Saturday, August 31, 2013

TV Writing Consultants We Love To Recommend

TV Writing Consultants We Love To Recommend

“Some writers of television shows make it look much too easy…”

They put words on a page for actors to interpret and resolve everything by the end of the show. Simple, right? Eric Edson, author of The Story Solution: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take, knows that creative screenwriting can be much more difficult than it appears. He advises up-and-coming television writers to learn as much as possible about their chosen industry before tossing their hats into the television game.
Eric’s book describes how to achieve screenwriting success through the development of a great hero. Most television dramas or comedies revolve around a central character – the hero. The Story Solutioncontains guidance on writing Hero Goal Sequences® and outlines the 23 actions used to create a forceful emotional ride.
To learn about the business side of the industry, Edson advises aspiring authors to seek advice from experienced TV writing consultants. A TV writing consultant can help you learn how to write within the time constraints of the television medium, teach you about what audiences are looking for in characters, and show you how to sell a TV spec script to producers.
Eric Edson reviewed several top TV writing consultants who might become part of an industry newcomer’s advisement team. The accomplished educator, author and screenwriter wanted to make sure up-and-coming authors could find consultants who have valuable insights to offer.
His selections were based on reputation in the television industry, background experience, and effectiveness at helping emerging authors. Learning from these TV writing consultants will help newcomers understand how to write scripts that make it to the small screen.
If you are seeking knowledge that will help you sell a television script, consider learning from these writing consultants.

Sandler Ink – TV Writing Consultant

Sandler Ink - TV Writing ConsultantEllen Sandler, leading TV writing expert and career coach, is the ideal consultant for the writer who wants to break in to the entertainment industry and chart a long, successful career in television. Emmy-nominated Co-Executive Producer of Everybody Loves Raymond and veteran writer/producer of hit television shows, she offers insight and expertise as well as creative support and direction.Visit the website and Facebook pageor call 310-383-3772 for more information.

Jen Grisanti Consultancy – TV Writing Consultant

Jen Grisanti Consultancy - TV Writing ConsultantJen Grisanti Consultancy Inc. helps writers accomplish their writing goals through one-on-one consults, seminars, teleseminars, networking events and podcasts. As a Current Programs Executive for both Spelling Television, Inc. and CBS/Paramount, Jen staffed, advised and guided the writers and directors of top primetime shows for twelve years. Visit the website andFacebook page or call 323-944-0962 for more information.


Novel Consultant – TV Writing Consultant

Novel Consultant - TV Writing ConsultantMichele Wallerstein is a screenplay, TV script, and novel consultant. Her TV script doctoring and novel consulting helps writers develop their work, thereby improving their chances of a sale and/or obtaining an agent. Wallerstein’s former work as a Hollywood Agent has given her the tools as ascreenplay consultant to improve your work and help make it saleable in today’s market. Visit the website and Facebook page or call 818-501-2826 for more information.

Finding a TV writing consultant can be a challenge.

Eric Edson is committed to helping aspiring screenwriters and TV writers quickly gain an insider’s knowledge of the script writing business, but he knows that finding a TV writing consultant can sometimes be a challenge. This review aims to help readers of his screenwriting book, The Story Solution, to simplify their research for strong TV writing consultants. These three highlighted TV script consultants are not the only good ones out there, of course! But they are surly among the very best. We hope this information gives you additional resources with which to pursue insights into the television writing process. 
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 tipsscreenwriting resources, andscreenwriting booksVisit the website and Facebook page for more information.

