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Writing a Movie Script: How Irish-American Movies Continue to Engage Audiences

This is the time of year we celebrate Irish art: the literature, poetry and plays by celebrated writers such as W.B. Yeats, Frank McCourt, James Joyce, Sean O’Casey, Oscar Wilde, and Samuel Beckett, as well as the Irish contributions to film and screenwriting.

For a small country, the Irish are incredibly well-traveled and have a presence all over the globe after centuries of immigration. It is no surprise, then, that one of the most common themes of Irish film is immigration, a theme that defined a generation in both Ireland and America. For decades the young people of Ireland crossed the Atlantic and romanticized the “Land of Opportunity.” The theme continues to be relevant to an American audience as well, thousands of whom see their ancestors in these Irish immigrants.

1882 illustration from Puck depicting Irish immigrants as troublemakers, as compared to those of other nationalities

A screenplay writer’s goal is to make the audience see themselves in the characterson the screen, using themes that are relatable for audiences across generations, and the theme of immigration utilized in Irish movies accomplishes this as it continues to be relevant to audiences over many years and age-groups.

The stories of immigrants are of people fighting to make their way in life and overcoming hardship, often in a world that seems unfair. Included in these stories is the idea of “starting over,” leaving everything behind to begin a new life from scratch. Audiences sympathize with these struggles and relate them to their own hardships.

One of the classic Irish movies featuring the theme of the immigration experience is Far and Away. It tells a story about adjusting to the rough life of immigrants in America and the struggle between working long hours for meager wages and being at the mercy of the local Irish mobsters.Far and Away also features elements of class struggle, as immigrants found themselves in a new culture with different rules, and viewers see the societal roles change between the two central characters. Through these conflicts, the problems of immigration – finding work, dealing with corruption, and integrating into a new place – are highlighted, and these struggles resonate with audiences who see in them their own experiences of dealing with the injustices of life.

A major element of the Irish immigration theme introduced in Far and Away but explored further in other movies is gang life. Irishmen (and other immigrant groups) were at the bottom of the ladder, and joining established Irish gangs was a way to come up in the community quickly, especially when the mobsters offered lucrative employment opportunities and more money than the meager wages of hard-labor factory jobs.

Gangs were also a form of protection against racism and targeting from other immigrant groups or “locals.” Gangs of New York is a classic example, as the Butcher, the Native played by Daniel Day Lewis, brutally controls the immigrant groups. The movie tells the story of the rough existence greeting many Irish in New York living in the infamous Five Points area. Gangs of New York shows the harsh reality of life for new immigrants trying to establish themselves, as well as the hierarchies and factions within these different immigrant groups that often made it impossible for immigrants to remain disconnected from gang life.

Irish immigration movies are a perfect example of what makes a movie theme successful. They tell stories of people who were willing to start from scratch, risking everything they had to improve their lives, and eventually overcoming the problems that plagued them to achieve a better life. Audiences sympathize with the characters as they experience struggles of being alone and trying to navigate through a strange new world.

The ultimate message of these immigration films is that even though life can pull you down and your situation may at times seem hopeless, there’s always a way out if you keep trying, and that is a theme that can inspire any generation. In the end, their triumphs give us hope for our triumphs, and that makes it a strong and lasting theme.

Additional movies dealing with the theme of immigration struggles are In America,Beyond the Pale and Angela’s Ashes, Kill the Irishman, The Departed, and State of Grace.

Q: Are there any famous Irish actors I would know?

A: There are many Irish actors in Hollywood, some you may not even realize hail from the Emerald Isle. They include Daniel Day Lewis, Saoirse Ronan, Fionnula Flanagan, Liam Neeson, Colin Farrell, Maureen O’Sullivan, Cillian Murphy, Pierce Brosnan, Michael Gambon, and Brendan Gleeson.

Q: Are there Irish immigration movies that focus on a romance theme?

A: Romance is another central theme to both Far and Away, Gangs of New York andCircle of Friends. More recent examples include Leap Year and Brooklyn. For more information on how to write a romance screenplay, see our previous blog post “Your Romantic Screenplay Starts Here”

Q: I would like to watch an Irish film on St. Patrick’s Day. Can you recommend one?

A: One movie that received critical acclaim is Once, an independent movie about a man from Dublin and a Czech immigrant who make an album together. The soundtrack to the movie was nominated for a Grammy Award, and the song Falling Slowly won the 2007 Academy Award for Best Original Song. The movie has now been adapted into a Broadway musical.

Posts you may have missed:

Your Romantic Screenplay Starts Here

5 New Year’s Resolutions For Screenwriters

The Story Solution’s Classic Holiday Heroes

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Need a Speaker?

Eric Edson is available for speaking engagements. Do you have a radio show or an upcoming screenwriting event? Email your request to [email protected]

About The Story Solution: The Story Solution, by screenwriter and tenured university professor Eric Edson, is an in-depth handbook for authors who are writing a movie script. It reveals the 23 actions screenplay writers use to create dynamic, three dimensional heroes. Visit the website at http://www.thestorysolution.com to download a sample chapter of the book. “Like” the Facebook page to receive screenwriting tips and insider insights on writing screenplays.

Romantic Screenwriting: Your Romantic Screenplay Starts Here

With Valentine’s Day approaching, even the most cynical minds might find their thoughts drifting to romance. Shops and restaurants bombard us with symbols of love, and Hollywood is gearing up to release this year’s romantic movie offerings. On February 14th the theaters will fill up with singles and couples, either escaping their singledom with dreams of future romance or hoping their significant others will pick up some new tips on romantic gestures.

Who doesn’t love a good romance story? Well, most of us do anyway! It comes back to the fact that no matter how technologically advanced we become as a planet, our needs for romantic love and intimate companionship don’t change. The elements of a good romance – sexual tension, adversity, plot-driving change, high-stakes conflict – are all here to stay.

Another reason for the popularity of the romance genre is that it lends itself to mixing with other genres. In the early days of film, many romance movies had a strong dramatic element in them. But since then other sub-genres like Chick Flick, Romantic Thriller, Romantic Comedy, and even Romantic Action Comedy have emerged to add more humor. If you’re not sure which one is best for you as a writer, read on for a breakdown of the different romantic sub-genres.

There are five of them, each with their own way of telling a romance story and featuring different types of conflict between the main character (hero or heroine) and the love interest character.

Romance Dramas: romantic dramas are serious in tone, center around the hero and their love interest caught in a serious real-world problem. The main conflict is to overcome whatever troubling obstacles prevent the couple from coming together. They’re the classic love stories, often immortalized on the big screen, like Titanic,The English Patient and An Officer and a Gentleman that resonate with us long after we leave the cinema. Romantic dramas often receive critical acclaim, along with the actors who play the lead characters. Perhaps the reason is that the drama genre gives more space to an in-depth exploration of the source of the adversity, be that social class, cultural or age differences, circumstances such as war or other physical disaster, or the protagonist’s own psychological barriers to the relationship. Lead characters in a romantic drama generally have more depth, and the unfolding of these characters acts as an extra source of audience involvement.

In this and all other sub-genres, the love interest character doubles also as the adversary while the lovers struggle to resolve the big problem keeping them apart. The conflict could be a result of outside influences, such as Memoirs of a Geisha orPride and Prejudice (social hierarchies), or, like Casablanca or Titanic, where it’s the presence of another interfering character such as a competing spouse or fiancé. Alternately, the conflict can be the result of internal or personal influences, such as A Walk to Remember and Love and Other Drugs (inner struggle and sickness). In romantic dramas, the clash of hero and love interest characters always creates a serious central dramatic conflict, although humor can sometimes be used as well.

Chick Flicks (often called): this sub-genre generally targets a female audience by emphasizing emotion and relationships over action, or by featuring a woman or a group of women as the central characters. While a “Chick Flick” is not necessarily a pure romance movie, the central relationship is often between the hero and a love interest character (as in The Notebook, in which the main conflict is one woman resolving her feelings for two different men and choosing between them). It can often, however, revolve around the relationships of multiple characters with each other – the love interest relationship being one within a wider circle of dynamics. An example of this is The Holiday, a film about the relationships between four people involved in two simultaneous love stories, but also about the connections between all four people. The “Chick Flick” can also focus primarily on the profound changes in a woman’s life as a new love interest comes into the picture, as inGrease, Clueless, or Pretty Woman. Generally, a Chick Flick is a movie with a main theme of relationships, including a romantic relationship, that centers around a woman lead.

