity.causes.html

What's ScreenplayLab?

ScreenplayLab is more than 2,000 screenwriters, actors, and filmmakers. Robin Rowe and Gabrielle Pantera, the founders of ScreenplayLab, are writer-producers developing projects based on best-selling novels. For more than two years, we've been hosting weekly ScreenplayLab events in Hollywood. We host workshops, industry mixers, and present talks with industry VIPs.

Three dozen actors and many writers have signed agent representation as a result of ScreenplayLab. Variety reported that a screenplay read in ScreenplayLab's actors workshop has been set up as a $20M feature. To enter a script to be considered for ScreenplayLab's workshop series costs $39. There are no membership dues for ScreenplayLab and events are free. To join send an email to info@screenplaylab.com with the subject 'Subscribe'.

Love you guys!

LAST CALL for Hector Elizondo screening

Actor HECTOR ELIZONDO is best known for his roles as the hotel manager in PRETTY WOMAN and the bodyguard in THE PRINCESS DIARIES. He's currently on the new CBS drama CANE co-starring Jimmy Smits and Rita Moreno. Don't miss your opportunity to see Hector in person during the filmmaker Q&A at a screening of LIMON: A LIFE BEYOND WORDS. Oct. 3rd. Hollywood Fine Arts Theatre. Free with RSVP at www.ScreenplayLab.com.

Thank You West Hollywood Book Fair...

Thank you to our booth volunteers MARYANN BIEWENER, JIM McCAFFRE and GAYLE WATSON and to our member authors Dennis Neder, Mel Gilden, David Isaac, Denise Roman, Robert Davenport, Lena Nozizwe, Martha Tucker, Ora Munter, Gayl Murphy, and DMA (Donna Michelle Anderson).

Thank you to all the participants in my IMPROV SCREENWRITING workshop at the book fair. We had a blast writing an episode of ATHIEST JOHOVAH'S WITNESS, a Jehovah's Witness who makes his living as a door-to-door salesman and is torn by his disbelief in God...a comedy the group brainstormed on the spot. Everyone contributed a story location and character archetypes (some characters had to be upgraded from sterotypes). Together we chose a setting (a mother-in-law's house), a reluctant hero (John, the athiest Johavah's Witness), a sidekick (Samantha, an angry Girl Scout), a villan (George, a gay pirate) and two supporting characters (Uni, an unfaithful daughter-in-law, and a psychic dog).

Then in my workshop I described a dozen scenes for our show, in order, following a typical story arc. For instance, in scene one our hero John arrives at the house and asks to be let inside. As I did that I went around the room assigning a scene to each writer. With this type of minimal description, each writer then quickly wrote and performed a scene. We came up with a show idea, broke the story, wrote a 22-minute episode, and performed it all in one session. What fun! Everyone did an excellent job. Congratulations!

While at the book fair I ran into STAR TREK NEXT GENERATION actor Wil Wheaton. He's a big Linux software fan. I'm known as a Linux expert, and we've spoken at the same Linux event in Pasadena. Wil was signing his new comic book, STAR TREK THE MANGA, published by TokyoPop. See Wil's blog at http://wilwheaton.typepad.com.

Special thanks to Roz Helfand and Cory Roskin of the City of West Hollywood for inviting ScreenplayLab to participate and for asking me to teach a workshop. And most of all, thank you to ScreenplayLab co-founder Gabrielle Pantera who kept everything running smoothly with our booth at the West Hollywood Book Fair.

Kudos to JIM McCAFFREE...

ScreenplayLab member Jim McCaffree, who was out this weekend helping us in the booth, will be in a co-starring role in an upcoming episode of the new ABC sitcom CARPOOLERS. Jim is one of dozens of actors who signed with an agent after getting a ScreenplayLab referral. When Jim signed with the Sanger Talent Agency he wasn't a member of SAG. Jim's agent Karl Sanger is also my agent. You can see Jim McCaffree playing live in the murder mystery theater THE DINNER DETECTIVE. www.DinnerDetective.com

Kudos to ABIGAIL MARIE YOUNG...

ScreenplayLab member Abigail Marie Young is back in MY NAME IS EARL as as a chubby stripper.

Kudos to JANICE KENNEDY...

ScreenplayLab member Janice Kennedy won a "Spirit of Moondance" award for Best Short Screenplay for her script about Mary Shelley called Shadows Round the Moon at the Moondance Film Festival. Her screenplay about the Hatfield-McCoy Feud, The Last Hanging in Pike County, is a quarterfinalist in the Slamdance competition.

WIF Entertainment Forum 2007 on Oct. 6-7th...

Women In Film presents a weekend of panels, cocktail chats and networking with entertainment veterans and decision makers. Business Leadership Awards Luncheon honoring ICM talent agent IRIS GROSSMAN and Sundance Institute feature film program founding director MICHELLE SATTER. InterContinental, 2151 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, Oct. 6th and 7th for $225, Saturday-only $150, Sunday-only $75. 310.657.5144 www.wif.org.

ScreenplayLab Mixer on Oct. 8th...

Our next Beverly Hills industry mixer is on Monday Oct. 8th from 6pm-9pm. Fifty people came to our last mixer. Free with RSVP at www.ScreenplayLab.com.

LIAR LIAR screenwriter on Oct. 14th...

ScreenplayLab presents writer Paul Guay who Paul Guay co-wrote the screenplay for LIAR LIAR, THE LITTLE RASCALS, and HEARTBREAKERS, The Little Rascals. On Sunday, Oct. 14th, 3-6pm. And during the same event, an actors reading with audience feedback of fresh pages from the new martial arts comedy screenplay BOOK OF Z by Robin Rowe. Raleigh Studios, 5300 Melrose Ave., Hollywood. Free with RSVP at www.ScreenplayLab.com.

What's ScreenplayLab?

ScreenplayLab is more than 2,000 screenwriters, actors, and filmmakers. Robin Rowe and Gabrielle Pantera, the founders of ScreenplayLab, are writer-producers developing projects based on best-selling novels. For more than two years, we've been hosting weekly ScreenplayLab events in Hollywood. We host workshops, industry mixers, and present talks with industry VIPs.

Three dozen actors and many writers have signed agent representation as a result of ScreenplayLab. Variety reported that a screenplay read in ScreenplayLab's actors workshop has been set up as a $20M feature. To enter a script to be considered for ScreenplayLab's workshop series costs $39. There are no membership dues for ScreenplayLab and events are free. To join send an email to info@screenplaylab.com with the subject 'Subscribe'.

Love you guys!