Santa Barbara Wedding Planner Featured On WeddingWire

Santa Barbara wedding planner Merryl Brown Events is now the exclusive spotlight vendor for the Santa Barbara region on one of the country’s leading wedding sites, “Wedding Wire”.
SANTA BARBARA, CA—August 28th, 2013—Merryl Brown Events, wedding planners in Santa Barbara, announced that they have taken the exclusive spotlight vendor position on WeddingWire, the nation’s leading online wedding marketplace.  Merryl Brown Events  is known for producing the world’s best bridal events, created with unparalleled creativity, a passion for excellence and an unrivaled attention to detail.
This leading wedding portal is spotlighting Merryl Brown Events on Wedding WireMartha Stewart WeddingsBest City Weddings, WeddingWire Blog, BridalBuds and WeddingAces.
“Our team is excited to align with WeddingWire,” says Merryl Brown, “WeddingWire is one of the many ways new brides find us online, and the increased visibility will lead to more weddings in Santa Barbara this upcoming bridal season.”
WeddingWire’s cutting-edge approach provides spotlight exposure and unique promotions for wedding planning companies that are exclusive to a specific region of the United States.
Merryl Brown Events was the winner of the 2012 National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO-SB) Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award in the Category of Tourism and Hospitality, the winner of the 2011 BizBash West Award for Social Planner of the Year, the winner of the 2011 and 2012 ISES Esprit Award for Best Green Solution, and the winner of the Association of Women in Communications Clarion Award for Best Special Event 2011, 2012, and 2013.
Owner, Merryl Brown has a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from Columbia University and was formerly an international banker with American Express Bank and Bankers Trust Company in New York.  She has a strong finance background and can manage both the business and creative aspects of events at the highest level.  She is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese and is one of the few wedding planners Santa Barbara has to offer that is a Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWEP) as well as a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) with a Wedding Consultant designation.
About Merryl Brown Events:  Merryl Brown’s team of Santa Barbara wedding planning  professionals offer full service, high end, elegant, experiential weddings.  Choosing among Santa Barbara wedding planners is an easy choice when you read the event planning testimonials and see the photographic excellence of the weddings that they have produced.  Visit the web site to download the PDF of “101 Tips For Elegant Events” at http://www.MerrylBrownEvents.com or call 805-453-5729.
- See more at: http://www.merrylbrownevents.com/blog/2013/08/28/santa-barbara-wedding-planner-featured-on-weddingwire/#sthash.6rwXg0Mv.dpuf

Friday, August 23, 2013

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa Wedding from Elizabeth Messina Photography

Just when you imagine that this day of gorgeous events from Elizabeth Messina could not possibly be topped, it gets topped in a major, major way. An elegant, crazy beautiful kind of way masterminded by Merryl Brown Events  with flower combos like you wouldn’t believe by Mindy Rice set against the prettiness of Ojai Valley Inn & Spa and all finished off with a French Patisserie. Phew, it’s A LOT but I promise you it’s so worth a good long look. Have a peek at all the beautiful imagery captured by Elizabeth, including some sweet as can be family portraits right here.

From Merryl Brown Events… Our bride and groom’s amazing wedding ceremony took place in the intimate Ojai Valley Inn Herb Garden. Cozy, with family and friends and the couple’s baby in her antique, flower-draped pram, we created a ceremony site that was perfect for the garden setting. Two antique urns on beautiful pillars held dramatic floral and fresh greenery, adding a beautiful depth and texture to the ceremony site. Situated on the sprawling green grass in the field below the ceremony was a classic white tent, draped in taffeta, with generous curtains pulled back with garlands of rich, peachy-golden toned floral. The peach tones floral arrangements were stunning, as they meandered down each table in a variety of antique vessels, enhanced by the natural amber glow of candle light. The room had a warm and romantic tone, and was particularly sweet with the grass below… a welcome juxtaposition to such a stunning and elegant tent. The custom wood and linen pillars and inset linen ceiling were fabulous and unique décor elements. The dark wood dining chairs were lovely, particularly at the end of each oval table, which held two chairs with a custom ruffled linen slipcover to match the table drape. Those slipcovered chairs were such charming elements.
The piece de resistance of the event was a patisserie and a charcuterie. The patisserie was every girl’s dream… while the charcuterie, every man’s. What an amazing and original reveal it was when these two beautifully designed boutique “stores” were revealed to guests’ delight after the cake was cut! The lighting and interior of each made them seem as if they were plucked from a tiny street in France.
The Patisserie had a tall, white display case, flanked by two elegantly framed gilded mirrors. Three crystal chandeliers hung from above, illuminating the soft pink draping on the walls of the shop. Cloches of fresh baked goods, truffles and macaroons all made by former Martha Stewart Food Editor Elizabeth Colling were bountiful. Staggeringly beautiful cakes and cupcakes were presented in an array of flavors and muted colors by the uber talented Robyn Loves Cake. Antique porcelain dishes were stacked high, allowing guests to help themselves or be served by the adorable white and pink frocked Patisserie attendants.
The Charcuterie/Fromagerie was more on the rustic side… as if you walked into a sixth generation family owned store. A tall armoire flanked with large chalkboards listing the ‘menu’ and an old French table with marble blocks displayed an array of worldly cheeses. French bread baskets hung on the walls, filled with fresh baguettes; sliced cured meats and olives were piled high on the table for guests to sample. Simple white dishes were stacked behind the apron clad servers ready to accommodate the requests of the “customers”. This was a wedding that was so incredibly charming and love filled from beginning to end. The video really helps to bring all of these images to life.
Photography: Elizabeth Messina | Design and Production: Merryl Brown Events | Videography: Isaac Hernandez | Draping, Furniture and Décor: Rrivre Works Inc. | Floral and Decor: Mindy Rice | Venue: Ojai Valley Inn & Spa | Linens: La Tavola Linen | Collateral: The Stationery Collection |  Ceremony Music: Aurora Ensemble | Officiant: Soaring Starkey | Reception Band: Jumpstart | Sound and Lighting: 721 Productions | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Dance Floor: Barker Décor Service Inc. | Patisserie Desserts: Elizabeth Colling | Patisserie Cakes: Robyn Loves Cake | Wedding Cake: The Butter End Cakery| Hair: Travis Jay Hazzard | Makeup: Tomiko Taft | Wedding Dress: Claire Pettibone
- See more at: http://www.merrylbrownevents.com/blog/2013/08/16/santa-barbara-wedding-planning/#sthash.JvIxyUhN.dpuf

