ABC Disney Sony Hallmark TV Movies Panel Wed 2/25

Albert Fisher and Greg Gugliotta at the Caucus have put together a panel of TV movie executives, including ABC Sr. VP Quinn Taylor, Disney Channel Development Director Reena Singh, Sony Sr. VP Helen Verno and Hallmark Channel Sr. VP Barbara Fisher. That's this Wednesday, February 25th, at The Beverly Hills Hotel, 9641 Sunset Boulevard, in the Sunset Ballroom from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM. $35.

www.caucus.org

ScreenPlayLab After-Oscars Party Tonight Feb 23...

Mingle with actors, writers, producers, directors and managers. Monday, Feb. 23rd, 6:30pm-9:30pm, at Sharky's in Beverly Hills near the Museum of Radio and Television. Park across the street under Crate & Barrel for $3. Margaritas and organic Mexican food. FREE event with RSVP at www.ScreenPlayLab.com.

Hollywood Today Story on the People of ScreenPlayLab...

I'm writing a story about the people of ScreenPlayLab, that is, YOU...provided you have something interesting to say. Come to tonight's ScreenPlayLab event ready to talk about your recent personal triumphs, and you may be in the news at www.hollywoodtoday.net.

You're More Successful Than You Think...

Most of us in ScreenPlayLab are very ambitious people. We all wonder sometimes if we're making progress. The truth is, we're all doing more than we think. We're just so BUSY, it's easy to forgot the small successes on the road to bigger things. I've put together a personal "Win List" for myself and ScreenPlayLab co-founder Gabrielle Pantera so that we won't struggle at tonight's ScreenPlayLab party to remember something to talk about from our recent personal experiences. It's a good idea to keep your own Win List so you have good news to share when talking with anyone you meet.

Gabrielle Pantera's February Win List...

After two years with MGM running a star's film production office, Gabrielle announced she will switch to television. Senior execs at ABC and Fox are looking for a position for her, despite a hiring freeze at both companies. She's also following up leads at Sony, MGM, Universal, DreamWorks and Paramount. Two producers are helping. An editor on a new TV sit-com is trying to get her on the show. A top sit-com showrunner will have Gabrielle shadow when they return from hiatus in June. Gabrielle is interviewing and taking general meetings with senior execs.

My February Win List...

I had two job interviews with DreamWorks Animation this month. I'm in meetings with television and film producers. I have screenplays being read at production companies. I started writing Blessed, my screenplay about the life of Jesus Christ set in the present day. I released my Fire Bear animation screenplay to Gabrielle to breakdown for voice casting. We record at Lantana Studios in March. My interview with Oliver Twist star Timothy Spall appeared in British Weekly and Hollywood Today:

http://www.hollywoodtoday.net/2009/02/13/tv-poor-boy-oliver-twist/

Do you have your Win List ready? I hope you do and come to the party tonight ready to talk about it.

Breaking into Hollywood Greenlight on Feb 28th...

Angela Hutchinson and Breaking into Hollywood are hosting a full day of intimate panel discussions and Q&A with prominent industry professionals. For screenwriters, producers, actors, directors, models and music artists. Limited to 50 participants. Greenlight Your Showbiz Career, Saturday, February 28, 2009 from 10AM-6:30PM. At the Showbiz Software Store. $50 includes lunch. Advance RSVP only.

http://www.breakingintohollywood.org/greenlight.htm

Zicree Supermentors Classes Starting in March...

Supermentors Marc and Elaine Zicree are presenting six-week classes starting in March to mentor writers, actors, directors and producers to successful careers in the industry. The Zicrees have written and produced hundreds of hours of network drama as well as films and bestselling books, won last year's TV Guide Award, were nominated for the 2008 Hugo and Nebula Awards, and are currently working with Guillermo del Toro and other industry luminaries on book, TV and film projects. Their students have landed leads in movies and TV, sold features and pilots, gotten TV staff jobs, studio development deals, distribution for their features, book deals and much more. Classes in West Hollywood or via telephone for those not in L.A. $599. 323-363-1259 www.zicree.com

Advertising at ScreenPlayLab...

Advertising is tax-deductible business expense and very inexpensive. ScreenPlayLab membership and events are free. If you want to give back to ScreenPlayLab financially, please buy an ad. For rates see:

http://www.screenplaylab.com/buy-sell.html

ScreenPlayLab Mission...

ScreenPlayLab is more than 3,000 producers, actors, writers, directors, agents and executives creating upbeat mass market television and film. FREE membership. FREE events. FREE newsletter of upcoming Hollywood events with good news. To join send an email to info@ScreenPlayLab.com with the subject 'Subscribe'.

