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Jane Barnes wins 'Leave 'em Hooked' Screenwriters Showcase

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:24:31 -0500

(Click photo to enlarge) L to R: Screenwriter Patricia Fox, Showcase Coordinator Ed Leschke, Screenwriters Alvin Easter (partially hidden), Ron Johnson, Jane Barnes, and Tom Weber.

Cinephiles, filmmakers, their supporters, and the curious descended upon ComedySportz, Minneapolis, last evening for Screenwriters Workshop's first-ever "Leave 'em Hooked" Screenwriters Showcase and Movie IQ Quiz, hosted by the audacious Jill Bernard.

Judges selected five screenplays with the best first ten pages to be read by actors before a live audience. At the end, the audience was asked to vote which script they most wanted more of.

It was Minneapolis writer Jane Barnes who earned “Best Screenplay" for her script “Please Excuse Me While I Hang Myself," and was awarded $100 cash. Audience member Peter Armstrong won the Movie IQ Quiz and also went home with $100 cash.

In all, thirty-six screenplays were submitted for consideration. Judges were asked to read all scripts and list their top ten choices in rank order. The following five screenplays appeared the most and highest in balloting and were featured in the showcase:

"Anatomy of a Town," written by Patricia Fox (crime/drama)
"Gone the Sun," written by Tom Weber (action/drama)
“Mitch and Charlie," written by Alvin Easter (drama)
"The Wallet," written by Ron Johnson (horror/drama)
***WINNER*** "Please Excuse Me While I Hang Myself," written by Jane Barnes (dark comedy)

Judges also provided every entrant a written critique of their submitted work.

Screenwriters Workshop put together the "Leave 'em Hooked" Screenwriters Showcase as a venue to expose emerging Minnesota screenwriting talent to a wider audience. Thanks to all screenwriters who submitted, as well as everybody who worked to make this event a success.

(Update) Screenwriter James Byrne has posted a review of the event at MNdialog, the Minnesota Film and TV Board's message board.

'Leave 'em Hooked' talked up on MNdialog

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:22:49 -0500

Our "Leave 'em Hooked" Screenwriters Showcase received a little free publicity by way of Rebecca Collins over at MNdialog, the Minnesota Film and TV Board's message boards. Read it here.

MSPmag writes-up ScriptNight 'Incarnation'

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:46:42 -0500

Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine's Arts and Entertainment columnist Tracy McCormick has reviewed Screenwriters Workshop's ScriptNight reading of "Incarnation." Check it out right here. There's also a lively discussion about the reading taking place at the Minnesota Film and TV Board's MN Dialog message board. Thanks to everybody who helped make this event a success.

2nd Tuesday presents Short Script Night

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:19:09 -0500

The Screenwriters Workshop's 2nd Tuesday Reading Series continues June 10, 2008, at 7pm, with short film screenplays by Chris Durant and more.

2nd Tuesday takes place at Minneapolis Community and Technical College, 1501 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403, in the Technical Buidling, Rm T-1020 (the Executive Conference Room). A campus map can be found here. Hope to see you there!

Movie IQ Quiz added to 'Leave 'em Hooked' Showcase

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:10:54 -0500

Know Spiderman's real name? John Wayne's last movie? Screenwriters Workshop will present a Movie IQ Quiz in conjunction with our Leave Em' Hooked Screenplay Showcase at Comedysportz Theater, July 21st at 7:30 pm. We're giving away money too!

The Movie IQ Quiz covers the gamut of general movie knowledge.--from current to classic. The individual with the most correct answers will receive $100, second place $50, and third place $25. Think you know movies? Show us what you got! Don't miss the Leave 'em Hooked Screenplay Showcase and Movie IQ Quiz at Comedysportz Theater (Calhoun Square, Uptown), July 21st at 7:30 pm.

Prizes: 1st/$100, 2nd/$50, 3rd/$25, plus door prizes!
Fee: $5
When: July 21st at 7:30 pm
Where: Comedysportz Theater
3001 Hennepin Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55408

Email or call Ed at (651) 341-8162 to reserve your space. See you there!

ScriptNight presents 'Incarnation' at Ritz Theater

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 16:37:07 -0500

Screenwriters Workshop ScriptNight presents "INCARNATION," script by Bill True and directed by Dean Hyers. To take place July 8th, 2008, 7:30pm, at the Ritz Theater, 345 13th Avenue NE, Minneapolis. Open to the public, tickets will be available at the door for $10.

