CSREATIVE CREENWRITING

GO BACK TO SCHOOL WITH

LARRY CROWNTATE TAYLORADAPTS THE HELPCOWBOYS AND ALIENSTURN YOUR WEB SERIES INTO A T.V. SHOWFILM SCHOOL ROUND UP PART 2

Tom Hanks and Nia Vardalos

Ortofon night clubUntil death do us part

Make a lifelong

Ortofon professional phonograph stylus and cartridge systems, feature a full diamond stylus, for minimal noise distortion and accuracy in sound. Our products have led the industry, since 1918. Preserve your vinyl collection with the best and make the committment today.

accuracy in sound

www.Ortofon.com

commitment TO YOUR SOUND

features

14

20

26

34

40

Crowning Acheivment

Help is on the way

Playing Cowboys and Aliens

It’s Showtime!

Film School round up:

Tom Hanks returns to the world of writing and directing for the first time in 15 years. BY DANNY MUNSO

Tate Taylor brings a best seller to the big screen with a little help from his friends. BY JENNELL RILEY

Like a Voltron of screen writing, Mark Ferfus, Hawk Ostby, Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Danny Lindeldorf joined forces to make a quirky title and turn it into a Western/Sci-Fi mashup of epic proportions. BY ADAM STOVAL

Co-creator Dan Bcantinsky talks about the Lisa Kudrow series Web Therapy and it’s journey from the web to showtime. BY LISA LOGAN

Lookng to make the move from school? We have a follow up to our original list featuring the best schools stateside and abroad. BY DAVID BARBA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Tom Hanks returns to the world of writing and directing for the first time in 15 years. BY DANNY MUNSO

columnsPeople and News

now playing

The buzz: Filmakng for teens

Have a young one becoming interested in becoming a film maker? This is the place to start.

8

People: Kyle Ward

One of the industry’s most sought after assignment writers, to Write Sony’s Uncharted Game Adaptation and Hitman 2

10Anatomy of a Spec Sale:

For some wrtiers, sending out at spec is a huge waiting game. But for brothers Shane and Carey Van Dyke is was The Wathcing Hour.

11

Why I write: Jennie Snyder Urman

Getting a majr buzz at indie festivals such as Sundance and SXSW propelled writer-director Evan Glodell into the spotlight.

12

Agent’s Hot Sheet

Then and now it’s Agent’s Hot Sheet’s 10th anniversarycome with us as we take alook at the way things were and the way things are now, in motion picture feature lit.

BY JIM CIRILE

50

Last Words

Keith Merryman, David A. Newman and Will Gluck introduce Friends with Benefits..

BY JIM CIRILE

68A Better Life

More than two decades in the making, Eric Eason and Roger Simon’s story puts a very human face on the sensitive issue of illegal immagraion.

Winnie The Pooh

Stephen Anderston and Don Hall bring one of Disney’s most beloved characters back to the big screen with a sweet homage to the 1960s feauturettes that started it all.BY DANNY MUNSO

54

Captain America

The First Avenger. Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely talk about taking the comic book movie back to WWII.

BY ADAM STOVALL

58Friends with Benefits

The writing team of Keith Merryman and David A. Newman and writer-director Will Gluck fashioned a sophisticated romantic comedy in an era of languishing romance and comtemporay hook ups.

60

TOM HANKSCROWNING ACHIEVMENT

Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts’ new movie, “Larry Crowne,” is, in a nutshell, about a middle-aged man who, after constantly being looked over for managerial promotions at work due to his lack of college degree, enrolls himself in his local communi-ty college, where he finds himself being taught by and falling in love with the lovely Mercedes Tainot (Roberts).Tom Hanks Explains Why He Decided To Direct ‘Larry Crowne’When MTV News caught up with Hanks and Roberts at the press day for the film, we attempted to discuss Hanks’ return to the direc-tor’s chair after a 15-year hiatus (the last film he helmed was 1996’s “That Thing You Do!”), but first the two superstars took a moment to talk about us.I miss VJs,” Roberts lamented of MTV’s onetime team of on-camera personalities.“I miss VJs, too,” Hanks agreed. “I miss, you know, ‘The Rock Hour!’ “ he added, likely meaning “120 Minutes,” hosted by Matt Pinfield, which has been resurrected over at MTV2

