Ruth Atkinson
@ruthatkins0n.bsky.social
LA based story editor and script consultant. AKA: Script doula, story therapist, script whisperer. Helping writers, directors and producers bring their stories to life! www.ruthatkinson.com
Boulder it is!
deadline.com/2025/03/sund...
deadline.com/2025/03/sund...
It’s Boulder! Sundance Exits Utah For 2027 Move To Blue State Colorado
Sundance is leaving Utah after 40 years to plant its flag in Blue State Boulder in 2027 in a move that Deadline has long predicted.
deadline.com
March 28, 2025 at 1:17 AM
Boulder it is!
deadline.com/2025/03/sund...
deadline.com/2025/03/sund...
Curious about this new approach to Nicholl submissions and what this change will ultimately mean for emerging writers. Jury is out.
www.indiewire.com/news/general...
www.indiewire.com/news/general...
The Academy Now Runs Nicholl Fellowship Submissions Through Global Program Partners
The Academy has now partnered will global university programs, screenwriting labs, and filmmaker programs for its prestigious Nicholl fellowship.
www.indiewire.com
March 25, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Curious about this new approach to Nicholl submissions and what this change will ultimately mean for emerging writers. Jury is out.
www.indiewire.com/news/general...
www.indiewire.com/news/general...
Another great piece by Rebecca Green, Dear Producer.
www.dearproducer.com/p/the-oscars...
www.dearproducer.com/p/the-oscars...
The Oscars Have Lost the Plot
By Rebecca Green
www.dearproducer.com
March 6, 2025 at 3:12 AM
Another great piece by Rebecca Green, Dear Producer.
www.dearproducer.com/p/the-oscars...
www.dearproducer.com/p/the-oscars...
Lee is the best! Screenwriters don't sleep on this!
Only this month! Screenwriters Support Group has a First Month Free offer going on which will give you access to group sessions, workshops & special guests including a lit manager later this month! Hope you check it out!
#screenwriting #scriptsky
mailchi.mp/leejessup.co...
#screenwriting #scriptsky
mailchi.mp/leejessup.co...
March 1, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Lee is the best! Screenwriters don't sleep on this!
Reposted by Ruth Atkinson
“Our goal is jobs in California. That’s what we see diminishing. That’s why we see people suffering.” www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/bus...
Hollywood Unions Traveling to Sacramento to Lobby for California’s Film and TV Tax Credit Expansion
A coalition including IATSE, the Directors Guild of America, the Teamsters and the Writers Guild of America is gearing up to fight for proposed expansions to the tax incentives program.
www.hollywoodreporter.com
February 28, 2025 at 4:54 AM
“Our goal is jobs in California. That’s what we see diminishing. That’s why we see people suffering.” www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/bus...
Reposted by Ruth Atkinson
Most "professional writers" these days don't make their entire living off their writing, so if making a living off your writing is one of the goals, prepare to do a LOT of legwork yourself, because just writing isn't going to be enough. Promoting yourself & getting paid is a whole 2nd job at first.
if u see this, quote-post with your tips for writers that no one gives anymore because they seem obvious (even though they're not)
February 24, 2025 at 2:48 AM
Most "professional writers" these days don't make their entire living off their writing, so if making a living off your writing is one of the goals, prepare to do a LOT of legwork yourself, because just writing isn't going to be enough. Promoting yourself & getting paid is a whole 2nd job at first.
"I know we are all thinking about Josh Welsh tonight, a true champion of independent voices, and a wonderful, kind human being. We’ll miss you, Josh. We’ll miss you. Long live independent cinema." Sean Baker saying what all of us feel
www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie... @filmindependent.org
www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie... @filmindependent.org
Sean Baker Reflects on Current State of Indie Films at Spirit Awards: “The System Has to Change, Because This Is Simply Unsustainable”
Baker won the best director award for his film 'Anora' on Saturday, and took the opportunity to advocate for keeping the indie film genre alive.
www.hollywoodreporter.com
February 23, 2025 at 2:59 AM
"I know we are all thinking about Josh Welsh tonight, a true champion of independent voices, and a wonderful, kind human being. We’ll miss you, Josh. We’ll miss you. Long live independent cinema." Sean Baker saying what all of us feel
www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie... @filmindependent.org
www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie... @filmindependent.org
This simple tip can have a big impact.
Stressed about following up after a great meeting? Here's the secret: send a brief thank-you within 24 hours, ask permission to stay in touch, then actually wait. Your thoughtfulness matters more than your frequency.
