Dutch Producers at Mixer on 9/14/09

I'm excited to invite you to our monthly ScreenPlayLab mixer on Monday, September 14th, 2009, at Sharky's restaurant in Beverly Hills. Come by between 6:30pm and 9pm to chat with like-minded writers, producers, talent and others in the industry who love the film and TV business.

Free with RSVP at http://www.screenplaylab.com

*** The Dutch Producers, Making Your Film or TV Show for FREE...

Dutch television producers Frank Van Rooen and Rick de Graaf are shooting a reality series for the Dutch National Network about personal experiences working in Hollywood. They're especially looking for Dutch nationals, however anyone can be included in their show. To be interviewed, bring your Dutch friends or your best story about getting your break in Hollywood.

Do you need help with your production? Frank and Rick are making a generous offer to ScreenPlayLab members. To help us shoot our shows for free. Frank and Rick are in Hollywood shooting their reality series until the end of October. While here, they want to participate in many productions. That experience could be included as part of their reality series or not. If you have a film or series in production or ready to go, this is a very interesting opportunity. They have two Canon HD cameras and gear. Samples of their work:

http://www.frankvanrooijen.com
http://www.gorillia.tv

*** Interest in Casting, Locations or Production?

To get the right type of project in our credits or just for fun, sometimes it's good to do something extra. I know of interesting low budget projects that need help with casting, locations, and production. If anyone else wants to step up like Frank and Rick have done, offer to get involved in projects for free, let me know. I also know of unpaid college intern positions available in the office of a major production company.

*** Why Don't We Need No Stinkin' Badges?

Each month I'm asked why ScreenPlayLab mixers don't have name badges. We used to print badges. Why not anymore?

ScreenPlayLab mixers are quite informal. Unlike typical Hollywood events, there's no velvet rope to keep anyone away. Having a bit of anonymity can prevent a stampede. It may be an Easter egg hunt to find the television executives, major film producers, or representation who are in the room. The advantage is when you do encounter someone interesting you aren't in a line or behind a rope.

For the VIP, a little anonymity is a way to find out what people are really like. A producer shared this story with me this week. He saw an actress walking by on the street, someone pleasant but who wouldn't stop to talk to anyone who can't help her career. As she walked by she asked casually, what's up? "I'm with Entourage now." Dead stop. She tried, but he wouldn't take her number.

For those trying to break in, it can be frustrating that it's hard to befriend anyone above you who can lift your career. For those who've made it, it's frustrating that everyone wants you to help their careers and isn't thinking what you need to do your job. ScreenPlayLab can help. Results include gaining representation, getting a story optioned, or getting to work on productions. The mixer may seem like a party, but is also an audition. I hope you can make it.

Love you guys!

Free Beverly Hills Industry Mixer Sept. 14th

It's time to sign up for the next ScreenPlayLab mixer. One week away. Details below.

I'm writing a weekly series of stories being published by the Motion Picture Editors Guild. Here's my article about the making of the TV series THE VAMPIRE DIARIES:

http://www.editorsguild.com/FromTheGuild.cfm?FromTheGuildid=101

Robin and Gabrielle's Projects...

One of my favorite questions at our ScreenPlayLab mixers is, "What projects are you working on that you can talk about?" In case you're interested, here are some of our projects:

http://www.screenplaylab.com/project/

Gosh!TV Featured Product: Rolling Razor...

The Rolling Razor uses an innovative razor technology that delivers a comfortable shave so close it's amazing. Tired of nicks and misses? Get a quick perfect shave. Get the Rolling Razor. $15. Available at http://www.goshtv.net

Caity Lotz Behind the Scenes Footage...

ScreenPlayLab member Caity Lotz is in a green screen action movie that's wrapped:

http://www.caitylotz.com/www.caitylotz.com/Video_1.html

Vanguard Films Acquires Galacticus Story...

