Best Wishes to Karl and Teresa Sanger

You may know Karl Sanger from Sanger Talent Agency from when he spoke at ScreenPlayLab. He signed many ScreenPlayLab members as clients. Karl has closed Sanger Talent Agency to spend more time with his wife Teresa who needs a liver transplant. Karl was one of the kindest and most patient of Hollywood agents. A lot of people love him. We wish Karl and Teresa well.

I've been busy the past week helping Sanger Talent Agency clients connect with other agents. I've set up meetings for about a dozen clients. ScreenPlayLab co-founder Gabrielle Pantera and myself are two of those clients. Karl repped us, too.

Gabrielle and I have been asked to sign by a couple agents. I'm taking meetings with agents the rest of the week. I know ScreenPlayLab members have a lot of contacts. If anyone knows a lit agent I should see this week before we make a decision on representation, please let me know.

About Us...

Gabrielle and I are baby screenwriters who have scripts at many studios and production companies. We came on the scene last year when we co-wrote the screenplay for an optioned best-selling novel, the romantic comedy THE CORSET DIARIES. My newest script is a martial arts comedy called BOOK OF Z. Gabrielle's written a remake of the classic POLLYANNA set in modern day called THE GLAD GAME. We're both journalists. I'm the film editor for Hollywood Today. Gabrielle is the book critic at British Weekly. Gabrielle has a day job with MGM.

Seeking Volunteers for the Los Angeles Film Festival...

Volunteer Coordinator Shelly Valdovino is currently seeking volunteers and interns fo the 2008 Los Angeles Film Festival. A great way to see some movies for free and make valuable connections. You can say I sent you. LOS ANGELES FILM FESTIVAL, June 19-29, in Westwood Village. Fill out volunteer sign-up form at www.LAFilmFest.com

Thank You RPM Talent Agent Angela Hutchinson...

ScreenPlayLab thanks talent agent Angela Hutchinson. Anyone who'd like to send her a thank you note can email me, and I'll forward.

Thank You PitchLab Participants...

We heard some great pitches at ScreenPlayLab on Sunday at Raleigh Studios. Selected writers practiced their pitching skills in front of a live industry audience. A big shout out to David Simon, Jay Rhein, Hillary Layman (my associate producer at COMEDY WALK), Fred Brown, and Rachel Long. Way to go!

Kudos for this Week's ScreenPlayLab...

Thank you everyone for the kind words!

1. I just wanted to drop you and Gabrielle a note to let you know how thoroughly I enjoyed my first ScreenPlayLab seminar! You both are wonderful at making attendees feel comfortable and safe. I learned so much from the pitchlab and enjoyed listening to and meeting Angela Hutchinson. I look forward to attending more labs in the future.

2. Thanks so much to you and Gabrielle for all you do. We had a great time and really learned a lot. But I guess what I loved was the energy. Right when I arrived after battling traffic and searching for a parking place, Gabrielle handed me a water and made me feel like everything would be alright. It is definitely a very positive place.

3. The Pitch Clinic was very helpful and so was the talk with Angela Hutchinson. I'd like to volunteer to help out at the Comedy Walk on 5/8.

4. Wanted to thank you for your advice on the proper way to pitch. I'm very grateful for the opportunity to have made my mistakes before the real thing comes about. The Screenplay Lab you and Gabriel have created is absolutely fantastic.

5. Thank you, and Gabrielle, again for putting these great events together for us.

ScreenPlayLab Mission

ScreenPlayLab is more than 2,500 upbeat film and television creators helping each other succeed. To join ScreenPlayLab send an email to info@ScreenPlayLab.com with the subject 'Subscribe'.

Love you guys!

Last Call! PitchLab and Agent Q&A April 27th

Back by popular demand, I'm hosting PitchLab on Sunday at 3pm. Selected writers practice their pitching skills in front of a live industry audience. List of pitches we'll analyze enclosed below. RSVP now at www.ScreenPlayLab.com. There are still a few seats left for this FREE ScreenPlayLab event.