After years of searching, Harry Bayer stands at the brink of confirming a six-year-old girl, Shanice, is the reincarnation of his wife. But his only avenue to reach her—Polly, the girl’s fractured mother—just lost custody. As Harry helps Polly pick up the pieces of her life, they unexpectedly fall for each other. Then FBI agent Artie Neckman arrives on the scene and raises suspicions that point to Harry being a potential danger to Shanice.

True and Hyers are collectively in development with at least four film and TV projects for both Hollywood and independent production companies. In addition, along with their partner, communications expert Pete Machalek, M.A., they formed SagePresence, a consortium of filmmakers who specialize in bringing the professional equivalent of “stage presence” to organizations such as Target Corporation, Prudential, Symantec, and The Department of Homeland Defense.

BILL TRUE (screenwriter) was named one of New Mexico's premiere new playwrights in 1991 for his play "Hell is a Diner." For the next seven years, he worked as an actor, writer, and director for various community and professional theatre companies, including the American Southwest Theatre Company, Desert Playwrights, and the Guthrie Theatre Lab. He was hand-picked by Tony-Winner Tim Rice to play the title role in the American Premiere of his rock opera, "Blondel."

Bill’s debut feature, "Runaway," premiered to universal accolades at the 2005 Tribeca Film Festival. Since then, it has gathered an impressive bouquet of laurels, including screenings at Toronto, Woodstock, Vail, Avignon, and Tel-Aviv. Bill also won the Best Feature Narrative screenwriting award at the prestigious Austin Film Festival and Screenwriters’ Conference for his work on "Runaway," which is slated for release in 2008.

DEAN HYERS (director) was already showing feature films he wrote and directed at film festivals around the nation by the time he was 18. Upon graduating from Gustavus Adolfus College, Dean launched his own interactive media company, Digital Café, as his entrée into the movie business. Through Digital Café, Dean directed and distributed electronic promotions for mainstream Hollywood blockbusters like "Godzilla," "Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers: the Movie," and "Die Hard III."

Upon selling Digital Café to advertising heavy-hitter Campell Mithun in 1999, Dean returned to the director’s chair with his debut feature, "Bill’s Gun Shop," which Dean also produced. Dean took top honors at the SMMASH Film Festival and won Minnesota’s top directing prize, the DL Maberry Award, for his work on "Bill’s Gun Shop," which was subsequently released through Warner Bros.

ScriptNight is Screenwriters Workshop's staged reading series where feature-length scripts are read aloud by local professional actors. It is produced by Robb Mitchell and Mark Gallagher. Mark your calendar. See you at the Ritz Theater July 8, 2008, at 7:30pm!

Announcing the 'Leave 'em Hooked' Screenwriters Showcase

Thu, 15 May 2008 23:47:36 -0500

Think your scripts first 15 pages can grab an audience? Prove it! Screenwriters Workshop announces our first-ever “Leave 'em Hooked” Screenwriters Showcase. All you have to do is submit the first 15 pages of your feature-length screenplay (not the whole script, silly) and our judges will select the five best to be read by professional actors before a live audience. At the end the audience will vote which screenplay they would most like to see and $100 will go to the winner.

Who: Screenwriters Workshop
What: "Leave 'Em Hooked" Screenwriters Showcase
Where: Comedysportz Theater, Minneapolis
Why: Introduce screenwriter's work to the public and provide feedback to the screenwriter
When: July 21, 2008, 7:30 pm
How: Submit application along with first 15 pages

Details: Submission deadline is June 1, 2008. Open to Screenwriters Workshop members. Script pages must be from a feature-length screenplay (preferably completed). Short films are not eligible. Submitted scripts will be judged on: compelling hook, quality of writing, and memorable characters. Judges will provide screenwriters feedback on their entries. Maximum of three entries per person (or team).

For more information on the "Leave 'Em Hooked" Screenwriters Showcase download the application. You can also contact the Showcase Coordinator via email with questions.

Do you got what it takes to "Leave 'em Hooked?"

Frank selected as 2008 McKnight Screenwriting finalist

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:36:05 -0500

IFP Minnesota announced the 2008 McKnight Screenwriting Finalists today and Screenwriters Workshop wants to congratulate our own Karen Frank for making the cut with her feature-length comedy, "Grave Matters." Karen hasn't been with Screenwriters Workshop that long but she has already made a huge contribution through moderating our 2nd Tuesday script reading series. In "Grave Matters," Ally wants to make sure her sister Dani has the wedding of her dreams. Her father Leo wants to escape debt, and if he accomplishes one small task, he’s home free. Two events are on a collision course: the world’s most perfect wedding, and the world’s most imperfect grave robbery.

