Remembering Clover the Talkative Cat

I'm going to talk about some personal stuff here, so if you're looking for this month's Hollywood events calendar, you may want to skip ahead to the events section below. Note that ScreenPlayLab's next mixer is on March 11th. RSVP online at www.ScreenPlayLab.com.

Our grey tiger-stripe tabby cat Clover passed away last week after a long life of over 18 years. We still imagine we hear the sound of Clover's paws as she scrambles down our hallway, her claws unable to gain traction on our hardwood floors as she gallops past then slides onto the rug as though it's a sled. The downstairs neighbors even complained to our building manager that we must be keeping a dog in our place, or maybe an elephant, because no mere cat could walk so heavily on her paws. "Thunder-paws" loved to prance and play and chase a piece of string.

Clover was a tiny kitten at the animal shelter in Chicago when we met her. She reached out her paw through the cage to choose us. She fit comfortably in my hand. Little did we realize how big she would grow. A curious but careful kitten, Clover would tag every object in the room with her paw to test that it wasn't alive, that it wouldn't move. She traveled across the country with us until we settled in Los Angeles, where we came for me to work on a project at DreamWorks.

Clover was a very talkative cat. She was persistent in trying to teach us the nuances of cat language, a subject she was disappointed I couldn't master. She liked to keep up with her tiger cat skills, such as springing upon my ankle after lying patiently in wait under the furniture, or hiding motionless in plain sight yet so well camouflaged we couldn't spot her. It was a game to make us pop open a can of food to tempt her out of her hiding spot.

She kept us on our toes. In the kitchen, her favorite place to be was wherever we tried to walk, to always manage to be underfoot. A gourmet, Clover insisted she sample or at least sniff whatever we were eating, except bananas that she loathed. She liked peas, not to eat, but to bat with her paw. And, she would steal our toast.

Every evening Clover came to me at 5pm to cry loudly to remind me it's time to start making dinner, preferably during a telephone call with some studio executive who now wonders if my office is at the zoo. Every night Clover would curl up on the foot of the bed to sleep. If was cold, she'd crawl under the covers. She was always there somewhere, to reach out and pet, if not leaning hard against our legs sleeping. Her tail would twitch, would tickle us as she thought up new cat mischief, such as waking us using "leg rolling". That's the trick of balancing and walking on our legs like a lumberjack performing log rolling.

Clover was sick for the last few years, yet had many miraculous recoveries where she rebounded and seemed normal. When she died, Clover stretched out her long paws one final time and was gone. Clover probably had hyper-thyroid, a condition that causes a cat's body to run faster than it should and eventually causes the organs to fail. I took her body to the West L.A. Shelter on Pico near Route 405, where they're available for emergencies 24 hours a day if you ring the bell. If you can adopt an animal, volunteer to help walk the dogs, make a donation, or otherwise help at the shelter, they want to hear from you.

Thinking about Clover, I realize we spent more time with her than most of our human friends. We'll miss her bright eyes, her fascination with life, and her spirit of adventure.

Seeking a Junior Executive Position...

An outstanding executive assistant we know is seeking a position as a junior exec. She was promised the opportunity to advance within the top production company where she works now, but due to a merger the position she wanted is being eliminated. She's top notch, experienced in development and production, and has worked in TV and film. If you know of a production or development office that needs an amazing junior executive, please let me know.

Class Action Settlement for TV Writers Over 40...

Seventeen television networks and studios and seven talent agencies have agreed, subject to Court approval, to settle age discrimination allegations in connection with the hiring and representation of television writers age 40 or over, in nineteen separate class action lawsuits, for a collective payment of $70M. The defendants include ABC, APA, Carsey-Werner, CBS, Columbia TriStar Television, Inc., DW SKG TV LLC, formerly known as DreamWorks SKG TV LLC, Fox, NBC Universal, Paradigm, Shapiro-Lichtman, Sony Pictures Television Inc., Spelling Television, The Gersh Agency, The Endeavor Agency, The WB Television Network, Touchstone Television, TriStar Television, Inc., Twentieth Century Fox, UPN, UTA, Warner Bros. Television, William Morris Agency, and William Morris Endeavor Entertainment LLC.

