Breaking Hollywood Stereotypes: Recent Comments

Comment on Hello 90210!

2010-02-24T01:10:06Z

First of all - Congrats! That is very cool. To answer your question, there is no difference. If you have been selected for the Golden Palm Screenplay competition - then you are also a finalist. Last year I think there was a total of 182 screenplays "accepted" into the competition! And there were a few screenwriters who had multiple screenplays listed among the 182 accepted. But with only one Golden Palm Award for best screenplay and 2 runner-ups, it meant all 182 were competing for 3 spots! I was told that there were just over 500 or 550 screenplays that were submitted (although at the awards ceremony they said over a 1,000!) so that means it was still very good to be "selected" or "accepted" into the competition, but still didn't have the same meaning of being nominated as say the top 5 for a Oscar, Golden Globe or even for best film or other categories at the BHFF. But over the past 20 years I have read a lot of screenplays and that ratio is about right when it comes to good and bad screenplays! I am so amazed at how bad so many of the screenplays were. Whether it is with simple formating, spelling & grammar, or basic storytelling, character development, sticking with the overall story, what is or isn't entertaining or even interesting! So if you have been selected as a finalist or rather entered into the competition - it means you at least have a good screenplay - even if there are another 180+ also considered "finalist" for the competition! One final comment - remember that other works of art - screenwriting is subjective - it depends on who is reading it - and to one person it may be interesting and to another it make not. Even though the screenplay has all the correct elements. I do not know who the screenplay jury or judges are for the BHFF - although I tried to find out - and my basic question was how can anyone of those judges or even a committee of judges read all 182 finalists' screenplays? Even if there were say 10 judges - each would have to read 18 screenplays and then come to give their "opinions" of which ones they thought were good enough to be considered for the Golden Palm. That means the other 9 judges never even read the first page of the other 162 "finalists"! Who knows how they select the the Golden Palm or runner-ups but that just is the nature of film festival competition. Screenplay competition! Once a it becomes a film and is seen by many during a festival - there are more opinions but that is for another time! Still congrats again, good luck, and regardless of the outcome - know you do have a good screenplay that made it into the competition!

Comment on Hello 90210!

2010-02-24T00:16:51Z

Hey Larry,

Regarding the BHFF Screenplay competition, is there a difference between being "accepted" and being a "finalist"? I'm wondering because I just received a "Congratulations"/accepted notice for this years competition but wasn't exactly sure what that meant. Thanks so much for your time.

Comment on No Country for disAbled Men....and Women

2010-01-13T16:23:42Z

Interesting,
I agree that the 3,10 to yuma was unfaily left out, it was a great film,
Thanks for bringing this up

Comment on HAPPY 2010!

2010-01-09T01:26:17Z

Awesome Blog Larry! Happy New Year! Go get em' in 2010 Bro! Daryl...

Comment on Why Does Hollywood Not Consider those with a disAbility?

2009-10-30T18:55:45Z

That seems the biggest challenge - getting the right people to at least consider the views, opinions, facts, research, significance, and deep impact these simple issues that have been so complicated over the years that they are often dismissed because Hollywood doesn't have tie to deal with it - no time to care - despite their self-promotion of being for the "every person's rights" to be heard, to be free and safe from discrimination. I guess it only applies to issues that are outside the Hollywood circle - the world's injustices, government's roles and responsibilities - but they are so perfect they do not seem to need to hold up a mirror to themselves - even once in a while - no time - we are shooting a new film - have to raise funds for the next film - we have a film festival to attend - I have to but a new house - oh and less we forget regardless of the time of year it is always about preparing to celebrate ourselves, give ourselves awards, praise, standing ovations, and the spirited acceptance speeches that give us the opportunity to speak our mind about the injustices of the world and how real we are as people and not just celebrities - as the Oscars are coming, the Oscars are coming!!!!

Thanks for reading and commenting!

Comment on The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

2009-10-30T18:42:19Z

Thanks! And I will keep up the work - my creative passions as a screenwriter and director seem to have to take an extended break while I focus on the business of the production company, raising new capital for the operating expenses and the production budget for the feature film "London Time" along with advocating and raising awareness within the industry - so there is no time to do anything but the good work that will impact and personally affect millions of people world wide and future generations! Roll, walk, stand, sit - with me - as the more voices and images and support from within and outside the disAbled community we have, the more serious Hollywood will take us! And that spotlight is about to EXPLODE onto the surface of this industry and all those who patronage the movies and television - and especially if James Cameron continues to ignore and seemingly dismiss my communications before his "Avatar" movie premiers in December! Stay tuned - next week I will unveil the "Authentic Representation in Hollywood Campaign!"
Larry

Comment on Why Does Hollywood Not Consider those with a disAbility?

2009-10-30T15:34:39Z

Hey, that was interesting,

I hope that the right people will read your views,

Thanks for bringing this up

Comment on The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

2009-10-30T13:04:47Z

That was an inspiring post,

Keep up the good work,

Thanks

Comment on What is the Problem?

2009-09-10T08:48:52Z

Thank you for writing, Amy. And thanks for your comments on my article in SCI Life. I am certainly grateful that it touched you and hopefully inspired some too! I do hope you get to feeling better and are physically able to participate in the entertainment industry soon. Living in Studio City, CA is definitely a great location for that! And of course doing is the best education as I have learned from both nooks and hands on – I can agree with many of my colleagues that experience teaches so much more! Of course as soon as we have casting and crew openings for our next production or any in the future we welcome everyone to apply regardless of your challenges. If you are confident you can handle the job you are applying for then that goes a long way in getting hired. Meanwhile, like I said I hope for the best on your health and well being. Return here to my blog and the website for updates as I expect many to be coming in the near future! Take care.

Comment on Blog Updated

2009-09-10T08:35:58Z

While I am flattered you contacted me, and I admire your efforts as I believe we have the same goals in authentically representing to the world those of us with a disAbility – I am not sure our paths will intersect. We are not accepting new material – meaning any screenplays or works right now as we first must get our work in theatres – you do also express your desire in acting. As soon as we have auditions for our new castings you are more than welcome to come demonstrate your acting skills and desires for a role in our movies. Meanwhile, feel free to comment here any time and give us updates on your efforts that relate to the entertainment industry. Thanks for writing and I wish you all the best!