Comedy Walk Show Aug. 20th FREE

Comedy Walk, the world's biggest free monthly comedy event, has its next show on Thursday. I'm the executive producer. Host Stevie Mack presents 18 of L.A.'s best comedians. The Downtown Fashion Walk is happening before and during Comedy Walk. See dozens of models and comedians in downtown Los Angeles in a festival atmosphere. FREE. RSVP at:

www.comedywalk.com

New MovieEditor.com Rate Card Is Online...

If you know someone who needs production or post-production done, please send the work to my company. I have a new cameraman and editor rate card that makes it easier to budget those hard-to-estimate projects. Check it out:

www.movieeditor.com/ratecard/

Downtown Film Festival Los Angeles on August 12th-22nd...

Volunteer coordinator Grace Alpert seeking film festival volunteers. Named by L.A. Downtown News the Best Event in 2008. Dozens of film screenings and related activities over 11 days. Festival volunteers for theater ushering, event hospitality, event planning & production, street team marketing, and much more. Tell Grace your skills to match you to a specific area. Festival highlights: Sustainable L.A. green program on August 20, Music Film Series at the Grammy Museum, Digital.Art.LA art videos and installations, tribute to Paul Newman, Jackson 5 in Africa. Volunteers must attend orientation on Saturday, July 25, 1-2pm or Thursday, July 30, 6-7pm. At the Downtown Film Festival L.A. office, Engine Co. No. 28 Building, 2nd Floor, 644 S. Figueroa between 7th & Wishire, Los Angeles, CA. Adjacent to the MTA 7th/Metro Station.

www.dffla.com

MGLA on Aug. 18th...

Motion Graphics L.A. has professional networking, presents the latest in digital editing technology, and shows sizzle reels of members. Gallery Theatre at Barnsdall Art Park, 4800 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA. 7pm-10pm. FREE. RSVP at:

www.mgla2.org

Wonderland Screenwriter Todd Samovitz on Aug. 19th...

The Writers Boot Camp presents breakfast at Bergamot with speaker Todd Samovitz. Wednesday, August 19th, 2009. 7:45am – 9:45am. Todd Samovitz talk about protecting creative endeavors. 2525 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica. $25.

www.WritersBootCamp.com

Generating Revenue from New TV Models on Aug. 25th...

Tech Supper Club presents Endemol SVP Digital Media Joerg Bachmaier, Producer of TV shows like Deal or No Deal, Extreme Homemakeover, Big Brother, Fear Factor. Mindmatics CEO Kai Buehler, text messaging for top TV shows like Deal or No Deal, Big Brother, Survivor, Biggest Loser, America’s Next Top Model. New Markets for Monetizing Video for TV, Online and Mobile Platforms, Innovative Strategies for Content Distribution that Make Money. August 25, 2009, 6pm-9pm. Blank Spaces, 5405 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles. Buffet dinner with open bar:
6-7:30pm. Program: 7:30-9pm. $30 to $50.

www.techsupperclub.com

UCLA Writers Faire on August 30th...

More than 60 writers and screenwriters present 24 sessions. UCLA, Young Hall courtyard, 11am-3pm. Free. Parking in lot 2 costs $10.

http://uclaextensionedu/writersfaire

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. FREE event. 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

The Emmys on Sept. 20th...

www.emmys.org

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

Ascent-Hollywood on Sept. 16th...

Ascent-Hollywood presents Brillstein-Grey Entertainment Partners Talent Manager Danny Sussman. Network, mingle, and have a great time. At Lucky Strike Lanes (closing down 4 private bowling lanes for networking fun). Lots of door prizes. Interactive, high-energy opportunities to promote yourself, your projects and/or clients. Wed. Sept. 16th, 6-9pm. 10% discount code "SPLNGF". $25 to $50.

http://ascent-hollywood.eventbrite.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!

ScreenPlayLab Networking Tips

This is the reminder that went out last week. Has some tips that I good to remember any time you're networking...

