John August

Archives for 2004

New answers up at IMDb

QandA

In addition to the questions I answer here at johnaugust.com, I also have a [weekly question-and-answer column at IMDb](http://indie.imdb.com/Indie/Ask/). Eventually, most of the things I address on that site also show up here, but it’s worth checking out the IMDb version for the Ask a Director and Ask a Cinematographer sections, which offer a broader perspective on filmmaking.

One frustrating thing about the IMDb column (which I’ve been doing for a few years) is that there’s no comments section. It’s nice to feedback on my answers. That’s a major part of why I set up this site.

Reading scripts at the WGA library

Education, QandA

I’ve been going through the past Q&As, and another place to read scripts for free is is the [library at the Writers Guild](http://www.wgfoundation.org/library.aspx), on Fairfax and 3rd in Los Angeles. While you do have to read the scripts there, it’s a pleasant environment, and the staff is very helpful.

–Blake
Hollywood, CA

I didn’t even know this library existed, so thanks for writing in. Another great resource is the [Margaret Herrick Library](http://www.oscars.org/mhl/generalinfo.html) on La Cienega, which is run by the Academy. In addition to screenplays, it has clipping files on many topics, and would be the ideal first stop for any research into Hollywood history.

Working, but what’s the next step?

Psych 101, QandA

I live in Los Angeles and have become a frequenter of your website.  Tonight I had an early dinner at the CPK within the Beverly Center and I thought I recognized you there.  I wanted to come over, say hello and let you know how much I appreciated your work both on screen and on this website.  However, I also wanted to respect your privacy.

I am a newly-working screenwriter.  Mostly indie stuff, a couple of writer-for-hire and low-budg re-write jobs; and I’m proud to say I just sold my first script to an indie company.  I just wanted to a) thank you for your site; and b) ask if you could give any advice for writers in my situation.  Guys who pay the bills with writing, but are not yet repped, or working on any huuuge deals.  What a realistic next step could be….

–Joe Wehinger
Los Angeles

Right now, you’re exactly where a lot of readers wish they could be: working in Hollywood. Based on what I could [glean from IMDb](http://imdb.com/name/nm1143055/), you’ve made a short that won awards, and you’re working on one or two low-budget movies. It’s a very good beginning.

There’s no one perfect next step, but over the next year I’d recommend you do the following:

1. Decide who you want to be. An indie filmmaker like [Sofia Coppola](http://imdb.com/name/nm0001068/)? A top-shelf screenwriter like [Scott Frank](http://imdb.com/name/nm0291082/)? Or a multi-media industry like [Kevin Smith](http://imdb.com/name/nm0003620/)? No, you’re not allowed to say “all of the above,” because none of these people would have gotten where they are if they had tried to be someone else. It’s fine to pick anyone as an aspirational figure, as long as it helps you focus on how you should be spending your time.

2. Make sure you’re doing your absolute best work. This sounds obvious, but when you’re on your fifth rewrite for producers you don’t respect, it’s hard to put forth 100%. Do it anyway. Trust that the universe will in some way reward you for that brilliant scene, even if the movie never gets made, and the check bounces.

3. Work on getting an agent and/or manager. No, it’s not crucial, especially if you’re trying the indie route. But regardless of your path, they can take your short and your scripts and hopefully set up meetings with more studios, producers and production companies. I don’t often recommend query letters, but in your case they might be a good idea. Basically, the letter would say that (a) you won these awards; (b) you’re working for these producers; and (c) you’re looking for an agent to represent you because you have just written such-and-such project.

4. Continue to write, obviously. Seek a golden balance between art and commerce: write the most commercial story that you care very passionately about.

And yes, that probably was me at CPK. Thank you for trusting your instincts and letting me gorge myself in peace.

I obviously enjoy talking with other writers — that’s why I set up the site, and why I speak at lots of different events and conferences. But it’s always weird when a stranger comes up to me in a non-film environment. After witnessing first-hand all the crap that actual celebrities have to deal with, I’ve come to cherish my anonymity. I’ll do publicity when it’s appropriate, but I hope to always be able to fade into the background. So, thanks for letting me.

Everyone in London smokes

Charlie, News

For the past week, I’ve been in London working on the last details for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. My eyes have been really dry and scratchy, which made me worry I was geting conjunctivitis (a.k.a. “pink eye”) or a stye (a.k.a. “who hit you?”). For various reasons — stress, lack of sleep — these eye disorders tend to plague me when starting production.

Imagine my relief when I realized the real reason for my miserable eyes: everyone in London smokes.

Now, this is not a slag on Londoners or their great city. Lord knows I love both. But I quickly realized the term “non-smoking room” means that the blankets are not currently on fire. And the non-smoking section of a restaurant is the table without an ashtray.

Yes, I know I’m spoiled coming from Los Angeles, where smoking indoors, or in the presence of any living creature, is considered abhorant. But here’s to social shaming. When I come home from dinner, I want to feel it in my stomach, not smell it on my clothes.

Truthfully, in my week here, I have seen a few people not smoking. But they were children, and looked a little daft.