IFP Minnesota and the McKnight Foundation support Minnesota filmmakers and screenwriters by annually awarding four individuals, based on merit, to receive a $25,000 fellowship. Two fellowships are specifically for filmmakers, then two more for screenwriters. Thirteen panelists, all from outside of Minnesota, chose seven finalists. A separate panel will select the two winning McKnight Screenwriting Fellows in June. Find out more about IFP and their funding programs here.

2nd Tuesday presents 'Essence' by Screenwriter Dave Qualey

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 21:23:42 -0500

The Screenwriters Workshop's 2nd Tuesday Reading Series continues May 13, 2008, at 7pm, with a sci-fi feature-length screenplay by Eau Claire (and former Minnesotan) screenwriter Dave Qualey. In "Essence," humanity's survival is at stake on a lonely moon outpost.

Free ScreenLabs Challenge filmmaker training at IFP-MN

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 10:58:12 -0500

A free ScreenLabs Challenge 2008 filmmaker training and informational meeting will take place this Thursday, April 24, 2008, 7pm, at IFP Minnesota Center for Media Arts, 2446 University Avenue West, Suite 100, St. Paul, MN 55114. The 2007 ScreenLabs Challenge winners will be on hand to screen their film and answer questions. Participating filmmakers have a shot at earning $1000! Click here for detailed information about the 2008 ScreenLabs Challenge. See you Thursday at IFP!

2nd Tuesday presents 'Catfight' by Screenwriter John Ervin

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 22:47:25 -0500

The Screenwriters Workshop's 2nd Tuesday Reading Series continues April 8, 2008, at 7pm, with a feature-length screenplay by Minneapolis writer John Ervin. "Catfight" is about how two rival teams of documentary filmmakers, following the opposing Congressional campaigns of a pair of Elvis-besotted women, are able to affect the election with the aid of the King's ghost. Also, a short script by writer Chris Durant will be read.

Screenwriter Al Easter wins St. Cloud State University competition

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:48:04 -0500

Screenwriters Workshop member Al Easter has won the Saint Cloud State University Short Screenplay Competition. A jury of three unanimously selected Easter's screenplay, entitled "The Jigsaw Puzzle," from the field of entries. Asked what it feels like to win, Easter said: "[The] $200 prize isn't much but the script is only 5 pages long so that's $40 a page. Not bad."

Contest organizers required submitted scripts be producible in St. Cloud and limited to 5-pages in length. When asked if he could provide a copy of the script for our readers, Al said: "Wait for the DVD." A short while later the script showed up in our e-mail. You can read it here. Production is slated for the end of May in St. Cloud. Easter is a member of Screenwriters Workshop's Sunday evening script group. Congratulations, Al!

Screenwriter David Pollard wins MoviePoet.com contest

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:20:25 -0500

Screenwriters Workshop member David Pollard has won first place in an online screenwriting contest at MoviePoet.com. Pollard is a member of Screenwriters Workshop's Sunday evening script group.

Each month, MoviePoet runs a free online five-page screenplay contest. The goal, per the MoviePoet website, is to "help writers improve their craft, celebrate our best work, and connect writers and their scripts with filmmakers." The contest Pollard won, entitled "One is the loneliest number," challenged writers to come up with a story with one character, no dead bodies, and no off-screen voices. Pollard's script, entitled "When it rains," is about a female thief who has a rough night.

"I am surprised to have [won] with this short," says Pollard, "because I wasn't greatly pleased with it myself and kept trying to come up with something else to put in the... contest - but hey, what do I know." Shortly after winning the contest Pollard was contacted by filmmaker Jim Montgomery at SFG Media seeking to produce the piece.

Read Pollard's winning entry and others here. Congratulations, David!

Screenwriters Workshop Announces 2008 ScreenLabs Challenge

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 11:06:11 -0500

Screenwriters Workshop is pleased to announce the guidelines for the 2008 Screenlabs Challenge. Make a short film, win a $1000!

All applicants must submit an email with the following information: your name, project title, mailing address, and email address. We also recommend joining the ScreenLabs Challenge 2008 mailing list to be the first to hear Challenge news.