At the same event, our featured speaker will be RPM talent agent Angela Hutchinson. If you have questions about how to get a talent agent, how to keep one, or what's hot with agents now, you don't want to miss this! Half-hour presentation then an hour of audience Q&A. At Raleigh Studios. FREE. RSVP at www.ScreenPlayLab.com.

April 27th PitchLab Participants...

Everyone learns how to pitch better from these sessions, including me the moderator! I'll quickly cover the basics of pitching, then our hardy volunteers will give it a try. I give tips and so does the audience. Feedback is what's good about the pitch and how to make it better.

1. "Who's Your Daddy!" His first day on campus, a film student is mistaken for the son of a notorious director. Comedy by David Simon.

2. "Why Me". A maverick general asks God to be sent back to Earth to be with his pregnant wife. Comedy by Jay Rhein.

3. "The Biz". Six unpaid interns compete for a job opening on the absurd game show "Cash Quest". Television comedy by Hillary Layman.

4. Untitled. A television reporter receives a secret formula for making oil on the moon. Science fiction by Fred Brooks.

5. Untitled. A teenage foster kid must choose between saving his mother and saving mankind. Science fiction by Rachel Long.

RPM Talent Agent Angela Hutchinson on April 27th...

ScreenPlayLab presents talent agent Angela Hutchinson. Angela was a new agent when she spoke at ScreenPlayLab last year, and RPM signed some artists from ScreenPlayLab. Angela will talk about her freshman year as an agent and share strategies for artists seeking an agent. Raleigh Studios. FREE with RSVP at www.screenplaylab.com

ScreenPlayLab Mission

ScreenPlayLab is more than 2,500 upbeat film and television creators helping each other succeed. To join ScreenPlayLab send an email to info@ScreenPlayLab.com with the subject 'Subscribe'.

Love you guys!

RPM Talent Agent April 27th

Some personal news and a list of great events coming up.

Robin Promoted to Film Editor at HOLLYWOOD TODAY...

My HOLLYWOOD TODAY series about FORBIDDEN KINGDOM each hit the front page of Google News this week. I broke the story that FORBIDDEN KINGDOM is the biggest opening box office of any Chinese film. I predicted a weekend box office for Kingdom of $21 million in my story on Sunday at 6am, hours before Variety announced it as $20.9 million. HOLLYWOOD TODAY had over 1 million web hits today. I've been promoted from features writer and film critic to film editor.

Gabrielle Hosts Talk Show Pilot...

Gabrielle Pantera hosted the pilot episode of her talk show GOSH! TV last week, and I'm editing it in Final Cut Pro.

Do You Need a Screenwriting Cheerleader?

A current participant in my Screenplay-in-a-Month program tells me, "You're making my dreams come true!" She's writing the auto-biographical story of her life as a rock star. She's optioned her story, and this is her first screenplay. It's challenging for any writer when the screenplay is autobiographical. It takes good planning to avoid the dreaded "therapy screenplay" that awkwardly relives painful personal experiences and fails to entertain others. She's got a good outline to keep herself on course. We knocked that out in the first few days. She's now past page 30, blazing through her second act.

Would you like to complete a screenplay in a month? I lead the program. Together we'll create a writing plan you like, then you'll write an hour a day to complete a screenplay in a month. Get individual attention and have someone to cheer you on. A program that encourages you to write. $299.

http://www.screenplaylab.com/siam.html

ScreenPlayLab Pitch Clinic on April 27th...

Back by popular demand, selected participants test their pitch in front of our industry audience. Feedback of what's good about the pitch and suggestions for improvement. To be considered to pitch, email your logline to me. Comedy and upbeat drama preferred. This is in an intimate 42-seat theater and will fill quickly. Raleigh Studios. FREE TICKETS: www.screenplaylab.com

RPM Talent Agent Angela Hutchinson on April 27th...

ScreenPlayLab presents talent agent Angela Hutchinson at Raleigh Studios on Sunday, April 27th. Angela was a new agent when she spoke at ScreenPlayLab last year, and RPM signed some artists from ScreenPlayLab. RPM is not seeking additional talent currently, although every agent is always looking for that very special artist. Angela will talk about her freshman year as an agent and share strategies for artists seeking an agent. This is in an intimate 42-seat theater and will fill quickly. Raleigh Studios. FREE TICKETS: www.screenplaylab.com

Irish DreamTime Executive Chris Charalambous on May 4th...