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa Wedding from Elizabeth Messina Photography

Just when you imagine that this day of gorgeous events from Elizabeth Messina could not possibly be topped, it gets topped in a major, major way. An elegant, crazy beautiful kind of way masterminded by Merryl Brown Events  with flower combos like you wouldn’t believe by Mindy Rice set against the prettiness of Ojai Valley Inn & Spa and all finished off with a French Patisserie. Phew, it’s A LOT but I promise you it’s so worth a good long look. Have a peek at all the beautiful imagery captured by Elizabeth, including some sweet as can be family portraits right here.

From Merryl Brown Events… Our bride and groom’s amazing wedding ceremony took place in the intimate Ojai Valley Inn Herb Garden. Cozy, with family and friends and the couple’s baby in her antique, flower-draped pram, we created a ceremony site that was perfect for the garden setting. Two antique urns on beautiful pillars held dramatic floral and fresh greenery, adding a beautiful depth and texture to the ceremony site. Situated on the sprawling green grass in the field below the ceremony was a classic white tent, draped in taffeta, with generous curtains pulled back with garlands of rich, peachy-golden toned floral. The peach tones floral arrangements were stunning, as they meandered down each table in a variety of antique vessels, enhanced by the natural amber glow of candle light. The room had a warm and romantic tone, and was particularly sweet with the grass below… a welcome juxtaposition to such a stunning and elegant tent. The custom wood and linen pillars and inset linen ceiling were fabulous and unique décor elements. The dark wood dining chairs were lovely, particularly at the end of each oval table, which held two chairs with a custom ruffled linen slipcover to match the table drape. Those slipcovered chairs were such charming elements.
The piece de resistance of the event was a patisserie and a charcuterie. The patisserie was every girl’s dream… while the charcuterie, every man’s. What an amazing and original reveal it was when these two beautifully designed boutique “stores” were revealed to guests’ delight after the cake was cut! The lighting and interior of each made them seem as if they were plucked from a tiny street in France.
The Patisserie had a tall, white display case, flanked by two elegantly framed gilded mirrors. Three crystal chandeliers hung from above, illuminating the soft pink draping on the walls of the shop. Cloches of fresh baked goods, truffles and macaroons all made by former Martha Stewart Food Editor Elizabeth Colling were bountiful. Staggeringly beautiful cakes and cupcakes were presented in an array of flavors and muted colors by the uber talented Robyn Loves Cake. Antique porcelain dishes were stacked high, allowing guests to help themselves or be served by the adorable white and pink frocked Patisserie attendants.
The Charcuterie/Fromagerie was more on the rustic side… as if you walked into a sixth generation family owned store. A tall armoire flanked with large chalkboards listing the ‘menu’ and an old French table with marble blocks displayed an array of worldly cheeses. French bread baskets hung on the walls, filled with fresh baguettes; sliced cured meats and olives were piled high on the table for guests to sample. Simple white dishes were stacked behind the apron clad servers ready to accommodate the requests of the “customers”. This was a wedding that was so incredibly charming and love filled from beginning to end. The video really helps to bring all of these images to life.
Photography: Elizabeth Messina | Design and Production: Merryl Brown Events | Videography: Isaac Hernandez | Draping, Furniture and Décor: Rrivre Works Inc. | Floral and Decor: Mindy Rice | Venue: Ojai Valley Inn & Spa | Linens: La Tavola Linen | Collateral: The Stationery Collection |  Ceremony Music: Aurora Ensemble | Officiant: Soaring Starkey | Reception Band: Jumpstart | Sound and Lighting: 721 Productions | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Dance Floor: Barker Décor Service Inc. | Patisserie Desserts: Elizabeth Colling | Patisserie Cakes: Robyn Loves Cake | Wedding Cake: The Butter End Cakery| Hair: Travis Jay Hazzard | Makeup: Tomiko Taft | Wedding Dress: Claire Pettibone
- See more at: http://www.merrylbrownevents.com/blog/2013/08/16/santa-barbara-wedding-planning/#sthash.JvIxyUhN.dpuf