The defendants deny wrongdoing and wish to end litigation pending since 2000. The settlement defines two classes: persons age 40 or over who have previously written for television, and others age 40 or over who have been denied the opportunity to write for television. To check if you qualify as a settlement class member, you can get more information at the websites or telephone numbers below. To qualify for a payment, you must submit a claim form by April 13, 2010.

Claims Administrator: www.TVWritersSettlementAdmin.com 1-888-730-7198
Class Counsel: www.TVWritersCounsel.com 1-877-518-7090

Affinity Artists Agent Ross Grossman Featured in Backstage...

ScreenPlayLab member Ross Grossman is interviewed in the Backstage article, "What Do You Look For When Interviewing An Actor". By the way, Ross is seeking Latin talent in Hollywood and other major cities. When approaching an agent, remember to use your network of contacts, that it's easier to reach out through a friend the agent knows. Email me if you'd like me to forward your headshot/resume to Ross.

http://affinityartists.blogspot.com/

Rick Overton on ABC General Hospital on March 8th...

ScreenPlayLab member Rick Overton will play the role of a conniving impostor French chief on the ABC soap General Hospital. You can also see Rick on Blu-ray or DVD starring in the film "The Informant" at video outlets everywhere.

Jennifer Ivy Stars in "The Perfect Man" Now to March 14th...

ScreenPlayLab member Jennifer Ivy stars in "The Perfect Man, Be Careful What You Ask For". A group of close girlfriends stumble upon a book called The Power of Persuasion, that the girls use to mold their men into being the perfect man and change their own lives. A riotous string of consequences from their manipulation, as they each personally discover what the "The Perfect Man" really is. Stage production written, directed and produced by Paul D. Hannah of One Truth Media. Runs Feb. 18th through March 14th. The Underground Theatre, 1314 Wilton Pl., Los Angeles. $25

http://www.whoistheperfectman.com/

Georja Umano in Best Short "The Godmother"...

ScreenPlayLab member Georja Umano has the title role in "The Godmother" that won best short at the Filmicus Film Festival in Denver. L.A. screenings coming up. On March 18 at New Filmmakers Festival at Sunset Gower Studios. In April at First Glance Films in Hollywood. Georja next guest stars as Juanita, the Mexican nanny in the comedy web series "The Nanny Interviews". She also modeled for Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank for print ads that will be seen across the Arabian peninsula. Update: "The Godmother" has also won best short at the Soho International Festival in NYC.

http://pro.imdb.com/name/nm0200743/
http://GeorjaUmano.com

TST Internships, Volunteers Wanted...

Credit or a small stipend available. Seeking Marketing and Public Relations Assistants, Costume, Sound, Lighting, Video, Assistant Stage Manager, and Stage Hands. "Langston & Nicolás" is a new play based on the true-life friendship of poet-activists Langston Hughes (an African-American) and Nicolás Guillen (a famous Cuban writer). Produced by Towne Street Theatre with a mission to produce and develop original works that explore African-American experiences and history. Location: STELLA ADLER THEATER (main stage), Hollywood and Highland. Rehearsals: Feb. 22nd to April 1st. Performances: April 2 to May 2nd. Fri/Sat 8PM and Sun 3PM.

http://langstonandnicolas.yolasite.com
http://townestreet.org

IDA Mixer on March 2nd...

The International Documentary Association invites you and a guest to celebrate Awards Week. Join other IDA members as well as documentary filmmakers nominated for this year's Spirit and Academy Awards. IDA will help you get connected to the documentary community, share your projects, meet new friends and build your professional network. 6:00pm to 9:00pm. The Standard hotel, 8300 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood. Event parking is valet only, $6 with validation.

http://idamixer.eventbrite.com/
www.documentary.org

Feature Animation Production Teleseminar on March 4th...

Teleseminar/webinar on producing animated features with Max Howard. Ask Max questions live on the web or by phone. Producer Max Howard has worked on animated movies including Igor, Lion King, Iron Giant, Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas, and Space Jam. Max will discuss where to pitch your animation movie idea, how to make money with your independent animated feature, why animated films are a better investment than live-action films, how much to budget for star actors, how to estimate movie income and what countries have the best studios and deals. 6:30pm PST. 9:30pm EST. 2-3 hours long depending on questions. $69

www.HitMakerSeminar.com

Creative Actors Alliance on March 6th...

