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		<title>Wendago.com Forum - All Forums</title>
		<link>http://www.wendago.com/forum/</link>
		<description>Wendago.com Forum - http://www.wendago.com/forum</description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2008 02:21:38 -0700</pubDate>
		<generator>MyBB</generator>
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			<title>About Psychopath</title>
			<link>http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=156</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 11 May 2008 18:38:49 -0700</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=156</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Hey Todd.
How are you? Just some questions about Psychopath. What's the actual status of this film? Do you think that finally the film will be made? Is the script written or you have to meet John Carpenter? Could you tell us something about the plot?

Thanks and congratulations for your work. Great idea for the messengers.

Cheers.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Hey Todd.
How are you? Just some questions about Psychopath. What's the actual status of this film? Do you think that finally the film will be made? Is the script written or you have to meet John Carpenter? Could you tell us something about the plot?

Thanks and congratulations for your work. Great idea for the messengers.

Cheers.]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
			<title>Portal</title>
			<link>http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=155</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Mar 2008 17:38:58 -0800</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=155</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[This is how I feel about Portal.



That is all.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[This is how I feel about Portal.



That is all.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>When is it ready?</title>
			<link>http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=154</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 16 Feb 2008 22:54:52 -0800</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=154</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I enjoy your stories about the biz.  I've been writing for years but never rewriting until a friend recently sold a script to Walden Media and convinced me to take another look at my scripts.  Eight drafts in to one of them and I still just don't think it is ready.  But I don't know for sure.  And at this point I'm not quite sure why it isn't ready.  When do you know it is time to send it out?  Especially when it is going directly to producers as a sample or for market and not an agent for notes?

Thanks,
Jason]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I enjoy your stories about the biz.  I've been writing for years but never rewriting until a friend recently sold a script to Walden Media and convinced me to take another look at my scripts.  Eight drafts in to one of them and I still just don't think it is ready.  But I don't know for sure.  And at this point I'm not quite sure why it isn't ready.  When do you know it is time to send it out?  Especially when it is going directly to producers as a sample or for market and not an agent for notes?

Thanks,
Jason]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
			<title>RKO Remakes</title>
			<link>http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=153</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 Feb 2008 11:43:06 -0800</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=153</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Hey,folks, it's been a while. Just some news about Wendago himself today I though y'all might be interested in: http://www.creature-corner.com/?type=news&id=3174

Later, gators

Bri]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Hey,folks, it's been a while. Just some news about Wendago himself today I though y'all might be interested in: http://www.creature-corner.com/?type=news&id=3174

Later, gators

Bri]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
			<title>JASON TAKES TV?</title>
			<link>http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=152</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 16 Oct 2007 13:55:40 -0700</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=152</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Hey, folks, been a while since I've been on the boards. Just thought some of you might be interested in a little story Alex did today; Jason Voorhees is coming to TV, apparently.

http://creature-corner.com/?type=news&id=2927 to get the lowdown!

Cheers,

Bri]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Hey, folks, been a while since I've been on the boards. Just thought some of you might be interested in a little story Alex did today; Jason Voorhees is coming to TV, apparently.

http://creature-corner.com/?type=news&id=2927 to get the lowdown!

Cheers,

Bri]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Oi!</title>
			<link>http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=151</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 30 Sep 2007 12:04:02 -0700</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=151</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[It been a bit but thought I would drop a line. I see you have been busy since we last spoke. True I guess things happen given 4 or 5 years. :lol:

How you all been? 

Drop me a line if ya still have my email. I tried emailing the old one I had for you but doesnt seem to work.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[It been a bit but thought I would drop a line. I see you have been busy since we last spoke. True I guess things happen given 4 or 5 years. :lol:

How you all been? 

Drop me a line if ya still have my email. I tried emailing the old one I had for you but doesnt seem to work.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Helloooo Nurse!</title>
			<link>http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=150</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Sep 2007 00:54:21 -0700</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=150</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Okay, folks... Where do I begin? If some of you recognize my "aka" handle here, it's good to see you all again, those that don't, greetings! :)

I have so much to get into, but so little time to do so... So... I'll save that discussion for another time.

