American Kidney Fund PSA in Production Distribution

ScreenPens, Ltd partnered with one of our talented Post co producers to create and produce the highly successful American Kidney Fund’s PSA for their annual New York Golf Classic fund raising event which raised over $103,000.00 in a single day!

One of the largest problems faced by Small and Medium sized businesses as well as Non Profits is that they often do not have the budget to create wide scale, high impact marketing and fund raising assets.

ScreenPens specializes in working with SMBs (small and medium sized businesses) and Non Profit Organizations to design, create and deliver high impact, high quality digital marketing assets at little or no cost to it’s clients.

View the American Kidney Fund PSA by clicking here

Digital Asset Projects include:

• Public Service Announcements (PSAs) DVDs featuring “A” list talent.
• TV and Web Commercials and Social Networking Programs
• Dynamic Website design /development and copy
• Marketing and News Video and Real Time Event Web Casting
• Audio Pod Casts and Website interviews
• Seminars, Client and Membership acquisition programs.
• And More.

If you’re working with an SMB or Non Profit that could benefit by low cost, high impact digital fund raising and marketing assets, contact us today at

info@screenpens.com

To discuss your needs and budget limitations.

“Throw Out The Baby” – Distribution Model

We’ve all heard the phrase, “Don’t throw out the baby with the bath water” meaning don’ t throw away what’s valuable with what is not valuable. This age old saying has some implicit wisdom in it.

But does it meet the needs or is it even relevant in today’s era of digital media distribution where “The Baby” can be copied, ripped and redistributed at will by millions of people in the time it takes to change the diapers?  More importantly is there some logic we can garner from this case?

ScreenPens has written extensively on methods of monetizing your work. Ways of actually getting paid and making a bit of scratch from the digital media that you create. While mega companies like Apple, Sony, Hulu, YouTube etc. battle over the MultiVerse, trying to control and squeeze pennies from Heaven, we here at ScreenPens have been devising and reporting on ways to beat them at their own game.

HowTo: Seven: Tips for the Indie Filmmaker

[Mike's Comments:] via Cinematical by Chris Ullrich on 10/26/06

Filed under: Comedy, Horror, Independent, Thrillers, DIY/Filmmaking, Cinematical Seven

When the realization hits you that what you really want to do is direct, produce or otherwise make independent films, just like your heroes Robert Rodriguez, Eli Roth, Kevin Smith or James Wan, there are many thoughts that may go through your head: “What should I make my film about?”, “Where should I shoot my film?”, “Who can I get to be in my film?” and my personal favorite “Do I have enough room on my credit cards to pay for all this?” The answer to that last one is probably “no” but heck, don’t let that stop you!

These are all valid questions that haunt many an aspiring independent filmmaker, causing more than one sleepless night. Over the years, I’ve spent some time in the trenches making independent (and not so independent) films. So to help alleviate some of your anxiety and hopefully reduce the number of your sleepless nights, I’m presenting some tips for the independent filmmaker. Hopefully, these seven tips can serve as a guideline to those of you brave enough — or dumb enough — to want to make independent films. Actually, being both brave and a little dumb probably doesn’t hurt.

Anyway, here we go.

HowTo:Survival Tips for the Aging Independent Filmmaker

via Cinematical by Chris Ullrich on 10/15/06

Filed under: Classics, Drama, Independent, DIY/Filmmaking

No one likes to be called “aging” or, God forbid, “old,” but it happens to the best of us eventually. The years go by and your mind gets a little fuzzy, the music gets a little too loud from those darn kids next door and if your an independent filmmaker, you might start to wonder why you struggle each year, barely making a living, producing or directing films most people may never see. At some point it has to hit you that doing this for the rest of your life is a much shorter trip than it used to be.

A recent New York Times story takes a good look at the “aging” independent filmmakers out there who, with their work, and struggle to find work, help define exactly what it means to be an independent filmmaker. As the article states, many of them toil in virtual obscurity, producing films that are lucky to find a home on the festival circuit, let alone a place at the local multiplex or in your DVD player. Even the ones that have achieved some measure of success in the past are having a much harder time of it in the modern filmmaking world.

HowTo: Screenwriters will use the iPad for Pitching

johnaugust.com

[Mike's Comments:] Excited about the new Apple I-Pad but not really sure why? Take a read of John August’s review on the new (old) technology and you’ll really get turned on. August denotes almost a dozen new ways the I-Pad will be used in the filmmaker’s arsenal. My personal favorite is “The multi media Pitch Session”.

Imagine walking into that big producer’s office to pitch your film concept and WHAM! you whip out your I-Pad touch where you’ve carefully cobbled together a hot multi media presentation with script excerpts, location shots, story board excerpts and bio’s of your perfect cast suggestions… all accompanied by a smoking musical score!

