Month: August 2009

We are now 9 weeks into our 12 week program. As the class progresses the inmate/students are becoming even more tight knit. It is so exciting to see how they are working side by side helping each other, just like a real film crew.

This class is not just ministering to our inmate/students but to all of the staff as well. God continues to do some amazing things at HOLLYWOOD IMPACT STUDIOS. One example was told to us by a deputy. He said, “In the general prison population, you would never see a Hispanic inmate helping an African-American Inmate,” but we see that every single ‘hands-on’ class we offer. Thank you all for your continued support.

As we approach teaching basic camera, we’d like to give a huge thank you to Jeff Blauvelt, owner of HD Cinema in West Los Angeles. Jeff has graciously agreed to loan us a Red Camera at no charge to Hollywood Impact Studios. The Inmate/Students will have the opportunity to get some practical “hands-on” training on a state of the art HD camera.

HD Cinema™ has at its core a group who have a vision for the creative use of HD24p technology for program production and post. To further that interest they have invested in some extremely high tech digital video gear. Since 1998 they have been working in high def with individuals and companies within the independent film community, providing creative and technical services and consulting for a variety of sophisticated clients. These clients are producing brilliant and creative short film and music videos, a range of dramatic narrative, action and suspense, romantic comedy and other genre independent feature films, and dynamic documentary and reality based television programs.

To learn more about HD Cinema, visit their website at: http://www.hd-cinema.com/

Today’s quote hangs on the wall next to my desk as a constant reminder. It comes from Calvin Coolidge and is so applicable to anyone interested in getting into the entertainment.

“Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”

I am often asked, “How do I become a TV screenwriter?” By writing!

First you need to learn your craft, either by taking writing classes or reading good books about writing. Two authors I like are Robert McKee and Linda Seger. But you’ve got to write, write, write… That’s the only way you get better.

For television writing, I suggest you write a “spec” script (or a couple) for the type of series you would like write for. For example if you write a “spec” BONES script that script would work for the CSI Franchise. Just so you understand you don’t write a spec script for the series you’re trying to write for. First of all, no one on the show will read it in fear of being accused of “stealing” your idea. Second who knows that show better than the producers who make their living writing for that series. Even if they would read it, they would be more critical on an outsiders script. Think about it, a writer on CSI doesn’t know BONES any better than you would.

Once your spec script (or scripts) is written (and re-written), get a list of literary agents from the Writer’s Guild of America and start knocking on doors. It will not be easy…

If you have a question, please e-mail us at: Gary@hollywoodimpactstudios.com

Last Friday, Cyndi and I drove down to meet with the people in charge of running the Rec Center at Nickerson Gardens in the Watts area of Southern California. This Rec Center is designed to target and help “At Risk” youth.

The program they’re desiring will be different than the one we’re doing at the detention center. It will be geared toward a younger student base, 14 to 19 years old. Besides teaching the careers of the television industry we will also expand the program to include Drama and Music.

Officer Yanez of the LAPD has been extremely helpful. We hope to launch this program in the fall.