But, I will say this: New career, same life, same hobbies. :razz:

When I have more time, I'll speak more. For now, good to see some old "faces" here, (Brenna, Jeno-Boi, I'm watching youse two :D) and anyone else I don't know, I'll be more than happy to get to know you all soon enough. 

In closing, I stand welcomed here. 

Goodnight!]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Okay, folks... Where do I begin? If some of you recognize my "aka" handle here, it's good to see you all again, those that don't, greetings! :)

I have so much to get into, but so little time to do so... So... I'll save that discussion for another time.

But, I will say this: New career, same life, same hobbies. :razz:

When I have more time, I'll speak more. For now, good to see some old "faces" here, (Brenna, Jeno-Boi, I'm watching youse two :D) and anyone else I don't know, I'll be more than happy to get to know you all soon enough. 

In closing, I stand welcomed here. 

Goodnight!]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Paging Mr. Farmer</title>
			<link>http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=149</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 18:28:13 -0700</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=149</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Nice place you have here. ;)

And a big hello to the other members as well!]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Nice place you have here. ;)

And a big hello to the other members as well!]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>aspiring film maker looking for guidance</title>
			<link>http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=148</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2007 01:45:00 -0700</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=148</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[New to the boards, found the place through a myspace friend request and such. Anyways. I've finally found my calling (after realising maybe comics/general art wasnt my passion) and I now stand at the begining of a road down the film industry. Right now I'm looking to get my hands dirty, and I'm doing just that by creating an internet television show. I was wondering if wendigo or anyone has any tips. I dont exactly have hollywood quality equipment, but I do have a passion for the industry and the ability to tell a story, so hopefully it will balance it out.

currently I'm finishing up the first episode of the show, probably start work on the second episode while preparing a film to send to Screamfest and Sundance. Anyways, any information or advice, or just general discussion would be helpful.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[New to the boards, found the place through a myspace friend request and such. Anyways. I've finally found my calling (after realising maybe comics/general art wasnt my passion) and I now stand at the begining of a road down the film industry. Right now I'm looking to get my hands dirty, and I'm doing just that by creating an internet television show. I was wondering if wendigo or anyone has any tips. I dont exactly have hollywood quality equipment, but I do have a passion for the industry and the ability to tell a story, so hopefully it will balance it out.

currently I'm finishing up the first episode of the show, probably start work on the second episode while preparing a film to send to Screamfest and Sundance. Anyways, any information or advice, or just general discussion would be helpful.]]></content:encoded>
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			<title>THE MESSENGERS Trailer</title>
			<link>http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=147</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 Oct 2006 13:56:01 -0700</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=147</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Hey, gang, the trailer for THE MESSENGERS is now up at Apple trailers! Just click on http://www.apple.com/trailers/sony_pictu...essengers/ to view and enjoy.

Also saw the trailer before The Grudge 2 this afternoon. The trailer has Todd credited with the story and Mark Wheaton credited with the screenplay.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Hey, gang, the trailer for THE MESSENGERS is now up at Apple trailers! Just click on http://www.apple.com/trailers/sony_pictu...essengers/ to view and enjoy.

Also saw the trailer before The Grudge 2 this afternoon. The trailer has Todd credited with the story and Mark Wheaton credited with the screenplay.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>11.10 and no epidural!</title>
			<link>http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=146</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 04 Oct 2006 23:12:19 -0700</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=146</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[My Girlfriend wont let me touch her any more. 

Congratulations dude.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[My Girlfriend wont let me touch her any more. 

Congratulations dude.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Hey Wendago just wanted to say thanks....</title>
			<link>http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=145</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 03 Sep 2006 11:24:42 -0700</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=145</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[
The advice you gave me was awesome, if you know what I mean.

That was the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me!!!!!

I have a few questions when you get the time.

I don't know how to express my gratitude, but thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!

TF, for president!!!!
UT-Vol.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[
The advice you gave me was awesome, if you know what I mean.

That was the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me!!!!!

I have a few questions when you get the time.

I don't know how to express my gratitude, but thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!

TF, for president!!!!
UT-Vol.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>THE MESSENGERS Teaser</title>
			<link>http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=144</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 28 Aug 2006 11:07:23 -0700</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=144</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Howdy, folks, just wanted to give you a heads up on the latest. Bloody Disgusting has a teaser poster for THE MESSENGERS posted at http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/7101 if you haven't already seen it and wanna check it out. Looks kinda creepy, but cool!

