Category Archives: screenwriting

In which my horror script THE DEVIL’S ANSWER is optioned…

Very pleased to report that my contained supernatural horror THE DEVIL’S ANSWER has been optioned by Two Tribes, a production company based in Los Angeles.

The logline: In a remote, snowbound prison run by a totalitarian regime, a dedicated torturer starts to believe that his mysterious, single prisoner is the Devil himself.

The Devil's Answer

The script was found on InkTip. Two Tribes are a new production company, and are now raising finance for a slate of three films including THE DEVIL’S ANSWER.

This is my second option this year for a low-budget horror screenplay.

To Hollywood and beyond!

In which A SIX-GUN FOR THE DEVIL places in another contest

The Screenwriting Goldmine Quarterfinalists have been announced today (4 Feb) and my horror Western A SIX-GUN FOR THE DEVIL is on the list.

Logline: When a centuries-old gunfighter tries to save his girl from a gang of Wild West scumbags, he must team up with his worst enemy – the Devil who’s come for his soul.

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If you want to read the script head over to the Contact page.

Here’s the list in full.

In which A SIX-GUN FOR THE DEVIL is requested by Maximum Film & Management…

The screenplay for my supernatural Western feature A SIX-GUN FOR THE DEVIL has been requested by Maximum Films and Management in New York.

A SIX-GUN FOR THE DEVIL

I’m quite chuffed about that.

The request came after a Happy Writers pitch session on Stage 32.

Now it’s back to the fourth redraft of my ‘zombie movie without any zombies’….

Table Reads – Screenwriter seeks Advice and Protocol

Fountain pen on writer

I have two screenplays (horror and sci–fi) I want to take to market. Before I do so, however, I want to make sure they are the best they can be. Part of my plan is to use table reads – the perfect opportunity to discover some unspeakable dialogue or clunky exposition. I want to record the read on audio.

I’ve never done a table read. So, what I’m looking for are the protocols / best practice:

1) I can’t pay anyone, so what should I offer as basics (food, drink etc.)?

2) Other than the usual registering of the scripts, are there any legal issues? Should I ask everyone participating to sign a waiver saying they have no legal claim on the table read performance and recording, and/or a NDA? Any examples of relevant pro formas that do the job without being intimidating?

3) Scripts – distributed as hard copies or as electronic copies? Should I expect actors to print out their scripts or print them for them?

4) How should I cast for the roles? Invite people to contact me, send them a script sample, and listen to them over the phone? (For a table read it’s the voice that counts, not the physical appearance of the actor.) Or is there a better way? Skype? Something else? What would you prefer? Should I post a list of roles and ask actors to ‘pitch’ for one or the other?

5) I think I should start the read by asking everyone present to give their name, the name of the character they are playing, and a one-line description of the character, starting with the leads. Good idea?

6) Should scripts be marked up in any way? Or will actors do that themselves?

7) Should I ‘direct’ the read? Stop the proceedings and ask an actor to read in a certain way? Or let it flow?

8) Pre-read briefing for all actors around the table (for tone, style, etc.). Good idea?

9) Anything else I’ve missed?

And now it gets weird. Anyone ever done a VIRTUAL table-read, with everyone sitting at home?

The reason I ask is because I live in the middle of nowhere, in a country where few speak English.

I’m therefore wondering if the technology would allow me to do a virtual table read, with actors from around the world sitting in the comfort of their own homes. Anyone ever done anything like that?

Any thoughts you have will be greatly appreciated. geoffholder1@mac.com

In which the Author coaxes a screenplay out of its shell….

I’m currently coaxing a spec sci-fi feature screenplay to move from the 4th to the 5th draft. Then I’ll hopefully start on the marketing. Here’s a hint of what it’s about:

Digital Illustration of a Dragon

PS The website has been spring cleaned. You’d be amazed what I found behind the furniture. Anyway, it’s neater now, I think.