Producer John H. Williams (Shrek, Seven Years in Tibet) acquired ScreenPlayLab member Michael Chase Walker's live-action and animated fantasy epic. Galacticus, Circus of the Beyond, tells the story of a legendary troupe of mythical creatures, exotic fantasy aerialists, powerful wizards, and a mysterious ringmaster as they navigate a treacherous realm plagued by corrupt border men and despotic tyrants.

TV Pitch Workshops...

http://pitchtvlikeapro.com/

Disney Buys Marvel...

Bank of America's half billion dollar investment in Marvel looks safe, as Disney buys Marvel for $4B.

http://www.hollywoodtoday.net/?p=10574

The Digital Chiefs on Sept. 8th...

HRTS, in association with NATPE, presents The Digital Chiefs. Moderated by Bob Iger, President and CEO, The Walt Disney Company. 818.789.1182

http://hrts.org/irmevents.aspx?id=15

TheGroupLA on Sept. 12th...

Bring biz cards and mingle with your post production buddies. Saturday, September 12, 2009, 2pm. The Cat and the Fiddle, 6530 W Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-468-3800

http://thegroupla.org

Supermentors Coaching Session on Sept. 13th...

Marc Zicree presents a session where each writer, director, producer, actor, etc., gets individual personalized coaching to help them jump to the next level of their career and suceed spectacularly. Paty's Restaurant, 10001 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake, CA, from 6:30-9:30 PM. $30. Longer courses available.

http://zicree.com

ScreenPlayLab Beverly Hills Mixer on Sept. 14th...

Mingle with upbeat writers, actors, producers, directors and others in the film and television industry 50 to 100 people. You're encouraged to introduce yourself, say what sort of help you'd like and ask how you can help others. If you're shy, will get you started by introducing you around. Great people, organic Mexican food (inexpensive) and $3 margaritas. Free street parking or park under Crate & Barrel for $3. Sharky's Mexican Grill, in the back room, 435 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills. Monday, Sept. 14th, 6:30pm-9:30pm. Get on the guest list with free RSVP online:

www.screenplaylab.com

WESTDOC Documentary and Reality Conference Sept. 14-16th...

The WESTDOC CONFERENCE is a new conference dedicated to the Non-Fiction and Reality broadcast industry, an event designed by producers for producers. Three days of panels, seminars and a Pitchfest. Speakers include senior executives from TLC, Discovery, ABC, Animal Planet, National Geographic Network, E! Entertainment, History Channel, ITVS, MTV, Spike TV, Tru TV. Doubletree Suites Hotel, Santa Monica, CA. September 14th-16th, 2009. $650

www.TheWestdoc.com

Art of the Music Deal on Sept. 16th...

NARIP presents How To License Music For Film & TV in LA. Wednesday, Sept 16, 7:30pm-10:15pm. Los Angeles Film School, 6363 Sunset Boulevard, Main Theater, 1st Floor, Los Angeles, CA. $40.

www.narip.com

Bob Fraser Actors Map Workshop Sept. 19th-20th...

Showrunner Bob Fraser workshop "I Give Actors the Map". Saturday, September 19 at 10:00am to Sunday, September 20 at 2:50pm. Media Center Holiday Inn.

http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=148063374713&mid=1089ef6G21ed146cG69d6e79G7

The Emmys on Sept. 20th...

www.emmys.org

Reading at Beyond Baroque on Sept. 205h...

Beyond Baroque presents a reading of Party Pirates. Two computer programmers working for an online invite service (think evite.com) add themselves to the best parties. Beyond Baroque, 681 Venice Blvd, Venice, CA. Sunday, September 20, 2PM.

Ascent-Hollywood on Sept. 24th...

Ascent-Hollywood presents Brillstein-Grey Entertainment Partners Talent Manager Danny Sussman. Network, mingle, and have a great time. Interactive, high-energy opportunities to promote yourself, your projects and/or clients. 6-9pm. Aqualounge, 424 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA. $15.

http://ascent-hollywood.eventbrite.com

NARIP Brunch on Sept. 26th...