[ScreenPlayLab] REMINDER: Got Your RSVP for Tonight

Hi. Got your RSVP for tonight's mixer. Look forward to seeing you. That's at Sharky's Mexican Grill, in the back room, 435 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills. Monday, August 10th, 6:30pm-9:30pm. Free street parking or park under Crate & Barrel for $3.

ScreenPlayLab is fun and a great place to meet others in the industry. Please bring your most upbeat outgoing self. When networking it's important for everyone to remember that they're creating a first impression of how much fun they'll be to work with. If you encounter anyone engaging in career self-sabotage by being less than positive about their experiences, please let me know right away.

Sometimes people feel unsure what to talk about at a mixer. If that's you, be prepared to talk about some little Hollywood success from your life this week. For example, that could be an audition that you had or that you completed writing some pages of your latest screenplay. How big a success is less important than that you're grateful for your success.

Some people feel shy at first at introducing themselves. If that's you, please seek me out when you arrive so I can introduce you to a few people to get you started. If I look engaged speaking to someone else, don't hang back approaching me. I'm there to talk to everyone. A question I often ask people is, how can I help you?

When you sign in you're also signing our audience release. You can read a copy from the link on our home page. In essence, it says you understand that ScreenPlayLab is a public event. Please don't reveal your secrets at ScreenPlayLab. If you need to discuss something in confidence with someone, arrange a private meeting for later.

Thank you!

Robin

ScreenPlayLab Mixer Was Monday

Catching up by posting this email announcement I forgot to put online last week...

[ScreenPlayLab] LAST CALL: ScreenPlayLab Mixer on Monday

Don't miss the next ScreenPlayLab mixer Monday, August 10th, in Beverly Hills. Free. RSVP now at www.screenplaylab.com.

SAVE THE CAT Author Blake Snyder Passed Away...

Many of us in ScreenPlayLab knew writer-teacher Blake Snyder from his Save the Cat book and other projects. Blake was recognized as a great and caring teacher. I'd talked with Blake about speaking at ScreenPlayLab, which he said he would do sometime. Unforunately, he's passed away. There's a memorial fund for Blake at Beyond Shelter. Further information: www.blakesnyder.com

Robin's Notes...

Thank you to everyone who dropped by www.goshtv.net and gave feedback on my new website. That was helpful, and I've made changes.

Thank you to everyone who's asked to be part of my TV writers group. I got through the first set of responses and am replying to those today. To sample prospective writers I send them the first two pages of a comedy pilot I wrote and see if writers can match it when they write sample pages 3 and 4. The story is about a troubled horse, sort of Mr. Ed with issues. I got a lot of responses. It will

Thank you to everyone who's asked to be part of my TV writers group. I got through the first set of responses and am replying to those today. To sample prospective writers I send them the first two pages of a comedy pilot I wrote. Then writers try to match it when they write sample pages 3 and 4. I'm currently using a story is about a troubled horse, a sort of Mr. Ed with issues. I got a lot of responses. It may take me a week to get through them all.

Congratulations for Emmy Nominations to Zodiak Entertainment...

TV production company Zodiak Entertainment was nominated for two Emmy awards this week for the detective mini-series Wallander that broadcast on PBS-TV. After Wallander broadcast on the BBC last year, it won the BAFTA award fro best drama seriew. ScreenPlayLab co-founder Gabrielle Pantera works at Zodiak.

ScreenPlayLab Beverly Hills Mixer on August 10th...

ScreenPlayLab presents a FREE INDUSTRY MIXER with writers, actors, producers, directors and others in the film and television industry. It's an upbeat casual group helping each other succeed. Typically 50 to 100 people. You're encouraged to introduce yourself, say what sort of help you'd like and ask how you can help. If you're shy, let me know and I'll 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, August 10th, 6:30pm-9:30pm. FREE event. RSVP online:

www.screenplaylab.com

Shakespeare in the Park from June 26th to August 30th...

The Independent Shakespeare Company presents the Tempest and Henry V. Barnesdall Park, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA. Free.

www.independentshakepeare.com

Downtown Film Festival Los Angeles on August 12th-22nd...

