Hey, everyone--

As you know, I've been a vocal supporter and cheerleader of the Writers Guild's efforts to organize reality and unscripted (ha!) TV.  This isn't a cause that concerns only reality writers... it's a fight for the rights of writers in all mediums.  SO...

Tomorrow night, the WGA is holding an open introductory meeting for new members and anyone interested in joining the fight.  If you're in LA and would like to come, the WGA is providing dinner... (and free parking!)...

Here's all the info... hope you can make it!

WHEN:   Thursday, November 20, 8:00 p.m.
WHERE:  Writers Guild, west - 7000 West Third Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048
RSVP (or questions):  talbert@wga.org


ALFRE WOODARD SPEAKS AT WGA RALLY AT FREMANTLE MEDIA

Once again, thanks to MovieMaker magazine and its FestFlash emails for this great list of upcoming festivals, contests, and conferences...


UPCOMING FESTIVALS & CALL FOR ENTRIES
AFI FEST 2008 presented by Audi, slated for October 30th to November 9th, brings the best of world cinema to the heart of Hollywood for 11 days this fall. Headquartered at the Hollywood Roosevelt, L.A.’s longest running film festival is packed with red carpet premieres, conversations with filmmakers and deep programming for a full sweep of the year’s best. Tickets on sale October 10. Passes on sale September 2. www.afi.com/afifest; 866/AFI-FEST.

Tickets are available for the ANGELUS STUDENT FILM FESTIVAL on Sept. 13! This festival honors future filmmakers as they create works that respect the dignity of the human person. Angelus-winning films reflect values such as redemption, spirituality, dignity, tolerance, equality, diversity, hope and triumph of the human spirit. Angelus alumni include Sundance winners Patricia Cardoso (Real Women Have Curves) and Tony Bui (Three Seasons and Green Dragon). Other winners include directors Greg Marcks (11:14, starring Hilary Swank) and Sabrina Dhawan (screenwriter, Monsoon Wedding). For tickets or more information, go to www.angelus.org  or contact Monika Moreno at Monikka1@verizon.net or 800/874-0999.

Bold visions. Lovingly crafted. Cutting-edge. Artistically inspired. These are the kinds of films sought for the 47th ANN ARBOR FILM FESTIVAL, the longest-running showcase of independent, experimental and artistically-inspired films in North America. All lengths and genres accepted and considered: Experimental, animation, documentary, narrative and combinations in between. + More than $20,000 awarded to films in competition. + Qualifying festival for annual Academy Awards. + Select films participate on international traveling tour. Standard deadline October 15, 2008 = $40. Late deadline November 15, 2008 = $50. The 47th Ann Arbor Film Festival, March 24 - 29, 2009. Visit www.aafilmfest.org or e-mail info@aafilmfest.org.

BENDFILM: Where Filmmakers Are Gods. Set against the backdrop of the stunning Cascade Mountains in Bend, Central Oregon. Now in its 5th year, BendFilm creates a memorable festival every October with more than $30,000 in cash awards including a $10,000 Best of Show Award. Additional cash awards are presented for Best Feature ($2,500), Best Doc ($2,500), Best Short ($2,500), Best Student Film ($3,000), Best Conservation Award ($2,500) and Excellence in Filmmaking By A Female Director ($4,000). Add that to the Audience Award, which takes home a percentage of ticket sales and you have a festival that filmmakers love. Deadline: June 30, 2008. Visit www.bendfilm.org. Executive Director: Sandy Henderson. Contact: info@bendfilm.org.

BIG BEAR LAKE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL & SCREENWRITING COMPETITION is held the weekend of September 11-14, 2008. Screenings of independent feature films, short films, student films, High School student films, documentaries and a screenwriting competition. Festival holds educational filmmaker panels, seminars and a Pitchfest. Visit www.bigbearlakefilmfestival.com or call 909/866-3433 for more information.

The BLACK MARIA FILM FESTIVAL seeks diverse, expressive and passionate short films and videos by independent makers. The festival is named after Thomas Edison’s motion picture studio and is known for its support of spirited, cutting edge, and otherwise singular film and video. The Black Maria is committed to works that explore the potential of the medium to illuminate, provoke, enrich and engage viewers. Imaginative and revelatory films and videos, which provide insight into the human condition and political, social, and environmental issues, as well as the lives of people with disabilities, or which investigate the aesthetic potential and eschew obvious conventions of the medium are also sought by the festival. www.blackmariafilmfestival.org.

The 8th annual installment of the CONEY ISLAND FILM FESTIVAL hits the shores of Coney Island Friday, September 26th through Sunday, September 28th. This annual festival features over 80 films from around the world; a stunning array of high and lowbrow fare, as diverse as the neighborhood it represents. The festival kicks off with an opening night party featuring performances from The Coney Island Sideshow and Burlesque Performers. An annual screening of The Warriors runs Saturday night where the audience is encouraged to talk back to the screen! For details go to www.coneyislandfilmfestival.com. Contact Rob Leddy 718/907-3409 or rob@coneyislandfilmfestival.com.