Check out the rest of the great new ideas, here at Johnagugust.com

via How screenwriters will use the iPad.

STC! Beats Out “Avatar”

Blake Snyder’s Website

[Mike's Comments:] For those of you who have not already read the late Blake Snyder’s “Save the Cat” (STC) tome on profitable screenwriting take the time to pick it up or even steal it from a friend. STC lays out the structure and technique for Hollywood’s most popular genres. And while this may rub the cutting edge Indie Filmmaker the wrong way remember that before you can break the rules, you must understand the rules. STC and it’s companion books do just that. They show writers, producers, directors (et al) they way it should be done. Once you’ve mastered the structure of a genre, you can then go off and cobble up your own imaginative story lines.  Pick up a copy of STC here in the ScreenPens “Resources – Screenwriters” page and get it right the first time!]

via STC! Beats Out “Avatar”.

HowTo: Get Your Project Featured on IndieGoGo

IndieGoGo: Blog

[Mike's Comments;] Here’s a great article from our friends at IndieGoGo, (a comprehensive site for indie filmmakers to post your project and generate funding for your work. Check it out at the link below]

via How To Get Your Project Featured on IndieGoGo.

New York Tax Credits Bottom Out

In a recent conversation I had with representatives from the New York State Film Commission I was dismayed to discover that the $350 million film tax credit fund, originally planned to extend through 2011, has been exhausted for the time being. Additionally the tax credit fund for NY City, has run out back in September of 2009.

Hugely successful, the fund has contributed to hundreds of film, commercial and TV projects and brought 1,000’s of jobs and billions of dollars in tax base contributions to the state.

It is estimated that for every $1 that the tax fund extends in credits to filmmakers working in NY State and NY City, as much at $3 is returned in tax revenue and ancillary income over the life of the projects.  An extremely worthwhile investment.

Currently there is a bill before NY’s Governor David Paterson to renew the Film Credit fund to the tune of $450 Million. This bill will be voted on and is expected to reach a decision by April 2010.  However with budget cuts and the State in deep debt, it is unlikely that the fund will be renewed without your help.

If you live and work in NY State or live outside the State but conduct production business in NY, I urge you to contact your local senators and or NY State Representatives and pepper them with your demands to renew the Film Credit Fund for 2010 and beyond. With a 3:1 return ratio of investment to revenue, the NY State Film Tax Credit Program is one of the most productive use of funds the government can provide.

Go to the links below to find out who to contact in your areas.

Tell ‘em ScreenPens sent you! – MP

http://www.nylovesfilm.com/contact.asp

http://www.nysenate.gov/senators

http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/

http://www.state.ny.us/governor/contact/index.html

And the data from 2009 says…

CinemaTech

[Mike's Comments] Here’s a great chart published in the Wall Street Journal today about how Americans spent money on movies in 2008 and 2009. As you can see Theatrical, DVD rentals and DVD sales are tops by far. When planning your distribution and marketing (in advance of your shoot) keep these figures in mind.

via And the data from 2009 says….

Audition Strategies: Actor’s Workshop from Producer’s POV

Join us in the widely popular Audition Workshop!

When Sean Young, donning a leather costume, mask, and a whip, stormed into the studio demanding an audition for the role of Catwoman in Batman Returns, director Tim Burton hid under his desk. Case-in-point: Persistence vs Pestering

When asked to read for a role, Shelly Winters once slammed down her two Oscars and asked the casting director, "Ya still want me to audition?" She got the part. Case-in-point: Confidence vs Cockiness

The night before his audition, Mel Gibson got a broken nose and disconnected jaw in a bar brawl. Director George Miller loved the look and cast him as Mad Max. Case-in-point: Looking the Part vs Being Yourself

AUDITION STRATEGIES is a one-day, intensive workshop for actors who want to learn simple and effective techniques, facts, and tips that will get them the parts they want.

Who Should Attend: Aspiring actors who have talent, passion, discipline, and even agents, but hit a wall every time they audition, never able to pinpoint exactly what goes wrong.

Why This Class: This workshop is NOT an acting class. It is not conducted by an acting teacher, a coach, an agent or even a casting director. Instead, it is conducted by the casting DECIDER, aka the producer/director. He is the one who actually sees what mistakes actors make and knows the dos and don’ts of auditioning.

What You Learn: In this 1-day, intensive, hands-on workshop, actors will go through each step of the audition process and learn fast, simple and effective ways to build your portfolio, your confidence, and your chance to get the part. Participants will quickly become adept at handling real-world situations through lectures, Q&A’s, and demonstrations, providing them with the tips and tricks necessary to capture the audience- the Producer

For more info visit our website solarnyc.com/auditionworkshop

Audition Strategies Workshop runs on 2/06/10 (Saturday), 10:30 am-1:30 pm.