NARIP brunches are where music industry types eat, meet and greet. Expand your network. Mingle with record industry pros. Make deals. Milo's in LA, at the home of Lola & Mikael Sandgren. 11am. All are welcome. You need not be a member to attend. Register at:

www.narip.com

Mock Negotiation of Producer Agreement in LA on Sept. 30th...

NARIP's Art of the Music Deal series continues, this time with hand-picked pros who will shake out the essentials of a producer and share their experience about what you need to know. Wed, Sept. 30, 2009. SAE Institute, 6565 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA. 7pm. $40.

www.narip.com

Screenwriting Expo Oct. 16th-18th...

Workshops with top casting writers, agents and managers. Wilshire Grand Hotel.

http://screenwritingexpo.com/

Actorfest on Nov. 14th...

Workshops with top casting directors, agents and managers. Brad Gilmore, Casting Director, Unsolved Mysteries Panel. Mark Teschner, Casting Director, General Hospital. April Webster, Casting Director, Lost, Star Trek. Matthew Berry, Casting Director, Alpha Dog, The Notebook. John Levey, Casting Director, ER, Southland. 20% off all workshops before Oct. 14th. California Market Center, Los Angeles.

actorfest.com/LAworkshops

Artivist Film Festival on Dec. 1st to 5th...

The 6th Annual Artivist Film Festival and The 2009 Artivist Awards. Egyptian Theater, Hollywood. The Artivist Network will distribute advocate films and generate revenue for filmmakers by streaming their films online.

http://artivists.org.

L.A. Comedy Shorts Festival Deadline Dec. 18th...

The 2010 season is open for submissions. Submit your comedy short films and your feature and short comedy screenplays. Early Deadline is October 2nd. Final Deadline is December 18, 2009.

http://www.lacomedyshorts.com

Billboard Mobile Entertainment at CTIA on Oct. 6th...

The International CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment 2009 Convention October 7-9, 2009 San Diego Convention Center, San Diego. $399. 646.654.4643

www.billboardevents.com/billboardevents/melivefall/index.jsp
www.ctiashow.com

Billboard's Film & TV Music Conference on Oct 29th-30th...

Network and share music with the best music supervisors, composers, directors, songwriters and producers in the business. Beverly Hilton, Beverly Hills, CA. $399.

www.billboardevents.com/billboardevents/filmtv/index.jsp

Artivist Film Festival on October 8th to 11th...

The 6th Annual Artivist Film Festival. Artivist Awards to honor the winning films of the annual Artivist Film Festival and the work of outstanding advocate celebrities. Egyptian Theater, Hollywood.

http://artivists.org

Digital Music Forum West Oct. 7th to 8th...

Now in its 4th year, 300 decision-makers in the music industry gather in Los Angeles each year for the 2-day deal-makers forum to network, do deals, and share ideas about the business. Cutting-edge business topics, demos, and unrivaled access to some of the most progressive companies in Hollywood and Silicon Valley. Label execs from EMI, Sony BMG, Universal, and Warner. Digital music execs from eMusic, Napster, Rhapsody, MySpace, Live Nation, Ticketmaster, ARTISTdirect, Amazon.com, Nokia, Pandora, Yahoo!, YouTube, imeem, RealNetworks, and Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. Special $499. Call 800-950-7667 to request the Digital Media Wire Rate of $259.

http://www.digitalmusicforum.com/west/

AFM on Nov. 4th-11th...

The American Film Market hosts over 400 production companies, screens over 500 motion pictures, and previews 100 world premieres and thousands of new projects. In cooperation with AFI Fest Oct. 31st to Nov. 3rd. Network with 8,000 industry professionals. Seminars from 100+ industry leaders. Free seminars. Industry access $250-$795.

http://www.ifta-online.org

Emerging Producer Non-fiction TV Competition deadline Nov. 15th...

CableU is taking submissions for their non-fiction TV pitch session at NATPE 2010 in Las Vegas. Last year's winner sold his show to the History channel.

www.cableu.tv/emergingproducers

Love you guys!