ScreenPlayLab presents Irish DreamTime exec Chris Charalambous. IDT is currently in production with "The Thomas Crown Affair 2". ScreenPlayLab workshop will be "Scene Carding with Robin Rowe". This is in an intimate 42-seat theater and will fill quickly. Raleigh Studios. FREE TICKETS: www.screenplaylab.com

COMEDY WALK on May 8th...

It's the second Thursday of the month, so I'm presenting COMEDY WALK again on May 9th. Six simultaneous 90-minute shows. Twenty-two comedy acts. Email me if interested in helping as a PA or camera operator or if you know a successful comedian who'd like to perform two 10-minute sets. FREE TICKETS: www.comedywalk.com

ScreenPlayLab Member Bill Greenblatt Premieres Film on SCI FI...

Executive Producer Bill Greenblatt had his SCI FI Channel movie-of-the-week WARBIRDS telecast on Saturday night. Missed it? ScreenPlayLab will have a filmmakers screening in May. Stay tuned for the upcoming announcement.

Director Rod Lurie April 23rd...

Women in Film resents writer-director Rod Lurie. Monthly Mixer, Wednesday evening, April 23, 6pm to 8pm at McCormick & Schmick's, Two Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills. $35 general admission. RSVP at (310)657-5144.

Indian Film Festival April 22-27...

The 6th Annual Indian Film Festival. Tickets on sale at www.arclightcinemas.com or at the ArcLight Hollywood box office. See web page for Call for Volunteers.

Director Rod Lurie April 23rd...

Women in Film resents writer-director Rod Lurie. Monthly Mixer, Wednesday evening, April 23, 6pm to 8pm at McCormick & Schmick's, Two Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills. $35 general admission. RSVP at (310)657-5144.

Los Angeles Times Festival of Books April 26-27...

Attracting well over 140,000 visitors, the annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Book signings, readings with writers, discussion groups, workshops, children's events and musical performances. Sat 1000-1800, Sun 1000-1700. UCLA. FREE.

http://www.latimes.com/extras/festivalofbooks/

Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting Deadline May 1st...

The Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting program is an international competition open to screenwriters who have not earned more than $5,000 writing for film or television. Entry scripts must be the original work of a sole author or of exactly two collaborative authors. Up to five $30,000 fellowships are awarded each year. $30.

http://www.oscars.org/nicholl/

Sundance Screenwriters Lab Deadline May 1st...

Applications are being accepted for the January 2009 Sundance Screenwriters Lab. All applications are reviewed by Institute staff. Filmmakers selected for the second stage of the review process are asked to submit full screenplays of their projects. In addition to the extensive creative and practical support provided throughout a project's development, Sundance Institute supplies airline travel, accommodations, and meals at Sundance Resort in Utah for one writer/filmmaker per project for the duration of the Lab. Application deadline for U.S.  filmmakers: May 1, 2008. $30.

Cannes May 14th-25th...

The Cannes Film Festival is coming up:

http://www.festival-cannes.fr

ScreenPlayLab Mission

ScreenPlayLab is more than 2,500 upbeat film and television creators helping each other succeed. To join ScreenPlayLab send an email to info@ScreenPlayLab.com with the subject 'Subscribe'.

Love you guys!

COMEDY WALK April 10th

Tonight's ScreenPlayLab event, at the 410-seat Fine Arts Theatre with ABC Disney Fellowship director Frank Gonzalez, is full. Looking forward to great time tonight. We're going to have fun!

Don't miss COMEDY WALK tomorrow night, April 10th, 8:30pm-10pm. We have a fabulous line-up comedians and a surprise, my partner Gabrielle Pantera is hosting a talk show interviewing comedians. Gabrielle and I recently appeared on ROOFTOP COMEDY podcast THE OINTMENT to promote the show. COMEDY WALK was promoted this week on THE THRILL LIST (that's similar to the DAILY CANDY event list but for men). PARAMOUNT VANTAGE is coming onboard as a COMEDY WALK sponsor.