Volunteer coordinator Grace Alpert seeking film festival volunteers. Named by L.A. Downtown News the Best Event in 2008. Dozens of film screenings and related activities over 11 days. Festival volunteers for theater ushering, event hospitality, event planning & production, street team marketing, and much more. Tell Grace your skills to match you to a specific area. Festival highlights: Sustainable L.A. green program on August 20, Music Film Series at the Grammy Museum, Digital.Art.LA art videos and installations, tribute to Paul Newman, Jackson 5 in Africa. Volunteers must attend orientation on Saturday, July 25, 1-2pm or Thursday, July 30, 6-7pm. At the Downtown Film Festival L.A. office, Engine Co. No. 28 Building, 2nd Floor, 644 S. Figueroa between 7th & Wishire, Los Angeles, CA. Adjacent to the MTA 7th/Metro Station.

www.dffla.com

Write On! Breaking Through Writers Block on Aug. 15th...

Writer Debra Eckerling offers strategies for brainstorming, project management,and staying on track when you really don't want to. Bring paper, pen, and your favorite excuses for procrastinating. Aug 15, 2009, 1:30-3:30pm. The Learning Garden, Venice High School, 13000 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. $25.

http://www.storylink.com/event/WriteOnWritersBlock
http://writeononline.com/

UCLA Writers Faire on August 30th...

Moe than 60 writers and screenwriters present 24 sessions. UCLA, Young Hall courtyard, 11am-3pm. Free. Parking in lot 2 costs $10.

http://uclaextensionedu/writersfaire

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. Register now for $450 with code PL200. $200 discount code good for next two weeks.

www.TheWestdoc.com

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!

Feel Good Film Festival Opens Tonight

Please take a moment to visit our new website with film, television and book news:

www.goshtv.net/film

Just getting started with this site. Let me know your suggestions.

Don't miss the next ScreenPlayLab mixer is August 10th in Beverly Hills. RSVP now at www.screenplaylab.com. The Feel Good Film Festival opens tonight at the Egyptian Theatre. See below for details on these and many more Hollywood industry events.

I was bace at TCA this week, the twice-yearly event where networks promote their upcoming shows to television critics. Last week it was the cable networks. This week is broadcast networks. I got to talk with Jay Leno, who talked about his plans for The Jay Leno Show. "There is no NBC," says Leno. "It's a bunch of trailers in Burbank. The real NBC is the affiliates. We want to provide a strong lead-in to local news."

I also got to chat with Nick Willing about Alice, his re-interpretation of Alice in Wonderland along the lines of what he did with Tin Man to the Wizard of Oz.

The Feel Good Film Festival Aug. 7th to Aug. 9th...

Three-day event once again features films that highlight positive themes, happy endings, make audiences laugh, and capture the beauty of our world. The Opening Night Gala presentation of Chris Dowling’s ROCK SLYDE kicks a program of 60 films, including 16 features, 34 shorts, and 10 student films as well as 2 webisodes. Festival yellow carpet, in honor of FGFF’s sunflower logo, live musical performances in the Egyptian Theatre courtyard presented by Audiorents, an original screenplay competition, an original song competition, a panel discussion, and a Closing Night Awards Gala, hosted by Brian Krause of Charmed with a Tribute to film and television legend Ed Asner. Egyptian Theatre.

http://fgff.org/

Meghan Leone in A Midsummer Night's Dream Aug. 7th to 16th...

Meghan Leone stars as "Titania" in the Shakespeare classic. Aug. 7th-16th. Tuesdays through Saturdays 8pm. Sundays 7pm. Irene Gilbert Theater, Stella Adler Studio, 6773 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd Fl., Hollywood, CA. 323-465-4446

Tim Tyler in Sexual Neuroses of Our Parents Aug. 7th to 22nd...