Chick Flicks are probably best described as films having a central character that women can very much relate to, and that focus on the ups and downs of being a modern woman. Bridesmaids written by Kristen Wiig & Annie Mumolo is a great example. DOWNLOAD ERIC EDSON’S HERO GOAL SEQUENCES FOR BRIDESMAIDS HERE. Although the film is about an upcoming wedding, the theme of the movie is really female friendships and where would women be without them. Thelma and Louise is often said to be the grand dame of Chick Flicks, and here the theme is freedom, usually from the impositions men place on women which stop them from gaining that freedom, as opposed to 500 Days of Summer which is a romantic comedy but not a Chick Flick, since the story is told from the male perspective.

Romantic Comedies: light-hearted fare that features humor within a love-themed story. The main conflict could revolve around the hero and a love interest character, like The Proposal, in which the polar-opposite personalities of the two potential lovers make for laughable encounters, or as in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, where the conflict between a woman and her love interest plays out in other humorous ways.

Common themes are the idealization of love and one’s partner, love at first sight, and the idea that love conquers all. These films share some characteristics with romantic drama in that the two people seem to be well matched, but they are kept apart by some obstacle. However, as the plot and characters develop, they learn to overcome such obstacles and the ending is a happy one. The 1998 film, The Wedding Singer has all the elements of a classic romantic comedy, it’s about two likable main characters, both of whom are engaged to other people in less than ideal circumstances, but they seem to be a good match for each other. The female character in particular has to do a lot of soul searching before she defies societal conventions and calls off her wedding to her wealthy and successful fiancé in order to opt for the poorer but genuine hero, and they eventually become husband and wife. Romantic Comedy is similar to Romantic Drama in that the story hinges on adversity, but in Romantic Comedy, the obstacles are always overcome, leading to a permanent mate bond and happy-ever-after. In Romantic Drama, this is often not the case.

Romantic comedies can also be more like Chick Flicks, highlighting a romantic relationship within a larger scheme of characters and relationships. Examples areThe Family Stone or Crazy Stupid Love, which combine the romantic conflict with family/friend relationships that complicate the conflict resolution in humorous ways.

Romantic Action Comedies: these combine a romantic storyline with both humor and action. As opposed to a romantic comedy in which the humor is most often verbal, the humor in a romantic action comedy can be physical or slapstick as well. This genre of romance film has only been around for a comparatively short time, beginning (more or less) with the 1984 classic, Romancing the Stone. More than any other genre, romantic action comedy has seen its female protagonists undergo a transformation. No longer content to be the damsels in distress, a female protagonist in this genre is as likely to be wielding a gun as the male protagonist, and somewhere during an adrenalin rush, the fires of romance burst forth. One of the better known romantic action comedies is Mr. and Mrs. Smith, in which the central characters resolve their marital conflict through a series of action scenes as they try to kill each other. Other examples include A Knight’s Tale and The Princess Bride, where the hero characters fight to win the love interest character through various physical battles and funny interactions with other characters, especially those presented as adversaries. Romantic Action Comedies center around barriers that must be physically overcome to resolve the conflict.

Romantic Thrillers: have plotlines where the romantic conflict manifests in ways that are physically dangerous for the hero and/or the love interest character, adding in elements of rising suspense from the thriller genre. Examples include The Phantom of the Opera, where the main character and her love interest’s safety is threatened when they fall in love because of the disapproval of the menacing Phantom, or Hitchcock’s Vertigo, a psychological thriller/romance. Romantic Thrillers can involve danger from an outside force fought by a united couple, or a threat of physical danger created by conflict between the hero and love interest that keeps them apart. Other examples are Wicker Park and Match Point, romance thrillers where the threat comes from the love interest character themselves, who may or may not be the adversary, but somehow threatens the hero.

New York Times Best-Selling Author Rebecca York says romantic thrillers are books or films where, “the plot focuses on two people meeting, falling in love and working out their conflicts against a backdrop of danger and suspense. External forces threaten to destroy these people, but by the end of the book they triumph over the danger and make a commitment to each other.”

Where sexual tension is always the driving force behind a romance, in a romantic thriller the tension is heightened by the added element of life-or-death danger. This can sometimes be achieved by using the ‘shapeshifter’ character, i.e. the one who starts off disguised as a love interest, but who is later revealed as someone whose real intention is to do harm to the central character, while the real love interest, at first a background character, finally steps forward and wins the lead character’s love in the end. The Bodyguard is a shining example of the Romantic Thriller genre, when the romance develops amid the tension of protecting the female love interest from a dangerous stalker. The fact that this was one the highest grossing films of 1992 is testimony to the potential of the romance thriller.

Writing in the romance genre gives screenplay writers a chance to delve into one of the most profound human emotions, love. The five sub-genres of romance movies highlight the rollercoaster of experiences associated with love: happiness, fear, humor, intrigue, action and danger. The introduction of a love interest character adds depth to a screenplay and gives us insight into human truth through an experience anyone can relate to. Creating an engaging conflict between a hero/heroine and a love interest adds tension and meaning to a screenplay, and draws the audience in emotionally. There’s nothing more human than love – or more Hollywood than romance.

About The Story Solution: The Story Solution, by screenwriter and tenured university professor Eric Edson, is an in-depth handbook for authors who arewriting a movie script. It reveals the 23 actions screenplay writers use to create dynamic, three dimensional heroes. Visit the website athttp://www.thestorysolution.com to download a sample chapter of the book. “Like” theFacebook page to receive screenwriting tips and insider insights on writing screenplays.

Ready To Write Your Screenplay In 2015?

Dear Friends,

One of the best New Year’s resolutions you could make would be to finally write that novel or screenplay that has been burning inside of you. If you let 2014 pass without working on it very much, or not at all, then perhaps it’s time to get back on track.

To help you with your screenwriting process, I am releasing a new HERO GOAL SEQUENCES movie breakdown example, this time for BRIDESMAIDS.

In 2015, make a commitment to improve the quality of your screenplay writing. If you need help staying motivated, here are four useful tips that will keep you going until the finish line.

1. Make Progress Every Day (Or Very Close To It!)

When Stephen King writes the rough draft of a novel, he makes it his goal to write at least 2000 words each day. Set a similar goal for yourself. It doesn’t have to be 2000 words, it can be more like 700 or 500 or whatever you feel that you can realistically achieve in a given day. You are balancing work and other commitments. It’s darned hard to find time to write. But if you set yourself a goal, no matter how small, and resolve to meet that goal each day, then you will see your manuscript growing before your eyes. It’s a terrific feeling, and will greatly reinforce your progress.

2. Use Apps

There are apps available to monitor your progress towards your goal. For example, you can download motivational apps that will ask you a simple question, “did you achieve your goal today?” And all you have to do is press the button yes or no. It will remind you how many consecutive days that you have met your goal. If you ever have to press “no” then you go back to zero. Keeping that continuous string of days on “yes” is a great motivator.

3. Go Public

Anybody can call themselves a screenplay writer and have a half-finished manuscript on their computer that they will finish “someday.” Announce your goals to your friends and family publicly, and on social networking sites. Then post updates. Knowing that you are going to post Twitter updates on your progress will keep you pressing forward toward a completed script. Sharing your progress with friends helps break the solitude that writing can impose, and it helps keep your commitment to your own writing plan high on your priorities list.

4. Recognize How Hard It Is

Tackling a hard task can, in itself, provide even stronger motivation than tackling an easy one. If writing was easy, than anybody could do it! How many people do you know who are actual, active novelists? Or productive screenwriters? Writing is more than slumping at a keyboard in your pajamas with a cup of stale coffee. Try treating it like the true job that it is. Get out of those p.j.s and dress for your assigned writing time just like you would for any other kind of work commitment. Attitude is important.

Some people are happy with easy jobs. But you’ve taken the path less traveled. Remember, though, that you do want to actually get to the end of the path – to the goal on the other side – and not just meander through the woods. Press ever onward with your novel or screenplay. 2015 can be your breakout year if you keep yourself focused and committed to the goal. We hope these motivational tips prove to be helpful.

The New Year is here and everyone at The Story Solution would like to wish you a most fulfilling and productive year ahead. We look forward to hearing about all the writing you accomplish in 2015.

Q: I am suffering from Writer’s Block. What can I do?

A: Writer’s Block usually does not originate from a lack of ideas. Whether you are just looking for that next plot point, or Hero Goal Sequence idea, or developing the initial concept for your new screenplay – organizing your story into a workable form takes a real time commitment and a willingness to play with words. Being afraid of committing to an idea that possibly might not work out is a common cause of Writer’s Block. It is the shear FEAR that your idea, and the writing/thinking effort that surrounds it, will turn out badly. The way you get past this is to thumb your nose at fear and allow yourself to go on and “write badly with pride.” You must allow yourself the free-form thinking on paper that’s absolutely necessary to do before you can start shaping that messy pile of words into the work that will make you proud.

