First Tango in Paris - Adieu to this Blog.....

9/1/2011 -- My Blog now lives on my website at

http://www.marilynhorowitz.com/blog

- and this Blog is retired - please join us at MarilynHorowitz.com - or on Facebook!

Here's my last post......

Although I am about to live my dream of revising a novel in Paris, like Owen Wilson in Woody Allen's new film, Midnight In Paris, I am just as excited as having the chance to dance the tango in the city of lights. This article talks about how Tango is the first improvisational partner dance, and the excitement of having a dictionary of tango moves, but never quite knowing how it will all fit, sounds a lot like writing to me. Au revoir (For now)

http://www.history-of-tango.com/couple-dance.html

Focus, Focus! Focusing will help refine your writing...

Focusing will help your writing

I love focusing and worked with it's creator, Gene Gendlin, a true genius. Focusing is a technique that I recommend highly. Another therapist, Cheri Huber, writes about this very thing, and how we abandon ourselves, and as a result, we feel like a little kid left in a shopping cart in a supermarket. I am rewriting my novel, and it's really hard to stay connected to myself. I found this Focusing Tip so helpful because it gave me permission to really connect with this aspect of myself instead of running away. Being compassionate towards all aspects of yourself is a worthy goal and will make you infinitely more creative.

Weekly Tips and Support for Focusers and People Interested in Focusing

August 23 2011 - #294

Did you ever have a feeling of happiness that got crushed by a voice that says, "That isn't going to last"? Read on...

Do you have a burning question about Focusing? Send it to us with "Focusing Tips" in the subject line, and let us know whether we can use your first name, or if you'd rather be called "A Reader."

"A little voice says, 'You can't be happy. It isn't going to last.'"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chris writes: "So, something good, exciting etc., happens, and I am happy about it. A little voice, however, says 'Oh no you can't be, how long do you think it's going to last, huh?' This dulls my original excitement and I now have two competing sentiments. So I say 'A part of me says I can't happy', AND... and this is where the question comes in. Does 'another part' want to be happy, or, if one senses that it's Self-in-Presence, does one simply say 'I' want to be happy?


Dear Chris

Good for you for noticing that the "How long do you think that's going to last?" voice is something to acknowledge, rather than something to fight with, argue with, or otherwise get entangled with.

That is a type of part that Barbara McGavin and I call a "controlling" type. Other people call it the "inner critic" but we prefer a way of talking about it that allows it to change more easily. (Once you call it "a critic," how can it be anything else?)

This type of part is driven by worry, sometimes intense worry to the point of anxiety and even panic. If you take a moment, you can almost always sense what it is worried about. In your case, I'd guess it's worried about you being disappointed, if those enjoyable feelings fall flat on you.

(It's ironic and tragic how parts like this often create the very conditions they are worried about!)

This type of part often worries that certain feelings or action will lead to unwanted emotions. So it seems to be trying to "control" ("You can't be happy" "Don't be sad" "Don't do that") our feelings and actions

The secret here is not to engage at the level of what it is saying, but rather to acknowledge that underlying worry

Controlling Part: "You can't be happy, how long do you think that's going to last?"

You: "Ah, hello. It sounds like you might be worried about something.

Are there two parts, one that says "Don't be happy" and one that wants to be happy?

Actually, I don't think so. The feeling of happy just came to you, like a sunset comes, or a blush. It wasn't a wanting to be happy. You were happy.

(And yes, your whole being can be happy, it doesn't have to be a part of you!)

When the feeling of happiness came, something in you got scared, and reacted. Maybe there was no other part, at that point. Maybe YOU (being Self-in-Presence) kindly and calmly acknowledged that "controlling" part that got scared. I hope so!

Controlling parts, and actually all our parts, absolutely love for us to be Self-in-Presence. It makes them feel safer! At first, though, they might not trust that you have really shown up. So they need some time and company to get used to you being there. Just listen.

You: "So you're worried I might suffer a big disappointment if I let myself feel too happy. Yes, I really hear, that's what you're not wanting me to go through!"

Hearing what is underneath works its magic, and soon the parts relax and let you go back to being happy!