I hope all ScreenPlayLab cheerleaders who can make it will come out and show support. I'm giving away FREE TICKETS on the website...

www.comedywalk.com/2008/04/

I always need extra help running COMEDY WALK. If you know someone capable who'd like to come down an hour beforehand and help with the show as a production assistant, please have them contact me. It's a great way to meet comedians, network, and hang with a fun crowd.

ScreenPlayLab Mission

ScreenPlayLab is more than 2,300 upbeat filmmakers, actors and writers working on comedy and light drama. Dozens of artists have signed agent representation through ScreenPlayLab networking. There are no membership dues and events are free. To join send an email to info@ScreenPlayLab.com with the subject 'Subscribe'.

Love you guys!

ABC Disney Director Gonzalez April 9th

ScreenPlayLab presents ABC Disney Fellowship Director Frank Gonzalez speaking on Wednesday, April 9th, at the Fine Arts Theatre in Hollywood. Frank was one of ScreenPlayLab's most popular speakers last year. Don't miss it! FREE TICKETS

www.screenplaylab.com

COMEDY WALK on April 10th...

I'm presenting COMEDY WALK on April 10th. We have a great show lined up with Latino comedian Ernie G, Obama look-a-likes the Mooney Twins, gay comedian Mikey Scott, and many more! FREE TICKETS:

www.comedywalk.com

Screenplay-in-a-Month Starting Now...

I'm leading a program that helps writers complete a screenplay in one month. Each writer decides what to write, who's the audience, creates good writing plan with a logline, synopsis, scene cards, and step outline, then writes one hour a day to complete a screenplay in a month. All individual sessions. We're making fantastic progress on screenplays. How are you doing? Enroll now! $299.

http://www.screenplaylab.com/siam.html

ScreenPlayLab Newsletter Format Change...

AOL and GoDaddy (secureserver.net) have recently implemented an email filter that tends to block newsletters that list lots of links (such as all the event URLs I usually include). They say it's to prevent spam. A more cynical view is it's a way for them to extract "premium" email fees from those who run mailing lists. Rather than try to pass on such costs to you, I'm changing the format of the newsletter to not include third-party URLs.

You can still get the full version of this newsletter with all the links by going to my blog:

http://screenplaylab.blogspot.com/

Gabrielle and Robin in Webisode...

Gabrielle Pantera and I talking about COMEDY WALK in Steve Tatham's THE OINTMENT show:

http://shorl.com/frydojugrojyhu

Robin's Articles at Post Magazine on STOP-LOSS...

Picture Editing STOP-LOSS:
http://shorl.com/drudapretestobo

Sound Editing STOP-LOSS:
http://shorl.com/senostodadrumy

Free Screenings at the Fine Arts Theatre...

MICHAEL LEVINE Live! April 5, 2:30 PM.
GHOST WHISPERER season return on CBS, April 5, 7:30 PM,
 Hi-Def Screening/Q&A moderated by DAVID CONRAD.
TWO TICKETS TO PARADISE (91 min) April 7, 7:30 PM.

http://screenitfirst.com/ssg/events/list

PaleyFest Video Highlights Online...

http://www.paleycenter.org/festivals/paleyfest2008/index.htm

IRON MAN screenwriter Mark Fergus on April 12th...

Scriptwriters Network presents IRON MAN screenwriter Mark Fergus. During the Q & A session, Mark will also talk about his directorial debut on FIRST SNOW, staring Guy Pearce, which he co-wrote with writing partner Hawk Ostby. Charlie Chaplin Theater at Raleigh Studios, 5300 Melrose Ave. 1 pm. Free to SWN members and employees of Raleigh Studios. $15 general admission. $10 for members of ScreenPlayLab who print and bring this invitation. RSVP by April 10th at info@scriptwritersnetwork.org.

http://www.scriptwritersnetwork.org/

BBC College of Comedy Deadline April 14th...