14

15

The Guardian’s film critic Peter Bradshaw recently blogged on his desire to think the best of Tom Hanks, despite misgivings about his latest movie, Larry Crowne. Now, new evidence has come to light confirming the impulse: Hanks has reportedly refunded the ticket price of two fans who expressed disappointment at his latest film.The National Enquirer reports that Hanks was filling up his car at a petrol station in the wealthy Los Angeles district of Pacific Palisades when he was approached by a couple who had just seen him in Crowne, which Hanks also wrote and directed. When Hanks asked if they had enjoyed it, the man replied that it wasn’t that good, while his partner politely explained that they had come to expect more from their favourite actor.Hanks is then reported to have apologised and offered to refund their ticket money. He then reached into his pocket and pulled out $25, which the couple eventually accepted.Larry Crowne was something of a passion project for Hanks, who starred as a man who goes back to school after being made redundant. It failed to attract much critical fervour and was also a dud at the box office. Despite having appeared in more than his fair share of turkeys recently, Hanks remains one of Hollywood’s highest paid stars. He was recently reported to have banked $35m last year thanks largely due to his role as the voice of Woody in Toy Story

The Guardian’s film critic Peter Bradshaw recently blogged on his desire to think the best of Tom Hanks, despite misgivings about his latest movie, Larry Crowne. Now, new evidence has come to light confirming the impulse: Hanks has reportedly refunded the ticket price of two fans who expressed disappointment at his latest film.The National Enquirer reports that Hanks was filling up his car at a petrol station in the wealthy Los Angeles district of Pacific Palisades when he was approached by a couple who had just seen him in Crowne, which Hanks also wrote and directed. When Hanks asked if they had enjoyed it, the man replied that it wasn’t that good, while his partner politely explained that they had come to expect more from their favourite actor.Hanks is then reported to have apologised and offered to refund their ticket money. He then reached into his pocket and pulled out $25, which the couple eventually accepted.arry Crowne was something of a passion project for Hanks, who starred as a man who goes back to school after being made redundant. It failed to attract much critical fervour and was also a dud at the box office. Despite having appeared in more than his fair share of turkeys recently, Hanks remains one of Hollywood’s highest paid stars. He was recently reported to have banked $35m last year thanks largely due to his role as the voice of Woody in Toy Story 3.

16

17

We’ve wrote extensively about Web Therapy, the Lisa Kudrow web series that has gone from Lexus Lstudio web series to Streamy-nominated darling to half-hour Showtime TV series. Web Therapy‘s upward ascension will continue in 2013, as it has been officially renewed for a third season.Web Therapy, for the uninitiated, stars Friends alum Lisa Kudrow as a psychotherapist who analyzes her patients via FaceTime. Most of the comedy is derived from her vain, self-important personality, as she feels her methods are more important than her patients problems. To get a good feel for what the series has been up to recently, check out last season’s premiere, which Showtime was kind enough to post in its entirety on YouTube (as it has done with several of its shows).

Web Therapy has featured several high-pro-file guest stars in the past, including Conan O’Brien, Courtney Cox, and Meryl Streep. During season 3, we can expect several more cameos from well-known comedic actors. Matt LeBlanc will be the next Friends star to appear on the show, while Meg Ryan and Jesse Tyler Ferguson will appear as well.The Web Therapy web series has run for four seasons, and is still available on the Lstudio web site. The show’s multiplatform success is a shining example of a web series making the jump to TV, and we’ve spent a lot of time speculating about which other series will make that jump. Right now, my money’s on House of Cards, even if we haven’t seen more than a two-minute trailer of it

34

Lisa Kudrow

BY LISA LOGAN

Lisa Kudrow

We’ve wrote extensively about Web Ther-apy, the Lisa Kudrow web series that has gone from Lexus Lstudio web series to Streamy-nominated darling to half-hour Showtime TV series. Web Therapy‘s upward ascension will continue in 2013, as it has been officially renewed for a third season.Web Therapy, for the uninitiated, stars Friends alum Lisa Kudrow as a psychothera-pist who analyzes her patients via FaceTime. Most of the comedy is derived from her vain, self-important personality, as she feels her methods are more important than her pa-tients problems. To get a good feel for what the series has been up to recently, check out last season’s premiere, which Showtime was kind enough to post in its entirety on YouTube (as it has done with several of its shows).