How to Learn Focusing from Anywhere in the World

http://www.focusingresources.com/

510-225-0690

email: ann@focusingresources.com

The Matrix: Are we awake or dreaming?

I have been out on Fire Island relaxing and working on the two books I am completing. I haven't been out here in a few years, but before that, came out here every summer for many years. The last time I was here I was working my way out of a unhappy marriage and script doctoring a screenplay, as well as being a member of a share house. This trip, I am happily single, working on my own books, and the leader of my house, and have friends and colleagues visiting to work and relax. In other words, this should be a triumphant return, and yet I am haunted by the unhappiness of the past as if I had had a bad dream the night before. I know I have clung to this sad feeling in the past because it is safe and familiar, an ironic kind of emotional haven after year of huge change and upheavals. But now, I would now like to be free of the past and have been looking for a way of letting it go. I felt the layers of memories competing with the present experience, and was overwhelmed by them. Like Neo in the film, The Matrix, who has a moment where he drives past a noodle shop he visited before he got free and is momentarily confused. " Great noodles," he says wistfully, then realizes he has a memory that never happened. But since he "remembers" the experience, doesn't that make it real? This morning, this quote from The Abraham-Hicks folks was in my mailbox, and I thought you might find it as helpful in organizing what is "real" as I did:

When you begin to understand Law of Attraction, and you understand that which is like unto itself is drawn, then it is easier and easier to understand that you are offering a signal, and the entire Universe responds. And when you finally get that, and you begin to exercise some deliberate control about the signal that you offer, then it really begins to be fun, because then you recognize that nothing happens outside of your creative control. There are no things that happen by chance or by circumstance. There is nothing that is happening because of something you vibrated a long time ago or in a past life. It is not about what you were born into. It is only about what you are, right now, in this red hot fresh moment emitting.

--- Abraham

The Classics

When searching through my email, I found this old blog that was never posted. Now that my father is gone, this comment has a special meaning for me. I really recommend the films on this list. We never got to watch them all.

Blog:

My father loves movies, loves them. That runs in the family. My grandfather and my father both held the position of General Counsel at a studio consecutively and my aunt was Assistant General Counsel at the same company several years later. When I was little, on the weekend, we would watch movies at home on a 16mm projector.

I'm visiting him in Santa Fe, and now of course, there is no projector, he has a 50" flat screen and Blue Ray.

As we were deciding which movie to watch last night, we looked through his collection, and made a list of classic films that we will watch, though it will be over the next couple of visits:

It's A Wonderful Life

Witness For The Prosecution

Le Regle De Jeu

La Grand Illusion

Les Enfants Du Paradis

To Catch A Thief

North By Northwest

The Philidelphia Story

Roman Holiday

An Affair To Remember

Holiday

What they all have in common is classic stories that have a specific opinion of how you should conduct yourself, a moral certainty completely hidden in a great screenplay. Watch them!

Connecting to Opportunities: InkTip: Scripts Wanted

For all of us writers, getting connected with opportunities to get our scripts made, it's important to get on mailing lists of companies such as InkTip and take advantage of the amazing amount of access the internet provides. Here's a current mailing for your review. Happy writing!

Hundreds of writers have sold/optioned their screenplays by having their scripts on InkTip.com.

CONTENTS:

1. Foremost Films - 2011 Nicholl's Quarterfinals
2. Milkman Films - Hour Long Drama Pilots
3. Sell Your Screenplays
4. More Companies Seeking Scripts/Writers
5. InkTip Magazine
6. Producer and Writer Testimonials
7. InkTip on Facebook
8. Advertise with InkTip
9. Network with Entertainment Pros this Weekend
10. Feel Good Film Festival – this weekend!
11. MyLLC.com
12. Special offer for InkTip subscribers! MOVIE MAGIC SCREENWRITER v.6 $149
13. MONTHLY CONTEST - PRIZE-ALL KINDS OF INDUSTRY EXPOSURE!
14. Infolist.com
15. Opt Out

PLEASE NOTE:
DO NOT submit something if you don't have the script completed.
DO NOT show up at their doorstep, email or call them with your submission, outside of the submission instructions provided.
DO NOT submit your work if it doesn't fit the requirements.
If your script fits a lead, be sure to tweak your logline and synopsis to reflect the requirements in the lead.