This month's speakers are entertainment attorney Steve Papkin and his producing partner Robert Yocum. Frankies New York Italian Restaurant, 7228 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. FREE. No RSVP. 11:30 to 2pm. Buy your own lunch (moderate).

http://www.creativeactors.com/

The Oscars on March 7th...

http://oscar.go.com/

ScreenPlayLab Mixer March 11th...

ScreenPlayLab is a great emotional boost when you’re wondering if anybody cares in Hollywood. We care and will be pumping out positive vibes as usual. ScreenPlayLab isn’t a writers group. It’s for everyone interested in scripted TV and film...producers, writers, actors, directors, editors, composers, crew, representation. People from all aspects of the business are at our events.

Join us at the elegant Sidebar by Wolfgang Puck in the Regency Beverly Wilshire Hotel, 9500 Wilshire Blvd. at Rodeo Drive, where "Pretty Woman" was filmed in Beverly Hills. Biz casual or cocktail attire. FREE, just order something to drink or eat. Drinks start at $6 but check with your server as some go much higher. Ask about drink specials, appetizers and deserts. 7pm to 10pm. RSVP online using web form:

www.screenplaylab.com

Yale in Hollywood on March 12th to 13th...

Panels and parties. Music Now! with Joel Flatow, GM, West Coast Operations, RIAA, Tanya Greig Perara, Head of Emerging Business & Revenue, Interscope Geffen A&M Records, Charles W. Hamilton, Sr. Director, Business & Legal Affairs, Warner Bros. Records, Rebel Roy Steiner, Jr., Partner, Loeb & Loeb. From Pitch to Pilot: MTV Networks will present a case study of key issues affecting the development, production and distribution of a television program. Championing the Multidisciplinary Artist: Strategies for Success. Innovation in Animation: Maggie Malone, Director, Creative Development, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Douglas Rogers, Production Designer, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Susan Slagle Rogers, Associate Producer, Dreamworks Animation, Bill Tessier, Animator, Dreamworks Animation.

The Art of Social Justice in Films: Bruce Cohen, Producer, MILK, Lisa Cortés, Executive Producer, Precious, Hugo Perez, Writer/Director, SEED, Ondi Timoner, Director/Producer, DIG!. Launching a Creative Career in Television: Yahlin Chang, Writer/Producer, Dirty Sexy Money, Nick Pepper, Executive Director, Current Drama Programming, ABC Television, Tony Phelan, Writer/Producer, Grey's Anatomy, Alan Poul, Executive Producer, Six Feet Under, Director, The Back-up Plan, Shana C. Waterman, VP, Current Programming, Fox.

So You Want to Make a Blockbuster Movie: Michael Beugg, Executive Producer, Up in the Air, Gillian Bohrer, VP Production, Summit Entertainment, Jeffrey Clifford, President, Montecito Picture Co., Robinne Lee, Actress, Hotel for Dogs, Seven Pounds, Hitch, Jordan Mechner, Writer/Ex. Producer, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. TV on the Edge: Pearlena Igbokwe-Robinson, SVP, Original Programming, Showtime Networks, Harvey E. Harrison, Founder/President, Catalyst for the Arts, Nathan Kitada, Director, 5432 Films, Gardner Stern,Writer/Producer, NYPD Blue, Law & Order, The Practice, Ron Taylor, VP, Diverse Programming, Fox. Sheraton Universal Hotel, Universal City. $200.

http://hollywood.alumni.yale.edu/index.php/program

Minority Films on March 13th...

Scriptwriters Network presents "Minority Films, Universal Themes" WITH Ligiah Villalobos, David Wyatt, and Youssef Delara. Villalobos is the writer and executive producer of "Under the Same Moon" (La Misma Luna), released by Fox Searchlight and The Weinstein Company. Made for under $2M, the film earned over $23M worldwide. Delara wrote and direceted "English as a Second Language" and is currently in post-production with "Bedrooms" starring Julie Benz, Moon Bloodgood, Sarah Clarke, Xander Berkely and Barry Bostwick. Delara worked for 7 years on "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" as visual effects supervisor and on Star Trek films.