10th annual CROSSROADS FILM FESTIVAL, April 2-5, 2009, Jackson, Mississippi. Come challenge Mississippi’s creative class & still be showered in Southern hospitality. This is where the music of delta bluesman Robert Johnson runs straight into the home of the international ballet competition. Tennessee Williams, Morris, Welty, Faulkner, James Earl Jones, Oprah, Morgan Freeman; some of the world’s greatest musicians, quirky and creative folks. There’ll be cash prizes, Southern celebrities, workshops, daily receptions and nightly jukin’ with live music to toast you, the filmmaker. It’s all about your story. Share it. They’ll show you a great time. Entry Deadline Dec. 20. www.crossroadsfilmfest.com.

The 14th annual CUCALORUS FILM FESTIVAL is in the works!  This "filmmaker’s festival" prepares for another rugged and rebellious celebration of filmmaking, taking place in historic downtown Wilmington, NC from November 12-15, 2008. Filmmakers from all over the world bring their independent visions to the screen with shorts, features, docs and motley mix of experimental films and events. Bring your brain and an extra set of eyes, Cucalorus is the real deal—a festival for filmmakers, by filmmakers. Full schedule for 2008 announced in early October, check out www.cucalorus.org to get the skinny and reserve your festival pass. Call 910/343-5995 or e-mail dan@cucalorus.org for more.

FIRSTGLANCE FILM FEST 9 HOLLYWOOD—Call for Entries Opens Deadline December 1, 2008. Calling for submissions from professional, student and first-time filmmakers from across the globe for their 9th annual event to be held in Hollywood April 2009. All Official Selections receive a distinguished award presented by our screening committee and compete for the Best of The Fest prize worth tens of thousands, plus a new sliding scale prize, the more entries the greater the prize package. FirstGlance offers more short films the opportunity to get visibility with their online contest for shorts they cannot program due to time constraints but that they feel have great festival potential, with a great prize package and screening at the Closing Night Screenings. For the first time they have opened their categories to Webisode Pilots. Visit www.firstglancefilms.com to apply.

The INDIE SHORT FILM COMPETITION is now accepting entries for its 2nd annual international short film competition. This innovative online short film competition is a great opportunity for indie filmmakers to advance their career, gain recognition in the filmmaking industry and receive international exposure. Open to shorts 40 minutes and under. $25,000 in cash and prizes. 10 categories to enter! Winners are determined by a judging panel of industry professionals. Sponsored by Sony Creative Software, Write Brothers, FrameForge 3D Studio, JellyPie Software, Media Servies, MovieMaker Magazine, Partners In Rhyme, Blackmagic Design, TwistedTracks.com, BoilerPlate and SmartSound! Deadline for entries is November 29, 2008. For more information visit www.IndieShortFilms.net.

L.A. COMEDY SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL and L.A. COMEDY SCRIPTS SCREENPLAY COMPETITION Call for Entries! The Early Deadline for the 2009 festival is October 3, 2008. Now accepting submissions in the following categories: Comedy Short Films (30 minutes or less), Comedy ‘Shortie’ Shorts (5 minutes or less), Animated Comedy Shorts (30 minutes or less), Feature Comedy Scripts (80-130 pages) and Short Comedy Scripts (30 pages or less). Over $35,000 in cash and prizes. Presenters and judges will include top names from film and television including “SNL,” “Mad TV,” “The Boondocks,” “Boston Legal,” Austin Powers and more. Enter at www.lacomedyshorts.com or through www.withoutabox.com.

The MAGNOLIA INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL was founded by Ron Tibbett in 1996 to celebrate his vision of Independent film in Mississippi. “The Mag” has been called the most filmmaker friendly festival by many past contributors. The festival takes place in mid-February, in Starkville, Mississippi, and welcomes all genres and all lengths in competition for awards. Receptions, workshops and luncheons are held in the Starkville and West Point, MS area. Housing, meals, events and local transportation are provided for filmmakers whose work is chosen for screening. To learn more about the festival see www.magfilmfest.com.

MILL VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL: October 2-12, 2008. 2008 marks the Mill Valley Film Festival’s 31st edition. A celebration of the best in independent and world cinema, MVFF annually brings together a community of filmmakers and film lovers to Mill Valley, San Rafael and beyond to experience great new films in the beautiful environment of San Francisco’s beautiful Bay Area. With its reputation as a filmmakers’ festival, this prestigious non-competitive event showcases international features, documentaries, shorts and children's films—something for every filmgoer. They invite you to join them in celebrating great film! For more information go to www.mvff.com.