Just curious if you've seen the final product, Wendago, and if it resembles anything close to what you originally wrote since going through development hell.

:lol:]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Howdy, folks, just wanted to give you a heads up on the latest. Bloody Disgusting has a teaser poster for THE MESSENGERS posted at http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/7101 if you haven't already seen it and wanna check it out. Looks kinda creepy, but cool!

Just curious if you've seen the final product, Wendago, and if it resembles anything close to what you originally wrote since going through development hell.

:lol:]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>The Descent</title>
			<link>http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=143</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 15 Aug 2006 07:06:54 -0700</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=143</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Just saw this last weekend. Woah. O_O I really enjoyed it, and it was definitely scary as hell. Much better than any other 'cave/underground' movie I've ever seen. The way the camera captured the claustraphobia and darkness of crawling through caves was really excellent. Some of the dialogue got pretty cheesy, but it made up for it with brutal fighting and lots and LOTS of blood. 

The only thing I didn't really like was the very last 'GOTCHA!' that they had to throw on the screen. I read that there was an extended ending in the British version that got chopped off for the US for some reason, and so that's probably why I was left a little unfufilled by the last shot. I recommend this movie, even if the underground 'creatures' are a little laughable, it's still a fun horror experience. :)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Just saw this last weekend. Woah. O_O I really enjoyed it, and it was definitely scary as hell. Much better than any other 'cave/underground' movie I've ever seen. The way the camera captured the claustraphobia and darkness of crawling through caves was really excellent. Some of the dialogue got pretty cheesy, but it made up for it with brutal fighting and lots and LOTS of blood. 

The only thing I didn't really like was the very last 'GOTCHA!' that they had to throw on the screen. I read that there was an extended ending in the British version that got chopped off for the US for some reason, and so that's probably why I was left a little unfufilled by the last shot. I recommend this movie, even if the underground 'creatures' are a little laughable, it's still a fun horror experience. :)]]></content:encoded>
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			<title>Brenna</title>
			<link>http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=142</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 26 Jul 2006 11:06:07 -0700</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=142</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Brenna is a cyber goddess.  Wendago is a lowly mortal who finally won her favor.  After many sacrifices to pixel gods and goddesses and mortal cyber combat with some said "hacker", The Goddess Brenna has blessed us all with a new world forum and it is beautiful!

Hail and worship The Goddess Brenna!

:lol:]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Brenna is a cyber goddess.  Wendago is a lowly mortal who finally won her favor.  After many sacrifices to pixel gods and goddesses and mortal cyber combat with some said "hacker", The Goddess Brenna has blessed us all with a new world forum and it is beautiful!

Hail and worship The Goddess Brenna!

:lol:]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
			<title>All Cats Are Planning..</title>
			<link>http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=141</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 26 Jul 2006 10:01:51 -0700</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=141</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[
My cat Roadkill


TO STEAL ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD!!

They're a secret band of cat-burglers working in homes, alley ways, and basically everywhere else around the world. They have camps everywhere, from Hello Kitty, an army of robotic cats in Japan, to the cat statues in Egypt, that if needed, serve as all-terrain vehicles for world domination.

They're headed by the Neqa'el, ferocious Greek and Egyptian cat demons, and anyone who sought to do any harm to a cat is punished with a cat-o-nine tails, eventually ending in death.

Chairman Meow Mix couldn't be reached for comment.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[
My cat Roadkill


TO STEAL ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD!!

They're a secret band of cat-burglers working in homes, alley ways, and basically everywhere else around the world. They have camps everywhere, from Hello Kitty, an army of robotic cats in Japan, to the cat statues in Egypt, that if needed, serve as all-terrain vehicles for world domination.

They're headed by the Neqa'el, ferocious Greek and Egyptian cat demons, and anyone who sought to do any harm to a cat is punished with a cat-o-nine tails, eventually ending in death.

Chairman Meow Mix couldn't be reached for comment.]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
			<title>Congrats!!!</title>
			<link>http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=140</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jun 2006 06:41:19 -0700</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=140</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Hey, Wendago, been a while since I've been surfing the site and the boards, but I've been bogged down with my own selfish desires the past few months. Too long a story to get into, nor do I want to bore anyone with the details.

