Mon, 21 December 2015
Taking a break from the screenwriting world for a second to talk about an important and all-too common issue. The holiday season is for some the most joyful, fun and carefree time of year. For others, the holiday season can be a genuine struggle with depression, addiction and suicidal tendencies. The battle for mental health is one of the biggest and most important challenges of anyone’s life. Yet far too often we feel helpless to fight our own demons or don’t know how to help loved ones with their torment. I’m joined by Elizabeth Lombino. In addition to being my friend for 30 plus years, Elizabeth is a licensed clinical social worker and writer on the subject of depression. In this interview, she goes over some of the why’s and how’s of why the holidays can be so hard. We also talk about real, practical ways one can help themselves and how you can you help others. There’s no clear cut answer to these very real dangers people struggle with – but there are ways to help. I hope this insightful interview offers some light in the storm to those who may need it: For those who need who help or want to help those in danger of suicide, don’t hesitate call this number: 1-800-273-TALK: For more on the suicide prevention hotline: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ For more on Elizabeth and her writings: Elizabeth’s Suicide Is Not A Choice piece: http://elizabethlombino.com/2014/08/12/suicide-is-not-a-choice/ My own thoughts on mental illness and suicide:
Direct download: HTD_SPECIAL_3_ELIZABETH_LOMBINO.mp3
Category:The HTD Express -- posted at: 5:00am EDT
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Mon, 23 November 2015
Writing music feels like voodoo to me so it’s with great pleasure I welcome composer Kyle Newmaster to the show. Kyle is a classically trained musician who studied jazz before turning his hand to movie soundtracks. A lifelong fan of the movies, Kyle has scored a variety of films including “Where Hope Grows”, “ABC’s Of Death 2”, “Something Wicked” and “The Myth Of The American Sleepover.” With “Star Wars” in the air, we also touch upon Kyle’s work on video games for the famous saga. Kyle gives us a detailed rundown on how a movie score is completed, from those first notes on a piano all the way to orchestration. The process is not that different from that of screenwriting as we found many similarities in our discussion. Sometimes creative endeavors seem impossibly daunting but Kyle offers great insight on how to tackle them one step – or note – at a time.
Links
Direct download: HTD_EXPRESS_38_KYLE_NEWMASTER.mp3
Category:The HTD Express -- posted at: 8:43pm EDT
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Fri, 30 October 2015
Screenwriters constantly have to do deal with feedback and notes. They should always be listened to and considered. But then there’s THOSE reads. Those reads that say “this script is horrible” or “you can’t write.” Festivals and coverage services can be great sources for criticism but you run the risk of sometimes getting that kind of reaction.
Joining me to talk about how to handle that is Jennifer Sharp. Director of the feature film “I’m Through With White Girls” and an award-winning screenwriter as well, Jennifer shares some of the soul-crushing reads she’s received. But she also talks about how that doesn’t have to be the end. This a great conversation about having the resiliency to block out those who hate your work and finding the people who will love it. Enjoy:
-How do you deal with rejection?
-Can on prepare for the “no”?
-How to answer notes that change the fundamentals of the story?
-The shattering of the vision - what if the reader is right?
-Which notes to take, which ones to throw out.
-Getting feedback from those who KNOW how to read a script/treatment.
-Should you get notes/reads from people who like your stuff or people who are impartial or like other genres?
The Handsome Timmy D Express is proud to be a part of: The Dan & Travis Show Podcast: An Awesome Thing http://thedanandtravisshow.libsyn.com/ and The Chronic Rift: A series of podcasts that attempt to "find the culture in pop culture." http://www.chronicrift.com/
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Mon, 27 July 2015
There’s a lot happening in the entertainment industry outside of Los Angeles and New York. One American city that’s become a hotbed of production over the past 10 plus years is beautiful Boston, MA. And one guy who’s been a part of that production explosion is Chuck Slavin. Transitioning from in front of the camera to behind it, Chuck has worked positions from Production Assistant to Driver to Production Coordinator to Assistant Director building his career in the industry.
