Recently we spoke with an author who had contemplated going to the Filmmaker's Roundtable for some time.  They were somewhat skeptical of the authenticity of the process and if indeed results would even matter.  Their questions were legitimate and it made me stop and want to ponder these.

What has been amazing for our team are the real relationships we have come to know in the past four months of our existence.  More and more studios are really looking for good stories, searching for content and where do they go?  Many screenplays are being written by WGA screenwriters, but they are being passed over, why?

Our team believes the basic story elements of great films are missing core diagnostics which we have identified, review carefully and make recommendations which are logical and consequential to the outcome of the story.  The pay offs, the rewards and the character arcs are all so vital in great films for them to work, you can't ignore them.

Wonder Woman came out and like the majority of mass film audiences, I reluctantly went  with low expectations.  I could not have been more surprised at the outcome.  What a fun film that combined present day, mythology and World War II.  The classic sacrifice came at the end and the pay offs to the villain and the arc of the character pleased everyone.

DC Comics is to be sent a BIG CONGRATS on taking their screenplay to a high level. I so enjoyed watching the film and have now seen it twice because I wanted to study the writing even closer.  Often when I go to a movie, the first watch is more from a fourteen year old mind (which is not far from mine, even though I am 59).  However, the second time I see a film, I am breaking story down, diagnosing audience reaction, looking at the plot lines and how they all come together.  

If you want a good lesson in great screenwriting, TWELVE YEARS A SLAVE, WONDER WOMAN, PRIDE & PREJUDICE and many wonderful classics like SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION can be watched over and over, pleasing audiences every time.  This is a great test of a great story, when you want to keep watching the film.  The other night, I saw SEA BISCUIT again and every bit of that film made me smile.  A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN is another amazing script, just start digging for them.

Hopefully, it is our prayer at the FILMMAKERS ROUNDTABLE that through our review process, through excellent filmmakers and award winning writers, we can bring stories to light in new ways.  Sometimes, the form responses are difficult to swallow, but we believe if you work hard, listen to the counsel of veterans, you can join this crusade to make great cinema using outstanding story telling techniques.

Remember this, if the story is not on the page, it will not be on the screen. Great stories will make great screenplays when the execution is precise.  This is why great screenwriters are so invaluable.  We have many we believe in because of their skills, who they are and their success.  Don't listen to the critics either, they have no idea most of the time what is real, at least in our world.  Stay with your dreams and don't give up, in the end, there may be a rainbow waiting.

God bless,

​Coach KMAC 

Why dream, when it is so much easier to just simply give up?  Everyone can give you a long list of why you should stop your dream, not push forward and give up.  People on some occasions can and will innately be selfish and skeptical of all dreamers or people who believe something could be better, right?  I mean, isn't it easier to life a life where you just simply exist.  Dreams fail most of the time, at least this "lie" is where we miss the boat. 

I don't think this is the way anyone should live or plan. As a content creator, an imagination guy or even an idea merchant, you have to realize how important you are and your dreams.  Don't let the nay sayers of your life try and push your dreams into the dirt.  Walt Disney was a classic example of a man who never gave up on his dreams.

People wonder, why do we take time to do free television programs on FILMMAKERS ROUNDTABLE?  Because people who can't afford to go to film college, have no real one on one connection to filmmakers can get answers to important questions.  We can help all people with no real financial reward, but the opportunity to create impact is worth it.

If you have a book which you believe could one day be a film, then let me say, "Don't worry about having a crazy thought of going into cinema".  Yes, it is going to be hard and yes, you will have to sacrifice.  Oh my goodness, you might even have to pray about it all, but I can tell you, there is nothing more joyous than believing in your dreams and acting on them.

There are a number of authors I know who will never entertain something larger or a bigger vision.  However, to those who are willing to go the farthest mile, we will be joining you in your own prayer vigil.  You don't have to hire us to be an encouragement group, because we believe in dreams and we are dedicated to people who see more than what is before them.

Don't try to build a dream alone.  We are made to live in community and if you need resources, find a team.  If you need people who will believe with you, search for them and find them.  You have so many opportunities when you dream, but the road is less traveled and will stretch you.

Thank you for believing and remember, never, never, never, never, give up.  

Believing with you,
​
Coach KMAC