Congrats to you and Mel on the little one on the way! Just read your last journal entry and I'd have to say it's my favorite one yet! Nice to see someone in the business puts life first, then "The Biz" second.

All the best to you and yours, and here's to more schmoozing on the boards!

Cheers,

Brian]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Hey, Wendago, been a while since I've been surfing the site and the boards, but I've been bogged down with my own selfish desires the past few months. Too long a story to get into, nor do I want to bore anyone with the details.

Congrats to you and Mel on the little one on the way! Just read your last journal entry and I'd have to say it's my favorite one yet! Nice to see someone in the business puts life first, then "The Biz" second.

All the best to you and yours, and here's to more schmoozing on the boards!

Cheers,

Brian]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
			<title>Would you like me to read your script?</title>
			<link>http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=139</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jun 2006 14:10:07 -0700</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=139</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I get several emails a week asking me to read scripts.  For various reasons.  Some want my help getting their script made.  Others just want feedback on their idea, writing style, structure and so on.

But sadly, I cannot read scripts.

I don't know how to read.  Okay, I know how to read but I'm not a producer.  Therefore I do not have the legal documents we'd both have to sign off on.  Documents that say I won't steal your idea and documents that say you won't sue me if I happen to already have a similar idea in the works.

Thus we have to stay away from details.  Ideas, outlines, scripts and so forth.

And since I'm not a producer, I can't help you get your script made anyway.

And as for those wanting feedback, sadly, I just don't have the time.

I know that there are many writers out there who offer their services in this area for 200 bucks and up.  But it's not a business I'm in.

I'm more than happy to discuss theory within the forums.  Structure, character, behind the scenes and so on.  But I can't read your script or outlines and then go into details.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I get several emails a week asking me to read scripts.  For various reasons.  Some want my help getting their script made.  Others just want feedback on their idea, writing style, structure and so on.

But sadly, I cannot read scripts.

I don't know how to read.  Okay, I know how to read but I'm not a producer.  Therefore I do not have the legal documents we'd both have to sign off on.  Documents that say I won't steal your idea and documents that say you won't sue me if I happen to already have a similar idea in the works.

Thus we have to stay away from details.  Ideas, outlines, scripts and so forth.

And since I'm not a producer, I can't help you get your script made anyway.

And as for those wanting feedback, sadly, I just don't have the time.

I know that there are many writers out there who offer their services in this area for 200 bucks and up.  But it's not a business I'm in.

I'm more than happy to discuss theory within the forums.  Structure, character, behind the scenes and so on.  But I can't read your script or outlines and then go into details.]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
			<title>So, you've got a great idea for a Friday the 13th script...</title>
			<link>http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=138</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jun 2006 13:30:26 -0700</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=138</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Think I'll just sticky this and hope it works.  On average, I'd say I get two emails a week from someone with either a great idea for a "Friday the 13th" script or a great script they've already written.  On average I say.  Some weeks I get nothing, other weeks I get ten.

I've created a standardized email for just the occasion.  I'll cut and paste the name and hit send.  But I'm getting lazy and am hoping this may cut some off at the pass.

The Big Question

Are you writing (or have you written) a F13 script to break into the screenwriting biz?

OR

Are you a ravenous fan who just wants to get the story straight?

Either way, you are screwed.

Here's the Bad News

Your F13 script will never get made.

Of course, there are no definites in Hollystupid but I feel pretty confident saying "never".

Here are the Exceptions

1.  You have an established relationship with New Line or Sean Cunningham.

Dean Lorey wrote "Jason Goes to Hell" not based on an F13 script he'd written but based on a relationship he had with Sean.

I wrote "Jason X" not based on an F13 script I'd already written but based on having a three year relationship with Sean Cunningham (on a side note, this relationship does not need to be sexual in nature but of course it helps).

Mark and Damian wrote "Freddy vs. Jason" because they'd already written two other scripts for and had a good relationship with New Line.

I was a nobody.  I didn't have a credit.  Neither did Dean when he got JGTH.  Nor Mark & Damian when they started FvsJ...but we had all been in the business, written other scripts and had relationships with the people with the power to say yes.

