I may not own a single pair of Manolos, but you can bet I was part of the biggest female phenomenon to hit the Box Office since…well…Gone with the Wind. In only two days and in far fewer theatres than Indiana Jones (much as I love him) opened, SATC kicked box office ass.
Yes, SATC is a proven brand. Yes, it’s been a long time coming. But damn it, I’m thrilled that my sisters came out in droves and proved the doubters wrong, wrong, wrong. (more…)
After a rough winter of writer’s strikes, lame Oscar pickings, and doom-and-gloom attitudes, spring has never been more welcome. Flowers are blooming and Hollywood is waking up. Script sales are finally rolling in. And for me? The excitement of an LA agent and a new writers group! (more…)
When I first entered the film industry, I had no idea my greatest lessons would not be artistic. Given how much I’ve learned as a writer, that’s a substantial statement.
I’m eternally grateful this industry forced me to do more than sit at my laptop and crank out words. Through the three Rs - rejection, rewriting, and risk – many of my proudest achievements can be attributed to the biz: (more…)
As the 2007 Writer’s Strike enters its fourth week, I’ve discovered a little something that tends to get covered in dust for those of us in the biz. This little, neglected thing called A Life.
To be fair, I had enough major events rock my world this year that I was at least on my way to re-examining my life when the strike happened. Needless to say, it pushed me over the edge. When you’ve poured far too much time, energy, and hope into this crazy business, a major strike can feel like a big ol’ wind came along and blew down the house of cards. (more…)
This is the first time in several years that I did not cover the frenzy known as the Toronto International Film Festival.
While I admit to sheer joy at sleeping in my own bed all week, the passing of this event has stirred many emotions. Many aimed at the industry itself.
The film industry is notorious for being tough. Whether you’re a struggling writer or a famous actor with cocaine-laced pockets, the industry will chew you up and spit you out.
And if you think the Canadian film industry is exempt? Think again, my friend. You may not die dramatically from a shark bite. No. You’ll die a slow death of multiple paper cuts and snide remarks.
But wait. She titled this “Taking the High Road.” Ah yes. You caught me. It’s a daily process. Hmmm. Let’s make that hourly. (more…)
This week I find myself wrestling with stakes. Not the Buffy the Vampire kind. That would be much more fun. Swish! Slice! Problem solved.
No. The demon I’m facing is a writer’s favourite note. Are the stakes high enough?
This is a completely legitimate note. And very important to ask before sending your little lamb (aka a screenplay) to the wolves (aka agents and sundry readers). But in return, I must ask: Have we become so desensitized that we need a person’s life on the line to feel a journey is worth watching?