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When not working on set, Chuck has also been a huge advocate and champion for the State tax credits that are keeping productions coming to Massachusetts. Combining enthusiasm and practicality, Chuck has become a master at networking in New England. This is a great listen on how to network but also a look at some do’s and don’ts when it comes to etiquette on set. Enjoy.
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Fri, 10 July 2015
Daphne Ashbrook is an actor who has probably appeared in your favorite show. With a resume in theatre, film and television shows ranging from “Knight Rider” to “Murder She Wrote” to “NCIS” to “The OC,” just to name a few, Daphne’s honed her craft into an incredibly successful career. She is a favorite among science fiction fans as well for being one of the few people to appear in both “Star Trek” and “Doctor Who.” In recent years, she’s branched beyond acting by releasing several albums “Grace Notes” “All Good Dreamers” and penning a memoir on acting “Dead Woman Laughing.”
Daphne’s latest adventure is writing, producing and starring in a new short film, “Once More, With Feeling.” Inspired by a true and frightening turn of events during a trip to Joshua Tree, “Once More, With Feeling” tackles intense issues such PTSD and suicide but with a humorous slant as well. As you’ll hear, Daphne’s indefatigable spirit is sending her on an artistic journey where she has to relive her fears. This is a great and inspiring listen which brings home the courage needed to bring your vision to life. Enjoy.
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LINKS Once More, With Feeling IndieGogo fundraising site
Once More, With Feeling FB page
Once More, With Feeling website
Daphne Ashbrook Official FB page
Matthew Jacobs’ “Doctor Who Am I” website
Direct download: HTD_Express_35_Daphne_Ashbrook.mp3
Category:The HTD Express -- posted at: 6:42pm EDT
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Wed, 10 June 2015
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Here's how Tim describes this episode: "What happens when you discover a powerful emotional connection to someone three times your age? Gregor Collins tells us in his open and honest memoir “The Accidental Caregiver” which was turned into a stageplay that premiered in January 2015. In 2008, Gregor found himself employed as caregiver to famous Holocaust refugee Maria Altmann. What occurred from there was an unexpected journey which opened up Gregor’s mind and heart in ways he could not have predicted. Gregor Collins is a writer, actor and producer based out of New York City. Like myself, he’s got an extensive career in the world of reality TV. The Accidental Caregiver and other works has propelled Gregor’s career in new directions that have made him realize that living the creative life means taking control of your own destiny. During this interview we talk about the emotional honesty needed to be an artist but also the courage to stop waiting and start doing. Enjoy."
LINKS You can buy The Accidental Caregiver here: http://www.amazon.com/The-Accidental-Caregiver-Legendary-Holocaust-ebook/dp/B0092GS96K A trailer for the book is here: For more on the film Goodbye Promise: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goodbye_Promise Gregor Collins on IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1859942/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1 Gregor Collins on twitter: twitter.com/gregorcollins Comment on this episode here.
Direct download: HTD_EXPRESS_34_GREGOR_COLLINS.mp3
Category:The HTD Express -- posted at: 8:34pm EDT
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Sat, 23 May 2015
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Here's how Tim describes this episode: "Trying to tackle the subject of real-life science in a fantasy series as varied and long-running as Doctor Who is no easy task. But Simon Guerrier and his colleague Dr. Marek Kukula have risen to the challenge. “The Scientific Secrets Of Doctor Who” blends new fiction while tracing the role of science in the show’s history. Sometimes the science in Doctor Who is dubious but sometimes there’s examples of brilliance accidentally come true by the wildest of ideas. And of course, science has served as inspiration to the show’s many writers. Simon Guerrier is multi-published author of Doctor Who fiction, writer and producer of Big Finish audio stories, notably the Bernice Summerfield adventures, contributes both fiction and non-fiction to many publications and has even made a few films with his brother Thomas. He and I have whiled many hours talking the wonderful world of Doctor Who. This interview explores the show’s history but also the nuts and bolts of putting together a project as ambitious as “The Scientific Secrets Of Doctor Who."Enjoy."