Download the 2008 ScreenLabs Challenge application here. Completed films/videos must be received at the IFP Minnesota Center for Media Arts no later than 4:00pm on Friday, August 15, 2008.

Screenwriters Workshop designed ScreenLabs as a filmmaking development program intended to foster collaboration among writers, directors, producers, talent and crew through bringing original scripts to the screen. The Challenge began in 2007 as a contest to empower screenwriters to produce their own scripts.

This years theme is "Agony and bliss: Unrequited love." This should be an integral theme that runs through each film. As with last years ScreenLabs Challenge, we require a particular location be included in all completed films. For 2008 filmmakers must include the "Witch's Hat" water tower in Prospect Park, Minneapolis, as a location in their finished film.

Submitted works will be judged by a panel of jurors who are film/video artists and professionals. Winners will be awarded the following cash prizes:

First Place - $1,000

Second Place - $500

Best Screenplay - $250

Audience Award - $250

Click here for detailed information about the 2008 ScreenLabs Challenge. Good luck!

MSPmag.com reviews ScriptNight reading of 'Tuscaloosa'

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:35:38 -0600

(Photo: Nicole Vicius and Sam Rosen read "Tuscaloosa") Tracy McCormick of MSP Mag's "The Morning After" has reviewed Screenwriters Workshop's ScriptNight reading of "Tuscaloosa," held at the Guthrie Theater February 20, 2008. Check it out here.

Screenwriters Workshop thanks our sponsors Fredrikson & Byron, Minnesota Film and TV Board, Minneapolis Community and Technical College, The Rake Magazine, and everybody who help make ScriptNight a success!

ScriptNight's 'Tuscaloosa' on Minnesota Public Radio

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 20:55:30 -0600

Euan Kerr of Minnesota Public Radio's "Movie Natters" casts the spotlight on Screenwriters Workshop's upcoming ScriptNight feature "Tuscaloosa," to be held at the Guthrie Theater February 20, 2008, at 7:30pm. Check it out here.

Scroll down for information on ScriptNight and how to purchase tickets to "Tuscaloosa." See you there!

2nd Tuesday presents 'Untitled Elizabeth Dickinson Project'

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 23:22:17 -0600

The Screenwriters Workshop's 2nd Tuesday Reading Series continues March 11, 2008, at 7pm, with an as yet untitled feature-length screenplay by Minneapolis writer Elizabeth Dickinson. It's 1720. One young American woman, rich, intelligent, and bored, and one older English woman, poor, uneducated, and ambitious are drawn together by their desire to rebel against convention and to be more than their upbringing suggests, becoming unlikely pirates-and friends. A musical based on a real life story, Dickinsen describes it as Thelma & Louise on the high seas.

Tickets for ScriptNight reading of 'Tuscaloosa' on sale now

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:25:45 -0600

Screenwriters Workshop in association with the Guthrie Theater presents a staged reading of the feature film "Tuscaloosa," February 21, 2008, 7:30pm, at Guthrie Theater's Dowling Studio.

ScriptNight is open to the public. Click here to purchase tickets online through the Guthrie Theater website.

Tuscaloosa, Alabama. 1972. Recent college graduate Billy Mitchell works for his psychiatrist father on the lush grounds of an antiquated mental health institution where he falls head-over-heels in love with one of the patients, the beautiful (and possibly crazy), Virginia. Unable to make decisions about his future plans, Billy's relationship with Virgina forces him to confront his arrogant indifference as well as dark family secrets - the strange disappearance of his mother twenty years prior, the clandestine activities of his father and his Southern cronies, and the terrible possibility that his father may be a murderer. "Tuscaloosa" is based on Glasgow Phillip's sensual and often humorous novel, and adapted for the screen by Phil Harder, Christine Walker and Paul Sadeghi.

Writer-Director Phil Harder, Producer Christine Walker ("American Splendor," "Factotum" and "Older Than America"), and Producer Mohsen Sadeghi will attend the reading. Walker and Sadeghi are producing the film through their Eventide Entertainment. ScriptNight is produced by Robb Mitchell in conjunction with the Guthrie Theater's Dowling Studio and Ben McGovern. ScriptNight is made possible by support from our sponsors at Fredrikson & Byron, Minnesota Film and TV, and Rake Magazine.