Q: My plot is falling flat. Nothing seems to happen. What can I do?

A: If this is the case then you might find “The Story Solution” beneficial. In “The Story Solution” you will learn how to create vivid heroes and link together all parts of an active, driving plot. Your screenplay or novel is the biography of your lead characters. You will learn how to create a powerful biography for your hero or heroine using the 23 actions that all great heroes must take.

Take your writing skills to the next level by attending these essential events in 2015.

Eckard College Writers Conference: If you are looking for a winter conference in a warm area then look no further. This annual conference is held in Saint Petersburg, Florida from January 17-25. Not only will you find workshops on how to hone your writing craft but you will also meet with experts who can help you navigate the tricky world of publication. Writers, teachers, editors, and literary agents are all invited. Admission is selective, although the committee tries to balanced out writers who show early potential with more experienced writers. The discussions and workshops at this conference will help take anybody’s writing to the next level, no matter how much experience they have.

Screenwriter’s Career Development Clinic - This is a 6-week class with Lee Jessup that runs every Monday evening starting January 12th, excluding January 19th and February 16th. This class is focused on helping you create and sustain a successful writing career through practical and strategic methods. The cost of this class is $395 and there are 18 spots available. Classes are located at 1001 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA, 90401.

All best wishes, Eric Edson

“There’s no such thing as a weak screenplay, only an unfinished one…”

About The Story Solution book: Eric Edson has written seventeen feature screenplays on assignment for such companies as Sony, Warner Brothers, Disney, 20th Fox, ABC Motion Pictures, Lifetime, Showtime, NBC, and TNT. He provides screenwriting tips so that you can become a more effective screenplay writer. If you are looking for the best books on screenwriting or if you need help writing a movie script, The Story Solution has practical tips that will help you along your path as a screenwriter. Get started today and begin writing screenplays that make an impact. To learn more, follow us on Twitter @storysolution, and like us on Facebook for a chance to win a signed copy of ‘The Story Solution. Pick up a copy at MWP.com or Amazon.com.

#creative screenwriting screenplay book screenplay books screenplay writers screenwriting book screenwriting books screenwriting resources sc

Eric Edson To Provide Scriptwriting Tips At Story Expo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 27, 2014, Los Angeles CA: When writing screenplays, all aspiring screenwriters face a challenge in building their hero’s journey large enough to fill the big screen. Authors who want to gain those skills necessary for mastering movie storytelling should attend Eric Edson’s classes on screenplay writing at the upcoming Story Expo.

Accomplished screenwriter, professor and author of the best-selling book, The Story Solution: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take, Edson advises authors to focus on “Hero Goal Sequences” when writing a movie script. They help transition the story from one scene to the next, build audience support for the story’s hero, and link together all parts of the story. Referencing it as one of the best books on screenwriting, author Jessica Davis Stein says The Story Solution “may well be the best cure for writer’s block ever written.”

Story Expo takes place from September 5-7, 2014 at the Westin LAX Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. The Expo is billed as the world’s biggest convention for writers from all mediums including screenplay writers, TV writers, novelists, and filmmakers. Attendees will learn the craft of storytelling, determine which medium is best for their story, and learn how to package and pitch ideas and scripts.

Edson is one of over 100 world-renowned speakers who will discuss all aspects of storytelling. His first class on Friday, September 5, from 3:45 to 5:15 p.m., covers “14 Character Types in All Screen Stories.” Understanding the fourteen character types available to a screenplay writer is crucial to writing powerful scripts. Edson breaks down all story characters into the 14 categories every screenwriter should know.

His second class, on Saturday, September 6, from 3:45 to 5:15 p.m., covers “10 Plot Forms In All Great Movies.” Scriptwriting involves many choices, and figuring out the right plot form is key, says Edson. These important plot forms offer powerful story-creating tools. He presents all ten plot forms in detail, and reveals the story advantages and differences of each.

Edson’s final class, on Sunday, September 7, from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m., covers “Building Great Stories – Hero Goal Sequences.” Mastering screen story structure is both a challenge and essential skill for screenplay writers. Here the author details his powerful story-building concept of Hero Goal Sequences.

“I’m really looking forward to the Expo,” commented Edson. “I enjoy sharing my knowledge about writing screenplays with aspiring screenwriters. Story Expo is the ultimate environment for those who want to concentrate on the art and craft of telling a story.”

About The Story Solution: The Story Solution, by accomplished screenwriter Eric Edson, is an in-depth handbook for authors who are writing a movie script. It reveals the 23 actions screenplay writers use to create dynamic, three dimensional heroes. Visit the website at http://www.thestorysolution.com/ to download a sample chapter of the book. “Like” the Facebook page to receive screenwriting tips and insider insights on writing screenplays.

#writing a movie script writing a screenplay screenplay writing screenplay writer screenplay writers scriptwriting writing screenplays best s

Recognize the Signs of Depression and Anxiety during the Holiday Season

Dear Friends,

We’d like to take a moment to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and hope that you have a wonderful holiday season. It’s been another great year for mysantabarbaratherapy.com, and we are so grateful for the response that we’ve had as of late.

Even though the holidays are said to be filled with “good cheer”, this isn’t the case for many. Putting on a celebratory air for those suffering from anxiety and/or depressionis difficult and the added pressure of the holidays can exacerbate one’s symptoms.

If you suffer from anxiety or depression, it can be isolating to see others celebrating and enjoying themselves. During the holiday season it is important to take a moment and remember what you are grateful for. Even if you don’t feel like participating and engaging, muster the resolve to try, because not doing so will only increase your distress.

If you need a bit of extra help during this holiday season, you may want to considertherapy for anxiety or depression from a Santa Barbara psychologist. If therapy for depression or anxiety is something that you’ve never entertained, it may be overwhelming to even contemplate entering treatment. However, if you experience any of the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety listed below, get help so that you can make the most out of your holiday season.

Increased or Decreased Appetite

A common symptom of both depression and anxiety is change in appetite. Of course, it is normal during the holidays to indulge more than usual, but if you find that you are consistently overeating or have no appetite at all, then this may be a sign of depression or anxiety. One of the objectives of depression counseling with a Santa Barbara therapist is to help people return to a place where they are eating in a more mindful, healthy manner.

Lack of Desire to Go To Social Holiday Functions

Though holiday parties can be a lot of work to get ready for, most people enjoy partaking in the festivities. It’s a chance to see co-workers outside of work, catch up with family, and to socialize with some of your closest friends. People with anxiety or depression may experience a lack of passion, motivation, and desire to attend any events. Or the desire and motivation might be present, but the person’s anxiety is so overwhelming and paralyzing that it prevents them from showing up.

Depression and anxiety can wreak havoc on your personal and professional life. If you believe that your mental health has compromised your functioning, counselingforanxiety may be helpful.

Look For Signs in Others

In addition to looking at yourself during this holiday season, recognize warning signs in others. It can be difficult to ascertain how someone is feeling just by observing them, so be sure to ask questions if you suspect someone close to you is suffering. You might just turn someone’s holiday season around and this Thanksgiving, they’ll be thankful that you took notice!

Q & A Hot Sheet

Q: Can’t I fight depression and anxiety on my own?

A: You can deal with depression and anxiety on your own, however, if your symptoms persist, it may be time to seek out a psychologist for depression or anxiety. Working with a psychologist will allow you to access the underlying, often unconscious issues that may be feeding your depression or anxiety.

Q: Are there side effects for antidepressants and other medications for anxiety and depression?

A: As with any medication, there are some side effects associated with antidepressants and anxiolytics. This is why it’s best if you have a psychologist for anxiety, as they can work closely with the doctor who prescribed your medication.

Q: Is anxiety and depression hereditary?

A: Studies have found that there is a genetic predisposition for mental illness, however having a family member with depression or anxiety doesn’t mean that you will inherit it. There are many factors that contribute to the development of the latter.

Local Events

If you are looking for activities and experiences this winter to help take your mind off things, consider these local Santa Barbara events.

Thanksgiving 4 Miler: Thanksgiving Day, November 27. Team up with family and friends and get your holidays off to a great start. Run Santa Barbara presents Santa Barbara’s flattest and fastest four-miler. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. in the Thunderbird Open Space, pocket park on Walnut. First three hundred on-line registrations get a free event shirt. Race begins at 9:00 a.m. on Hollister near the Magnolia Shopping Center. Prizes and gifts available. You’ll work up an appetite for Thanksgiving dinner.