2.  You are Quentin Tarrantino, Michael Bay or someone established.

If you have a proven track record (and an agent) and you have an idea and a passion toward the material then your agent hops on the phone and you end up with a meeting.

Even if you fit the above two exceptions...

It still ain't gonna be easy.  Truth is, it's just not easy to get a movie made.  Never has been.  Probably never will be.  Even when you have everything going for you, it's an uphill battle.

If you don't have either a track record in the biz or a relationship with those who can yes an F13 film then your chances are even less.

 If You've Written or are Writing an F13 to Break into the Biz...

Then either stop or shelve it.  Write an original screenplay.  Specs sell in the genre market.  Especially now with the successes of Hostel and Saw and going all the way back to Scream.  In the old days Hollywood sneered at Horror.  They were physically embarrassed by it.  Not any more my friends.  Every studio and production company now has one or more genre executives who do nothing but read horror scripts.

Money talks.  Make them for 5 to 10 million and watch the money roll in.  There has never been a better time to write a horror spec.

Write something original.  Blow their minds.  Sell it.  Once you have established yourself.  Proven yourself.  Then have your agent make the call.

If your goal is to become a screenwriter than going the F13 route isn't playing the numbers very well.  Because at the end of the day, it's a numbers game.  If you write something original then your chances soar.  You could set it up anywhere.  You could get 50 passes from assorted companies and still get it made.

If you write an F13 then you got one shot and one shot only.  Even if you kill yourself getting it to Cunningham or New Line, if one says no then you're toast.  It's over.  All that work down the drain.

Write something original.

If You've Written or are Writing an F13 because you are a great fan and want to get the story straight...

Dunno what to tell you.  It's just not going to happen.

I worked for Cunningham for three years.  And from time to time a fan written F13 would come into the office and within 30 seconds was in the trash.  Unopened.  Unread.

How I Did It

Simple really.  I was in Texas.  A friend of a friend was living in LA working on a kid's TV show.  I gave her a call.  Told her I wanted to write.  She had a producer friend who wanted a low budget fantasy script.  Being naive, I wrote one.  Sent it to her.  The producer vanished (it happens).  My friend gave it to her roommate (who happened to work for Dean Lorey).  At the time he had a first-look deal at Universal.  She gave the script to Dean.  He read 40 pages and tossed it in the trash because I didn't have a clue how to structure a screenplay.

But he saw some imagination.  Gave me a call.  Asked if I had any other ideas.  I told him I wanted to write a Bigfoot movie.  He told me there was already "Harry and the Hendersons".  I told him, not a family comedy, but a horror movie.  That made him grin.  We got to work on it.  He structured the story and I wrote it.  And more importantly, I learned.  I wrote it for 1000 bucks against 200k if it got made.  500 bucks to start writing.  500 when I finished.

During the process he told me if I really wanted to do this for a living I would have to move to LA.  So, Melanie (now my wife) stayed in Texas and I moved to LA, slept in my friend's hammock for two months.

After I finished the Bigfoot script I was running low on cash.  Met Dean at a bar in LA.  The Speakeasy.  A real dive.  Got him drunk and said, "So, what are we gonna work on next?  He told me this idea he had.  Vampires at a Youth Camp.  Another option for 1000 bucks against 200k.  500 to start.  500 to finish.  A month later I was, of course, broke again.

But I'd gotten my own apartment and Mel moved out.  Returned to the Speakeasy with Dean.  Got him drunk and said, "So, what are we gonna work on next?"  He told me this other idea he had.

This time, Dean wanted to direct it.  And he had a plan.  He'd written two films for Sean Cunningham and had a relationship.  We'd take the idea to Sean with the deal that Sean would produce, Dean would direct and I would write.  And that's what we did.

Sean liked the writing and ended up hiring me as a Creative Executive.  Big fancy name but I was essentially a staff writer.  Got paid two grand a month to sit in the maid's room and work on whatever turned his little blue crank.  I wrote dramas about delinquent teens in Spanish Harlem.  I wrote a law drama.  I wrote an action script.  A vampire flick in gang driven LA.  I rewrote whatever I was told to rewrite.  I rewrote early drafts of Freddy vs. Jason.  I was the writer on staff.  I was the local monkey with a keyboard.  But more importantly, I learned.