LINKS The Scientific Secrets of Doctor Who will be released June 4th: http://www.amazon.com/The-Scientific-Secrets-Doctor-Who/dp/0062386964 Don’t take our word for it. The book is already getting great reviews: http://www.cultbox.co.uk/reviews/books-a-cds/the-scientific-secrets-of-doctor-who-book-review For more on Big Finish and their wide range of stories: You can find Simon online here: Simon & Thomas’ movie can be found here: http://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/cleaning-up-download-957 Simon’s Headshot by Lisa Bowerman: Comment on this episode here.
Direct download: HTD_EXPRESS_33_SIMON_GUERRIER.mp3
Category:The HTD Express -- posted at: 10:19am EDT
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Sun, 17 May 2015
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Here's how Tim describes this episode: "As a lifelong wrestling fan, I’m thrilled to welcome third generation pro wrestler Chavo Guerrero to the Express. In 2014, Chavo became involved in an innovative new program, Lucha Underground which combines Lucha Libre with Grindhouse Cinema. Made by Mark Burnett Productions, airing on Robert Rodriguez’s El Rey Network and importing Luchadors from Mexico’s premiere Lucha League, AAA, Lucha Underground brings all those worlds together to make a hybrid wrestling show never seen before. Chavo Guerrero tells us he came to be involved in Lucha Underground not only as a wrestler but as a producer, helping to design wrestling matches for television. We also talk in-depth about why screenwriters should study the storytelling techniques of pro wrestling. And also, Chavo tells us how his wrestling career prepared him for his recent ventures in action films. A fun listen for wrestling fans & TV buffs alike. Enjoy."
LINKS For more on Lucha Underground: http://www.elreynetwork.com/originals/lucha https://www.facebook.com/LuchaUnderground https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaVwpbqM8dkhQvbL8XileAA For more on Chavo Guerrero: https://twitter.com/mexwarrior http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0346144/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1 Comment on this episode here.
Direct download: HTD_EXPRESS_32_CHAVO_GUERRERO.mp3
Category:The HTD Express -- posted at: 9:30am EDT
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Sun, 19 April 2015
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Here's how Tim describes this episode: "Sometimes when thinking about making a short film, it’s easy to get caught up in the limitations of the format. “There’s not enough time to develop story or surprise people.” Filmmakers Stacy Gueraseva and Travis Rust have made a short film that disproves those misconceptions. The just released “Synergy” is a short they made in February that’s a topical comment on social media and infomericals with plenty of comedy, twists and turns. Stacy Gueraseva is an experienced magazine editor and non-fiction author. You may recognize her name for her book “Def Jam Inc.” Travis Rust is a seasoned unscripted TV editor and has made short films before. In addition to their own experience, they assembled a trusted cast of talented people. As a husband & wife team, this is Stacy & Travis’s first film together. They tell us how they divided their labor but also trusted their instincts and welcomed the input of their cast & crew. Enjoy."
LINKS Calise Hawkins on Funny Girls on Oxygen Comment on this episode here.
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Tue, 7 April 2015
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Here's how Tim describes this episode: "Episode 30 of the Express welcomes a fearless filmmaker from a production company that’s tackling important stories head-on. Writer/Director Ramon Hamilton founded Think Ten Media Group along with his wife, Producer Jennifer Fischer. Think Ten is telling stories of very human struggles with some of today’s most important issue as their backdrop. This week sees the launch of their new web series The wHOLE which is an unflinching look at solitary confinement. Ramon endeavors to look at all sides of an issue within his story without losing the intimate, human element. We also talk about how he embraces the limitations of shooting on a smaller independent budget. This is a very informative listen for people looking to write important dramas and for people who want to make movies but don’t have access big studio money.Enjoy."
LINKS Comment on this episode here or by writing john@chronicrift.com.
Direct download: HTD_EXPRESS_30_RAMON_HAMILTON.mp3
Category:The HTD Express -- posted at: 8:25pm EDT
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