Merryl Brown Events Reviews Top 3 Wedding Planner Magazines

Santa Barbara, CA - August 10th, 2013 - Merryl Brown Events highlighted severalwedding magazines this month in an effort to ensure her Santa Barbara wedding planning clients are well advised. The review aims to provide couples with convenient access to wedding planning insights from diverse sources in the wedding planning industry.

The magazines selected include; Wedding Planner Magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings and Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine. These magazines were chosen based on the uniqueness of wedding design, reputation, originality and ability to inspire the ultimate wedding.

The magazines selected are highly reputable sources from which couples can obtain ideas as they co-create the perfect wedding with Merryl Brown Events. When creating your own dream wedding, Merryl Brown Events advises clients to look to these wedding planner magazines for guidance.

Merryl Brown Events is an award-winning Santa Barbara wedding planning and social event planning company. Merryl Brown Events specializes in full-service wedding planning and wedding design for the discerning couple who are looking for personalized, concierge style service. Merryl Brown Events often recommends that couples look through wedding planner magazines to find ideas for a truly tailored wedding experience that will reflect their unique personalities.

"Our company is dedicated to upholding the highest standards in all of the wedding we design," commented Merryl Brown, who is a Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWEP). "We love it when couples come to us with an idea they discovered in a wedding planning magazine, as it helps us turn their vision into reality."

About Merryl Brown Events - If you’re looking for the best wedding planner, or the best social event planner in Santa Barbara, contact Merryl Brown Events. Known for attention to detail and the love of old world elegance with a modern twist, Merryl Brown Events will plan your luxury wedding with the care, consideration and time you expect and deserve. In addition to weddings, Merryl Brown Events also serves as a corporate event planner and social event planner. Visit the website and Facebook page or call (805) 453-5729 for more information.
GET IN TOUCH
Merryl Brown
Merryl Brown Events
(805) 453-5729
http://www.merrylbrownevents.com

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Teeth Whitening Company Highlights Dental Implant Company in Southern California

June, 3 2013 – Goleta, CA – Life-Like Cosmetic Solutions, a worldwide provider of teeth whitening productsand dental supplies highlighted the top dental implant company in Southern California this month on their blog.
Life-Like selected AmerOss Dental Implant Company as the top dental implant company in Southern California.  As a service to their dentists, Life-Like strives to keep dentists up to date with helpful industry information.  The criteria for the selection process included usage of the latest technology, reputation among dental professionals, and ability to help dental patients look great.
“As a provider of dental supplies and dental products that include professional whitening kits for cosmetic dentists and teeth bleaching kits for at-home use, Life-Like Cosmetic Solutions wanted to make sure that dentists who utilize our products have access to the top dental implant company in Southern California,” said Patty Pottenger of Life-Like.
AmerOss Dental Implant Company creates unique dental implant products with proven results. Its unique, patent pending delivery system, called “I Dent Safety System” makes implant delivery safe and easy for the Implant Dentist. Their dental implants, which are crafted from lightweight titanium alloy, are strong, lightweight, and biocompatible. These implants are 100% American-made and carry a lifetime warranty.
Life-Like’s review of AmerOss aims to save dentists who use Life-Like teeth bleaching kits the effort of searching for the top dental implant company in Southern California.
About Life-Like Cosmetic Solutions – Life-Like Cosmetic Solutions provides quality tooth bleaching products for dental professionals as well as teeth bleaching kits for at-home use. Thousands of dental professionals from around the world rely on Life-Like for support of their teeth whitener services. Visit the website and Facebook page or call 800-543-3545 for more information.