Three years later, frustrated that FvsJ was still languishing in development, Sean decided to make another F13.  Sean, Noel (his son) and myself, along with Jim Isaac (who had a relationship with Sean) sat in a room and bounced ideas.  In the end we settled on Jason in the future or what later became known as Jason in Space or Jason X.

And I wrote it.  Sean had a deal with New Line.  We went to DeLuca.  He genuinely seemed to like it but who really knows.  In the end, had DeLuca passed then Sean was free to go to another studio and Paramount was chomping at the bits to reacquire the franchise.  If we ran off with Jason then that would have severely screwed with FvsJ.  So, whether NL made Jason X because they loved it or because they were pressured...only a handful really know for sure.  And I'm not one of them.  But in the end, the movie got made.  And that's how I did it.

You see, simple.

In Closing...

Wish I had better news for you.  Writing an F13 is a dead end.  Just the breaks, kid.  If you want to be a screenwriter, write something original.  If you just want your F13 story told, write a fan script and post it on any of a dozen horror sites.

Just don't shoot the messenger :)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Think I'll just sticky this and hope it works.  On average, I'd say I get two emails a week from someone with either a great idea for a "Friday the 13th" script or a great script they've already written.  On average I say.  Some weeks I get nothing, other weeks I get ten.

I've created a standardized email for just the occasion.  I'll cut and paste the name and hit send.  But I'm getting lazy and am hoping this may cut some off at the pass.

The Big Question

Are you writing (or have you written) a F13 script to break into the screenwriting biz?

OR

Are you a ravenous fan who just wants to get the story straight?

Either way, you are screwed.

Here's the Bad News

Your F13 script will never get made.

Of course, there are no definites in Hollystupid but I feel pretty confident saying "never".

Here are the Exceptions

1.  You have an established relationship with New Line or Sean Cunningham.

Dean Lorey wrote "Jason Goes to Hell" not based on an F13 script he'd written but based on a relationship he had with Sean.

I wrote "Jason X" not based on an F13 script I'd already written but based on having a three year relationship with Sean Cunningham (on a side note, this relationship does not need to be sexual in nature but of course it helps).

Mark and Damian wrote "Freddy vs. Jason" because they'd already written two other scripts for and had a good relationship with New Line.

I was a nobody.  I didn't have a credit.  Neither did Dean when he got JGTH.  Nor Mark & Damian when they started FvsJ...but we had all been in the business, written other scripts and had relationships with the people with the power to say yes.

2.  You are Quentin Tarrantino, Michael Bay or someone established.

If you have a proven track record (and an agent) and you have an idea and a passion toward the material then your agent hops on the phone and you end up with a meeting.

Even if you fit the above two exceptions...

It still ain't gonna be easy.  Truth is, it's just not easy to get a movie made.  Never has been.  Probably never will be.  Even when you have everything going for you, it's an uphill battle.

If you don't have either a track record in the biz or a relationship with those who can yes an F13 film then your chances are even less.

 If You've Written or are Writing an F13 to Break into the Biz...

Then either stop or shelve it.  Write an original screenplay.  Specs sell in the genre market.  Especially now with the successes of Hostel and Saw and going all the way back to Scream.  In the old days Hollywood sneered at Horror.  They were physically embarrassed by it.  Not any more my friends.  Every studio and production company now has one or more genre executives who do nothing but read horror scripts.

Money talks.  Make them for 5 to 10 million and watch the money roll in.  There has never been a better time to write a horror spec.

Write something original.  Blow their minds.  Sell it.  Once you have established yourself.  Proven yourself.  Then have your agent make the call.

If your goal is to become a screenwriter than going the F13 route isn't playing the numbers very well.  Because at the end of the day, it's a numbers game.  If you write something original then your chances soar.  You could set it up anywhere.  You could get 50 passes from assorted companies and still get it made.

If you write an F13 then you got one shot and one shot only.  Even if you kill yourself getting it to Cunningham or New Line, if one says no then you're toast.  It's over.  All that work down the drain.

Write something original.

If You've Written or are Writing an F13 because you are a great fan and want to get the story straight...

Dunno what to tell you.  It's just not going to happen.