Thanksgiving Day Pumpkin Smash: Thanksgiving Day, November 27. Have a smashing good time at the Santa Barbara Zoo’s annual Thanksgiving Day Pumpkin Smash from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Elephants, gorillas, and other animals will get tasty pumpkins to play with and eat on Thanksgiving Day. Cost is free with Zoo admission.

Blush Restaurant + Lounge: Thanksgiving Day, November 27. Let Blush do all the cooking for Thanksgiving this year. They will be open Thanksgiving Day from noon until 10:00 p.m. Chef Brandon Worrell and his staff will create an amazing combination of California cuisine and traditional favorites for your holiday dining pleasure.

Art To Zoo Exhibit: November 26th – Take your family to the Art To Zoo exhibit at the Santa Barbara Museum Of Art. This is something your entire family can enjoy and is both entertaining and educational!

ZeeBlu Thanksgiving 5K & Family Fun Run - Thursday, November 27, 2014 09:00 AM – The inaugural event last year had a turnout of 300 runners and this year is expected to bring over 500 participants.

Dr. Adina McGarr-Knabke earned her psychology degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2000 and her Masters in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2003. After receiving her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Phillips Graduate Institute, Dr. McGarr-Knabke has been dedicated to helping patients find solutions to their emotional questions. Known as The Santa Barbara Therapist, Dr. Adina McGarr-Knabke is a licensed clinical psychologist. She provides treatment for eating disorders, anxiety disorders, addiction, depression and self-injurious behaviors, as well as counseling for stress from her office located at 1187 Coast Village Rd., Suite 10P in Santa Barbara. Visit the website and Facebook page or call (818) 518-6775 for more information.

#therapy for anxiety therapy for depression depression counseling counseling for anxiety psychologist for depression psychologist for anxiety

HOW TO AVOID A SANTA BARBARA DUI

Another year is almost in the books and the New Year is right around the corner. From the team here at The Law Office Of Kenneth M. Hallum, we’d like to take the time to wish you the happiest of holidays and a very safe New Year.

As the holidays quickly approach, we know that one of the best parts of the season is all of the parties that you’ll go to. Your employer, friends, and family are all likely going to have holiday events that they hope you will attend. With all of these social gatherings, there is likely going to be a lot of food and drinks.

While it’s okay to relax during the holidays, it’s important that you do not drive if you have been drinking during a holiday part. Even if you’ve just had a drink or two, you are putting yourself and others at risk if you get behind the wheel of a car.

In the event that you are pulled over, you’ll need a DUI lawyer to help you with your case. In order to get the proper representation that you need, you’ll want to rely on the service of the top DUI lawyers. They will be more familiar with DUI laws and rules, which could mean a substantial difference in your final ruling.

In order to ensure your safety this holiday season, here are 4 tips for staying safe if you’ve been drinking at a party.

SANTA BARBARA DUI TIP #1: Have A Designated Driver

One of the easiest ways that you can avoid getting behind the wheel this holiday season is having a designated driver. When multiple people go to one destination, it’s best to select one person to be the designated driver. You can then trust in this person to ensure that you get home safely after the party.

Be sure that you rely on a designated driver that you trust not to drink. If they decide to drink, then everyone in the car may need to find a Santa Barbara DUI lawyer for help. These cases can be tricky, and not something that you want to do on your own. In order to avoid the need for local DUI lawyers, make sure that the person you designate to drive will stick to their promise and not drink alcohol at the party.

SANTA BARBARA DUI TIP #2: Give Your Keys To A Friend

If you have your keys in your pocket, it’s much easier to simply make your way to your car and try to get home. However, if you don’t have your keys to begin with, it’ll be much harder for you to get in your vehicle and drive off. Therefore, give your keys to someone that you trust if you have been, or plan on, drinking. Ideally, the other person will not give you your keys back if they see that you are intoxicated. If they do, then they may need to consult with DUI lawyers to state why they let an intoxicated person drive. When the temptation to drive is just too much this holiday season, give your keys to someone you trust. This will help you avoid the urge to get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking. Consider the services of long timeSanta Barbara transportation gurus at SammysLimos.com

SANTA BARBARA DUI TIP #3: Use A Mobile App

There is a lot of technology that is at your side to ensure that you get home safe this holiday season. With apps that you can download for your phone, you can find driving services that will come and pick you up to take you home. In many cases, these driving services are very affordable, and the drivers are known for being hospitable.

SANTA BARBARA DUI TIP #4: Have Help

No matter how much warning people have, there are still those that choose to drive after they have been drinking. Mistakes happen, but it’s important to ensure that the mistakes don’t turn into bigger problems. If you have been pulled over for a DUI, then make sure that you have help to protect you. You can rely on a lawyer to help you with a DUI plea bargain or other settlement. In addition, they also know more about the legalities of DUIs, such as how police can administer a sobriety test. This may be the help that you need when defending your case.

If you have been charged with a DUI, know that you have options. Do your best to stay safe this holiday season, but also know to get help if you need it.

Q & A Hot Sheet

Q: How much will a DUI cost over time?

A: It’s estimated that a DUI will cost roughly $10,000. Not only will you have to pay for court and lawyer fees, but there are also classes and other requirements that could be imposed upon you. In addition, you’ll likely miss work and have to pay money for a cab in order to get anywhere that you need to go. A DUI can add up quickly, which is why they are good to avoid altogether. In addition, a DUI lawyer can help you save money with the experience that they have.

Q: Can’t I rely on police to be forgiving this holiday season?

A: It’s no question that there are holiday parties all around the country, and many people will decide to drive home after they’ve been drinking. Because of this, cops are much more likely to give you a ticket and charge you with a DUI. Police have the responsibility of keeping the streets safe, which is why you cannot expect them to be lenient. Instead, keep everyone safe and stay off the roads if you’ve been drinking.

Local Events In Santa Barbara

The holidays are a great time of year to spend with your family and loved ones. Here are some great Santa Barbara events that are worth checking out.

Tasty Cupcake and Wine Tour - Get your fill of both sweets and wine at the Tasty Cupcake and Wine Tour. This great event is on December 20th this month, and it’s from 10am – 4:30pm. Find new wines and enjoy filling your belly with tasty treats.

Cachuma Lake Wildlife Cruise - On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during December, check out the Cachuma Lake Wildlife Cruise. It takes place at the Cachuma Lake Recreation area, and it’s great for families.

The Law Office Of Kenneth M. Hallum fights for clients who need legal representation. It’s never easy fighting a DUI, but you can rely on Kenneth Hallum to help you. To learn more about defending yourself on a DUI charge, follow us on Twitter @dui805, like us on Facebook, and visit us at http://www.dui805.com/.

#best DUI lawyers Drunk Driving DUI Lawyer dui lawyers dui plea bargain field sobriety test local DUI lawyers Santa Barbara DUI Santa Barbara

The Story Solution Hits 2000 LIKES on Facebook

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 15, 2014, Los Angeles, CA: Anyone who is interested in writing a movie script knows what it is like to struggle. They look for ideas, insights and inspiration everywhere, especially online. Based on its recent achievement of receiving over 2000 “likes,” one favorite information source is the Facebook page for screenwriting author Eric Edson’s book, The Story Solution: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take.

Eric Edson utilizes social media channels to educate and encourage aspiring screenplay writers. He sees the Facebook page as a natural extension of his teaching inclinations. To connect and engage site visitors, Edson includes a “Log Line Challenge” each month to pull out story ideas. Regular polls are used to help initiate discussion among members about the book-to-movie writing process. He also seeks to build a screenwriting community by asking participants to share stories of achievement in order to help motivate others to break through their barriers.

“Of course I am thrilled that my Facebook page has achieved this milestone,” commented Edson. “But I am even prouder of the online community we are building to help those who want to learn more about writing a screenplay. I think it is great to be a storyteller, and want to do whatever I can to present actionable career advice and provide meaningful assistance for those who share my passion for creating exciting characters and believable story lines.”

Edson has written seventeen feature screenplays for companies such as Sony, Warner Brothers, Disney, 20th Fox, ABC Motion Pictures, Lifetime, Showtime, NBC, and TNT. He is a Professor of Screenwriting and Director of the Graduate MFA Program in Screenwriting at California State University, Northridge, lectures through the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program, and was a featured speaker at Story Expo 2014. If you are seeking advice on writing a screenplay or looking for screenwriting tips, The Story Solution is one of the best books on screenwriting to consider for your library.

About The Story Solution: Eric Edson’s The Story Solution is an in-depth handbook for those who are interested in scriptwriting. It reveals the 23 actions used to create dynamic, three dimensional heroes as a screenplay writer. Visit the website at http://www.thestorysolution.com to download a sample chapter of the book about screenplay writing. “Like” the Facebook page to receive insider insights on writing screenplays.