Love you guys!

REMINDER! ScreenPlayLab Mixer Tonight!

Those of you who RSVPed earlier, got this reminder today...

Hi. Got your RSVP for tonight's ScreenPlayLab mixer event at Sharky's. We're going to have a great time! We have over 100 RSVPs. We'll be in The Sharky's back room, 435 N. Beverly Dr. (South of Little Santa Monica), Beverly Hills. Monday, Feb. 23rd, 2008, 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Parking is available underground across the street by Crate & Barrel. $3 after 6pm.

When you arrive, please pause to say hi to me. I may look busy, but I'm not too busy to say hi. I'm writing a story about the people of ScreenPlayLab, that is, you...provided you have something interesting to say. Please come to the event ready to talk about your recent personal triumphs. If you have trouble thinking of any, ask me to help. People are more successful than they think.

It may look like a party, may feel like a party, but don't forget it's also an informal interview for a future job. An industry mixer is an opportunity to convince people they want to work with you someday. Everyone prefers to work with winners. Please present yourself honestly and passionately as someone fun and successful. Be warm and outgoing.

Complaining or acting desperate is not permitted at this event. If you encounter anyone engaging in career self-sabotage like that, please excuse yourself and let me know right away.

Thank you!

Magic Monday Mixer Feb 23...

I've been reading the book 'The Luck Factor' by Wiseman. It says you can improve your luck, actually make yourself be lucky. Since luck is an important factor in Hollywood, this is significant. One key factor the book reveals is lucky people give themselves more opportunities to be lucky. One way to do that is...

ScreenPlayLab Magic Monday Mixer Feb 23...

Don't miss your opportunity to make your own luck. ScreenPlayLab is an enthusiastic outgoing group known its positive outlook and helpful attitude. Last month we packed the restaurant with more than a hundred happy industry people including actors, writers, producers, directors and managers. I hope we see you this month. It's the day after the Oscars, so don't miss it! Monday, Feb. 23rd, 6:30pm-9:30pm, at Sharky's in Beverly Hills near the Museum of Radio and Television. Park across the street at Crate & Barrel for $3. Remarkably inexpensive drinks and organic Mexican food. FREE admittance with RSVP at www.ScreenPlayLab.com.

Beverly Hills Hi-Def Film Fest Feb. 20-21...

At the Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills. $10 per program. $2 validated parking at 8484 Wilshire Blvd
Friday, Feb 20 and Saturday, Feb 21.

http://bhh-dff.com/

Free Oscars Viewing Party Feb 22...

See the Oscars on the big screen in a 400-seat theater. Sunday, Feb. 22. Doors open 3:30pm, $2 validated parking at 8484 Wilshire Blvd. Post reception features giant cake provided by Suzie Finer at Hansen's Bakery. Free.

http://www.studioscreenings.com/FAT.html

Breaking into Hollywood Greenlight on Feb 28th...

Angela Hutchinson and Breaking into Hollywood are hosting a full day of intimate panel discussions and Q&A with prominent industry professionals. For screenwriters, producers, actors, directors, models and music artists. Limited to 50 participants. Greenlight Your Showbiz Career, Saturday, February 28, 2009 from 10AM-6:30PM. At the Showbiz Software Store. $50 includes lunch. Advance RSVP only.

http://www.breakingintohollywood.org/greenlight.htm

Zicree Supermentors Classes Starting in March...

Supermentors Marc and Elaine Zicree are presenting six-week classes starting in March to mentor writers, actors, directors and producers to successful careers in the industry. The Zicrees have written and produced hundreds of hours of network drama as well as films and bestselling books, won last year's TV Guide Award, were nominated for the 2008 Hugo and Nebula Awards, and are currently working with Guillermo del Toro and other industry luminaries on book, TV and film projects. Their students have landed leads in movies and TV, sold features and pilots, gotten TV staff jobs, studio development deals, distribution for their features, book deals and much more. Classes in West Hollywood or via telephone for those not in L.A. $599. 323-363-1259 www.zicree.com

Robin's Wish/To-Do List...

People write me to say how much they appreciate ScreenPlayLab and ask if they can help me. That's so sweet. Here's what I'm asking the universe to provide these days, if you want to point an opportunity my way...

Employment in television for ScreenPlayLab co-founder Gabrielle Pantera as a production office manager or associate producer.

Well paid work for myself, on a project basis or as an employee. I make most of my money as a writer and a software designer. I've worked as a television technical director and cameraman for NBC and in R&D at DreamWorks Animation. I'd like to have an office on the lot again and want to do more television production.