Where:

Solar Productions
632 Broadway
New York, NY10012

To Register:

Please email solarvideofilm with your name, contact info, and acting experience.
$50 General Registration
$45 Early Birds Specials. Register before 1/25/10
$40 Students with Valid ID
Pay by check, cash, or send payment via paypal.com to solarvideofilm

Contact Solar Workshop:

Tel: 212-473-3040
Fax: 212-473-3091
solarvideofilm

Funding Strategies Workshop

Funding Strategies Workshop

Date: Sun 24 Jan Time: 2:30 PM Location: Manhattan

http://www.dctvny.org

You’ve got a killer proposal for your next documentary – now what?

After Effects Workshop

[Mike's Comments;] What every budding film producer, director and Post Production artist must know!

Date: Wed 20 Jan | Time: 6:30 PM | Location: Manhattan

http://www.dctvny.org

Learn the industry standard for the creation of motion graphics, animation, video effects, and visually stunning titles.

ScreenPens Video “New Zealand Magic” Scores in the top 4% of all “Most Popular” Peter Jackson, Submissions

Pheww! Voting and submissions have ended. the two month long event has been trying and exhilarating at the same time.  But  well worth the effort.

ScreenPens hilarious video “New Zealand Magic”, thanks to all of your votes, has achieved the top 4% of all “most popular” submissions on the Peter Jackson / Tourism New Zealand “Your Big Break” video production event.

ScreenPens, wrote, shot and produced this hilarious video in ONLY 5 WORKING DAYS, with the help of our friends who contributed their time and talent to the project.

Conceived, Written and Directed by Mike Palmisciano

Starring Leslie Meisel (spokes person) and Danielle Hess (spokes girl)

also Starring Craig Blair (as Voice of the Spokes Person)

Director of Photography – Erik Vidal

Video Edited by Larry Bobker

Post Sound and Dubbing by Billy Cobin

Production Coordinator – Vanessa King.

Check out the finished video here in the left column of this page titled “New Zealand Magic” or go to our Facebook Fan Page site. Cheers to all that helped and supported us with votes.

Now we wait to see what the judges think. Thanks to all that supported us in this event. Keep you fingers crossed!

-MP

www.ScreenPens.com

ATTENTION: For Indie News check out the new ScreenPens website News Blog . Join our FREE Coffee Shop on Facebook

InkTip supports the Scriptapalooza Screenplay Competition

InkTip is proud to have been working with Scriptapalooza for over eight years and we’re excited to tell you about their 12th Annual Scriptapalooza Screenplay Competition–details listed below.

Last Chance to subscribe to the Preferred Newsletter is January 29th (if you miss it, you’ll have to wait 2 months to get on the list).
Subscribe Here.

Best,
Jerrol LeBaron
President, InkTip

12th Annual Scriptapalooza Screenplay Competition

Regular deadline March 5

www.scriptapalooza.com

Why should you submit your script to Scriptapalooza?

•Grand Prize: $10,000
•All the reading is done by 90 production companies
•Entertainment Weekly Magazine calls us ‘One of the Best’
•We promote the winners, runners-up, finalists and semifinalists for a full year
•We are considered one of the best screenplay competitions by agents, managers and producers

www.scriptapalooza.com

ScreenPens WINS Peter Jackson?

Mike P and ScreenPens WIN Peter Jackson?

Yes! THAT Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings, King Kong, District 9, The Lovely Bones, etc).

You can make our dream a reality by Voting for the ScreenPens commercial concept video New Zealand Magic online at http://bit.ly/New_Magic

It’s FREE! At the New Zealand Tourism site.

Vote as many times as you can.  And please forward and share this link with your contacts too.

Go to the 100% New Zealand Site.

Please help! Peter Jackson and Barrie Osborn (Producers of LTOR) have teamed up with Tourism New Zealand to promote travel to their country. They are soliciting concepts from producers and filmmakers and will provide production services to the winning Production company.

Only three minutes of your time can put us over the top!  Please go to the Tourism New Zealand web site (above) and VOTE for ScreenPens, New Zealand Magic.

If you enjoy the video, please forward this email to your all friends and contacts (we’ll even take enemies!)  in FaceBook, MySpace, Linked In, Twitter, etc and urge them to vote for ScreenPens,  New Zealand Magic as well.

Happy New Year and thanks so much for helping us at ScreenPens WIN PETER JACKSON.