35

We’ve wrote extensively about Web Ther-apy, the Lisa Kudrow web series that has gone from Lexus Lstudio web series to Streamy-nominated darling to half-hour Showtime TV series. Web Therapy‘s upward ascension will continue in 2013, as it has been officially renewed for a third season. Web Therapy, for the uninitiated, stars Friends alum Lisa Kudrow as a psychothera-pist who analyzes her patients via FaceTime. Most of the comedy is derived from her vain, self-important personality, as she feels her methods are more important than her patients problems. To get a good feel for what the series has been up to recently, check out last season’s premiere, which Showtime was kind enough to post in its entirety on YouTube (as it has done with several of its shows).

Web therapy Showtime’s surprise new hit.

We are pleased to announce that Tate Taylor will be honored with the 2013 Excellence in Directing Award. Taylor will be presented the honor for his contributions to the film industry by award-win-ning actress and The Help star Allison Janney during the 2013 Awards Ceremony, which will precede the Festival’s Closing Night Film, Drink-ing Buddies, on Saturday March 30th. Honoring a filmmaker for achievement in directing, the Vail Film Festival is proud to present this year’s honor to filmmaker Tate Taylor. In 2004, Taylor made

the Vail Film Festival is proud to present this year’s honor to filmmaker Tate Taylor. In 2004, Taylor made his directorial debut with the critically acclaimed short film Chicken Party, which he wrote, directed and starred in. Chicken Party went on to win eight festivals and placed at 12 more. Pretty Ugly People was Taylor’s first feature-length film, which was released theatrically in the fall of 2009. Written and directed by Taylor, this dark comedy presented a complicated shooting schedule and ensemble cast, which gained

Tate Taylor

BY JENNELL RILEY

20

Web Therapy Showtime’s surprise new hit.

Help is on the way

We are pleased to announce that Tate Taylor will be honored with the 2013 Excellence in Directing Award. Taylor will be present-ed the honor for his contributions to the film industry by award-winning actress and The Help star Allison Janney during the 2013 Awards Ceremony, which will precede the Festival’s Closing Night Film, Drinking Buddies, on Saturday March 30th. Honoring a filmmaker for achievement in directing, the Vail Film Festival is proud to present

the Vail Film Festival is proud to present this year’s honor to filmmaker Tate Taylor. In 2004, Taylor made his directorial debut with the critically acclaimed short film Chicken Party, which he wrote, directed and starred in. Chicken Party went on to win eight festivals and placed at 12 more. Pretty Ugly People was Taylor’s first feature-length film, which was released theatrically in the fall of 2009. Written and directed by Taylor, this dark comedy presented a complicated shooting schedule and

Tate TaylorHelp is on the way

BY JENNELL RILEY

20

Tate Taylor

this dark comedy presented a complicated shooting schedule and ensemble cast, which gained Taylor further notoriety as a director and writer to watch. Taylor went on to adapt and direct Kathryn’s Stockett’s novel, The Help. The Help went on to gross over $220 million worldwide, was nominated for the Best Picture Oscar and earned Octavia Spencer an Academy Award as Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Taylor has established a mentoring program based in Mississippi with Stockett that provides creative and structural

established a mentoring program based in Mississippi with Stockett that provides creative and structural mentoring for writers and filmmakers. As an actor, Taylor has a long history of creating outstanding performances and was most recently seen in the 2010 Sundance Grand Jury Prize–winning feature Winter’s Bone. Next up, Taylor will be directing the story of James Brown for Universal Studios with Brian Grazer and Mick Jagger producing, Pharm Girl with Reese Witherspoon and Peace Like a River with DreamWorks Studios. Taylor