I'm producing four feature films this year. Investors and distributors could help. Everything I'm working on is family or faith-based, comedy or light drama. I don't do dark.

Advertising at ScreenPlayLab...

Advertising is tax-deductible business expense and very inexpensive. ScreenPlayLab membership and events are free. If you want to give back to ScreenPlayLab financially, please buy an ad. For rates see:

http://www.screenplaylab.com/buy-sell.html

ScreenPlayLab Mission...

ScreenPlayLab is more than 3,000 producers, actors, writers, directors, agents and executives creating upbeat mass market television and film. FREE membership. FREE events. FREE newsletter of upcoming Hollywood events with good news. To join send an email to info@ScreenPlayLab.com with the subject 'Subscribe'.

Love you guys!

Nickelodeon Fellowship Deadline Soon

Nickelodeon Writing Fellowship Deadline Feb. 28th...

Fellowship director Karen Kirkland is a past ScreenPlayLab speaker. Nickelodeon offers writing fellowships in live action and animated television to writers with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Participants will have hands-on interaction with executives writing spec scripts and pitching story ideas. The program, developed to broaden Nickelodeon’s outreach efforts, provides a salaried position for up to one year. Requirements: U.S. applicants only, 18 or older, submit spec script based on comedic television series currently on primetime network or cable. Free. Details at www.nickwriting.com.

Gabrielle Taking Interviews...

ScreenPlayLab co-founder Gabrielle Pantera has managed a star's MGM production office for two years and is ready for a change. A big thank you to ScreenPlayLab friends who are referring her to interviews. If you work at a network, studio or a production company with a deal and want to help Gabrielle, please email me.

Advertising at ScreenPlayLab...

ScreenPlayLab is FREE for members, but it's not free for us. It takes our time and money to host the website, manage the email list and organize events. Some ScreenPlayLab members are making money from connections made at our events and have asked what they can do to help support us, preferably in a tax-deductible way. Advertising is deductible! If you want to give back to ScreenPlayLab financially, please buy an ad. For rates see:

http://www.screenplaylab.com/buy-sell.html

ScreenPlayLab Beverly Hills Mixer on Monday, Feb. 23rd...

ScreenPlayLab is known for it great mixers, where people really mix and are extraordinarily upbeat and enthusiastic. Last month we packed the restaurant with more than a hundred happy ScreenPlayLab members. Our next mixer is Monday, Feb. 23rd, 6:30pm-9:30pm, at Sharky's in Beverly Hills near the Museum of Radio and Television. Parking across the street at Crate & Barrel for $3. Great inexpensive Mexican food and drinks. FREE admittance with RSVP at www.ScreenPlayLab.com.

ScreenPlayLab Mission...

ScreenPlayLab is more than 3,000 producers, actors, writers, directors, agents and executives creating upbeat mass market television and film. FREE membership. FREE events. To join send an email to info@ScreenPlayLab.com with the subject 'Subscribe'.

Love you guys!

Gabrielle's Next Career Move

As you probably know, ScreenPlayLab co-founder Gabrielle Pantera works for Pierce Brosnan and his execs at his MGM film production company. She's been there two years and is ready for the next phase in her career. Gabrielle wants to move from film into television or a busy production office. She's putting the word out to her own network, and I'm putting out this broader call on the advice of a studio headhunter friend who says to tell as many people as possible. If you know of an opportunity for Gabrielle, please let me know.

ScreenPlayLab Mixer on Monday, Feb. 23rd...

Last week's mixer was fantastic! What a great group of people. We packed Sharky's with more than a hundred upbeat ScreenPlayLab members. Our next mixer is Monday, Feb. 23rd, 6:30pm-9:30pm, at Sharky's in Beverly Hills. Don't miss it. FREE with RSVP at www.ScreenPlayLab.com.

Wondering what you missed last time? Here's what guests wrote to me afterwards to say...

I met great people, came away with great ideas (a couple from you yourself), and great vatsful of inspiration! I had a blast. You and your team pulled off a great event. Everyone was SO nice and normal. The young man who checked people in...top notch. Thank you for dedicating your time to networking events like these. I loved it.

A lot of friendly people. I had a nice time, nice chats and gave a lot of cards.

Appreciate all you do. It was a great night indeed.

Thanks for putting on a great event last night. Much to my surprise, I met many more people than I was expecting. I'm the shy director that you spoke with. Usually at these kind of things, I disappear into a dark corner somewhere and turn into a wallflower. But last night I got over it and met with some really nice folks, especially an actor whom I am considering for a role in my short film. That's how it works, right? Networking at its best.

