Writers in the spotlight

Stefanie Frith

Write what you know. Do not be afraid. If you have something to say,

say it. Do not take no for an answer.

These were just a few of the suggestions offered to around 200 people

who came to listen to the nine speakers at a screenwriting seminar at the

Newport Beach Central Library onSaturday. The talk was part of the

Newport Beach Film Festival’s free two-day filmmaking workshop, which

ends today.

People started gathering as early as 8 a.m. to make sure they got

seats for the workshop, which had to turn people away from the

screenwriting portion for lack of space. Audience members were warned at

the beginning by moderator Arnold Kunert that if they chose to leave

their seats after the first session, they would have to wait in line

again unless they had someone hold their place.

In the 9 a.m section, screenwriters discussed topics such as the state

of film today and what it was like to be blacklisted in the 1950s, as

well as what is needed in order to survive the often brutal entertainment

industry.

Other workshops on Saturday included tips on production design,

directing and cinematography. Today’s workshops will discuss special

effects, film music composing and how to start out in the entertainment

industry.

Most of those in attendance at the screenwriting workshop said they

have scripts in progress.

“I actually have already sold a script to Warner Bros.,” said David

Schniepp of Newport Beach. “I thought the seminar was a lot of fun, and

it’s great how many people showed up. I think people all feel that

screenwriting is attainable to them, more so than becoming a director. I

just like the idea of getting paid to make things up.”

Panelists at the screenwriting seminar included David S. Ward (“The

Sting”), David McKenna (“American History X”) and Del Reisman (“Little

House on the Prairie”). Marc Scott Zicree (“Star Trek: The Next

Generation”) also joined the panel, as well as Elaine Zicree

(television’s “Real Story”), Bernard Gordon (“Earth vs. the Flying

Saucers”) and Val Guest (“Casino Royale”).

“I think it was born in me to write,” said McKenna, who grew up in

Newport Beach. “I used to dream up scenarios. You just have to have

something to say.”

Today, however, what one wants to say in film may not be what the

industry leaders are looking for. Film studios used to be run by

filmmakers, like Jack Warner of Warner Bros., yet today, are run by

businessmen, said Gordon.

“What it comes down to is money,” said Gordon, who was blacklisted

from Hollywood in the 1950s and for years worked in Europe as a writer

and director. “The studios have been taken over by conglomerates. And

then you get films like ‘Titanic.’ Oh, I hope I am not stepping on

anyone’s feet here.” At this, the audience snickered and laughed.

Ward said a lot of what goes into film today depends on the audience

that will be watching them.

“We have really seen the rise of power of the teenage consumer,” said

Ward, whose Oscar-winning film, “The Sting,” was screened at the

festival’s opening night. “Unfortunately, it’s a lower budget and not

very sophisticated. Even watching ‘The Sting’ again, the pace is very

slow at times. And kids today are used to shorter scenes and quick

cutting.”

Ward does offer some hope though.

“I think that now, movies are evolving,” he said. “They aren’t quite

there yet. But people are aware of what’s gone before and after.”

After the seminar had ended, Reisman expanded on Ward’s analysis.

“We see a lot of huge event productions now and remakes rather than

hearing original pitches because it’s something that people already

know,” Reisman said out on the patio, where the audience gathered after

the panel. “You don’t see a lot of films like ‘You Can Count on Me,’

which is a shame because films like that have character. But I think soon

things will change because actors are going to start demanding better

roles. They can only be stick figures in films for so long.”

FYI

What: The Collaborative Art of Filmmaking

When: Noon to 1:30 p.m., Special Effects; 1:45-2:45 p.m., Film and

Television Music; 3-4 p.m., Starting Out.

Where: Newport Beach Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach

Cost: Free

Call: (949) 253-2880