If a writer violates this protocol, it is a sure way to guarantee that company won't consider the writer or script, and we will remove the writer from the InkTip email list.

Important note for our subscribers: If you have any spam filters in place, you'll need to add the following email addresses to your 'safe list' or 'mailing list' preferences so InkTip emails don't end up in your junk mail folder: Jerrol@InkTipPro.comandInvite@InkTipPro.com. You should also keep an eye on your junk folder for incoming email from producers who might email you from their email address.

Calling all writers who have found success through InkTip!
If you have optioned/sold a script (feature or short), obtained writing work or representation, landed a development deal, etc., through our assistance, please tell us (if you haven't already notified us). We can help you get more exposure.

Thanks! - Your Friendly Neighborhood InkTippers

---------------
1) Foremost Films - 2011 Nicholl's Quarterfinals
---------------

We are interested in hearing from all writers who are currently entered in this year's Nicholl's Fellowship Contest 2011 (and only 2011). Genres don't matter. We're looking for those writers who made it into this year's quarterfinals or higher and are looking for a literary manager (those already with agents or attorneys are also welcome).

Please only submit the title, logline, and a brief synopsis of the screenplay.

Jeffrey Belkin has worked in the industry for well over a decade as a senior script analyst, consultant, contest judge, director of development, and lit manager for studios, agencies as well as A-list talent. Having worked as a lit manager for Mad Hatter Films and helped develop 'Gran Torino' as a producer for Double Nickel Entertainment, he runs his own prod/mgmt co. Jeff has signed writers from InkTip and all of the top competitions. In 2005, he discovered Nicholl's entrant Jeff Dean -- whose spec was optioned by New Regency. Presently, Jeff has over a dozen client projects with top production co's attached/packaging them.

To submit to this lead, please go to:

http://www.inktippro.com/leads/

Enter your email address.

Copy/Paste this code: u31evpxywn

NOTE: Please only submit your work if it fits what the lead is looking for exactly. If you aren't sure if your script fits, please ask InkTip first.

---------------
2) Milkman Films - Hour Long Drama Pilots
---------------

We are looking for completed hour-long drama pilots. Prefer material where a treatment and series pitch is also available.

Budget has yet to be determined. WGA and non-WGA writers may submit.

Milkman Films is a new company helmed by award-winning, up-and-coming director Lee Citron, and this will be for an associate and mentor of his at a major television network.

To submit to this lead, please go to:

http://www.inktippro.com/leads/

Enter your email address.

Copy/Paste this code: teamdgu7pd

NOTE: Please only submit your work if it fits what the lead is looking for exactly. If you aren't sure if your script fits, please ask InkTip first.

---------------
3) Sell Your Screenplays
---------------

InkTip has gotten hundreds of screenplays sold or optioned which has resulted in more than 130 feature films being made.

InkTip can help you sell yours. List your screenplays on InkTip so that producers in Hollywood and abroad can find you.

"InkTip is unquestionably the gold standard when it comes to script services companies, providing a first-class website listing utility, exceptionally informative newsletters and thorough, comprehensive reports to keep us writers on track. Keep up the outstanding work!"

Mark Golik, Writer

Go here to list your screenplays on InkTip.com

---------------
4) More Companies Seeking Scripts/Writers
---------------

The Next Preferred Deadline is September 30th.

Subscribe now by clicking here.

Below are more companies seeking scripts, which are available in this week’s Preferred Newsletter (without contact information/credits). To receive the information, the cost is $50 for a four-month subscription (half price if you have a script on the site!).

For more information about the Preferred Newsletter go here:www.InkTip.com/pnews.php.

**
Company A
**

We are looking for completed feature-length high-concept supernatural thriller scripts, i.e. something in the vein of “Paranormal Activity” or “The Blair Witch Project.” Please note that a high concept script is one where the story can be pitched in a sentence or less.

Budget will not exceed $3 million. WGA and non-WGA writers may submit.