Another great event. It was a good group of people, as always.

Thank you so much for organizing the event. I thought it was terrific! The thing that most struck me about this particular event, my first ScreenPlayLab event, was just how friendly the people were and how passionate
all were with their particular fields of interest. Please keep throwing these excellent events. I cannot wait for the next one!

I talked with writers, directors, producers, distributors and a guy who says he owns the biggest pearl in the world (14+ lbs). I had a thoroughly enjoyable time

Thank You for the invitation and congratulations on a VERY successful networking mixer! I met a ton of great people in the business and had a great time.

April Hong hosting Chinese New Years on Feb. 7th...

ScreenPlayLab member April Hong will be hosting the Chinese Lantern Festival from noon to 3pm on Saturday, Feb. 7. Celebrate and enjoy a day filled with live entertainment and arts and crafts workshops. Saturday, February 7, 2009. Event time noon to 7pm. El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, across from Union Station, 425 North Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles. FREE.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=43859827205&ref=mf

April Hong in ER and 90210...

Congratulations ScreenPlayLab member April Hong who appeared in a role in ER "Love is a Battlefield" on January 22, and in 90210 "Help Me, Rhonda" on January 27.

http://www.lacasting.com/aprilhong
http://jameshong.com/acting_class_teachers.html

Producer Karen Foster Wins 4 Annie Awards with Furious Five...

A special shout out to Furious Five producer Karen Foster, who many remember from when she spoke at ScreenPlayLab. Karen was a creative exec at DWA while I was working there. She encouraged me to become a screenwriter. Indirectly, it's because of Karen that ScreenPlayLab exists.

DreamWorks Animation swept the Annie animation awards last week with 11 awards for Kung Fu Panda and 4 awards for the short Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Furious Five. Karen is now producing the DreamWorks Animation feature "How to Train Your Dragon", based on the best-selling children's book.

Scripts Wanted for Director Nathan Cox...

Shani Haller is seeking completed scripts to be produced as $1M to $12M features. Intent is to take optioned scripts to studios to set up. Union or non-union writers ok. Send logline through this form:

www.screenplaylab.com/2009/haller.logline.html

Writer-producer Jeremy Mitchell Films Picked Up by Lionsgate....

Congratulations to ScreenPlayLab member Jeremy Mitchell of Future Films (who was at our last mixer). Jeremy recently finished two films, "Know Thy Enemy" and "Harder They Fall". To be released by Lionsgate in May. Info at IMDB. Trailers at foreign sales agents site www.hollywoodwizard.com.

Stogie Kenyatta Tours One-Man Show...

Congratulations to ScreenPlayLab member Stogie Kenyatta (who was at our last mixer). Stogie is touring Alabama, Tennessee and Florida with his show "The Victory Lap - Black History Tour" on the life of Paul Robeson, Feb. 3rd through 12th, at Auburn University and other Southern colleges. Stogie performed in my Comedy Walk stage show last year.

www.myspace.com/stogiekenyatta

Gigi M. Green YouTube Short...

Congratulations to ScreenPlayLab member Gigi M. Green who has posted a trailer for the film short "A Man's Worth" that's been submitted to festivals. Please view and post comments.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=itV23TzSBJ0
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2324671

Broad Humor Festival...

ScreenPlayLab member Janice Kennedy is pleased to announce the Fourth Annual Broad Humor Film Festival. Submissions early deadline March 7, late deadline is May 9. The Broad Humor Film Festival includes screenplay readings and film screenings. June 12-14, 2009, at the Electric Lodge Performing Arts Center in Venice. www.broadhumor.com

"The Boyfriend" Shoot with Director Yuval Shrem...

ScreenPlayLab member Yuval Shrem is shooting a drama short called "The Boyfriend", about a jealous boyfriend. Yuval was a DP on a shoot for me, and I'm returning the favor. This shoot is mostly crewed, but has openings for additional people in all positions. 2-camera HDV shoot. Sunday, February 8th, 7pm - 5am. Tuesday, February 10th, 2pm - midnight, Sunday, February 15th, 4pm - 4am. Tuesday, February 17th, night shoot. Locations are L.A. and O.C. Festival fare. Copy and credits only. Email me if interested in being on the crew.

ScreenPlayLab Mission...

ScreenPlayLab is more than 3,000 producers, actors, writers, directors, agents and executives creating upbeat mass market television and film. FREE membership. FREE events. To join send an email to info@ScreenPlayLab.com with the subject 'Subscribe'.

Love you guys!