CSW Script Search: Pittsburgh to Hollywood

Congratulations to Carrie Collins Zenkevich. Filming took place this past weekend for her short "The Unbearable Being of Lightness" which she wrote, produced and is playing the lead. Carrie formed her own production company, 13 Films. Jim Helfrich is the Producer, Kevin Hejna and Ian Alenbaugh are on crew. Stevo Parys directing.

Chicago Irish Film Festival Annual festival of the best independent films created by Irish filmmakers working around the world celebrating diversity and creativity through short, documentary and feature films.

Congratulations to Eoin Carney, James Helfrich, Bob Skwaryk and Carnegie Screenwriters. Eoin's film, A NEW WORLD, will screen at the Chicago Irish Film Festival in March.

A New World - Short Film Two Irish immigrants wait in a quarantine facility to pass through Ellis Island to a new life in America. When one falls ill, the other must make a choice.

Understanding Amazon Studios

http://studios.amazon.com/getting-started/?ref=mail_sw_december&et_mid=592896&rid=233262809

studios.amazon.com We think this will be an effective way to develop commercially viable feature films and episodic series. There are three distinctive characteristics of the Amazon Studios process:

CWA - Creative World Awards

More good news for CSW member Russ Babines! His script "The Great One" has advanced to the Finals of the Creative World Awards Screenwriting competiton.

http://www.creativeworldawards.com/awards2010.php

creativeworldawards.com CONGRATS TO THE 2012 QUARTER FINALISTS! Click on the PDF links below to view the results. The Semi Finalists will be announced next Monday, August 20th.

72 Script Fest Semi Finalists. | 72 Film Fest

Another shout-out to CSW member Beth Rohach, who had a script make it to the semi-finals of the 72 Script Fest (72 Script Fest recognizes and awards the best short screenplay created in 72 hours).

http://www.72fest.com/72-script-fest-semi-finalists/

72fest.com 72 Script Fest is the first screenplay competition produced by 72 Film Fest. 72 Script Fest recognizes and awards the best short screenplay created in 72 hours.

Below Average Genius

CSW member & Script Search participant Michael Buzzelli is now a published author, too. His book, BELOW AVERAGE GENIUS, is available on Amazon.com

Order a copy and he'll be glad to sign it for you!

http://www.amazon.com/Below-Average-Genius-Michael-Buzzelli/dp/1605949310/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342325383&sr=8-1&keywords=below+average+genius

Mike's description:
I’m not smart enough to hang with the intellectuals, but stupid people annoy me mightily. I’d be a genius on Wheel of Fortune but a dummy on Jeopardy. Take this example from a Final Jeopardy question: “This cheese was created in 1892 by Emil Frey and named for a singing society whose members loved the cheese.” None of the contestants answered correctly, “What is Liederkranz?” That’s a pretty tough question. I don’t think I’ve ever spread a Liederkranz on a cracker. I can only name a few cheeses anyway and as far as I know Cheddar, Havarti, Swiss and Goat were never singing groups. Cheese maker Frey is also credited with creating Velveeta. Apparently, he was a real cheese whiz. Below Average Genius is a collection of narrative essays culled from Michael Buzzelli’s weekly humor column the Observer-Reporter newspaper, Patch.com and a variety of other sources. Each essay is a brisk, humorous tale about ordinary, daily situations blown up ridiculously big. “It’s a Blurry, Blurry World” chronicles Buzzelli’s inability to snap a decent photograph at Disneyland. “Come On, Come on to My House” explores the dynamic of watching a movie or television show in someone else’s home. The titular essay explains why Buzzelli is considered by himself, and occasionally by others, a Below Average Genius.

amazon.com I’m not smart enough to hang with the intellectuals, but stupid people annoy me mightily. I’d be a genius on Wheel of Fortune but a dummy on Jeopardy. Take this example from a Final Jeopardy question: “This cheese was created in 1892 by Emil Frey and named for a singing socie...

PAGE International Screenwriting Awards: Screenplay Contests

Congratulations to Beth Rohach who had two scripts reach the Quarter-Finals of the PAGE International Screenwriting Awards: Screenplay Contests

The Shoe Race (short)
P.I. Pup (feature)

pageawards.com Acclaimed by screenwriters and industry execs: Hollywood's top screenwriting contest! Presenting over $50,000 in Cash & Prizes. Enter your screenplay today!!

CWA - Creative World Awards

Congratulations to Russ Babines, whose script "The Great One" made it to the Quarter-finals of the Creative World Awards Screenwriting competiton. Semi's to be announced next week.

http://www.creativeworldawards.com/awards2010.php

creativeworldawards.com CONGRATS TO THE 2012 QUARTER FINALISTS! Click on the PDF links below to view the results. The Semi Finalists will be announced next Monday, August 20th.