For more information on gaining access to this lead, please see

www.InkTip.com/pnews.php.

**

Company B
**

We are looking for completed feature-length contemporary action scripts with stories taking place in ten or fewer locations. Material should be quirky or convey a dark, off-beat sense of humor, i.e. something in the vein of “Fight Club.”

Budget will be between $2 and $3 million. WGA and non-WGA writers may submit.

For more information on gaining access to this lead, please seewww.InkTip.com/pnews.php.

**
Company C
**

We are looking for completed feature-length edgy, stylized action/thriller scripts. In other words, scripts in the vein of “Oldboy” or “City of God,” where modern storytelling techniques and an edgy, raw tone can transport us along the characters’ journeys with soul and depth. In other words, the film should have a compelling group of characters, not schlocky, yet a bit off the traditional path from standard Hollywood crime thrillers; we should be able to connect with the characters as they should have vulnerability and feel real. We prefer characters who aren’t spies with superhero qualities but rather small-time crooks, vigilantes, people with regular abilities, wronged regular Joe’s, etc. (no Bourne Identity-type heroes).

Budget will not exceed $3 million. WG and Non-WG writers may submit.

For more information on gaining access to this lead, please seewww.InkTip.com/pnews.php.

**
Company D
**

We are looking for completed feature-length limited-location thriller or neo-noir scripts from represented writers. The thriller should be reality-based, i.e. no supernatural scripts. The neo-noir, set in the present day, should still have elements of classic noir such as in “Memento.” By limited locations, we mean less than eight locations, i.e. scripts in the vein of “Buried,” “Cube” or “Identity.” Please list your representation in the personal message space provided.

Budget will not exceed $1 million. WGA and Non-WGA writers may submit.

For more information on gaining access to this lead, please seewww.InkTip.com/pnews.php.

**
Company E
**

We are looking for completed feature-length contained or minimal location scripts from unrepped writers. By minimal locations, we mean less than five locations. We are open to various genres.

Budget will be low. Non-WGA writers only may submit.

For more information on gaining access to this lead, please see
www.InkTip.com/pnews.php.

**
Company F
**

We are looking for completed feature-length grounded sci-fi scripts. By that, we mean the sci-fi elements should feel realistic within the story and not over the top. We are not open to creature features. We prefer more character-driven sci-fi such as “Moon.”

Budget is open. WG and Non-WG writers may submit.

For more information on gaining access to this lead, please seewww.InkTip.com/pnews.php.

**
Company G
**

We are looking for completed feature length low-budget sci-fi, horror or action/adventure scripts.

Budget will not exceed $5 million. WGA and non-WGA writers may submit.

For more information on gaining access to this lead, please seewww.InkTip.com/pnews.php.

---------------
5) InkTip Magazine
---------------

The next InkTip Magazine deadline is August 26th.

"I love the site and the magazine. Good work."

Bob Altman, Altman Films

4500 industry professionals receive complimentary printed copies, and we email PDF copies to thousands of others - if you're looking for more exposure, this is a great way to find it! (You'll receive a PDF too!)

To take advantage of placing your logline/pitch, go to:
www.InkTip.com/scriptlog_nolink.php

---------------
6) Producer and Writer Testimonials
---------------

"I greatly appreciate the wealth of material and the great resources that your site provides and will keep checking in."

Beth Frey, Producer, Blackout Productions

"You are soooooo good. You are providing a really good service to a lot of us who would never find each other. Thank you again."

Scott Moir, Producer

"Thank you so much for providing this wonderful service! If not for InkTip, my script wouldn't have been optioned."

Todd Niemi, Writer

"I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate all of your expertise and help. You are with out a doubt a light at the end of the tunnel. Many, many thanks!"

Lew Hooser, Writer

---------------
7) InkTip on Facebook
---------------

Meet other InkTip writers AND executives by joining the InkTip fan page on Facebook! Click here to join our fan page.

---------------

8) Advertise with InkTip

---------------

Advertise to the world's largest network of screenwriters and entertainment professionals through InkTip! Customized ad opportunities available for all budgets as well as through in-kind partnerships include web, e-mail newsletter, and print marketing as well as endorsement by InkTip, a brand that continues to cultivate considerable trust and loyalty in both its screenwriter and entertainment industry professional clients.

