Friday, February 17, 2023 – The Bay Room at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco is packed for the all-day Writing for Hollywood Summit at the annual San Francisco Writers Conference.
I’m here on a scholarship thanks to the Napa Valley branch of the California Writers Club. I want to learn how to adapt my nonfiction book, The Divorce Seekers – The Intimate Story of a Nevada Divorce Ranch Wrangler, to a streaming series.
The audience is a mix of creatives. Some haven’t written a screenplay yet. Some have and are trying to sell it. We’re all a bit jealous of the gentleman who just sold his screenplay – a medical mystery – to ITV (International Television) in Britain.
The panel of industry professionals addressed:
- What Hollywood Wants (Answer: at the moment it’s horror and murder mysteries.)
- Intellectual Property
- How Books Make It (Adapt) to the Big Screen
- Fade In: Screenplay Formatting
- Bam! Pow! What Makes a Dynamic Script
Takeaways
- Be persistent
- Get used to hearing no, change, and cut – and respond enthusiastically if you want to work
- Be persistent
- Treat yourself to something nice should you make it through any of the 700 hoops it takes to get your brilliant “baby” noticed and produced
- Be persistent
- Do what you’re doing because you’re passionate about it even if no one else cares
- Be persistent
Did you know?
The San Francisco Writers Conference was founded in 2004 by fellow BAIPA members Michael Larsen and his late wife, Elizabeth Pomada.
Coming soon: The Elevator Pitch for The Divorce Seekers
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One of my favorite things about BAIPA is its culture of generosity, the willingness — even eagerness — to share what we have each learned in the process of bringing stories to life. We provide educational programs, networking, marketing opportunities, encouragement, and information on industry vendors and services. And lots of one-on-one advice and mentoring.
We welcome all who have an interest in making connections within the world of independent publishing and learning more about how to publish and sell their work successfully. Together we are raising the standard of independent publishing and helping our members thrive.
Do join us!
—Becky Parker Geist, BAIPA Board of Directors, President
Quick Resources
Current BAIPA members do not need to register for our monthly meetings. The night before the meetings, they will receive the Zoom info. For workshop registration, currently, members get in free for all workshops and will receive the Zoom info the night before the meetings, as well as in the confirmation email.
Thanks for mentioning NVW, Sandra. Sounds like it was a great event!
I’ve attended SFWC in the past and it really is an incredible event.
It sounds like the “be persistent” message really hit home!
Kudos abound. This is quite an accomplishment. Congratulations. Hope you had fun!