I worked for Cunningham for three years.  And from time to time a fan written F13 would come into the office and within 30 seconds was in the trash.  Unopened.  Unread.

How I Did It

Simple really.  I was in Texas.  A friend of a friend was living in LA working on a kid's TV show.  I gave her a call.  Told her I wanted to write.  She had a producer friend who wanted a low budget fantasy script.  Being naive, I wrote one.  Sent it to her.  The producer vanished (it happens).  My friend gave it to her roommate (who happened to work for Dean Lorey).  At the time he had a first-look deal at Universal.  She gave the script to Dean.  He read 40 pages and tossed it in the trash because I didn't have a clue how to structure a screenplay.

But he saw some imagination.  Gave me a call.  Asked if I had any other ideas.  I told him I wanted to write a Bigfoot movie.  He told me there was already "Harry and the Hendersons".  I told him, not a family comedy, but a horror movie.  That made him grin.  We got to work on it.  He structured the story and I wrote it.  And more importantly, I learned.  I wrote it for 1000 bucks against 200k if it got made.  500 bucks to start writing.  500 when I finished.

During the process he told me if I really wanted to do this for a living I would have to move to LA.  So, Melanie (now my wife) stayed in Texas and I moved to LA, slept in my friend's hammock for two months.

After I finished the Bigfoot script I was running low on cash.  Met Dean at a bar in LA.  The Speakeasy.  A real dive.  Got him drunk and said, "So, what are we gonna work on next?  He told me this idea he had.  Vampires at a Youth Camp.  Another option for 1000 bucks against 200k.  500 to start.  500 to finish.  A month later I was, of course, broke again.

But I'd gotten my own apartment and Mel moved out.  Returned to the Speakeasy with Dean.  Got him drunk and said, "So, what are we gonna work on next?"  He told me this other idea he had.

This time, Dean wanted to direct it.  And he had a plan.  He'd written two films for Sean Cunningham and had a relationship.  We'd take the idea to Sean with the deal that Sean would produce, Dean would direct and I would write.  And that's what we did.

Sean liked the writing and ended up hiring me as a Creative Executive.  Big fancy name but I was essentially a staff writer.  Got paid two grand a month to sit in the maid's room and work on whatever turned his little blue crank.  I wrote dramas about delinquent teens in Spanish Harlem.  I wrote a law drama.  I wrote an action script.  A vampire flick in gang driven LA.  I rewrote whatever I was told to rewrite.  I rewrote early drafts of Freddy vs. Jason.  I was the writer on staff.  I was the local monkey with a keyboard.  But more importantly, I learned.

Three years later, frustrated that FvsJ was still languishing in development, Sean decided to make another F13.  Sean, Noel (his son) and myself, along with Jim Isaac (who had a relationship with Sean) sat in a room and bounced ideas.  In the end we settled on Jason in the future or what later became known as Jason in Space or Jason X.

And I wrote it.  Sean had a deal with New Line.  We went to DeLuca.  He genuinely seemed to like it but who really knows.  In the end, had DeLuca passed then Sean was free to go to another studio and Paramount was chomping at the bits to reacquire the franchise.  If we ran off with Jason then that would have severely screwed with FvsJ.  So, whether NL made Jason X because they loved it or because they were pressured...only a handful really know for sure.  And I'm not one of them.  But in the end, the movie got made.  And that's how I did it.

You see, simple.

In Closing...

Wish I had better news for you.  Writing an F13 is a dead end.  Just the breaks, kid.  If you want to be a screenwriter, write something original.  If you just want your F13 story told, write a fan script and post it on any of a dozen horror sites.

Just don't shoot the messenger :)]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Wendago, help!!</title>
			<link>http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=137</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jun 2006 10:34:13 -0700</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wendago.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=137</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Hey TF.
 I have a question, is it a bad thing to have three scripts going at once, I currently am writing three and am having a time keeping them straight.
I get an Idea for one, then the ideas start to flow for one of the others. How can I keep focused on one, or should I just go with the ideas as they come?]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Hey TF.
 I have a question, is it a bad thing to have three scripts going at once, I currently am writing three and am having a time keeping them straight.
I get an Idea for one, then the ideas start to flow for one of the others. How can I keep focused on one, or should I just go with the ideas as they come?]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
	</channel>
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