Jordan Ranked 4th in Survey by Screenwriters

James Jordan ranked fourth place overall in the “Cream of The Crop” category of Creative Screenwriting’s 2010 Report “The Best Movie and TV Script Analysts and Consultants as Rated by Screenwriters.” Each consultant in this top category received ten or more screenwriter reviews. Screenwriters evaluated over 160 respected script consultants for this comprehensive report.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
.

"Candid Coverage All-Stars" Announced

James Jordan is proud to announce his list of the first "Candid Coverage All-Stars. This elite group of writers have worked very hard to develop their writing craft to a calibre worthy of consideration by Hollywood's toughest gatekeepers. Congratulations!

The "Candid Coverage All-Stars" include:
- Naomi Lamont - Chris McQuade - Betty Sullivan - Sally McGillis - Paul Littell - Michael Navarro - Megan Johnson

Writer and representative contact information is available under the "Candid Coverage All-Stars" page located at CandidCoverage.com.

_______________________________________________________________________________________
.

Oscar-winner offers advice in ScriptMag.com article

In James' first article posted on ScriptMag.com, he offers practical writing advice from Oscar-winning screenwriter Steven Zaillian on how to make your screenplays more compelling and therefore more sellable. It turns out, it's all in the details. Here's the link: http://www.scriptmag.com/2010/11/24/details-are-huge/ Please add a comment following the article if you found the material helpful or want to suggest topics for future articles.

_______________________________________________________________________________________
.

Gatekeepers Checklist Revealed at Screenwriting Expo

Many screenwriters attending the Screenwriting Expo on October 9, 2010 learned some essential knowledge about how Hollywood really operates during a class entitled: "Gatekeeper’s Checklist: What Screenwriters Need to Know," taught by James Jordan.

Gatekeepers include agents, managers, producers, executives and readers. Most adhere to the same industry standards of what constitutes professionally-written and commercially-viable screenplays. Scripts failing to meet accepted criteria receive a “pass” and writers rarely find out why. This class taught what it takes for a screenplay to get a “recommend.”

Equally important is the "Writer's Personal Checklist" which focuses on what writers must do to increase their chances of success. The class covered much of this crucial checklist as well.

James is developing an E-Book based on this course, which will be available for purchase when completed.

Expo attendees learn the truth from Jordan
___________________________________________________________________________________________
.

Great Results for Writers Attending InkTip Summit Panel

Sherwood Oaks College and InkTip sponsored an extaordinary Logline Feedback Panel at the first "InkTip Summit" on September 25, 2010. The panel reunited moderator Gary Shusett and script consultant James Jordan with producers Susan Johnston and Suzanne Lyons. But for the first time, writer-producer Michael Lent was added to the panel. Michael was extremely insightful and remarkable humorous. At the end of 3-1/2 hours, the panel had analyzed over 55 loglines submitted by the 85 screenwriters in attendance. All of the panelists shared valuable information and were able to significantly improve the majority of pitches presented. After several writers incorporated the panel's suggestions into redesigned pitches, their screenplays were then requested by attending production companies.

(Left to Right) James Jordan, Michael Lent, Suzanne Lyons, Susan Johnston
__________________________________________________________________________________________ .

"Honesty Panel" is a big success

January 29, 2010, Sherwood Oaks College held its second “Honesty Panel” of the day by Sony Studios, providing unprecedented candid feedback on loglines to the screenwriters in attendance. Panelists included, left to right, Bob Kosberg (not shown), producer Suzanne Lyons, development exec Edward C. Wang, producer Susan Johnston, and moderator James Jordan.


________________________________________________________________________________________

"Honesty Panel" blasts writers with the truth

July 17, 2010, James Jordan appeared on another “Honesty Panel” at CBS Studio Center to give honest blunt feedback on writers’ loglines in a unique seminar. Other panelists included (left to right) Mark Travis, Suzanne Lyons, Mark Kratter, Daniel Manus, and Moderator Gary Shusett.


Writers received valuable knowledge at this compelling event
___________________________________________________________________________________________ .

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Coming Up: The Most Honest Panel Ever Assembled for Aspiring Screenwriters

A two-hour Hollywood panel by itself would not ordinarily be a genuine stepping stone to success for aspiring screenwriters. But this panel is an extraordinary exception. Over the last four decades, Gary Shusett has run Sherwood Oaks College in Hollywood and learned who’s who in the entertainment industry.

Surprisingly, Mr. Shusett determined there are currently less than 10 film professionals in the entire United States who feel comfortable enough to reveal the absolute truth about aspiring writers’ material. Unfortunately, the overwhelming majority of writers spend many years creating screenplays with virtually no chance of finding a buyer because the writers have never received honest feedback about the materials’ true commercial viability.