The BBC invites comedy writers to apply for a place in its new College of Comedy. Six successful applicants will be attached to an existing production and mentored in the creation of original work. Includes first-look deal. Open to writers of half hour narrative comedy and to sketch writers. Some of Britain's top comedy writers involved include Armando Iannucci, David Mitchell, Robert Webb and Simon Nye. Micheal Jacob, formerly the BBC's creative head of mainstream comedy and executive producer of sitcoms My Family, Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps and The Smoking Room, is running the program. Submit the first ten pages of a narrative comedy script, or a portfolio of six sketches, together with a CV.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunity/comedy_college.shtml

SoftImage|XSI 3D animation seminar on April 17th...

Gnomon School of Visual Effects presents Softimage 3D Evangelist Mark Schoennagel with an overview of the key tools in SOFTIMAGE|XSI. See how XSI’s non-destructive workflows allows artists to make changes and quickly add details to fully rigged and animated characters. Softimage client Ron Frankel of Proof will talk about how his studio uses SOFTIMAGE|XSI for pre-viz and final shots. Thursday, April 17th, 2008, 6pm mixer, 7pm-9pm presentation. Gnomon School of Visual Effects, Stage 15, 1015 N. Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90038. FREE with RSVP:

http://shorl.com/brygrovotistajo

Filmmaker Bill Boyle on April 19th...

Scriptwriters Network presents filmmaker Bill Boyle discussing "The Visual Mindscape of the Screenplay" on Saturday, April 19, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at CBS Radford. Multipurpose Room 8, 4024 Radford Ave. Studio City. Noon. $15 general admission. $10 for members of ScreenPlayLab who print and bring this invitation. RSVP by April 17th at info@scriptwritersnetwork.org.

Director Rod Lurie April 23rd...

Women in Film resents writer-director Rod Lurie. Monthly Mixer, Wednesday evening, April 23, 6pm to 8pm at McCormick & Schmick's, Two Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills. $35 general admission. RSVP at (310)657-5144.

Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting Deadline May 1st...

The Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting program is an international competition open to screenwriters who have not earned more than $5,000 writing for film or television. Entry scripts must be the original work of a sole author or of exactly two collaborative authors. Up to five $30,000 fellowships are awarded each year. $30.

http://www.oscars.org/nicholl/

Sundance Screenwriters Lab Deadline May 1st...

Applications are being accepted for the January 2009 Sundance Screenwriters Lab. All applications are reviewed by Institute staff. Filmmakers selected for the second stage of the review process are asked to submit full screenplays of their projects. In addition to the extensive creative and practical support provided throughout a project's development, Sundance Institute supplies airline travel, accommodations, and meals at Sundance Resort in Utah for one writer/filmmaker per project for the duration of the Lab. Application deadline for U.S.  filmmakers: May 1, 2008. $30.

www.sundance.org/ffp

Cannes May 14th-25th...

The Cannes Film Festival is coming up:

http://www.festival-cannes.fr

Letter from GoDaddy Support...

Dear Robin Rowe,

Thank you for contacting Online Support. To avoid having your email from being marked as spam, please look at one of your previous emails and take note of the following:

* avoid using highly formatted text especially with colored headings.
* do not use 'ALL CAPS' for more than the occasional word.
* do not use background graphics or logos.
* do not include URL links to external graphics, or avoid HTML links altogether
* avoid attachments except where necessary.
* avoid using 'sales patter' e.g. Hot Deal, Special Offer.

If you need to send out email announcements similar to the one you have posted on your Blogspot entry, we suggest using Express Email Marketing instead. You may view more information about Express Email Marketing and purchase it at the following link:

https://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/blazers/cb_landing.asp?isc=webx1x

ScreenPlayLab Mission

ScreenPlayLab is more than 2,300 filmmakers, actors and writers helping each other succeed. Dozens of artists have signed with an agent from ScreenPlayLab referrals. The fastest way to get an agent is to know someone who already has one. To join ScreenPlayLab send an email to info@ScreenPlayLab.com with the subject 'Subscribe'.

Love you guys!