Tim Tyler stars at the Luna Playhouse. West coast premiere of

A developmentally disabled young woman But she then discovers her sexuality. Not Suitable for Younger Audiences. Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm
August 7 (opening), 8; 14, 15, 21, 22. Luna Playhouse, 3706 San Fernando Road, Glendale, CA. $20. 818-500-7200

Deborah Geffner on SyFy Aug. 8th and 9th...

Deborah Geffner stars in the SyFy Channel movie Infestation. Aug. 8th at 9pm. Aug. 9th at 1am.

ScreenPlayLab Beverly Hills Mixer on August 10th...

ScreenPlayLab presents a FREE INDUSTRY MIXER with writers, actors, producers, directors and others in the film and television industry. It's an upbeat casual group helping each other succeed. Typically 50 to 100 people. You're encouraged to introduce yourself, say what sort of help you'd like and ask how you can help. If you're shy, let me know and I'll 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, August 10th, 6:30pm-9:30pm. FREE event. RSVP online:

www.screenplaylab.com

Shakespeare in the Park from June 26th to August 30th...

The Independent Shakespeare Company presents the Tempest and Henry V. Barnesdall Park, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA. Free.

www.independentshakepeare.com

Downtown Film Festival Los Angeles on August 12th-22nd...

Volunteer coordinator Grace Alpert seeking film festival volunteers. Named by L.A. Downtown News the Best Event in 2008. Dozens of film screenings and related activities over 11 days. Festival volunteers for theater ushering, event hospitality, event planning & production, street team marketing, and much more. Tell Grace your skills to match you to a specific area. Festival highlights: Sustainable L.A. green program on August 20, Music Film Series at the Grammy Museum, Digital.Art.LA art videos and installations, tribute to Paul Newman, Jackson 5 in Africa. Volunteers must attend orientation on Saturday, July 25, 1-2pm or Thursday, July 30, 6-7pm. At the Downtown Film Festival L.A. office, Engine Co. No. 28 Building, 2nd Floor, 644 S. Figueroa between 7th & Wishire, Los Angeles, CA. Adjacent to the MTA 7th/Metro Station.

www.dffla.com

Write On! Breaking Through Writers Block on Aug. 15th...

Writer Debra Eckerling offers strategies for brainstorming, project management,and staying on track when you really don't want to. Bring paper, pen, and your favorite excuses for procrastinating. Aug 15, 2009, 1:30-3:30pm. The Learning Garden, Venice High School, 13000 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. $25.

http://www.storylink.com/event/WriteOnWritersBlock
http://writeononline.com/

UCLA Writers Faire on August 30th...

Moe than 60 writers and screenwriters present 24 sessions. UCLA, Young Hall courtyard, 11am-3pm. Free. Parking in lot 2 costs $10.

http://uclaextensionedu/writersfaire

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. Register now for $450 with code PL200. $200 discount code good for next two weeks.

www.TheWestdoc.com

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!

Free Beverly Hills Mixer on August 10th

This week is the Producers Guild party, Hollywod Pitchfest, ITVFest, Shakespeare in the park, and more. The next ScreenPlayLab mixer is August 10th. See below for details on these and many more Hollywood industry events.

I had a blast at TCA this week, the twice-yearly event where networks promote their upcoming shows to television critics. "Everyday citizens have changed the course of history," says Matt Damon. "What can you do?" Matt Damon was talking about The People Speak, his new series with the History channel about citizens who've made political change through protest.

MTV The Buried Life is reality TV about four college boys who set out to fulfill their list of big goals at a young age and to also help strangers achieve their dreams. Joan Rivers says, "Nouveau rich is so dumb they will tell you how they made it," for her TV Land series How'd You Get So Rich? Michael Eisner showed off his Nick at Nite series Glenn Martin DDS, a sort of Happy Days meets the Simpsons roadtrip in 3d claymation.

Lucy Lawless confirmed she gets naked in the 300-inspired Starz TV series Spartacus. Dave Tennant and Russell T Davies talked about leaving BBC Doctor Who at the top, to be taken up by showrunner Steven Moffat of Coupling.