On Friday, January 29, 2010 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, Sherwood Oaks College will have more than half of these “truth tellers” on one amazing panel. The panelists will discuss what is actually required for screenplay stories to be at the professional level necessary for today’s Hollywood marketplace. Writers in attendance will have the extremely rare opportunity to get completely honest (but not mean-spirited) feedback on their screenplay loglines.

This special panel is part of a comprehensive two-day class at Warner Bros. and Sony studios. However anyone may enroll in this special session separately for a fee of $29, till space is filled. (Sherwood Oaks College is not officially associated with either Warner Bros. Studios or Sony Studios.)

Confirmed panelists* include:
Jonathan Krane (Producer of “Face Off”)
David Warden (Literary Agent who sold “Deja Vu” for seven million for his client)
Bruce Bartlett (Literary Agent for Above the Line)
Chris Lockhart (Head of Sony Story Department (William Morris /Endeavor)
Bo Zenga (Producer-Director-Actor)
Gary Shusett (The Panel Moderator and Sherwood Oaks College founder, who is currently writing a book about the school’s history.)

* These are working professionals with busy schedules. Appearances are subject to change without notice, but appropriate last-minute substitute panelists may be added.

For location information or enrollment, please contact Gary Shusett, E-mail: sherwoodoak@aol.com, Phone: (323) 851-1769, Website: www.SherwoodOaksCollege.com
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
.

Followers


Jordan inverviews Michael Brandt (left) and Derek Haas at Raleigh Studios
.

Michael Brandt and Derek Haas are Extraordinary!

On May 9, 2009, the attendees at Raleigh Studios Hollywood received a crash course in commercial screenwriting from two of the best writers working in the business today. Michael Brandt and Derek Haas offered very specific advice regarding how to write commercial screenplays to a group of appreciative writers, actors and producers during the Scriptwriters Network's May Speaker Series meeting. At some future point, the interview will be available online for Scriptwriters Network members. This is one interview you don't want to miss!

Michael Brandt and Derek Haas are the engaging force behind the fast-paced colorful screenplay “2 Fast 2 Furious,” which grossed over $236 million in worldwide box office. Brandt and Haas also wrote the remake of “3:10 to Yuma” starring Russell Crowe and Christian Bale, directed by James Mangold. Brandt and Haas have the Story and Screenplay credit for “Wanted,” starring Morgan Freeman, Angelina Jolie, and James McAvoy. The writing team is now in pre-production on “Spy Hunter” and “The Courier.” Brandt has recently been hired to direct his first feature film, “Countdown,” based on the Richard Matheson short story “Death Ship” with Haas producing. Latest news: Brett Ratner is attached to direct “Beverly Hills Cop IV” in 2010 based on a screenplay draft written by Brandt and Haas. Eddie Murphy will return in his signature role.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
.

James Jordan interviews Tom Schulman, Oscar-winning screenwriter
.

Amazing Tom Schulman Interview Online Soon

Big thanks to Tom Schulman, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of “Dead Poets Society.” Mr. Schulman provided a world of detailed information during the Scriptwriters Network’s February 14th meeting at Raleigh Studios.

Tom Schulman has either written, produced, or directed films that starred Robin Williams, Bill Murray, Robert Redford, Jim Carrey, Eddie Murphy, Sean Connery, Richard Dreyfuss, Gene Hackman, Ray Romano, and Joe Pesci. During this insightful interview, Mr. Schulman’s answers provided many of the reasons why he has become a major Hollywood talent over the years.

Mr. Schulman shared his unique writing process with the attendees. He walked the writers through the initial development of one of his High Concept ideas. He then explained how he tests an idea to determine if it is funny or will work in a particular context. There was then a discussion about why so many writers fail to achieve success in their writing careers. Mr. Schulman offers some solid practical advice. He even suggested a brilliant writing exercise for the audience to try at home. Following the interview, Mr. Schulman spoke one-on-one with many of the attendees.

But don’t worry if you missed this extraordinary event in person. Soon, you’ll be able to watch the entire interview online via a special link to the Scriptwriters Network's website, (details coming soon).
___________________________________________________________________________________________
.

Everyone enjoy Sherwood Oaks "All Access Weekend"?

Congratualations to the eighty plus screenwriters who participated in Sherwood Oaks College's "All Access Weekend" from January 30-31, 2009. No doubt, you all expanded your entertainment industry knowledge and contacts as you talked directly with producers, agents, managers, and others throughout the course.