Folks,

Our next Carnegie Screenwriters meeting will be this Saturday, May 19 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. We'll meet at the Squirrel Hill Library, Meeting Room C.

All are welcome!

5801 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412.422.9650

http://www.carnegielibrary.org/locations/squirrelhill/

For Immediate Release: Pittsburgh, PA
Date - 3/26/12

Carnegie Screenwriters Congratulates Film Factory Finalists

The Carnegie Screenwriters group would like to congratulate the twelve finalists in 2012’s Steeltown Film Factory short screenplay competition. This year’s contest resulted in a record number of entries and the finalists represent the top 7% of all submissions. Pittsburgh native and top Hollywood Manager-Producer, Eric Gold, indicated that the quality of the scripts equaled those that he sees in Los Angeles.

Eric’s words were a confirmation of what the members of the Carnegie Screenwriters have suspected. Last year, the group came up with a simple idea in order to determine the quality of feature length scripts that have been written by Pittsburgh area screenwriters, and to connect “Pittsburgh to Hollywood.” Writers have to be persistent, constantly sending out queries to agents and production companies, entering screenwriting competitions and talking to whomever will listen about their project.

The criteria were simple; if a script has reached the quarter-final round or better of a nationally recognized competition, or has been optioned by a production company, it would qualify for the group’s list. It was initially thought that a handful of scripts would qualify. The results, however, were quite surprising - twenty-six screenplays met the requirement.

It’s important to note just how impressive these results are. For example, a quarter-final result in Francis Ford Coppola’s Zoetrope competition falls somewhere in the top 1.4% to 7.9% of all entries on a national level. A semi-finalist in Scriptapalooza, another top national contest, equates to 0.8% to 3.2% of all entries. In respect to scripts that have been optioned by production companies, time and resources are being committed to these projects, and is not done so without serious consideration.

The next step for the group is to assist the screenwriters in getting the scripts, or at least the titles and brief descriptions, to industry professionals. The head of a Los Angeles based professional reading service catering to screenwriters recently offered some encouragement and confirmed Carnegie Screenwriters initial theory; that production companies and agents would welcome the opportunity to view a Zoetrope quarter-finalist, for example.

The talent that has been identified in the Pittsburgh region continues to impress. The Carnegie Screenwriters group is proud of all area writers and is very pleased to be a part of the Steeltown Entertainment Project and the Film Factory Competition. Again, congratulations to the twelve finalists in the 2012 contest, and congratulations to all the writers that have completed feature length scripts, qualified for the Carnegie Screenwriters “Pittsburgh to Hollywood” initiative and are being recognized on a national level.

Bob Scott is the President of Carnegie Screenwriters and can be reached at [email protected] or 412-583-2154.

Program Notes

http://www.pittsburghcitypaper.ws/blogs/ProgramNotes/

Call for Film Scripts Generates Surprises
Posted by Mariluz Orbay on Mon, Feb 20, 2012 at 12:09 PM
A local screenwriting group headed by theatrical director, writer and actor Bob Scott was curious to find out just how many talented writers we have in the Burgh. "Hollywood's best-kept secret" has been out for a while: Our city's varied topography, talent pool and appealing tax credits continue to attract filmmakers. In the past two years we've hosted features like Unstoppable, Won't Back Down and The Dark Night.

Filmmakers may come and go. But Pittsburgh stays. So what about our own? Is the film boom influencing us?

Curious and eager to bring attention to our talent, Scott and the Carnegie Screenwriters (CSW) asked the public to submit screenplays, with one condition: The work must have either advanced to the final rounds of a nationally recognized screenwriting competition or been optioned by a production company.

Once again, Pittsburgh surprised us — and not with Terrible Towel lingerie.

The group received 26 feature-length scripts.

"We weren't sure what to expect," says Scott. "Some members of our group have scripts that have been optioned or have won or placed well in contests. We didn't know how many other area writers might be out there who qualified. I was hoping for a dozen. We received more than twice that."

And what's inspiring all this work?

"We received a lot of romantic comedies ... surprisingly, more from male writers than female," Bob says. InThirty, for example, Ben Castiac is dangerously close to his next birthday. After reuniting with his old girlfriend Kate, he tries to win her back before turning 30.

"Other than that we had a nice mix of sci-fi, thrillers, dramas and historical fiction," Scott adds.

In what CSW calls "a different kind of environmental disaster movie," The Whiskey Mower tells the story of a man trying to develop the first hydrogen-powered lawnmower who instead creates one that manufactures whiskey, becoming wildly successful for all the wrong reasons.

CSW is now working to get these scripts in front of industry players. Scott says that several film and TV producers have already expressed an interest in reviewing the list.

However, Scott, the CSW and the screenwriters know that matching each screenplay with the right agent or producer won't be easy.