Thanks from the crew at ScreenPens.Com

EVENT: Professional Webcasting Production Best Practices – a Free Webcast

Join us for “Professional Webcasting Production Best Practices,” a Free Webcast

IVT invites you to attend a free webcast, Professional Webcasting Production Best Practices, featuring Steve Gogolak, Director of Media and Webcasting at Cramer Digital Event Marketing Solutions

When: Thursday, January 21th, 2010 – 10AM to 10:30AM PST/1PM – 1:30 PM EST

Where: Online – Register Here [Mike's Comments:]read more and register at www.productionhub.com

Description: As more agencies and production companies expand their webcasting offerings, many are finding that experience gained in event planning and video production can help deliver the best results in client webcasts. In this presentation, Steve Gogolak, Webcasting Producer at Cramer Digital Event Marketing Solutions, a full-service digital marketing and event solutions company named one of the top 25 independent agencies in the country by Advertising Age®, offers unique insights into the emerging set of best practices for professional webcasting.

EVENT: Do you have the next “Paranormal Activity”? Judged by Oren Peli

[Mike’s Comments:] Don’t miss this, ScreenPens readers! Your chance to make the next $100 Million low budget Blockbuster!

The people releasing Paranormal Activity are offering filmmakers the chance to write, edit and direct their own short film of ghostly paranormal activity to feature on what will no doubt be one of the biggest selling DVDs and Blu-rays of 2010.

Your videos can be in any style you wish, whether it be actual or fictional paranormal activity, or even your own spoof version of the film. At no more than three minutes long, it can be hair-raising, hip and/or hilarious as long its original (i.e. don’t use clips, dialogue or music from any other sources that you haven’t created yourself).

The entries will be judged by the director himself, Oren Peli, with the ultimate winner having their film introduced on the DVD. In addition to this invaluable accolade the winner will also receive a FLIP Digital Video Camera, 6 Month VIP Membership with LOVEFiLM.com and a copy of the DVD or Blu-Ray.

Runners up will also be included as a special feature on the DVD and Blu-Ray, and will receive their very own copy of Paranormal Activity in the format of their choice.

For your chance to become part of the most successful indie film ever made, simply upload your own paranormal activity short to the official YouTube page: http://www.youtube.com/PrepareToBeScared

HowTo: Six Week Intensive Art of Editing Workshop

Six Week Intensive Art of Editing Workshop Date: Mon 11 Jan Time: 10:00 AM Location: Manhattan, NY

You Want To Be An Editor. Manhattan Edit Workshop Wants to Help send your Reel To 15 Post-houses Guaranteed.

More info at www.mewshop.com

Project: ScreenPens new film “THE MAGIC”

ScreenPens is now in post production on a new film, code name, THE MAGIC, stay tuned for the debut in Mid January!

“The Magic is a sprawling fantasy piece which follows a group of weary travelers who, with the help of a very unusual sprite rediscover their passion and vitality upon finding themselves transported to a wondrous magical land.”

Danielle Hess

Leslie Meisel

Starring Leslie Meisel and Danielle Hess, The Magic promises to be a film that will make you smile and renew your belief in the power of enchantment. Watch for the trailer which will premier soon on the ScreenPens.Com web site.

-MP

Interview With BlueCat Alum Vicki Speegle

[Mike's Comments:] Check out the BlueCat Screen Play Competition and Newsletters providing high profile access and feedback on every submission.

Reposted from BlueCat Screenplay Competition Newsletter.

www.bluecatscreenplay.com/

BlueCat Screenplay Competition Newsletter 29-Dec-2009

Today’s News

:: LA Workshops

:: Interview – 2007 Finalist Vicki Speegle

:: New Feature

:: December Title Contest Deadline – Six Days

:: Free Entry Friday – Twitter

:: Script of the Week

What’s New BlueCat?

The Los Angeles workshops are approaching fast, with room available on both days. Register now to polish your full script, or your first ten pages.

There are only six days left until the January 4th deadline for our Title Contest. Submit your script now and be automatically entered to win $1000 for the best screenplay title, as voted by the public.

Free Entry Friday continues this week with another special promotion on Twitter on New Year’s Day. Follow us and win!

We have another new addition to the newsletter this week. Starting with today’s issue, we will give our readers the chance to submit their own critiques of scripts. Look for links to scripts of recent popular films, and write your way to a free entry into the 2010 competition.

Offering yet another download, our Script of the Week continues this week with The Road.

Do not forget, all of your newsletter needs can now be found in one place.

2010 Competition Entries to Date: 465

Los Angeles Workshop Jeff Hirschberg BookSpots Available

Do you reside in the Los Angeles area?

In early 2010, Gordy will be in Los Angeles for not one, but two, workshops. On a rare two-day excursion, Gordy will be conducting a Full Script Workshop, and a First Ten Pages Workshop.

There are spots available for both days, but workshops fill quickly, so register today.

[Mike's
Comments:] More at www.Bluecatscreenplay.com