James Jordn enjoyed moderating the afternoon Producers Panel and getting to interact with all the screenwriting students at the event. James is now responding to your many e-mail questions.
.
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Great Turnout for Jordan Class at CBS

Over 70 screenwriters and filmmakers attended James Jordan's seminar at CBS Studio Center (in Studio City, CA) on January 17, 2009. The seminar entitled "Avoiding the 'Page 10' Rejection" was sponsored by the Scriptwriters Network.

The event was featured in the May/June 2009 edition of the Scriptwriters Network's online newsletter. This article has been reprinted with permission as a special posting on this blog dated Sunday, March 14, 2010. (Thanks to Susan Bridges, the Scriptwriters Network's wonderful newsletter editor.) The article was authored by Sylvia Cary, a talented writer and a wonderful human being, as well.)

___________________________________________________________________________________________
.

Jordan moderating at Sherwood Oaks College events - Video clips pending

Over the years, James Jordan has interviewed countless film and television guest speakers at various Sherwood Oaks College film and television seminars. These guest speakers included well known writers, producers, studio and network senior development executives, directors, actors, agents and managers, writer’s assistants and many others in the business. These professionals have insightful opinions of what constitutes a great script. They also understand how the business works and the politics of success.

When available, select video clips of past James Jordan’s interviews from certain Sherwood Oaks events will be added to this blog. In the three-part video clips on the left, James was honored to be present at the Sherwood Oaks event where Gary Shusett interviewed the amazing writers Shane Black (“Lethal Weapon”, “Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang”) and James Manos (“The Sopranos”, “Dexter”-Pilot script). Enjoy!


___________________________________________________________________________________________
.

Event Producer at Screenwriting Expo

James conceived and coordinated the “Road to the Oscar®” Panel at 2003 Screenwriting Expo with writers David S. Ward (winner for "The Sting"), Jeff Arch (nominee for "Sleepless in Seattle"), Tom Rickman (nominee for “Coal Miner’s Daughter”), and Nicholas Meyer (nominee for “The Seven-Per-Cent Solution”). Author Linda Seger moderated the incredible panel.

.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
.

Moderator at Screenwriting Expo 2

At the 2003 Screenwriting Expo, James Jordan interviewed Television Writer-Producers Mark Goffman (The West Wing), Marc Zicree (Sliders), Ellen Sandler (Everybody Loves Raymond), and Sunil Nayar (CSI: Miami). The panelists were extremely informative.

.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
.

Returning Moderator at Screenwriting Expo 3

Jordan returned the following year to moderate the Television Writers Panel at the 2004 event. The engaging panel featured J. Larry Carroll (Star Trek: TNG, Tekwar, Stargate SG-1), Jonathan Robert Kaplan (JAG and NYPD Blue), Jan Oxenberg (Cold Case, Chicago Hope), and the hilarious Peter Mehlman (Seinfeld).

.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
.

Jordan Co-Produced Film Series at ArcLight Hollywood

Presented by the Scriptwriters Network, the series “Meet The Writer” and “Story To Glory” celebrated talented screenwriters. Each screening at the Hollywood ArcLight Cinemas was followed by a lively Q & A with the film's writer. On occasion, directors, producers and actors also participated.

James Jordan co-produced the “Meet the Writer” Film Series from September to December 2002. Guest speakers included Ray Bradbury (“Moby Dick”), Randal Kleiser (Director “Grease”), Tom Schulman (“Dead Poets Society”), Joseph Stefano (“Psycho”), Kevin Williamson (“Scream”), Irving Brecher (“Meet Me in St. Louis”), Shane Black (“Lethal Weapon”), David Twohy (“The Fugitive”), Bob Gale (“Back to the Future”).

Bruce Joel Rubin interviewed by Richard Stayton ("Written By" editor)

.
James also co-produced the “Story to Glory” film series from January to June 2003. Guest speakers included David Zucker and Robert Hays (“Airplane!”), Phil Alden Roinson (“Field of Dreams”), Jeff Arch (“Sleepless in Seattle”), Marc Norman (“Shakespeare in Love”), Lee & Janet Batchler (“Batman Forever”), Oscar®-winner Bruce Joel Rubin (“Ghost”), Charles Edward Pogue (“Dragonheart”), David Hayter (“X-Men”), Peter Iliff (“Patriot Games”), and Oscar®-winner Steven Zaillian and Joe Mantegna (“Searching for Bobby Fischer”). James interviewed Steven and Joe at the sold-out screening of the film’s 10th anniversary. A video clip from this amazing interview will be added to this blog in the future.

Jordan with Charles E. Pogue and Oscar-winner Marc Norman
For submission guidelines and questions, please contact: James Jordan
E-mail: CandidCoverage@aol.com, Cell: (714) 402-6308
.