Contact alex@inktip.com for further information or to set up your advertising.

---------------

9) Network with Entertainment Pros this Weekend
---------------

The 7th Annual HollyShorts Film Festival will kick off with short film premieres from such stars and professionals as: Jennifer Aniston, Woody Harrelson, Kate Hudson, Ron Livingston, Anna Faris, Kristen Kiwi Smith, Joel Edgerton and IFC.

Network with Entertainment professionals and stars August 11 - 18: www.hollyshorts.com

---------------

10) Feel Good Film Festival – this weekend!
---------------

The Feel Good Film Festival is a non-profit event showcasing films with happy endings, that make audiences laugh, and that capture the beauty of our world. Held August 12-14, 2011 at Raleigh Studios (5300 Melrose Avenue, LA 90038) the 4th annual FGFF features 10 World premieres and 70 Los Angeles premieres of independently made feel-good films, celebrity carpet entrances, nightly galas with free beverages, and educational panels with industry professionals. Film schedule and tickets available atwww.fgff.org . [Donations & entry prices are all tax deductible.] Feel good...

---------------

11) MyLLC.com
---------------

As the authors of Limited Liability Companies for Dummies,MyLLC.com has a long history of helping writers and filmmakers protect their endeavors through the proper structuring of their LLCs and Corporations. As an industry leader, we know all to well that they can often find themselves short-changed if they don't properly protect their work.

As a filmmaker, whether seasoned or novice, you are absolutely setting yourself up for trouble if you don’t have the foresight to prevent it. Forming an LLC for each film you create is not only practical in matters of protection, but also savvy in protecting your future earnings and livelihood in the industry. We have put together this article on how you can use an LLC to help get your project funded and keep it protected. You can read it athttp://www.myllc.com/film-production-llc.aspx

Need to get a corporation or LLC filed? Visit us athttp://www.myllc.com/LLC-Formation-Process.aspx Have questions? Call us at 888-886-9552.

---------------

12) Special offer for InkTip subscribers! MOVIE MAGIC SCREENWRITER v.6 $149

---------------

The industry's best script formatting software is now available at this exclusive price to InkTip subscribers from Screenplay.com

http://www.screenplay.com

********** PROMO CODE INKTIP29 **********

Movie Magic Screenwriter is the best screenplay formatting software, an industry standard, and the choice of Hollywood professionals. Screenwriter formats while you write so you can focus on what you're writing, not where it goes on the page. It also formats for television, stage, novels and comic book scripts so you've got an all in one package for any story you want to write. With a massive set of features designed to make the rewriting process fast and simple you can get from FADE IN: to FADE OUT effortlessly. Developed by writers for writers, Write Brothers is the first and only creative team ever to receive a Technical Achievement Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science for screenwriting software.

---------------

13) MONTHLY CONTEST - PRIZE-ALL KINDS OF INDUSTRY EXPOSURE!
---------------

HOLLYWOODSCRIPT.COM, boutique script consultation service run by former Universal and Fox development exec, and studio analyst associate Judy Kellem (M.A. Creative Writing) operate two person company helping people improve their scripts and seriously prepare them for marketplace.

Company motto - The #1 Secret for Selling a Script is...MATERIAL THAT'S READY!

FREE QUERY READS; FREE NEWSLETTERS; FREE MINI CONSULTATIONS and the only MONTHLY SCREENWRITING CONTEST (free to consultation clients)

http://www.hollywoodscript.com/contest.html

http://www.hollywoodscript.com/naomi.html

Bigtime Industry credentials. Priced right.

DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES and PROOFREADING also available.

http://www.hollywoodscript.com

HOLLYWOODSCRIPT.COM

craig.kellem@valley.net

201-918-6993
judykellem@earthlink.net

---------------
14) Infolist.com
---------------

http://www.infolist.com/

THE INFO LIST was created by Jeffrey R. Gund for the purpose of sharing useful and helpful entertainment industry related information, including jobs and other opportunities, industry events, seminars, screenings, and parties, casting information for actors and models, and anything else that people in the industry (or trying to get in the industry) would want to know. Its whole reason for being is to help people, and to give back.