Universal Studios Backlot, Rehearsal Hall 3269, 3900 Lankershim Blvd., Gate #3, Universal City. Check-in at noon. Panel starts at 1pm. Free parking. $10 for ScreenPlayLab members who print and bring this invitation. RSVP before 10pm on Thursday, March 11th to info@scriptwritersnetwork.org.

PaleyFest to March 14th...

Panels with the casts of Modern Family, Lost, NCIS, Community, Dexter, Cougar Town, The Vampire Diaries, Seth MacFarlane, Breaking Bad, FlashForward, Men of a Certain Age, Glee, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. 465 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills. $15 each.

www.paleycenter.org/paleyfest2010/

All Cities Media Group on March 2nd, March 19th, March 25th...

Film finance Media Group 3 meets the 3rd Friday of the Month at 12:30pm at Sunset-Gower Studios Screening Room, 1438 North Gower St. #21, Hollywood. Lunch. Filmmakers Group meets at Boston University In Los Angeles, 5700 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 675, Los Angeles, 4th Thursday, 12:30PM to 2:30PM. 323.424.4039. Media Group 1 meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7am at Greenburg-Traurig, 2450 Colorado Ave., Ste. 400E, Santa Monica.

www.allcities.org/meetings_new.html

Fashion Week Los Angeles on March 17-24th...

Events this season will include a kick-off reception for designers hosted by Fashion Group International, Gen Art’s avant garde presentation of emerging fashion talent, a creative coalition on the edge of downtown at BoxEight Studios, a new Beverly Hills Fashion Week production and the return of the exclusive Simply Stylists event at a private venue. Fashion Week overlays Market Week, which takes place in the showroom building and trade shows clustered at the intersection of 9th and Los Angeles Streets, March 19-23.

http://fashionweekla.com

ShowBiz Expo Los Angeles on April 24-25...

ScreenPlayLab co-founder Gabrielle Pantera and I are moderating the Social Media 101 panel at ShowBiz Expo. We'll also have a booth there for ScreenPlayLab. If you'd like to volunteer to help out, email me.

Thousands of industry pros will see what's new in products and services for filmmakers and other entertainment pros, attend informative panels and workshops, and connect with other industry professionals. The exhibit floor is free, conference panels are $15-$30 or $99 for an all-day pass. Use code SHOW25 for a 25% discount on panels and workshops. Los Angeles Convention Center.

www.showbizexpo.com

Digital Hollywood and Variety Summit on May 3rd to 6th...

Digital Hollywood Content Summit III. Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, Filmmakers Lounge at Venice Room, Santa Monica. Prices start at $95. Add $100 to participate in the Variety Summit.

http://www.dhcontentsummit.com/agenda

Two Final Draft Questions...

A member wrote me to ask, "Can you tell me how to remove CONTINUED from each page in Final Draft?" A script analyst had told him he shouldn't have them in a spec script.

The Final Draft setting controlling that is under {Document}{Mores and Continueds}. However, if you find a CONTINUED on every page, that might not be a formatting issue. It could be a writing style problem, that the characters are monologuing. Do they have too many lines of dialogue together? If that's the problem, the solution is to make the dialogue snappier and shorter. A way to do that is to only allow each character a sentence or two, to break up or remove longer passages.

In general, the stock Final Draft format is perfect for spec scripts. The other formats are mainly for use on shooting scripts. Typical readers are looking hard at content, not format. If your script is in industry standard format and spelled correctly that's sufficient...unless someone in the producer's office says otherwise. When submitting solicited material, you or your agent can always ask how they prefer it formatted. Hopefully, you're friends with the assistant and can ask her or him.

Another member wrote to ask a Final Draft question about a script that would arbitrarily shift page breaks around, that the number of pages kept changing slightly for no reason. In a bizarre case like this, I suspect a corrupted document. To create a new clean copy of a corrupted Final Draft document, cut-and-paste the contents of the suspect script into a new document and save it as a new script.

Love you guys!