I'm reading submissions for my comedy writers group. Like the creativity game where one person says the first sentence of a story and the next person makes up the next line, some ScreenPlayLab writers are writing sample pages 3 and 4 based on the first two pages of a script I wrote. Those who can match my style I want to include in a group where each person writes just a few pages on the same screenplay. Interesting way to crank out pilots fast. I'm also looking at writers for others. So far, I'm seeing more drama than comedy from my would-be comedy writers. Harder than it looks?

ScreenPlayLab Comedy Writers Group...

By invitation only. For comedy writers interested in being part of a collaborative writers group to write spec pilots. I write the step outline and the first scene. Each writer writes one scene. To be considered write a 2-page sample that continues from the first two pages of a pilot I wrote. In other words, you write pages 3 and 4 having only the first two pages of the script as your guide. Email me for a copy of the sample script if interested. In your email state whether you're local, what city you're based in. Free.

Zicree Supermentors on August 2nd...

Career tune-up for actors, writers, directors, producers. Sunday, August 2nd, 6:30pm–9:30pm, Paty's Restaurant, 10001 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake, CA. $30. Also, six-week teleconference class starts August 4. $599.

www.zicree.com

Shakespeare in the Park from June 26th to August 30th...

The Independent Shakespeare Company presents the Tempest and Henry V. Barnesdall Park, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA. Free.

www.independentshakepeare.com

ITVFest July 30th to August 6th...

The 4th annual Independent Television Festival presents innovative independent pilots and webseries screenings, and panels on Writing, Casting, Representation, Pitching, International Formats, Multi Platform Buzzwords, Development for TV, Web TV Success Stories, Development for the Web. Opening Night Gala on Thursday, July 30th, in the courtyard of The Sunset Strip, 8000 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA. Red carpet arrivals at 7pm. Mingling until 11pm. Bar sponsored by Stella Artois, Hypnotic, Pama, Icelandic and Monster. Hors d'oeuvres sponsored by Sansai Japanese Grill and Trader Joe's. Music by Athena Reich, Jessie Payo and The MakePeace Brothers. Must RSVP at itvfestgala.eventbrite.com by Tuesday, July 28th, 2009. $20. ITVFest which will be held at Laemmle's Sunset 5 from July 31-August 6th. Most events and screenings are $10.

itvfest.org

New York International Independent Film and Video Festival on July 30th-August 6th...

NYIIFVF presents every genre including, World Cinema, Science-Fiction, Horror, Action/Adventure, Animation, War, Psychological Thriller, Crime, Drama, Comedy, Family, Experimental, Dance Theatre, Romance, as well as a compelling slate of high-quality documentaries. The following 27 countries and territories will be represented: USA, France, Spain, India, Japan, Italy, Israel, Germany, Argentina, Bulgaria, Finland, Belgium, Sweden, UK, Netherlands, Denmark, New Zealand, Australia, Colombia, Ghana, Switzerland, Faroe Island, Montenegro, Belarus, Greece, Puerto Rico and Canada. Film market and networking party at the Cabana Club, 1439 Ivar Ave. at Sunset, on Thursday, July 30th from 6pm-10pm. Opening night will also include a special presentation for NYIIFVF award recipients. Festival screenings at the Regency Fairfax Cinema, 7907 Beverly Blvd at Fairfax, Los Angeles, CA, from July 31st-August 6th, 2009.

www.nyfilmvideo.com

13th Annual Hollywood Pitch Festival on Aug. 1st-2nd...

Presented by Fade In Magazine, 200+ producers, directors, agents and managers, executives and casting directors on one roof. Previous years' festivals script sales: Born To Shop to Fox, The Meddlers to Warner Bros., and If Only to ABC, which recently aired. Intercontinental Hotel. 310-441-5151. $425

http://www.hollywoodpitchfestival.com/

Organization of Black Screenwriters Animation Panel on Aug. 1st...