#writing a movie script writing a screenplay screenplay writing screenplay writer screenplay writers scriptwriting writing screenplays best s

Boost Your Holiday Traffic With These 4 Online Marketing Tips

We are getting ready to turn the page on the calendar and it’s hard to believe that we are in our final month of 2014. It’s been a great year for us here at Search Engine Pros, and we hope that your year was equally as rewarding. As we take the time to prepare for 2015, we’d like to wish you and your family a happy holiday season and a safe New Year.

Now might be a good time for you to look back at 2014 and think about whether or not you were getting the type of online traffic that you had hoped for your business. If you didn’t get the type of traction that you had wanted, then you may realize that you failed to reach your expected earnings as you tally up revenues in the fourth quarter of the year. Luckily, a new year is just ahead, and you can start fresh with an improved marketing plan that will make 2015 an incredibly rewarding year.

With the help of web marketing, you can take your business to brand new levels of exposure. Before online search marketing, it was much more difficult for small businesses to compete with large companies. However, there are now a variety of tools that an online marketing team can implement to increase the presence of your brand.

If you are looking for a boost in holiday traffic that will carry over into the new year, here are 4 tips to consider.

1. Spruce Up Your Website

Many companies realize that they have to have a website if they want to get recognized online. But not all of those companies realize that a standard website isn’t going to be enough in today’s responsive world. Instead, it might be time to revamp your approach by stripping down your website and building it to maximize search engine optimization results.

2. Get Help When You Need It

With a marketing group that is familiar in SEO, you can have a customized online presence that is tailored to your every request. With the advice of these marketing experts, you’ll get some of the top web design ideas that will interest your audience and keep them on your page. In addition, these web marketing methods will help with your online search engine rankings by accommodating to required expectations. If any part of your online presence is outdated, you may be hurting your SEO wherewithal. This is why it’s important that you make a beneficial change that will quickly boost your presence and maximize your online efforts.

3. Re-Target Your Marketing Approach

Along with other methods of online marketing, you’ll also want to evaluate your marketing plan to see how well it is targeting your audience. In many cases, we’ve worked with business that have a viable approach in place. However, once we dig a bit deeper, we realize that their SEO marketing plan is limited and they aren’t getting the sort of exposure that they desire. To make the shift, your new approach should include an emphasis on social media marketing. The way that customers interact with companies is drastically changing on a day-to-day basis. This is why you need a marketing agency thatcan help you keep up with these changes on social media and other online avenues.

4. Track Your Results

No matter what sort of marketing service you implement, it won’t matter if you don’t know how it’s working. This is why it’s vital that you track your results and use analytics to formulate any changes that are necessary. If you are unfamiliar with tracking analytics, your marketing agency can assist you. The more that you track your results as to what is working for your online approach, the better of an idea you will have into what works. You can then use this information as you move forward and tailor your online marketing toward your target audience.

Q: Is it too late to jump start my online marketing for the holiday season?

A: Traffic from Google Adwords can be sent to your web site in less than an hour.

Q: How does online marketing compare to other forms of advertising?

A: Online marketing has changed the way that people connect with businesses. Instead of sending out mail flyers or other physical services, online marketing lets businesses communicate with their clients instantaneously. In doing so, your business will be able to bring in new clients and build your reputation as a reliable brand that people can trust in.

Here are some fantastic events to attend that will be sure to grow your company by leaps and bounds.

Social Media Strategies Summit: Las Vegas 2015 – Anyone who is anyone will want to make sure that they visit the Social Media Strategies Summit in Las Vegas. This year, the event will be from February 10 – 12. You can learn more about how to market your brand online at this great conference.

Social Media Marketing World – There will be over 2,500 people in attendance at the Social Media Marketing World from March 25-27. The event is held in San Diego, so be sure to get your ticket early to be part of one of the biggest social media events around the nation.

Taylor Reaume and his team at Search Engine Pros aim to help businesses of all sizes get the type of recognition that they are after. Taylor has over 15 years and 600 websites under his belt, so you can rest assured knowing you’ll get the best advice for your online marketing approach. Feel free to contact Taylor at 805-453-9674, or follow him on Twitter @SantaBarbaraSEO. You can also learn more at http://www.thesearchenginepros.com/

- See more at: http://www.thesearchenginepros.com/holiday-online-marketing.html#sthash.356zqySj.dpuf

#search marketing marketing grouptop Web Designweb marketingonline marketingmarketing servicemarketing plansocial media marketingseo marketin

Best Screenwriting Books: Eric Edson’s Screenwriting Book Now Available in Chinese

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 28th, 2014, Los Angeles, CA: In an effort to help screenwriters around the world improve their craft Eric Edson, a career screenwriter and university professor, has announced that his best-selling book, The Story Solution: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take, has now been published in Chinese.

The Chinese version of The Story Solution provides a full translation of Edson’s original concept of a “Hero Goal Sequences” story paradigm that can be used to build dynamic screen stories and keep producers and audiences glued to their chairs. The book is for new writers, as well as those who already have experience in writing novels or screenplays and want additional insights on transforming their lead characters into emotionally powerful heroes.

Edson says that all stories must impart some type of emotion to the viewer or reader to be effective. The Story Solution provides aspiring screenwriters with insights on how to construct an emotional experience through “hero goal sequences” which lead readers to discover for themselves the real merit of the main character, or hero. His book provides a list of nine ingredients that can help create an emotional bond between character and audience. The character attributes he focuses on are: courage, unfair injury, skill, funny, nice, in danger, loved, hard-working and obsessed. The more of these that are included in a story, the more emotionally effective it becomes.

As a professor who helps students sharpen their screenwriting skills, Edson loves to share his knowledge and experience with others who hope to break into movies, television, and other forms of writing. He teaches that there is a certain structure which can be followed to create believable heroes in an innovative way which insures effective plotlines for both screenplays and novels. “The art of storytelling is practiced around the world, but it doesn’t always necessarily translate into big screen success,” said Edson. “I’m really looking forward to bringing my Hero Goal Sequences to the Chinese audience. This powerful, proven strategy can help writers create characters of any background or nationality that will really come to life with an audience. I hope to provide the insight that helps aspiring screenwriters and novelists in China take their story to the next step.”

Edson has written seventeen feature screenplays on assignment for such companies as Sony, Warner Brothers, Disney, Fox, ABC, Showtime, NBC, and TNT. He has written and directed for episodic TV as well. A tenured full professor at California State University, Northridge, he is Director of the CSUN Graduate MFA in Screenwriting Program.

About The Story Solution: The Story Solution was written by accomplished screenwriter Eric Edson. It reveals the 23 actions used to create dynamic, three dimensional heroes and link all parts of a captivating screenplay. He also covers screenwriting tips, screenwriting resources, and screenwriting books. Visit the website and Facebook page for a wealth of screenwriting tips and resources.

Eric Edson has written seventeen feature screenplays on assignment for such companies as Sony, Warner Brothers, Disney, 20th Fox, ABC Motion Pictures, Lifetime, Showtime, NBC, and TNT. He has also written for episodic television. He is Professor of Screenwriting and Director of the Graduate Program in Screenwriting at California State University, Northridge, and lectures through the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program, the largest screenwriter training center in the world. Eric holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Screenwriting and Film Directing from The American Film Institute, and a Master of Fine Arts in Playwriting from UCLA. He also earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English at UCLA. Eric has been a member of The Writers Guild of America since 1981. He lives in Calabasas, California. Eric can be reached at: [email protected]

#The Story Solution #Scriptwriting Resources #scriptwriting course #screenplay writers #creative screenwriting chinese #creative screenwriting #chinese

The Color Purple by Alice Walker: A Short Summary

In this poignant epistolary novel that relates the story of two sisters Celie and Nettie, Alice Walker condemns racial and sexual oppression and severely criticizes the brutality that victimized the black women especially in the South. This is an extraordinary tale, painful and uncomfortable that plays out over two decades of Celie's life through her letters beginning at age 14, when she is sexually abused by her stepfather, who later removes her children.

Celie's real nightmare begins with her marriage to Albert, who rather needs a servant than a wife to take care of his four children, look after his house, and work in his fields but Celie is happy to marry him to save her younger sister Nettie from her father's clutches. However the latter constrained to leave for refusing the sexual advances of her sister's husband goes to Africa as a missionary after promising to write to Celie. With this painful separation and a complete silence from Nettie, her life worsens and Celie begins writing to God; a correspondence without any hope of reply but yet these missives save her from despair... She continues addressing to "Dear Good Lord" and relates her miserable condition, describing the nightmare of the violence and isolation but also hope, when her husband brings home his mistress Shug Avery for Celie to nurse her back to health.

