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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.

Once again today’s quote/story comes from one of our students at the Peter Pitchess Detention Center. I had just finished teaching and Stan Cassio was getting set up to begin his class when one of the students gave us a letter entitled, “A Second Change.” Below are just a couple of excerpts:

“I just wanted to thank you [all] for allowing me to be part of Hollywood [Impact] Studios. I believe this introduction will sustain me during times of challenge, frustration and failure and will comfort me during times of confusion, pain and loss. — I didn’t believe it was possible for me. I truly felt I couldn’t become an honest, loving person. In my mind change was not an option. — Now I know that the power of words inspires the Power of Change. — I have learned that Apostle Paul and Peter and the profit Jeremiah, all went to prison because they KNEW God, now I know I came to prison to KNOW God.”

This is powerful stuff. I don’t know who’s learning more from the ministry them or us…

Note: This entire letter will be featured in Hollywood Impact Magazine in the near future. The magazine can be accessed at: hollywoodimpactstudios.com/magazine .

Today’s question comes from a young College Intern: “I’ve heard that TV shows are no longer going to use film. I understand that they are going to shoot on Digital cameras, is that true? If so, what Digital cameras are they going to use?”

Not all TV shows are being shot digital, but it does seem to be a very popular option this television season. I don’t know if this is simply a phase or a trend or the way of the future. I believe many people think that shooting digitally is going to save a lot of money. Unfortunately, the film makers end up shooting a lot more material when it’s “only tape”. We’ll see what happens, only time will tell.

As for cameras, it seems that right now the most popular are the Arri D-21 (top), Sony F-35 (center) and the Panavision Genesis (bottom).

Besides these three, there are plenty of other excellent cameras out there.

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

Summer is settling in at the Peter Pitchess Detention Center as we are finishing the last weeks of classroom instruction teaching an overview of all the varied careers in the television industry.

We’re now moving to the “hands-on” phase for the rest of the semester. Stan Cassio is in week three of teaching Avid Editing. And the guys are loving it. Basic Camera starts next week.

Note: Sorry for not being able to show any of the students, but we’re not allowed to photograph any inmates, so you’ll have to use your imagination…

Today’s quote actually comes from one of our students at the Peter Pitchess Detention Center. At the end of class we always discuss how God is working on our lives and how that relates to working in the television industry. During one of these discussion, a young inmate stood up and ask if he could read something he’d written. Below is what he said:

“God is giving me amazing opportunities in my life and He is watching me, seeing what I do with the blessings He gave me. Did I blow it or did I become fruitful doing the best I can, giving God the Glory. What will you do with the Blessings God gave you?” Merit Program Inmate.

I must admit, this students message and his sincerity really moved me. God is in that classroom and all of us are hearing him.

Last week, Stan Cassio and his tech crew from NEW EDIT delivered three Avid editing systems to the our classroom at the Peter Pitchess Detention Center. While they were installing the Avids, several of the inmate students (about 25) came by to see what they were doing. Many asked questions, and as a result Stan taught an improvised class on how to set up an Avid System. He was surprised and encouraged by their enthusiasm. Stan will begin teaching basic Avid Technology next week.

Our third class on pre-production went very well. There were a lot of good questions and interactions. This is only the classroom instruction; I can only image how these guys are going to react when we finally get into the hands-on portion of the class.

Well we finished the second week of teaching at the Peter Pitchess Detention Center in our “film school behind bars”. This weeks class we taught about the life of a television episode. From Prep to Production to Post Production. “My students” could not be more enthusiastic. Great questions, great discussions.

I currently have 23 students from all different backgrounds. I do pray that what I’m teaching will resound with some of these guys and change their lives. Next week we teach on how a television script is developed from writer, to studio to network to broadcast.

This quote from Calvin Coolidge is so applicable for those folks looking to get into the television or motion picture industry. I hope you find it useful…

“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.”
Calvin Coolidge