At Life-Like Cosmetic Solutions, we provide quality tooth bleaching products for the dentist.We focus on enhancing our products and services to benefit you and your practice. Thousands of dental professionals all over the world rely on us for our support of their bleaching services.Simplicity for you and your patients is the goal that has guided the development of our product line. Our mission is to provide you with the most practical and effective bleaching materials available.Harbor Dental Bleaching Group, Inc. believes success is also measured in effective citizenship in our industry, community, and world.

Life-Like Teeth Whitening Unveils National Dental Directory

Santa Barbara, CA, August 15th, 2013 - Life-Like Cosmetic Solutions, a worldwide supplier of dental supplies and dental products, announces the unveiling of a new national dental directory which will make it easier for dental patients to find cosmetic dentists who use the company’s professional whitening kits. The directory includes each practice’s name, address, contact, and location information.
Life-Like Cosmetic Solutions offers the most unique twist and seal syringe in the professional teeth whitening business.  We at Life-Like Cosmetic Solutions take pride in the fact that we only sell to dental professionals.  Check out our web site products section for our “At Home” and “In Office” whitening products.
Dental whitening is becoming increasingly significant to today’s health-savvy and appearance-conscious patients. Since the smile is the first thing people see when they meet someone, they want to be sure to make a good first impression. Although it is crucial to brush and floss every day, teeth may still become yellow or stained due to tobacco, wine, coffee, certain foods, or the aging process. While many patients utilize a home tooth whitening kit to help restore their natural white color, some find that nothing can compare to the fresh clean feeling they get from a professional teeth whitener. A whiter smile tends to be associated with a healthy, youthful appearance. Most people find that looking good just helps them feel better, too.
“We want to be able to help dentists respond to the needs of their patients,” commented Life-Like Cosmetic Solutions founder, Rodney Ogrin. “We see this national dental directory as a win-win opportunity for everyone. Dental patients will have a quick resource to help them find a Life-Like Cosmetic Solutions teeth whitening dentist who uses our supplies. Dental professionals who use our dental products will get calls from people who are looking for authorized Life-Like dentists. And we want to let as many people as possible know about our teeth bleaching kits.”
In addition to providing a complete range of products and this helpful directory for patients, Life-Like works to build strong relationships with cosmetic dentists and their patients. The company’s website includes extensive marketing and support materials, product instructions, testimonials, modality options and other resources, along with a regular newsletter and an informational blog that provides information on the dental industry. Its mission is to be a successful and profitable company that acts in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.
About Life-Like Cosmetic Solutions: The original teeth whitening specialists since 1990, Life-Like provides practical and effective teeth bleaching kits for at-home use and tooth bleaching products for dental professionals to assist their patients in a successful teeth whitening experience. Since its founding, thousands of dental professionals from around the world have come to rely on Life-Like for support of their teeth whitener services. Dental professionals can purchase their teeth whitening products directly off our the Life-Like website. Visit the website and Facebook page or call 800-543-3545 ext 104 Our Customer Service team is here to assist you.
Symbol Life Like Teeth Whitening Unveils National Dental Directory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Merryl Brown Events Announces New Team Member