This girl unlike Celie is sexy and independent and with Shug she discovers the mystery of Nettie's silence for her husband has been hiding her sister's letters in a locked trunk and finding them unlocks a new world to her. With the sensual Shug Avery, Celie familiarizes with her body, learns self-esteem and also love; realizing the full extent of the abuses suffered from her husband also gives her the strength to start a new life with Shug. Her sister's letters completely transform her when she learns that her father was not actually her biological parent and her childhood house actually belonged to her and Nettie since their mother passed away.

These letters also reveal that her sister Nettie is living with a Reverend who has adopted her two children and several decades later, when they return the sisters at last have a blissful reunion. In this excellent novel, the author uses the themes of violence and sexual abuse to a stunning effect and the development of the main character Celie, displays her transformation from an unhappy, miserable person into a happy, successful, independent woman.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Genny_Rassendren EzineArticles.com/7749307

Screenplay Writers: Eric Edson To Provide Scriptwriting Tips At Story Expo 2014

Los Angeles CA: When writing screenplays, all aspiring screenwriters face a challenge in building their hero’s journey large enough to fill the big screen. Authors who want to gain those skills necessary for mastering movie storytelling should attend Eric Edson’s classes on screenplay writing at the upcoming Story Expo.

#writing screenplays #eric edson #screenplay writing #scriptwriting tips #story expo

Fun Facts About "Life of Pi"

The movie "Life of Pi" is based on a novel of the same name written by Yann Martell. Although the book and movie revolve mostly around characters that are from India, Martell himself is Canadian. During his childhood and teenage years, Martell lived in Spain, Costa Rica, Mexico, France, and Canada. He writes in English, but French is his first language. Other books by Martell include "We Ate the Children Last" and "Beatrice and Virgil."

The story in both the novel and movie centers on the life of Piscine Molitor, an Indian boy who was named for a swimming pool in Paris. Because his name draws jeers from boys at school, Piscine takes on the nickname Pi. "Life of Pi" is told in a framed story format, which means an older Pi is telling the story to a reporter. The story is mainly about how the younger Pi survived a shipwreck and spent time on a lifeboat with wild animals, including a fully-grown Bengal tiger.

In addition to drawing a lot of attention from moviegoers of all ages, "Life of Pi" also has quite a bit of interesting trivia associated with it. The film is directed by Ang Lee, but numerous other popular directors were attached to the film at some point in development, including M. Night Shyamalan.

"Life of Pi" also has several fun connections to the Spider-Man franchise of movies, including links to the trilogy starring Tobey Maguire as well as the reboot film "The Amazing Spider-Man." The first link involves Maguire and Andrew Garfield, who played Peter Parker in the newest film. Maguire was originally cast as the reporter who interviews the older Pi, but Garfield was also considered for the role. Although Maguire filmed some scenes, Ang Lee made a decision to replace him before editing. According to reports, Lee felt Maguire was too big an actor for the role.

Another link to Spider-Man can be found in actor Irrfan Khan. Khan, who plays the adult version of Pi, played the role of Dr. Rajit Ratha in "The Amazing Spider-Man." The name of the tiger in "Life of Pi" is Richard Parker, which is also the name of Peter Parker's father in "The Amazing Spider-Man."

Martel did not get the name Richard Parker from the Spider-Man stories, however. He got the name from an English law case from 1884. The case, known as R. v. Dudley and Stephens, centered on an argument about whether necessity could be used as a defense in a murder trial. Specifically, the argument was about cannibalism in a castaway situation. Four men, including a seventeen-year-old cabin boy named Richard Parker, were shipwrecked. After days of hunger, the three other men killed a possibly dying Parker and ate him. Martel's choice of this name for a shipwrecked tiger that could, at any moment, eat Pi is full of dark comedy.

The name of the ship from the 1884 court case was the Mignonette. In a scene in "Life of Pi" where the older Pi is being interviewed, a ship called the Mignonette passes in the background.

An interesting fact about the film's creation has to do with the tiger. Suraj Sharma, the actor that plays Pi, was reportedly never in contact with an actual tiger. In fact, all scenes depicting Sharma and the tiger within the lifeboat were computerized. Although the CGI is very well done, there is at least one moment in the movie where it is apparent to viewers. The tiger jumps from an island to the boat, but there is no movement on the surface of the boat. When Pi makes the same move a moment later, the surface of the boat flexes under his weight.

Sharma was almost not seen on the lifeboat at all, though. He didn't even mean to audition for the film. He was with his brother, who was responding to a casting call, when the casting team spotted him. With more than 3,000 other young men showing up for the role, the team chose Sharma as the lead. "Life of Pi" was Sharma's first movie and, as of January 2013, he has not appeared as an actor in any other film.

"Life of Pi" is a fun and thoughtful film that examines topics like survival and religion in an offbeat and unique manner. It is fitting that the movie is also associated with so much fun and odd trivia. (MovieRoomReviews.com/life-pi)

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Zack_Mandell EzineArticles.com/7453002

Screenwriting Blog: 15 Noteworthy Art Professors in Los Angeles

We have spent a fair amount of time highlighting the work of artists and the impact they have made on the art world as a whole, but there is another type of art professional who is constantly leaving their mark on the art world as well – art professors. In many cases, these people are the behind-the-scenes contributors who not only influence the art world through their own work but also by helping groom the next generation of young artists. Of course to sit here and try to put together a list of all the art professors across the country worth highlighting would be nearly impossible, so we decided to break up geographically and start in one of the most culturally rich and artistically diverse cities in the entire country – Los Angeles.

1. Catherine Opie, Professor of Photography, UCLA

Many people can go an entire lifetime without realizing what they want to be when they grow up. Catherine Opie realized by the time she was nine that she wanted to be a social-documentary photographer. If it sounds a bit specific, that’s because it is, but to her credit, the Ohio native made her dream a reality and is now an internationally recognized documentary photographer and a tenured professor of photography at UCLA. Armed with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts from the San Francisco Art Institute and a Master’s in Fine Arts from the California Institute of the Arts, Opie has both the real-world experience and academic know-how to make an excellent professor and clearly, she is already well on her way. Follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/csopie

2. Meg Cranston, Chair of Fine Arts, Otis College Art and Design

A multi-discipline artist who can count sculpture, painting, and writing among her many artistic endeavors, Meg Cranston is an artist through and through. She also just so happens to be the Chair of Fine Arts at the prestigious Otis College of Art and Design. She originally started teaching just to support her work but soon realized the importance of art education in Los Angeles and has become one of the more well-recognized art educators in the City of Angels. Her experience and talent alone should justify her ability to teach, but her recognition of the importance of art education and her passion for teaching help set her apart in a city full of artists and art educators.

3. Ron Rizk, Professor of Fine Arts, USC

Rizk has a BFA in painting from the Maryland Institute College of Art, and an MFA in Painting & Printmaking, from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He has had solo exhibition of his work displayed on both coasts and his work can still be seen at the Fine Arts Gallery of San Diego in Balboa Park. Did we mention he is also a respected and well-liked fine arts professors at one of the country’s foremost schools for the arts? Rizk has taught drawing and painting and more at USC and his students seem to find him fun, easy-going, and passionate about the subject. Some students credit him with helping them learn to love drawing and others talk about his patience and ability to engage even the non-art-centric students who take his class. Trust us that is easier said than done.

4. Adele Bass, Graphic Design Professor, Art Center College of Design

Although she calls herself a “graphic design consultant” in her bio, “graphic design guru” is probably a more apt title. Bass is an award-winning and accomplished graphic designer who boasts previous clients such as the Los Angeles Zoo, USC, and the City of Pasadena. She is also something of a homegrown talent. After getting a Bachelor’s degree from SUNY-Binghamton, Bass went on to earn her BFA and MFA from Art Center College of Design and is still teaching there today. Bass has earned a reputation as a tough but fair teacher whose criticism is stern and helpful without being insulting. She is considered a first-class typographer with a real passion for the subject and is enthusiastic about helping her students learn.

5. Judith Royer, Theatre Professor, Loyola Marymount University

After being bestowed with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for her 40-year career as a theatre professor, you shouldn’t really need much else to understand that Judith Royer is an exceptional art educator. Royer has taught at LMU for more than 40 years and has directed more than 35 plays and 40 original scripts. She has also endeared herself to her students with her charming personality and passion and knowledge for the theatre. Teaching theatre is more difficult than teaching other, more technical and tangible art subjects, because it deals with the abstract more often and good theatre can often be a matter of personal opinion. That said, few professors are able to teach any subject for more than 20 years let alone 40 years. That she has been able to teach for this long is a testament to her skill and perseverance.