21

Hi folks, my new 10th Anniversary Agent’s Hot Sheet column Then and Now is now out in the latest issue of Creative Screenwriting magazine. It’s frickin’ hard to believe I have been writing this column for a decade. That’s an awful lot of 45-minute phone interviews I’ve transcribed... sigh. Seriously, though, writing that column is the best gig in the world. Every time I call these guys up it’s a Master’s course in screenwriting education. The best part is passing all that info along to you guys. That may sound corny, but I always write it from the perspective of, give me something i can use to actually further my career. Since I have been there myself, I kinda know what I’d want to read as a writer trying to break in and get these guys’ attention and navigate the mine fields of the biz.This particular column looks back on the way things were a decade ago versus the way they are now. Quite a few changes in the last ten years -- some good, some bad. In a nutshell, while there are way fewer buyers now, development money and studio deals, new media and foreign companies have stepped up to offer new opportunities and change the playing field. Read all about it only in the new edition of Creative Screenwriting!Not to be outdone, my latest article for Script magazine has also

Hi folks, my new 10th Anniversary Agent’s Hot Sheet column Then and Now is now out in the latest issue of Creative Screenwriting magazine. It’s frickin’ hard to believe I have been writing this column for a decade. That’s an awful lot of 45-minute phone interviews I’ve transcribed... sigh. Seriously, though, writing that column is the best gig in the world. Every time I call these guys up it’s a Master’s course in screenwriting education. The best part is passing all that info along to you guys. That may sound corny, but I always write it from the perspective of, give me something i can use to actually further my career. Since I have been there myself, I kinda know what I’d want to read as a writer trying to break in and get these guys’ attention and navigate the mine fields of the biz.This particular column looks back on the way things were a decade ago versus the way they are now. Quite a few changes in the last ten years -- some good, some bad. In a nutshell, while there are way fewer buyers now, development money and studio deals, new media and foreign companies have stepped up to offer new opportunities and change the playing field. Read all about it only in the new edition of Creative Screenwriting!Not to be outdone, my latest article for Script magazine has also

column

BY JIM CIRILE

50

Agent Hot sheet magazine celebrates it’s 1o year anniversary.

Agent Hot sheet magazine celebrates it’s 1o year anniversary.

51

Hi folks, my new 10th Anniversary Agent’s Hot Sheet column Then and Now is now out in the latest issue of Creative Screenwriting magazine. It’s frickin’ hard to believe I have been writing this column for a decade. That’s an awful lot of 45-minute phone interviews I’ve transcribed... sigh. Seriously, though, writing that column is the best gig in the world. Every time I call these guys up it’s a Master’s course in screenwriting education. The best part is passing all that info along to you guys. That may sound corny, but I always write it from the perspective of, give me something i can use to actually further my career. Since I have been there myself, I kinda know what I’d want to read as a writer trying to break in and get these guys’ attention and navigate the mine fields of the biz.This particular column looks back on the way things were a decade ago versus the way they are now. Quite a few changes in the last ten years -- some good, some bad. In a nutshell, while there are way fewer buyers now, development money and studio deals, new media and foreign companies have stepped up to offer new opportunities and change the playing field. Read all about it only in the new edition of Creative Screenwriting!Not to be outdone, my latest article for Script magazine has also

Hi folks, my new 10th Anniversary Agent’s Hot Sheet column Then and Now is now out in the latest issue of Creative Screenwriting magazine. It’s frickin’ hard to believe I have been writing this column for a decade. That’s an awful lot of 45-minute phone interviews I’ve transcribed... sigh. Seriously, though, writing that column is the best gig in the world. Every time I call these guys up it’s a Master’s course in screenwriting education. The best part is passing all that info along to you guys. That may sound corny, but I always write it from the perspective of, give me something i can use to actually further my career. Since I have been there myself, I kinda know what I’d want to read as a writer trying to break in and get these guys’ attention and navigate the mine fields of the biz.This particular column looks back on the way things were a decade ago versus the way they are now. Quite a few changes in the last ten years -- some good, some bad. In a nutshell, while there are way fewer buyers now, development money and studio deals, new media and foreign companies have stepped up to offer new opportunities and change the playing field. Read all about it only in the new edition of Creative Screenwriting!Not to be outdone, my latest article for Script magazine has also

