2003 Las Vegas Screenwriter's Conference...
June 28th, 2003
I returned a week or so ago from a 10+ day stay in Las Vegas where I attended the Vegas Screenwriters Conference and the Cinevegas Film Festival.
If youre an aspiring screenwriter this is a wonderful way to spend 10 days. First, the conference arms you with important information on marketing your screenplay: how to write effective query letters and most importantly how to communicate your story effectively to industry professionals, a la the pitch. The highlight of the conference was Christopher Lockhart, Executive Story Editor at ICM for Ed Limato who represents such Hollywood power as Mel Gibson and Denzel Washington, among others. His classes and seminars were honest, poignant, and extremely helpful for everyone. When you leave you are better armed for the real world of Hollywood screenwriting: marketing.
The most important thing besides writing a great story is preparing a great pitch. You have to compel an agent or producer into wanting to read your script. This is no easy task when you consider that they are looking for any reason not to read your script. Why? Because they already have a stack four-feet high given to them from other industry professionals whom they trust, why do they want to waste an hour of their time on your script when chances are it will not be very good? Youre competing with professional writers, not just your fellow aspiring screenwriting brethren.
The Conference also provided access to some industry professionals who listen to your pitches. These included: Tom McNulty, Development Exec with Adam Sandlers company, Producers Lesley Bracker, Frederick Levy, and Alex Ross.
Word after the conference was that many scripts were requested and one has even been optioned (more details later).
The 2003 Las Vegas Screenwriters Conference was held June 12-15 at the Treasure Island Hotel & Casino. For more information see: www.vegasscript.com
If you want to get better as a screenwriter, watch movies, lots of them. If you want inspiration, seek out independent film festivals. Cinevages is one of the more accessible festivals Ive ever attended. Located at The Palms, off the strip, but close enough to have plenty of fun, I liked the location because it was very self-containted. There is a fairly large cinema in the casino where the entire festival is held. No long treks to screenings! Before and after each film there is usually time where the writer-director addresses the audience with his/her background and how the film was made. There is also usually a Q&A session. These are very inspirational talks where you realize that following your screenwriting dream may lead you to independent filmmaking. For more information about next years event: www.vegasscript.com
Thats it from this years Las Vegas events! Peace, and happy writing.
-- Chris
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