OBS presents inside knowledge on how to work in animation; the current climate of animation, the differences in 3D, television, and feature film, and how to bring your animated ideas to life. Farcor Studios The Proud Family EP Ralph Farquhar, DreamWorks Animation Kung Fu Panda Production Engineer Kwesi Davis, The Proud Family Writer David Wyatt, Boondocks Writer Jason Van Veen, VO Actor AfroSamurai Greg Eagles, Teapot Animator Daveed Kolodny-Nagy, Da Jammies Animator-Director Tyree Dillihay, and X-Men Animator-Director Jim Simon. Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Bldg, Main Conference Room, 1999 West Adams Blvd., Los Angeles. FREE Parking behind building on Hobart Avenue off Adams Blvd. Sat., August 1, 2009. $20 (cash only). RSVP 310.844.8755

www.obswriter.com

Producers Guild of America Annual Recruiting Party on Aug. 5th...

The Producers Guild invites prospective members for drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and networking with PGA Board Members. Prospective members have credits in film, TV, documentary, reality or web and newmedia, at all levels of the producing team. PGA Open to TV, Film, and New Media producing team including: Executive Producers, Producers, Co-Producers, Associate Producers, Production Managers, Supervisors, Coordinators, Segment, Field, Story and Show Producers, Post Producers, Supervisors and Coordinators, VFX Producers and Coordinators. Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at 7pm. Above Beverly Hills Rooftop Lounge, Thompson Beverly Hills Hotel, 9360 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA. RSVP to pgamixer@yahoo.com.

www.producersguild.org

USC Directors Party August 6th...

USC Summer Directing Intensive works-in-progress screening, party and panel of industry pros. USC School of Cinematic Arts 900 W. 34th St. Room SDA 112. Party in courtyard from 6:15. Screening/Industry panel 7-10pm. August 6, 2009.

http://cinema.usc.edu/about/events/

ScreenPlayLab Beverly Hills Mixer on August 10th...

ScreenPlayLab presents a FREE INDUSTRY MIXER with writers, actors, producers, directors and others in the film and television industry. It's an upbeat casual group helping each other succeed. Typically 50 to 100 people. You're encouraged to introduce yourself, say what sort of help you'd like and ask how you can help. If you're shy, let me know and I'll 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, August 10th, 6:30pm-9:30pm. FREE event. RSVP online:

www.screenplaylab.com

Downtown Film Festival Los Angeles on August 12th-22nd...

Volunteer coordinator Grace Alpert seeking film festival volunteers. Named by L.A. Downtown News the Best Event in 2008. Dozens of film screenings and related activities over 11 days. Festival volunteers for theater ushering, event hospitality, event planning & production, street team marketing, and much more. Tell Grace your skills to match you to a specific area. Festival highlights: Sustainable L.A. green program on August 20, Music Film Series at the Grammy Museum, Digital.Art.LA art videos and installations, tribute to Paul Newman, Jackson 5 in Africa. Volunteers must attend orientation on Saturday, July 25, 1-2pm or Thursday, July 30, 6-7pm. At the Downtown Film Festival L.A. office, Engine Co. No. 28 Building, 2nd Floor, 644 S. Figueroa between 7th & Wishire, Los Angeles, CA. Adjacent to the MTA 7th/Metro Station.

www.dffla.com

Write On! Breaking Through Writers Block on Aug. 15th...

Writer Debra Eckerling offers strategies for brainstorming, project management,and staying on track when you really don't want to. Bring paper, pen, and your favorite excuses for procrastinating. Aug 15, 2009, 1:30-3:30pm. The Learning Garden, Venice High School, 13000 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. $25.

http://www.storylink.com/event/WriteOnWritersBlock
http://writeononline.com/

UCLA Writers Faire on August 30th...

Moe than 60 writers and screenwriters present 24 sessions. UCLA, Young Hall courtyard, 11am-3pm. Free. Parking in lot 2 costs $10.

http://uclaextensionedu/writersfaire

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. Register now for $450 with code PL200. $200 discount code good for next two weeks.

www.TheWestdoc.com

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

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!