Getting the news hot off the press and directly into your inbox will put you ahead of the game and give you the jump on everyone else!

Registration is FREE!

Screenwriters - compete with your Big Vision, despite an Empty Wallet!

Big Vision Empty Wallet - new opportunities for screenwriters & filmmakers

- thanks Brian Geldin for passing this along!

Global Arts Networking Organization Big Vision Empty Wallet Announces

Screenwriting Competition Judged by Top Film & Literary Leaders

Big Vision Empty Wallet (BVEW), the networking organization dedicated to bringing both emerging and established artists together from all over the world to help them create art with no rules or limitations, announces today its prestigious 2011 Screenwriting Competition. Judges include New York Times Bestselling author Luanne Rice (The Silver Boat, Summer’s Child, Sandcastles), screenwriter and director J.C. Chandor (Margin Call, 2011 Sundance Film Festival Official Selection starring Academy Award winners Kevin Spacey and Jeremy Irons), and Emmy, Peabody and Academy Award-winning filmmaker and director/writer Robert Levi (Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life).

BVEW’s Screenplay Competition is now accepting submissions through October 15. Whether a new story or a new take on an old classic, BVEW is looking for original, creative and compelling feature-length screenplays so it may introduce emerging screenwriters to top agents and BVEW’s large audience. The finalists, chosen by BVEW staff, will be announced on November 1, and the winners as selected by the judging panel will be announced on November 15.

To submit, the screenwriter must be a member of Big Vision Empty Wallet. There is no additional submission fee. Submissions are open online at:

http://www.bigvisionemptywallet.com/competitions/bvew-screenwriting-competition

The Grand Prize Winner receives:

• A private reading in either New York City or Los Angeles (winner’s choice) for invited industry guests and friends.

• Meetings with top agents and production companies, including:

o Carrie Alexander of Paradigm

o Jody Hotchkiss, owner of Hotchkiss and Associates, Inc., which has represented the distinguished screenwriters of such films as Secretariat, American Gangster, Live Free or Die Hard and The Kite Runner

o Two other prizes to be announced and consideration by other companies in our large database.

• A press blast in industry publications and an announcement on BVEW.

2^nd and 3^rd Place Winners receive:

• Meetings with top agents and production companies (see above).

• A press blast in industry publications and an announcement on BVEW.

Dani Faith Leonard and Alex Cirillo, founders and creative directors of Big Vision Empty Wallet, are excited to receive submissions from all over the world. "I am so excited to offer this unique opportunity for writers. If your screenplay is great, it shouldn't be collecting dust on your coffee table," said Leonard.

Cirillo chimed in saying, "I'm thrilled to have such talented and successful judges for this competition. Having these three brilliant writers read your script is a prize in itself!"

In addition to announcing its upcoming Screenwriting Competition, BVEW is proud to announce the launch of its re-designed website with expanded member benefits. BVEW membership is open to arts professionals in all disciplines from film to theatre to visual arts to multimedia to music and more. Whether up-and-coming or a seasoned pro, BVEW offers resources that every artist can benefit from and tools to further the collaborative process. Annual membership for artists is only $50, and $95 for artist collectives and bands. Members can create a profile where they can share their work, take advantage of exclusive member deals and discounts, use BVEW’s extensive resource guide including over 125 production forms, NY and LA vendor directories, as well as listings of film commissions and unions, and keep up to date with festival and grant deadlines. Members can also browse through jobs available and projects currently casting on BVEW’s projects board, and post opportunities on the jobs board and in the BVEW member bulletin. Members attend free BVEW events, which range from intimate film screenings to interdisciplinary celebrations of the arts and showcase members’ work. BVEW artists also gain free online entry to all of BVEW’s online competitions. Additionally, BVEW features free articles and reviews that profile events, companies and artists, along with film and theatre reviews written by people who actually work in the industry.