As for the 26 writers who submitted work, Scott says: "Now it's just a matter of waiting to hear from someone. After that, it's between the writer and the interested party. You have to be persistent and have a very thick skin. All artists face rejection. It can never be taken personally and we learn what we can from rejection notices, critiques and script coverage."

Scott's advice for other aspiring screenwriter: "Learn about script structure, formatting, plot, creating characters, dialogue," he says. "Take classes. Read the books. Start with Syd Field's book Screenplay. It covers all of the basics. Buy a copy of The Screenwriter's Bible, by David Trottier. Read magazines such asScript and Creative Screenwriting. Read anything by William Goldman. Look for the stories inside you that are clamoring to be told. Write, then rewrite. Just don't stop writing."

Bob Scott can be reached at [email protected].

pittsburghcitypaper.ws Pittsburgh's alternative newspaper features news, opinions, and arts and entertainment reviews.

For Immediate Release: Pittsburgh, PA

Date: 1/25/12

Carnegie Screenwriters Announce Results of Script Search – “Pittsburgh to Hollywood”

A Pittsburgh area writing group, headed by writer, theatrical director and actor Bob Scott, posed a question - Just how many talented writers are there in the “Burgh.” After all, filmmakers are flocking to the area, including the most recent installment of “Batman” as well as Tom Cruise’s “One Shot,” to name only a few. And of course a number of expats enjoy tremendous success in the film industry; there are far too many to name.

So how about the folks who have remained in Pittsburgh and want to try their hand at creating the foundation of any good film, the screenplay? Does the “Burgh” have any good writers? Well, what Bob and the Carnegie Screenwriters (CSW) discovered was surprising and very positive. The question was posed - Has anyone written a screenplay that has advanced to the final rounds of a nationally recognized screenwriting competition, or who has a script that has been optioned by a production company?

The group expected a handful of responses - well, not even close. Via a word of mouth effort and some modest Facebook messaging, the results came in; twenty-six scripts were submitted. That’s twenty-six feature-length projects written by Pittsburgh area writers that have reached a level of proficiency, as identified by Hollywood professionals, which may someday be made into a motion picture – WOW!

The next step for the CSW is to get these screenplays in front of the “players,” as they say. There are already several film and TV producers who have expressed an interest in reviewing the list. Of course, Bob, the CSW and the screenwriters know that the task will not be easy. There are virtually thousands of projects registered with the Writers Guild of America every year. And as in any business venture, these writers know that persistence is the key, and matching the right screenplay with an agent, manager or producer, is simply a matter of time and making the connections.

Perhaps the most pleasing and proudest takeaway from the efforts of the CSW is to discover that Western Pennsylvania, “the cradle of quarterbacks,” would also produce so many talented amateur screenwriters; folks toiling at their kitchen table, or cramped dusty desk in the basement, turning out material that may very well make it from Pittsburgh to Hollywood.

Bob Scott can be reached at [email protected] or 412-583-2154.

Results of the CSW SCRIPT SEARCH:

"Thirty"
Ben Castiac, 29 and dangerously close to his next birthday, reunites with his old girlfriend Kate and tries to win her back before he turns thirty.

"The Great One"
In this sentimental coming of age comedy, an egotistical sports journalist visits her childhood home and reminisces about her friends, the Pittsburgh Pirates and their favorite baseball player, Robert Clemente. She is humbled as she rediscovers the simple life lessons she learned at the age of twelve, causing her to realize what is truly important in life and providing a second chance to become the person she always wanted to be.

"Treat Her Right"
In this romantic comedy, an unlucky at love art dealer in New York City, discovers happiness and self-respect as she falls in love with the son of a wealthy client who is stuck in a loveless engagement to a clueless debutante.

"Pathetic"
Two down on their luck thirtysomethings are back at square one having a romance they should’ve had fifteen years ago, with pathetic, but comical results.

"Things Change"
A woman retreats to the town she grew up in looking for stability but discovers places change, people change, things change including her free spirited mama and the nerd she left behind.

"The Most Important Thing"
A math geek has 12 hours to marry the man of her dreams; but is it her handsome famous ex-fiancée or the sexy novelist posing as a cab driver helping her look for him in New York City.

"Not a Clue"
When you’re a shy retiring attorney, denying your fate isn’t easy when he turns up on your doorstep dating your flamboyant, lascivious sister.

"If I Were You"
Kayla Carter is the lead singer for the fastest-rising young entertainment group in the world. She has fame. She has fortune. What more could she ask for? The chance to be a normal teenage girl for just one week.

"Kill Bassi"
The black sheep of a Polish family has a hand in the death of the family’s beloved patriarch. He flees to America and becomes a successful Polish vodka maker, but his American Dream is put on ice when he discovers that “The Sisters,” his beautiful, but deadly cousins, are hunting for his head.

