Washington DC Independent Film Festival 2009

Ever wonder why certain scripts get made – and others don’t? This seminar lays out how the entire film business works and will give you strategies for breaking into The Biz as a writer. You’ll explore screenwriting craft – but from the point of view of people reading your scripts (producers, agents, executives, paid readers), learning what makes them shine to certain screenplays - and what turns them off. Learn what mistakes not to make, plus how to pitch and stand out. Appropriate for all experience levels. Panelist Bernie DeLeo has written for TV, stage and screen. He was a staff writer for the ABC-Disney sitcom "Life’s Work." For seven years, he was VP, Creative Affairs for Filbert Steps Productions in New York City, and co-produced "Forever Fabulous" (a Lifetime TV premiere), "Two Family House" (winner of the Sundance Film Festival 2000 Audience Award) and "Runaway" (winner, Austin Film Festival Audience Award 2005). In addition, Bernie wrote and co-produced the Australian romantic comedy "Love In The First Degree" which enjoyed a limited theatrical run Down Under in the Spring of 2006; it is currently available on Netflix and Amazon.com. His horror-comedy script "Stay Dead" is in development with Sydney-based Ghastly Fun Films. Bernie has been a Nicholl Fellowship quarter and semifinalist, and winner of the Final Draft and Philadelphia Film Office screenwriting prizes.

Moderator: Elden Rhoads, Writer and Consultant
Panelist: Bernie DeLeo, Producer, Scriptwriter