Upcoming events and competitions include the Be You Artists Series in the Fall, of which BVEW is a sponsor and coordinator of the film program. Also coming this fall will be BVEW’s National Film Competition, sponsored by Canon. The much sought-after prize valued at over $50,000 will be unlimited free Canon cameras and lenses for 30 days, as well as other prizes and resources that will help the winner create his or her film on a limited budget. Judges confirmed so far for the National Film Competition include Russell Carpenter (cinematographer, Titantic), Alex Buono (cinematographer, Saturday Night Live) and Rik Cordero (independent music video and commercial director).

In May 2010, actress Dani Faith Leonard and filmmaker Alex Cirillo teamed up to create BVEW, a one-stop destination with a fresh and unique perspective about the independent film and arts community in New York City. BVEW became a conduit of information, news, entertainment and resources to aid and support filmmakers and artists in the midst of the current economic climate and ever-changing media landscape. BVEW has since then evolved into a global arts networking organization with members, events and competitions in New York, Los Angeles and Washington DC, and soon to be in Chicago, Boston, Toronto, London and Madrid.

Alex Cirillo is a filmmaker born and raised in New York. In May 2010, she and Dani Faith Leonard launched Big Vision Empty Wallet after having produced film screenings and competitions through their sister company, Industry Power Play. Cirillo is also a Producer at Washington Square Films where she works on feature films, documentaries and commercials, and specializes in TV & New Media development. Last summer she worked on Margin Call, a feature film starring Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons and Stanley Tucci, which premiered at Sundance 2011, and Francine, an independent experimental drama starring Melissa Leo slated for release in 2012. Cirillo also serves as Grant Manager for Emmy-winning Director Robert Levi’s and Bowery Arts & Science’s National Endowment for the Humanities Grant for a documentary about a legendary jazz musician. Additionally, Cirillo is the chairwoman of the yet-to-be-named sub-committee of New York Women in Film & Television’s Special Events Committee. This summer she will also have the honor of serving as a judge for the Boston Comedy Festival’s New York Showcase. She is currently in pre-production on a documentary about children in inner city Baltimore and is looking forward to continuing to support independent artists through Big Vision Empty Wallet’s growth.

Dani Faith Leonard is a writer and actress based in New York City. She has acted in independent films and theatre in the US and overseas. She is a founding member of Broads & Wenches – the sexy girl group of NYC sketch comedy – and can be seen writing and performing with the sketch comedy troupe Really Sketchy. In June 2008, she founded Preen Productions under which she and business partner Alex Cirillo ran Industry Power Play, a series of monthly film screenings and events for the independent film and performing arts community of NYC. In May 2010, they launched BigVisionEmptyWallet.com, a networking organization dedicated to bringing artists together from all over the world. She currently has two films in pre-production and is looking forward to what this exciting year will hold personally, and for Big Vision Empty Wallet.

For more information and to become a member of Big Vision Empty Wallet, visit http://www.bigvisionemptywallet.com/join.

What's your most interesting overheard conversation?

In a place like New York City, it's easy to accidentally overhear conversations, and you can use that in your writing - there is lots of material to work from...listening to the private conversation of others (even if you try not to!).

I had the opportunity today to speak with Journalist and Senior Producer Chris Ledgard, Senior Producer of the BBC Radio 4 Show “Word of Mouth”

I hope you will join our chat and check out the interview online - Sept 6 & 12!

Really? All women do not want to have children?

How is this news?

My student, Melissa, sent me this interesting article on how not all women want children.

There's a rom com or six somewhere!

copy/paste link

http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/we_say_no_to_babies_and_yes_to_nyc_2i0q9vs7bKt4pcQfhbYNVO

How a single word can hoist your writing!

Use the word "hoist" into a line of dialog, and then use it as the basis for a new scene in your current project. A great starter when you're feeling a little flat.Use the word "hoist" into a line of dialog, and then use it as the basis for a new scene in your current project. A great starter when you're feeling a little flat.

The essence of Queens-my awesome neighbor Steve Gettinger

Steve is rocking out to Mala Femina sung by Jerry Vale.

He heard it first when he was 15 and only when I asked looked up the lyrics. To his dismay, this romantic melody was actually about a man cursing a woman out in Italian!