February 19, 2025 at 1:32 AM
This simple tip can have a big impact.
A writer reached out saying I had been recommended to them after a ChatGPT search for script consultants. First time for everything! Maybe AI isn't all bad?
February 15, 2025 at 10:51 PM
A writer reached out saying I had been recommended to them after a ChatGPT search for script consultants. First time for everything! Maybe AI isn't all bad?
With BackStage acquiring Coverfly and Film Freeway they are closing script coverage/competition sites WeScreenplay and Screencraft. Will this change the competition landscape for emerging screenwriters?
www.thewrap.com/backstage-ac...
www.thewrap.com/backstage-ac...
Backstage Acquires FilmFreeway, Coverfly and Voice 123 in $200 Million Acquisition Spree
Backstage adds FilmFreeway, Coverfly and Voice 123 to its stable to serve freelance talent
www.thewrap.com
February 15, 2025 at 10:15 PM
With BackStage acquiring Coverfly and Film Freeway they are closing script coverage/competition sites WeScreenplay and Screencraft. Will this change the competition landscape for emerging screenwriters?
www.thewrap.com/backstage-ac...
www.thewrap.com/backstage-ac...
Read this year's Oscar nominated screenplays. deadline.com/2025/01/best...
The Script’s The Thing: Read All Of This Year’s Oscar-Nominated Screenplays
The 2025 Oscar nominations include a powerhouse lineup of screenplays, with seven of the 10 Best Picture nominees also scoring writing noms.
deadline.com
February 14, 2025 at 1:35 AM
Read this year's Oscar nominated screenplays. deadline.com/2025/01/best...
THIS!
Thoughtful, detailed breakdown on how to give feedback that is helpful, constructive and kind.
Thoughtful, detailed breakdown on how to give feedback that is helpful, constructive and kind.
so my dear friend @josemolinatv.bsky.social told me that to publish this essay about giving notes as a #screenwriting #screenwriter who does #tvwriting would be career suicide - you tell me! okbjgm.weebly.com/uploads/3/1/...
okbjgm.weebly.com
February 13, 2025 at 5:30 AM
THIS!
Thoughtful, detailed breakdown on how to give feedback that is helpful, constructive and kind.
Thoughtful, detailed breakdown on how to give feedback that is helpful, constructive and kind.
#scriptchat on Bsky!
Our first Bsky monthly #scriptchat is tomorrow, Friday, at 5-6pm PT (8-9pm ET)
Easy to join:
1. Search "#scriptchat"
2. Use hashtag in EVERY post
2. Click "Latest" to keep refreshing
It's that easy.
Rinse. Repeat. (1st Friday of every month).
#ScriptSky #WritingCommunity #FilmSky #screenwriter
Easy to join:
1. Search "#scriptchat"
2. Use hashtag in EVERY post
2. Click "Latest" to keep refreshing
It's that easy.
Rinse. Repeat. (1st Friday of every month).
#ScriptSky #WritingCommunity #FilmSky #screenwriter
February 7, 2025 at 4:03 AM
#scriptchat on Bsky!
Reposted by Ruth Atkinson
A quick industry update based on rep conversations I've had this past week as the industry recovers from the fires and gets back to business...
#screenwriting
#scriptsky
#screenwriting
#scriptsky
Industry Update: What Genres Are Reps Looking to Read?
YouTube video by Lee Jessup
youtu.be
January 18, 2025 at 7:35 PM
A quick industry update based on rep conversations I've had this past week as the industry recovers from the fires and gets back to business...
#screenwriting
#scriptsky
#screenwriting
#scriptsky
Reposted by Ruth Atkinson
Would you like a vintage Mo Ryan Rant (tm)? Check this out! In which I talk about a VERY annoying trend in TV, the growing and frequently ridiculous gaps between seasons. What if there was something TV purveyors could do to address this (there is!!)
www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/st...
www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/st...
Previously on ‘Severance’: Who the Hell Can Remember?
It can take years for a streaming series to return for another season. Maybe this one weird trick would help platforms convince viewers to tune in again.
www.vanityfair.com
January 17, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Would you like a vintage Mo Ryan Rant (tm)? Check this out! In which I talk about a VERY annoying trend in TV, the growing and frequently ridiculous gaps between seasons. What if there was something TV purveyors could do to address this (there is!!)
www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/st...
www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/st...