The OMAHA FILM FESTIVAL is now accepting entries in the following categories: Narrative Features, Documentaries, Short Films, Animated Short Films, OFF the EDGE (Horror, Experimental, Dark Films) and Screenplays. Deadlines: Sept 8 (regular) and Oct 26 (late). Visit www.omahafilmfestival.org. With the creation of the festival's Film Education Initiative, ongoing learning opportunities have been provided to filmmakers during the annual festival and conference. Past participants include Shane Black, Mike Hill, Jon Bokenkamp, Josh Stolberg, Lew Hunter, Tom Elkins and Jeff Kitchen.

CALL FOR ENTRIES! The SYRACUSE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (SYRFILM) is preparing for the '09 Festival. April 24, 2009 - May 3, 2009. Accepting films through December 1, 2008. Submit early for discounted entry fee. Visit www.syrfilm.com for submission materials. SYRFILM '09 NOT JUST AN EVENT—AN EXPERIENCE.

The 14th annual VICTORIA FILM FESTIVAL presents the most exclusive industry event of the year. Trigger Points Pacific has only 50 openings for producers who’ll have the opportunity of a lifetime to meet with 25 top industry acquisition execs in 30-minute meetings for incomparable access and results. With historic architecture and fabulous vistas, downtown streets are lined with theaters, shops, museums and cafes that provide the perfect backdrop for the home of the boutique schmooze. A great package is available at the legendary Fairmont Empress to make your business trip unforgettable. Online registration and information at www.victoriafilmfestival.com.

Enter the 42nd annual WORLDFEST-HOUSTON INTERNATIONAL FILM & VIDEO FESTIVAL. Regarded as one of the best-conceived film festivals in the world. WorldFest gave first honors to Spielberg, Lucas, Ang Lee, Ridley Scott, the Coen brothers, David Lynch, Jonathan Demme, Brian De Palma and hundreds more. They offer International competition and Remi Awards for Indie Features, Shorts, Experimental, Student, Screenplays, Documentaries, Music Videos, New Media, TV Commercials, TV Production and Film & Video Production. WorldFest is one of the oldest and longest running International Film Festivals in the world and the third oldest film festival in North America. "Before there was Sundance or SXSW, before there was Toronto or Tribeca!" Simply go to www.worldfest.org, click on FAQ, CATEGORIES, ENTRY FORMS and HOW TO WIN! They welcome your participation.

Hey, TV writers and producers--

If you have any idea for the next America's Got Talent, Good Eats, The Amazing Race or Criss Angel: Mindfreak... or if you're just trying to get your foot in the reality TV door... or even if you're just a big reality fan... check out the mediabistro seminar I'm teaching next Thursday night, September 4!

Writing the Reality TV Show

Wipeout. Big Brother. Sunset Tan.  Making the Band. From the multi-million-dollar series of broadcast television to the low-budget niche shows of cable, reality programming dominates television. But are reality shows really "reality?" How much planning and production goes into unscripted storytelling? And, most importantly, how can you get in on the action?

This seminar lays the groundwork for anyone wanting to break into the lucrative world of reality TV. We'll look at various types of reality shows and what makes them tick, from docu-dramas and docu-soaps (Dog the Bounty Hunter, The Hills) to game shows and elimination-style competitions (The Biggest Loser, Survivor) to personality-driven and "aspirational" series (Tasty Travels, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition).

We'll then discuss how to conceive, develop, and sell your idea. What are the critical elements of a pitch? Should you attach talent? Does your series work as a strip? We'll explore how to structure your reality pitch and get it to the right people. Who are the major players? When should you attach a senior producer? What networks are best for your concept? Whether you're a writer, producer, or host, reality television's waiting for you.

In this seminar, you will learn:

• The difference between reality shows, and how to pitch them accordingly
• The critical elements every reality show and pitch must have
• How to structure a pitch both verbally and as a written document
• How to pitch to networks, studios, and production companies
• When to attach hosts or producers to your idea, and when not to
• What to expect when you're making your pitch, and what happens when you leave
  

Click here for more information...

WHEN: Thursday, August 4, 7-10 pm
WHERE: Beverly Hills Bar Assoc., 300 S. Beverly Dr., 2nd Fl., Beverly Hills, CA 90212
COST: $65 ($50 for avantguild members)
TO SIGN UP: Call 212-547-7890 or click HERE

Hey, everyone--

The Guide to Literary Agents and its editor, Chuck Sambuchino, are hosting a hilarious contest... the search for The Worst Storyline Ever! 

Basically, they're looking for loglines... and the lamer, stupider, and more ridiculous the better.

The winner gets a query letter critique from Chuck, a follow-up phone call to discuss the query critique, a plan of action for seeing your work published, and copies of the 2009 Guide to Literary Agents and the 2009 Writer's Market.  Runners up will receive a free copy of either the 2009 Guide to Literary Agents or the 2009 Writer's Market.

Either way, this contest sounds like a blast... click HERE to check it out!

(Oh-- and the deadline is the end of August...)