Kyle Ward To write Sony’s Uncharted Game Adaptation Hitman 2

For quite some time, Sony has quietly been working to develop a film based on the PlayStation 3 game Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune. Now with the game’s sequel getting great press in the wake of E3 (and thanks in part to a fun multiplayer beta) Sony has dropped word that the movie is actually happening. Kyle Ward has been hired to pen the script, which makes his second video game-related announcement in two days (He’s also scripting Hitman 2).Development of Uncharted isn’t a surprise, as it was explicitly designed in the first place to have the quality of a summer adventure film. The story features Nate Drake, a descendant of Sir Francis Drake. Nate is being shadowed by journalist Elena Fisher as he searches for the coffin of his forefather. When found, the object contains a diary that seems to point to El Dorado, and Nate and Elena are soon involved in a run and gun tale featuring pirates, lost gold and mutant humans. THR‘s coverage suggests the film will simply be called Drake’s Fortune.Ward is also on board Fox’s Hitman 2, about which there is less detail available. Variety says that the film begins at the nadir of Agent 47′s career, after which “he must build himself back up psychologically and physically to reclaim his mantle as the world’s most feared assassin.” Eidos has a new Hitman game scheduled for next year, the fifth numbered title in the series, and this script will be based in part on elements of that game.Right now, it’s easy to peg Ward as the new game-to-script guy in town. He already had Kane and Lynch set up at Lionsgate, with Bruce Willis still attached to star, and now these two new projects put him squarely in the video game corner. And while Hitman 2 likely won’t be much bigger than the first film, expect Drake’s Fortune to be heavily promoted as a tentpole, assuming things work out well.

10

Kyle Ward

On

Kyle Ward

On

For quite some time, Sony has quietly been working to develop a film based on the PlayStation 3 game Uncharted: Drake’s For-tune. Now with the game’s sequel getting great press in the wake of E3 (and thanks in part to a fun multiplayer beta) Sony has dropped word that the movie is actually happening. Kyle Ward has been hired to pen the script, which makes his second video game-related announcement in two days (He’s also scripting Hitman 2).Devel-opment of Uncharted isn’t a surprise, as it was explicitly designed in the first place to have the quality of a summer adventure film. The story features Nate Drake, a de-scendant of Sir Francis Drake. Nate is being shadowed by journalist Elena Fisher as he searches for the coffin of his forefather. When found, the object contains a diary that seems to point to El Dorado, and Nate and Elena are soon involved in a run and gun tale featuring pirates, lost gold and mutant humans. THR‘s coverage suggests the film will simply be called Drake’s For-tune.Ward is also on board Fox’s Hitman 2,

11

For quite some time, Sony has quietly been working to develop a film based on the PlayStation 3 game Uncharted: Drake’s For-tune. Now with the game’s sequel getting great press in the wake of E3 (and thanks in part to a fun multiplayer beta) Sony has dropped word that the movie is actually happening. Kyle Ward has been hired to pen the script, which makes his second video game-related announcement in two days (He’s also scripting Hitman 2).Devel-opment of Uncharted isn’t a surprise, as it was explicitly designed in the first place to have the quality of a summer adventure film. The story features Nate Drake, a de-scendant of Sir Francis Drake. Nate is being shadowed by journalist Elena Fisher as he searches for the coffin of his forefather. When found, the object contains a diary that seems to point to El Dorado, and Nate and Elena are soon involved in a run and gun tale featuring pirates, lost gold and mutant humans. THR‘s coverage suggests the film will simply be called Drake’s For-tune.Ward is also on board Fox’s Hitman 2,

Sony HD movie camerasShoot like a pro.