Santa Barbara, CA – July 23rd, 2013 - Merryl Brown Events, an award-winning Santa Barbara wedding planning , social event planning, and corporate event planning company, is pleased to announce the addition of Kathryn J. Edwards as Senior Project Manager. The event management company believes that Ms. Edwards’ in-depth background and experience will add to its ability to bring an unparalleled creativity, a passion for excellence and an unrivaled attention to detail to every event it produces.
Ms. Edwards has a BFA in Directing from the University of Michigan, where she honed her skills in logistics and management. She comes to the event production company from a position at The White House, where she worked as an Advance Associate. She traveled both domestically and abroad, coordinating events for the President and Vice President. While working in that role, she oversaw the production and coordination of massive rallies, high dollar fundraisers, and diplomatic trips. Edwards has also worked as an independent political consultant and researcher. Prior to that, she worked as Advance Staff during the 2008 presidential campaign and coordinated press logistics for events across the United States.
“We look forward to Kathryn helping us to build our reputation as the best event management company in Santa Barbara,” commented Merryl Brown, a Certified Wedding and Event Planner. “Her credentials are impeccable, and she has demonstrated the ability to work at the highest possible levels. I am fluent in Spanish and Portuguese and have a Master’s Degree in International Affairs. She is fluent in Russian, which adds to the multilingual capabilities of our office. Her love of storytelling is what excites me the most. Some clients have described our events as magical, emotional, intimate and ethereal. The best event planners have a unique ability to combine sight, sound and emotion in a creative way to tell the story of what the event means, while enabling everyone to experience a memorable occasion.”
Merryl Brown Events has become known as one of the best event management companies in the Santa Barbara area. The company has a broad range of experience designing and producing corporate events, social events, elegant weddings, grand openings, and non-profit events. Corporate events they have designed and produced include grand openings, product launches, company holiday parties and quarterly events.
They have been recognized nationally and internationally for excellence as event planners, wedding planners and corporate event planners, receiving top awards from the esteemed International Special Events Society, the National Association for Women in Communications, Event Solutions and BizBash. “As event planners we bring the highest standards of creativity and attention to detail to all that we do,” concluded Brown. “We live by the meaning of our motto, which is ‘elegance with intelligence.’ I am confident that Kathryn will utilize her vast experience to help us continue to create unique, beautiful, and memorable events for all of our clients.”
About Merryl Brown Events - Merryl Brown Events is a Santa Barbara event planning company that is known for planning exquisite social events, corporate events and opulent weddings with the care, consideration and time clients expect and deserve. Visit the website and Facebook page or call (805) 453-5729 for more information.
- See more at: http://www.merrylbrownevents.com/blog/2013/07/23/wedding-planners/#sthash.SzLM8c43.dpuf

Eric Edson Highlights 5 Romantic Comedy Screenwriters

romantic screenwriting 

“Before launching into your next romantic screenwriting project, learn a few tips from the masters of the genre…”

Through his book The Story Solution and his online screenwriting blogs, Eric Edson recommends studying the scripts and professional growth of screenwriters who have already achieved box office success.  By learning about the career journeys of those who have already sold screenplays, today’s up-and-coming authors can better prepare themselves to earn tomorrow’s screen credits.
To help writers gain an understanding of screenwriting development in the romance and romantic comedy movie genres, Eric Edson has reviewed here the experiences of several romantic movie screenwriters.  The selections were based on movie box office success, novelty of approach, and how each script was turned into a winner.  Studying the journeys of these romantic movie screenwriters can serve as a foundation of knowledge for what to expect when developing other movie genres as well.
After much consideration, Eric Edson recommends the following romantic movie screenwriters as exemplars of effective screenwriting techniques: Mark Andrus & James L. Brooks, Nancy Meyers, Kevin Wade, Marc Lawrence, Katie Ford & Caryn Lucas and Pete Chiarelli.  If you are seeking knowledge that will help you sell a screenplay, consider studying these romantic movie screenwriters and their work.

Mark Andrus & James L. Brooks – “As Good As It Gets” – Romantic Movie Screenwriters

romantic screenwriting scriptwritersTake Jack Nicholson as an obsessive-compulsive novelist, Helen Hunt as the waitress mother of an asthmatic son, and Greg Kinnear as a gay-bashed artist, add superb screenwriting sensitivity, and you’ve got the recipe for box office and Academy Award success in 1997’s “As Good As It Gets.” Mark Andrus had his MBA when he took a creative writing class while waiting to hear from law schools. His then enrolled in a Master of Professional Writing Program. Early in his career, Andrus wrote “Old Friends,” a screenplay about the vilest man in New York City and his gay neighbor. After a lot of meetings the project fell into limbo until James L. Brooks became involved and the two collaborated on a rewrite that turned into box office gold.  LESSON: The one personal quality that all successful screenwriters share is relentlessness.  Never stop.  And never stop rewriting.