When I used to read for the Sundance labs there was always some odd unique thing that would show up in multiple scripts. Like striped dinosaurs or people stuck in elevators. Rick Rubin attributes this to artists being attuned to universal trends, things that are in the ether. So yes, all the time.
Saw some talk today about accusations of one writer stealing from another. Here's your new year's reminder that two different people can some up with the same idea. It happens with some regularity, in fact. The question is... how is the idea executed. Anyway, it happens all the time. All. The. Time.
January 4, 2025 at 1:56 AM
When I used to read for the Sundance labs there was always some odd unique thing that would show up in multiple scripts. Like striped dinosaurs or people stuck in elevators. Rick Rubin attributes this to artists being attuned to universal trends, things that are in the ether. So yes, all the time.
Grieving the enormous loss of friend and colleague, Josh Welsh. @filmindependent.org
deadline.com/2025/01/josh...
deadline.com/2025/01/josh...
Josh Welsh Dies: Longtime Film Independent President Battled Cancer
Film Independent President Josh Welsh passed away yon December 31 after a five-year battle with colon cancer, the organization announced this evening.
deadline.com
January 2, 2025 at 4:39 AM
Grieving the enormous loss of friend and colleague, Josh Welsh. @filmindependent.org
deadline.com/2025/01/josh...
deadline.com/2025/01/josh...
Managing your finances is vital for longevity in this crazy industry. Check out this upcoming FREE panel from Script Anatomy.
scriptanatomy.com/product/mone...
scriptanatomy.com/product/mone...
Building Wealth for Creatives with Michelle Foti, Business Manager - Script Anatomy
Join business expert Michelle Foti for a panel on building wealth as creative professionals, and successful strategies for planning your financial future.
scriptanatomy.com
January 1, 2025 at 2:01 AM
Managing your finances is vital for longevity in this crazy industry. Check out this upcoming FREE panel from Script Anatomy.
scriptanatomy.com/product/mone...
scriptanatomy.com/product/mone...
THIS.
Reader Question: "Is it realistic to expect a career as a screenwriter?" Short answer: No. Some reflections on how to re-frame the question and cope with the reality of the Hollywood film and TV business. gointothestory.blcklst.com/reader-quest... #Hollywood #screenwriting #writing #scriptsky
December 31, 2024 at 8:22 PM
THIS.
Reposted by Ruth Atkinson
The funny part about the discourse on spec screenplay style and what amateurs can and cannot get away with is ten thousand spec scripts are written every year and fewer than a hundred of them sell so do what you want.
December 31, 2024 at 3:45 AM
The funny part about the discourse on spec screenplay style and what amateurs can and cannot get away with is ten thousand spec scripts are written every year and fewer than a hundred of them sell so do what you want.
I've come to the conclusion that most, if not all, scripts/films are ultimately about self acceptance.
December 30, 2024 at 2:02 AM
I've come to the conclusion that most, if not all, scripts/films are ultimately about self acceptance.
Not to mention the 3-5 years it might have taken the writer to get the draft to the point of attaching a producer.
I'm constantly reminding writers that working on a script for 3+ years is absolutely normal.
I'm constantly reminding writers that working on a script for 3+ years is absolutely normal.
I don't think most people are aware how long it takes to get a film made. I don't even think most cast & crew know since shoots fly by in a month or two. So here's a PSA about how friggin' long it actually takes to make a film, as illustrated by some of this year's awards contenders: 🧵
December 29, 2024 at 1:19 AM
Not to mention the 3-5 years it might have taken the writer to get the draft to the point of attaching a producer.
I'm constantly reminding writers that working on a script for 3+ years is absolutely normal.
I'm constantly reminding writers that working on a script for 3+ years is absolutely normal.
Reposted by Ruth Atkinson
Network TV has been doing this forever. We call it “resetting the table” and you need to remind the audience where they are in the story, especially after act (commercial) breaks.
“So our bloodthirsty perp killed 3 vics and is now in the wind? Well, jeez, we better send McMurtle to go find him.”
“So our bloodthirsty perp killed 3 vics and is now in the wind? Well, jeez, we better send McMurtle to go find him.”
As a screenwriter, I think it's time to call it quits.
December 27, 2024 at 10:15 PM
Network TV has been doing this forever. We call it “resetting the table” and you need to remind the audience where they are in the story, especially after act (commercial) breaks.
“So our bloodthirsty perp killed 3 vics and is now in the wind? Well, jeez, we better send McMurtle to go find him.”
“So our bloodthirsty perp killed 3 vics and is now in the wind? Well, jeez, we better send McMurtle to go find him.”