6. Craig Elliott, Figurative Art Professor, Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art

Apparently the Art Center College of Design has a prolific teaching tree because Elliott is the second instructor on this list to receive his education from the prestigious school. As an artist, Elliott is both experienced in the world of fine art and in animation where he has worked on animated films for Disney and Dreamworks. Did we mention that he also dabbles in landscape architecture, sculpting and jewelry design? Yeah, the guy is multi-talented. His teaching career includes stints as a visual arts teacher at the Art Center College of Design as well as the Pacific Institute of Art and Design and now the Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art, Gnomon School of Visual Effects, and Motivarti.org. It’s one thing to learn from an instructor who is knowledgeable and passionate about the subject. It’s another thing entirely to learn from someone so accomplished and versatile in his own field, which is why Elliott deserves the shout out. Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/craig_elliott

7. Todd Boyd, Critical Studies Professor, USC

At one of the country’s most famous film schools, it can be difficult to stand out, unless you’re Dr. Todd Boyd of course. The endowed chair for the Study of Race & Popular Culture and Critical Studies Professor, Boyd is an extremely well-known media commentator especially when it comes to the intersection of race and pop culture. He is a prolific writer and author with a number of well-known books published, he is a regular on ESPN and other news outlets, and he is also not coincidentally a well-liked teacher in his classes. He joined the faculty in 1992 and has been teaching ever since. His students rave about his charisma and his ability to make lectures interesting and he also has plenty of passion about the subjects he teaches. He was an easy inclusion on the list. Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/DrToddBoyd

8. Michael Zakian, Art History Professor, Pepperdine University

Although he is only listed as an adjunct art professor at Pepperdine, Zakian is a staple at the University where he is not only a well-liked teacher but also the Director of the University’s Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art. Making Art History fascinating can occasionally be a difficult task, but students rave about Zakian’s ability to transform his passion for the subject into interesting lectures and courses on the subject. He is also an accomplished artist who has been working at the Weisman Museum for the better part of two decades, helping him earn plenty of recognition in the Southern California art world. Pepperdine is an oft-forgotten art community in Los Angeles especially in the shadow of USC and UCLA, but Zakian has helped the university earn plenty of acclaim in the last 20 years and has managed to engage many young students in the world of Art History as well.

9. Mark Ruwedel, Professor of Photography, Cal-State Long Beach

Ruwedel has been a professor since 1984 and a talented photographer since long before then. He received his MFA from Concordia University in Montreal in 1983 and spent nearly the next two decades teaching there before moving to Long Beach and teaching at Cal-State Long Beach. He is an award-winning photographer whose work has been exhibited in some of the country’s most famous museums (the J. Paul Getty Museum and the San Francisco MOMA to name two) and he is also an excellent professor who was awarded the Outstanding Faculty Award from the University in 2010 and receives high marks from students for his dedication to helping them because better photographers and soft-spoken demeanor. Sometimes it is difficult for accomplished artists to transition into excellent professors, but given his experience in both fields, Ruwedel has clearly struck the ideal balance.

10. Daniel Neuman, Ethnomusicology Professor, UCLA

Technically Neuman counts as a music teacher, but he is as much an anthropologist as he is a music teacher. Oh and he also happens to be one of the university’s most popular music professors. Neuman got his Bachelor’s degree and his PhD from the University of Illinois in Anthropology but quickly blended his love for culture with music when he developed World Music Navigator, a computerized ethno-atlas. He is also an accomplished author with three books about music and culture (especially in India) to his name and has an impressive resume from academia as well. Neuman previously taught at the University of Washington, where he was the Director of the School of Music for a decade before moving to UCLA to serve as Dean of the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture and as UCLA’s Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost. He gets high marks from his students for his knowledge and passion of the subjects and also for being helpful and approachable in class. That’s more than enough for us to give him some well-earned recognition.

11. Bruce Claypool, Design Professor, Art Center College of Design

The Art Center College of Design is one of the most prestigious design schools in California if not the entire country and so it’s only fitting that one of its most popular design professors makes our list of noteworthy professors. Students don’t just like Claypool – they love him. Almost everyone agrees that his classes are hard and that he expects a lot out of his students, but they also almost universally agree that you leave his classes as a better artist than when you came in. A graduate of the Art Center College of Design himself, Claypool was the former Art Director for NFL properties and his work has been featured in countless galleries in and out of the immediate area. It may not be easy to get an “A” grade in his class, but if you are going to school to become a great artist, Claypool is the kind of professor you want to cross paths with.

12. Theresa Hayes, Director of Instruction, American Academy of the Dramatic Arts

A star graduate of the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts at the ripe old age of 19, Hayes has been a performing arts staple in Los Angeles ever since. She starting teaching at the Academy in 1992 and is now the Director of Instruction and Managing Director of the Academy. She has founded her own production company, starred and appeared in countless theater performances, worked in television and film, and has been a guest instructor and choreographer for many more works of performance art. She has likely forgotten more about the theater than most will ever know. She is also known as a passionate teacher by her students who really tries hard to get the most out of their abilities and thus deserves a spot on our list as much as anyone.

13. Eric Edson, Screenwriting Professor, Cal-State Northridge

A screenwriting veteran with 17 feature screenplays under his belt, Edson is really the perfect person to be the Director of the Graduate Program in Screenwriting at California State University, Northridge. He even moonlights as a lecturer through the UCLA Writers’ program and a number of the screenplays he has worked on have been produced by major companies such as Sony, Warner Brothers, and Disney. He is also the author of the popular screenwriting book called “The Story Solution: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take” and is a dedicated and knowledgeable professor who has helped churn out more than his fair share of accomplished screenwriting students. The graduate program at Northridge has received a lot of acclaim under his direction and his passion for the craft shines through in his teaching as well.

14. Marc Lowenstein, Theater Professor, California Institute of the Arts

An active conductor, singer, composer, and one of the most highly recommended teachers at Cal Arts by his students, Lowenstein is a no-brainer for this list. He has conducted on New York City Opera’s VOX showcase festival, the premiere of Anne LeBaron’s WET, and was music director for a number of US premieres. He has sang in a number of performances as well and is an accomplished musician capable of playing a bunch of different instruments. At the California Institute of the Arts he teaches theory, skills, history, and composition and his students give him high marks for his attention to detail, willingness to help, and his innate ability to make lectures and class time more interesting. This kind of combination of experience and teaching savvy is hard to find, which is of course why Lowenstein is on the list in the first place.

15. Jack Epps Jr., Associate Professor of Writing for Screen and Television, USC

We have to end the list strong and there is no better way to end it than highlighting the Chair of the Writing Department at one of the country’s most revered film schools. Epps studied screenwriting as an undergraduate at Michigan State University and not long afterwards he was writing episodes for shows like Hawaii Five-O and Kojak. He also has experience as a cinematographer and co-authored famous movies like Top Gun and Turner & Hooch. It’s clear that he is a talented and knowledgeable screenwriter and his students seem to agree. They give him rave reviews for his knowledge and admit that it doesn’t take long to become a markedly better screenwriter under Epps’ tutelage. Simply put, the man is a screenwriting legend and for him to still be passing his craft along to other students says a lot about his passion for teaching and helping the next generation of screenwriters.

All of the wonderful content and creativity on theartcareerproject.com is brought to you by+Leah Jachimowicz. Leah graduated from University of California at Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and has a Master of Fine Arts from Academy of Art. She has long wanted to enjoy a career in the arts and now has that luxury as the head art expert of TACP as well as being the owner of printmaking boutique Coffee n Cream Press in San Francisco, CA. Read more about Leah and her journey through her education to art business owner: On printmaking and how it’s a “labor of love”.

SOURCE: TheArtCareerProject.com/15-noteworthy-art-professors-los-angeles/9901/

#scriptwriting course #eric edson #screenwriting tips #Bad Script Advice #Art Professors

Upcoming Zombie Movies

Zombies have of late gained a large amount of interest in pop culture. The reasons might be myriad - a morbid fascination with apocalypse situations, a metaphor for the way that most people allow themselves to be herded like sheep, a growing fear stemming from recent virulent diseases that have wreaked havoc on populations. Whatever the reasons may be, Zombies now have their own genre despite seeming mindless, no pun intended.