"Chatter"
The girl of his dreams is back in the arms of a royal do**he bag, he's just been fired from his job and is now the target of two assassins, and to top it off, he's turning into a squirrel. What a week!

"Burn"
A terrifying apparition reaches out to a troubled young woman to warn her that the man she loves may be a cold-blooded killer.

"3rd Degree"
A drug deal gone wrong has claimed the lives of an innocent family. An ordinary middle-aged man would seem to have no chance against these murderous thugs, but Ray McGovern has an advantage. He has nothing left to lose.

"The Whiskey Mower"
While developing the first hydrogen-powered lawnmower, a man accidentally creates a lawnmower that manufactures whiskey, and becomes wildly successful for all the wrong reasons. The Whiskey Mower -- A Different Kind of Environmental Disaster Movie.

"Dear Zoe"
Ordinary People meets Juno ... against the backdrop of 9/11, a teen-age girl struggles to balance the guilt and resentment she feels over her role in a small family tragedy with her rebellious nature and the irrepressible drive towards womanhood.

"The Wrecking Crew"
A talented guy rendered underachieving and commitment-phobic by incidents from his youth ... re-encounters his about-to-be-married childhood dream-girl and must decide whether to rally his "crew" of relationship assassins to relieve her of her "intended" ... or try to win her over the old-fashioned way.

"The Color of the Puck"
Amidst the backdrop of the American civil rights movement, Canadian Willie O'Ree overcomes racial prejudice and a career-threatening injury to become "the Jackie Robinson of hockey," the first black man to play in the National Hockey League.

"Deathwind"
When a deadly botanical plague erupts, a pair of biologists and a social scientist join forces with the CIA on a worldwide race to uncover clues to the cure that could save humanity from annihilation.

"Because the Night"
Within the walls of a mystifying seaside mansion, a hard-headed heiress and the house’s enigmatic owner investigate a concealed room where they pe*****te another dimension and must struggle to comprehend fading boundaries of time, space and reality.

"Potion Man"
A gifted chemist watches his comfortable suburban life unravel as a long-buried secret talent for creating deadly concoctions is threatened with exposure when knowledge of its existence falls into the wrong hands.

We ended up with an incredible 26 screenplays in our CSW Script Search! Thanks to all who submitted and supported us. I'll be posting the titles and loglines shortly. Next step -- getting the list to the producers.

We have 19 scripts and 3 producers with the June 15th deadline fast approaching!

Adding more scripts! Get yours in before the June 15th deadline!

CSW Script Search: Pittsburgh to Hollywood

Feature-length scripts so far -- 12
Top Hollywood producers on board -- 2
Pipeline to Hollywood -- Priceless!

CSW Script Search: Pittsburgh to Hollywood

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001441508310&suggestfriends&ref=email_suggestion_accepted #!/pages/CSW-Script-Search-Pittsburgh-to-Hollywood/111607738922036

The Carnegie Screenwriters group is working to compile a list of scripts by local area writers that have been optioned or won or placed well in screenplay contests.

So far we've got a dozen feature-length screenplays by area writers that have either been optioned or have reached the quarter-finals or better in screenplay competitions!

Are you loving the fact that so many Hollywood movies are being filmed here? Would you like to see scripts by local writers being produced? If so, then please "Like" our page. Hollywood, here we come!

Six more screenplays added to the list! We're on a roll!

So far we've got five screenplays that have reached the quarter-finals or better in the Nicholl's Fellowship, Francis Ford Coppola's Zoetrope, Scriptapalooza and Fade In Screenplay competitions!

Pittsburgh to Hollywood!

Carnegie Screenwriters - News & Events

The deadline for submissions is June 15, 2011. More information is available at Carnegie Screenwriters’ page, or by contacting Bob Scott, President of CSW, who can be reached at [email protected].

carnegiescreenwriters.squarespace.com In order to promote area screenwriters and their scripts, Carnegie Screenwriters (CSW), is looking for screenplays. The Pittsburgh area is fortunate to be rich in Hollywood connections. Some of the visiting industry professionals have recently expressed an interest in exploring quality material orig

In order to promote area screenwriters and their scripts, Carnegie Screenwriters (CSW), is looking for screenplays. The Pittsburgh area is fortunate to be rich in Hollywood connections. Some of the visiting industry professionals have recently expressed an interest in exploring quality material originating from their hometown.

The CSW idea is simple – compile a list of feature length scripts from area writers that have either reached the quarter-finals or better of well regarded screenwriting competitions, or have been optioned by a production company, thereby indicating that the screenplay has achieved a degree of professional recognition.

The next step is to provide the log line (TV Guide description) of these scripts to industry executives. If subsequently interested, a complete script will be provided.
CSW hopes to work with, among others, Steeltown Entertainment, Women in Film and Media, Pittsburgh Filmmakers, the Pittsburgh Film Office, etc., and leverage the various connections that these local organizations enjoy.