Nancy Meyers – “It’s Complicated” – Romantic Movie Screenwriter

romantic screenwriting scriptwriters Nancy MeyersWhat could be more complicated than a divorced Meryl Streep and a since-remarried Alec Baldwin reigniting the spark at their son’s graduation? How about adding Steve Martin as the dependable but non earth-shaker as her new love interest? Screenwriter Nancy Meyers makes it all seem quite easy to understand in “It’s Complicated.” After an early interest in acting, Meyers decided to pursue screenwriting after she saw “The Graduate.” She graduated from American University in Washington, D.C. with a degree in journalism and spent a year working in public television. After moving to Hollywood, she took film-making classes where she connected with directors such as Martin Scorsese. Elements of her own life crept into this film such as a brief stint as the owner of a small cheesecake business and components of her own divorce story.  LESSON: Mine your own life experiences for story elements, yes, but don’t write an autobiography.  Our real lives are mostly boring.  Write the unusual in terms of what you know. 

Kevin Wade – “Working Girl” – Romantic Movie Screenwriter

romantic screenwriting scriptwriters Kevin WadeRemember Harrison Ford before Indiana Jones? He was almost outshone by Melanie Griffith and Sigourney Weaver in Kevin Wade’s 1988 debut as a screenwriter with “Working Girl.” The film features a notable opening sequence following Manhattan-bound commuters on the Staten Island Ferry accompanied by Carly Simon’s song “Let the River Run.” Wade says the idea for the script came to him in Manhattan’s Battery Park one morning in 1984 as he wondered about today’s immigrant story. He decided to represent his heroine as “an immigrant every day.” To make sure his script sounded realistic, Wade spent months interviewing Wall Street workers.  LESSON:  Keep your story accessible to the widest possible audience, and keep it feeling real through careful research.

Marc Lawrence, Katie Ford & Caryn Lucas – “Miss Congeniality” - Romantic Movie Screenwriters

romantic screenwriting scriptwritersTo help Sandra Bullock combine her onscreen charm and lovable physicality, this trio of writers penned 2000’s “Miss Congeniality.” Lawrence graduated from Binghamton University with a degree in English and later worked on NBC’s Family Ties. Ford had started as a stand-up comedian before she went on to write and produce some television series and films. Lucas gained writing credits working on “The Nanny” before combining her skills with Lawrence and Ford for the perfect movie script.  LESSON:  Be open to working closely with other writers.  Don’t let any over-sized ego or defensiveness about working with others stop your pursuit of the best possible script.

Pete Chiarelli – “The Proposal” – Romantic Movie Screenwriters

romantic screenwriting scriptwritersPeter Chiarelli came out of the University of Washington with a BA in Communications and Economics.  2009’s “The Proposal” was only the second screenplay he’d ever written, but he wanted it judged on its own merits.  He originally put the name “Jennifer Kirby” on the front page.  Eventually the truth came out, and the picture has grossed more than $314 million worldwide since then.  LESSON:  Sometimes a selling ploy, like the use of a pseudonym, can keep buyer focus where you want it most – on the work itself.  
Eric Edson’s commitment to excellence includes providing aspiring screenwriters with a professional’s knowledge of the screenwriting industry.  We hope this information helps you learn about the screenwriting process.
 About The Story Solution Book: The Story Solution was written by accomplished screenwriter Eric Edson.  It reveals the 23 actions used in all successful movies to create dynamic, three dimensional heroes and link all parts of a captivating screenplay.  Eric also offers screenwriting tips, screenwriting resources, and screenplay reading recommendations. Visit the website and Facebook page or call 818-677-3192 for more information.  Eric Edson’s book, The Story Solution: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take, is an insider’s guide to scriptwriting success and TV writing tips.  Aspiring movie writers who are searching for screenwriting books will learn the 23 actions used to create dynamic characters and link all parts of a screenplay from first page to last.