Though first featured in White Zombie (1932), it wasn't until the premier of Night of the Living Dead (1968) that Zombies in movies really garnered attention from the majority of the viewing public. A slew of Resident Evil movies later, Zombie movies were regarded as a completely action and horror oriented subject. With the release of Shaun of the Dead (2004) though, Zombie movies have been explored for their comic value, thus bursting the dam on what can be done with thousands of mindless, smelly creatures all intent on eating those still alive. The success of AMC's The Walking Dead, a zombie apocalypse survival television series, has promptly brought on the year of the zombie, with more than a dozen films and ventures that attempt to cash in on the success that these undead freaks of nature have achieved. Here we take a look at some of the Zombie movies set to be released soon:

World War Z - One of the biggest zombie movies to be released yet, WWZ stars Brad Pitt in the leading role as Gerry Lane, a United Nations worker whose task is to coordinate resistance and help stop the global Zombie epidemic that threatens to tear down human civilization. Based on the eponymous book by Max Brooks, the director, Marc Forester portrays the Zombie cadres like a colony of ants whose strength is in numbers. With a budget in excess of $200 million, Paramount Pictures is set to release the film in June of this year. This is likely to set a record as the highest grosser of Zombie movies 2013-14.

Warm Bodies - Based on a book by Isaac Marion, Warm Bodies is a Zombie romantic comedy that explores Zombie love. Jonathan Levine, who wrote the screenplay and also directed the movie, ventures into the untested by providing a Zombie's perspective. Nicholas Hoult stars as Zombie who shows signs of human emotions towards Teresa Palmer's character and the movie explores the possibility of humans and zombies living in a harmonious environment. Released early February of this year, this Zombie movie has already grossed over $100 million, making this a must watch for any Zombie movies lover.

The 4th Reich - Combining the two greatest villainous entities in Hollywood, this Sean Bean starrer terrifies movie goers with Nazi Zombies. Directed and written by Shaun Robert Smith, this World War 2 era movie portrays an elite team of a British Infantry Division as they go about killing Nazis and eliminating the threat of Zombies created by Nazi scientists during their experiments to create a superior human race. Set to be released late this year, The 4th Reich is another in a long list of WW2 movies, but with a slightly undead twist.

Invasion of the Not Quite Dead - A dark comedy thriller about the inhabitants of a small island off the coast of England that is turned into Zombie death trap by a deadly virus, this is one of the more entertaining Zombie movies, written and directed by Anthony Lane is not one to miss. Starring relatively well known Andrew Ellis and Ajay Nayyar, the movie promises a unique look at how a small group of survivors face the rigors and challenges of escaping Zombies.

Wyrmwood: This is an Australian movie set to be released in late 2013, with post-production work going on. The movie is styled after the Will Smith starrer I AM LEGEND, and falls in the action category of Zombie Movies 2013-14. Written and directed by Kiah Roache-Turner, the movie stars Jay Gallagher, Bianca Bradey and Leon Burchill. The story revolves around Jay Gallagher, whose character loses his family on the eve of a zombie attack. He teams up with a friend and together they drive through the Australian Bush to the safer interiors, battling the undead on the way from the comfort of a fortified van. This movie seems to have a better storyline when compared to many of the other Zombie movies 2013-14 has to offer.

R.I.P.D - Also known as Rest In Peace Department, is a Zombie action comedy that has a star studded cast. Ryan Reynolds plays a recently murdered cop and joins the likes of Kevin Bacon, Jeff Bridges and Mary-Louise Parker who along with others and forms a team of undead police officers. With a release date in mid July 2013, this Zombie film portrays the undead as the good guys who use their undeadness to fight crime. Directed by Robert Schwentke who has blockbusters like Red (2010) and The Time Traveler's Wife (2009) under his belt, this is one of the better Zombie movies 2013-14 and is sure to exceed all expectations.

The Harvard Zombie Massacre - Another Zombie movie that is presently in pre production, it is set in a Harvard University campus overrun with Zombies. The twist that sets this movie apart from the rest of the Zombie movies is that these particular Zombies aren't as mindless as one might suspect. Produced by Warren Zide of American Pie and Final Destination fame, the film chronicles how America's most brilliant minds can survive an onslaught from the most brilliant Zombies. This horror comedy written by Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit will be released late 2013 or early 2014.

Movies set for release in 2014:

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies - An adaptation of the classic Jane Austen story of a woman's quest for independence and love, the screenplay has been reworked to include her fight to eradicate a growing Zombie threat. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy are provided with zombie flavored distractions from their pristine 19th century English manors and questions of morality and marriage are superseded by the need to survive. Though the film is still in its planning stage, its unique twist ensures that it will generate a great deal of interest, and not just with zombie movies lovers.

The Curse of the Buxom Strumpet - A dark comedy set in the early 1700's and starring Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Judi Dench, this Zombie movie focuses on the accomplishments of a lord of fictional Upper Trollop, a small town in Oxfordshire, England. Based on E'gad Zombies!, a short film by the same director, Matthew Butler who worked with Ian McKellen, this movie promises a showing like none other, partly due to the tremendous acting talent and also due to the unique settings. Set to be released early 2014, this is one of the Zombie movies that will set itself apart from the rest.

The zombies are taking over the movie theaters and cinemas, after the last few years which were dominated by the vampires and werewolves. Every big Hollywood studio and the not-so-big ones, not to mention the independent movie makers are trying to cash in on the latest craze for the undead, set off the by the popular television series. Zombie movies are invading the cinemas and theaters around the world and there seems to be no stopping the undead, anytime soon.

I am a freelance writer. Writing is my passion and I love doing it.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Uthra_Sriram EzineArticles.com/7643167

Best Screenwriting Books: What I Learned From 6 Great Movie Villains

When I teach about writing a movie script, I advise students that it takes real work to become a great screenplay writer who makes characters come alive. In my book, The Story Solution: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take, I discuss writing screenplays that use Hero Goal Sequences® to create dynamic heroes, but a screenplay can also become successful when memorable villains are created as well. Screenplay writers love to add a villain who serves as a counter-balance for their hero.

The best books on screenwriting reveal that movies work because of conflict – the better the conflict, the better the movie. When it comes to scriptwriting, a great villain can make a good movie terrific. Here is what I learned from six great movie villains:

Willem Dafoe in “Spider-Man”: The Green Goblin and Spider-Man are similar because they are both transformed. While Peter Parker turns to fighting evil, Norman Osborn taps into his psyche’s dark side. This echoed inner conflict reflects the struggle we all have when choosing between good and evil.

Tom Cruise in “Collateral”: Cruise plays Vincent, a hired killer who takes Jamie Foxx’s unsuspecting cab driver, Max, along as he eliminates people on a hit list. Vincent constantly thinks about what life means, even as he takes it. In an argument the driver calls Vincent a sociopath, while Vincent derides him for being so passive. After the car crashes and the hit man runs off, Max realizes the next person on the hit list was his recent passenger Annie – a woman he “hit on” himself. Max turns hero as he rushes off to save Annie. This villain was necessary for our hero to be confronted about his faults, and learn what he was capable of achieving.

Meryl Streep in “The Devil Wears Prada”: Streep plays the villain who sparks a transformation in Anne Hathaway’s mousy character. Although she spends most of the film being unbearably demanding, the curtain is pulled back and we see her anguish over her personal life. The best screenwriting books provide advice on how to make an audience empathize with a villain, but here it is done to perfection. Give your villain their own inner suffering.

Angela Lansbury in “The Manchurian Candidate”: Before becoming the dowager detective in TV’s Murder, She Wrote, Lansbury played the perfect villainess as Mrs. Iselin. Hailed by Time as one of the top 25 best villains, she twists the ideals of motherhood into evil while directing her son on a killing spree that will lead to her husband becoming president. This is the perfect example of screenplay writing that turns the notions of hero and villain upside-down when mothers are villains and assassins are heroes.

Stephen Lang in “Avatar”: Lang played the villainous Colonel Miles Quaritch in James Cameron’s original Avatar so well that he will be back for all three sequels. According to Hero Complex, Lang’s secret is that he was just playing a man doing his job. “He makes choices. Quaritch cauterized some aspects of his soul. Dirty wars numbed his psyche and spirit, but I did not go at him as a villain.”

Michael Douglas in “Wall Street”: Even after more than 25 years we remember Gordon Gekko’s “greed is good” advice. Douglas provides a great example of how a villain corrupts a young associate who is the hero of the story, Charlie Sheen, as Bud Fox. Bud is conflicted between following Gekko’s ideals or his own father’s. Our young hero eventually realizes there is more to life than money and turns against his former mentor.

I hope these thoughts on screenwriting help aspiring screenwriters learn how to define their onscreen heroes and villains. To learn more about writing a great story, attend Story Expo 2014, coming September 5-7 to Los Angeles. I’ll speak, along with many other great lecturers, on the art and craft of storytelling.

Good Luck and Good Writing!

Eric Edson

#Villains in Scripts #villains #The Story Solution #Sell a Screenplay #screenwriting tips #screenwriting resources #screenwriting course #creative screenwriting

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