2nd Tuesday presents Perry Lueders' '2G's and a BLT'

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:06:07 -0600

The Screenwriters Workshop's 2nd Tuesday Reading Series continues February 12, 2008, at 7pm, with a feature-length screenplay by Minneapolis writer Perry Lueders. In "2G's and a BLT," a retired gay couple and lesbian seek bi-sexual and transgender roommates to start a "Queer House." Historical housing restrictions and health problems cause the new, younger roommates to become part-time caregivers. Will the strain of tolerence and old age be too much for the "2G's and a BLT?"

ScriptNight presents 'Tuscaloosa' at Guthrie Theater

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 21:30:24 -0600

Screenwriters Workshop in association with the Guthrie Theater presents a staged reading of the feature film "Tuscaloosa," February 21, 2008, 7:30pm, at Guthrie Theater's Dowling Studio.

ScriptNight is open to the public. Click here to purchase tickets online through the Guthrie Theater website.

2nd Tuesday presents Ron Johnson's 'Meth Lab'

Sun, 06 Jan 2008 21:18:23 -0600

The Screenwriters Workshop 2nd Tuesday series continues January 8, 2008, at 7pm, with a feature-length screenplay by Minneapolis writer Ron Johnson. In "Meth Lab" four college kids out to score some weed pull a practical joke on a drug dealer, resulting in a life or death situation. Learn more about Ron Johnson and his work at Frozen State Productions.

2nd Tuesday offers screenwriters the opportunity to hear their screenplay read aloud, beginning to end, in one sitting. Participants will be asked to read one or more parts, then afterward will have an opportunity to give feedback (i.e. comments on overall concept, script construction, character, individual scenes, dialogue, etc.). Suggestions for improving are encouraged.

2nd Tuesday presents Tim Franz' 'Body of Clay'

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 16:15:52 -0500

The Screenwriters Workshop 2nd Tuesday series continues October 9, 2007, 7pm, with a new feature-length screenplay by Minneapolis writer Tim Franz. In "Body of Clay" a dying intern must make difficult decisions when he discovers one of his patients is his clone. 2nd Tuesday had a great turnout last month. Thanks to everyone who participated.

2nd Tuesday offers screenwriters the opportunity to hear their screenplay read aloud, beginning to end, in one sitting. Participants will be asked to read one or more part then, afterward, have a chance to give feedback (i.e. comments on overall concept, script construction, character, individual scenes, dialogue and more). Suggestions for improving the next draft are encouraged also.

2nd Tuesday takes place at Minneapolis Community and Technical College, 1501 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403, in the Technical Building, Rm T-1020 (Executive Conference Rm). A campus map can be found here.

MPR on 'Flim Flam Man'

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 15:33:24 -0500

Minnesota Public Radio's "Movie Natters," by Euan Kerr, mentioned Screenwriters Workshop's upcoming ScriptNight feature "Flim Flam Man," to be held at the Guthrie Theater on Oct. 16, 2007, 7:30pm. Check it out here.

Scroll down for information on ScriptNight and how to purchase tickets to "Flim Flam Man."

Guthrie to stage upcoming ScriptNight reading of 'Flim Flam Man'

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 14:09:18 -0500

October 16, 2007, 7:30pm

Guthrie Theater's Dowling Studio

General Admission $10

Guthrie Theater presents the Screenwriters Workshop's ScriptNight reading of "'Flim Flam Man' - the true story of my fathers counterfeit life," by Jez Butterworth. Directed by Robb Mitchell with Jez Butterworth. Tickets can be purchased here.

One frosty winter morning, Jennifer Vogel's father went on the lam. John Vogel, fifty-two, had been arrested for single-handedly counterfeiting nearly $20 million in U.S. currency -- the fourth-largest sum ever seized by federal agents -- and was released pending trial. Though Jennifer hadn't spoken to him in four years, police suspected he might turn up at her Minneapolis apartment. They parked outside, watching her every move. A skeptical crime reporter asking questions or a loving daughter seeking answers, she gives us a breathtaking glimpse into the secret life of the man she thought she knew best.

Jennifer Vogel's engaging and relentless account of her outlaw father is being adapted for film by British playwright and film director Jez Butterworth ("Birthday Girl," "Mojo" and "The Last Legion"). Vogel and Butterworth will be at the Guthrie along with a local cast for this ScriptNight reading. ScriptNight is an on-going script development program of the Screenwriters Workshop. Open to the public. Hope to see you there!