You like me! You really like me!

Well, the 2004 TSA officer elections were held and, wouldn't you know it, Hell finally froze over. I've served on the TSA board for the past several years but always have put off tossing my hat into the electoral ring for one reason or another. Good reasons, mind you. Time constraints. Business. Family. Rotation of the earth, etc… But, as luck would have it, Fate blindsided me. So here I am. Duly elected President of TSA for the next year. And proud, I might add, that the membership has faith in me. I'll try to always do you right.

In keeping with my habit (some might say fault) of trying to hit the ground running, I have high expectations for the coming year.

I will build on the solid structure put in place by previous administrations. And I've got some new ideas about how to make the TSA an even cooler place than it already is.

Keep checking the calendar on the The TSA web site (The button is over on the left). Over the coming months we plan to bring some heavy-hitter speakers to our weekly meetings.

The web site figures to be an even more important asset in getting information out to TSA members. Watch your E-mail basket for new features coming soon.

We hope to provide several mini-seminars in the coming months that will enhance your knowledge of the art and craft of screenwriting.

Our annual screenplay contest will continue to draw critical acclaim and attract worldwide notice. This year's contest will be the best yet!

For those TSA members in the Nashville area, please check out our weekly meetings at Watkins Film School every Wednesday at 7:00 PM. It's a great place for members to receive quality feedback from experienced writers on your story's premise, synopsis or script pages.

I highly recommend you check out the new, improved Story Premise Worksheet on the web site. TSA spent a lot of time to make this writing aid as powerful and helpful as possible. Follow the simple directions and answer the questions on the worksheet. It may provide the answers you need to help you pen the world's next killer script.

Thanks to outgoing president Glenn Whelan for an outstanding job. Glad you'll still be VP. Pick me up when I fall. Thanks to Chris, Paandrea and the rest of the TSA board.

And last but definitely not least… Bon Voyage to Dennis and Diane Burton. They're shoving off to LA to pursue their screenwriting dreams. We all wish you luck and success. You've both honored the TSA as past Presidents of the TSA. I have been honored with your friendship. I'll miss you.

Here's looking forward to a great 2004!

Take care.

Jeff Chase
President

Hello Friends,

This is my final newsletter as President of the TSA, and although that can be a relief for some, it can also be a mixed blessing. At least for me. More on that later as there are a couple important announcements.

2003 Screenplay Competition Winners!

First, I get the pleasure of informing everyone of the winners of the 2003 Screenplay Competition. It was another tough year as there is such a wide variety of stories and techniques. We do our best to narrow down to the script that is not only interesting, but also strong in structure.

Before we continue on to the only thing that most of you really care about, I have to bore you a little longer to thank everyone who used their gifts to bring the three scripts to the front. Thanks.

The Winners...

Supply your own drum roll please. Click on the photo for a larger picture.

The Third Place Script receiving $250:

The Second Place Script receiving $500:

Big time congratulations to all...

An important reminder: Readers have no idea who has written what script and from where they are sent... Most of the scripts that were submitted cam from the Los Angeles area... Our three winners, from right here in Tennessee. Lets hear it...

Thank you to all those who participated. Keep writing, always making sure your story is clear.  Check out some of the writing tips and worksheets on the TSA website for some practical tools. And next year, lets see you on the top... Deal?

For those of you who participated and are not currently members of the TSA, please consider joining us. the more members we have, the better support we all receive and that allows us to continue having great meeting seminars and contests.

Meeting Notice

there are only 2 meetings for the remainder of the year. December 3rd and December 10... They promise to be enlightening and I hope to see you there. the board is also meeting on the third and will be planning a little Holiday Party for those interested. Please check with the TSA website for more information after December 4th.

My Signoff

Again, this is my last newsletter and although it may not be very presidential, it's what I can offer. I look forward to working with the next President to continue making the TSA the best possible organization for promoting the art and craft of screenwriting.

As a non-profit organization, we certainly all benefit by keeping our memberships up to date.

All the best,
Glenn

Hello Friends,

Just a Reminder. Our first meeting of 2004 Will be on Wednesday, January 14. At that meeting we will hold elections for that years board of directors. Please consider being on the board. It doesn't require much extra of your time, usually just an extra half an hour every few weeks. And it's rather rewarding to know that you are keeping this great organization moving forward. If you have any questions about involvement, please contact any of the current board members.

Additionally, we will be having an online vote over the next few weeks. If you are reading this letter and have not been receiving emails from us, please email your address to us here.

All the best,
Glenn

Hello Friends,

I know I had promised that you wouldn't have to read my musings anymore but...

We've got a couple items to discuss..

First our Holiday Party. We're gonna meet this Wednesday Night, December 17, 2003, 7 O'clock in the evening at Scully's. Danny worked out for a bit of FREE APPETIZERS, so lets all partake! There is a map to Scully's at the bottom of this release. We hope to see you there... Come join in the festivities.

Secondly, Our first meeting of 2004 Will be on Wednesday, January 14. At that meeting we will hold elections for that years board of directors. Please consider being on the board. It doesn't require much extra of your time, usually just an extra half an hour every few weeks. And it's rather rewarding to know that you are keeping this great organization moving forward. If you have any questions about involvement, please contact any of the current board members.

Additionally, we will be having an online vote over the next few weeks. If you are reading this letter and have not been receiving emails from us, please email your address to us here.

All the best,
Glenn

Hello Friends,

Our screenplay competition has reached the final round. We received several offerings, most from out of state. Here are the 10 finalists. They are listed alphabetically, not in any place order.

The upcoming issue of Fade In will feature more information on these scripts including the screenwriter. Until the scoring is done, we intend to keep that information anonymous.

Thank you to all those who participated. Keep writing always making sure your story is clear.  Check out some of the writing tips and worksheets on the TSA website for some practical tools.

As a non-profit organization, we certainly all benefit by keeping our memberships up to date.

All the best,
Glenn

Hello Friends,

We've got a home!
Finally after much deliberation, WATKINS has again come through with a room for us. Starting Wednesday, September 10, 2003 we will meeting in room 608. It's sometimes an editing room, so it should suit our needs very well... According to our contact at Watkins, the Wednesday Evening schedule is pretty crowded, but there should still be plenty of parking when we arrive. So we'll see you there, Wednesday evening at 7:00.

While Watkins was in flux, many of us were meeting at MERCHANT's downtown Nashville. It is a fancy schmancy restaurant that opened it's doors - and it's third floor to us. It served us well. (And the food was top-drawer as well.) Kudos go out to our own Danny Wright who stuck his head out pretty far to get us the gig.

The Screenplay Competition
We are well into the second round of judging at this point and we will soon have our finalists. We've received a lot of entries, many from out of state which brings me to a couple questions... Where was your entry? and What can we do to inspire each other? You know, to get something on paper? If you've got the next big film rolling around in your head, nobody else is going to see it. Get it on paper! Sign-up for a read at one of our weekly meetings. Sure, we are pushy, but you'll be thankful in the end. Now, if I could only find the answer to biggest question of all: Who let the dogs out?

The Premise
We all want our story to work. But when you talk to people out in Hollywood, the biggest problem with most scripts is in clarity. That is why, for many years, the TSA has been using the Premise Worksheet. With this form, you are forced to identify the most basic structure elements in your story. Ask anyone who has used it, if you can conquer this simple sheet and use it as the through line for your story, you've made your job a lot easier. the Premise Sheet is, like most other forms and worksheets, available on the TSA website under the "Writing Tips" section.

At a recent meeting, many of the TSA members had a deep discussion about both the Thematic and Story premise worksheets. After all the shattered plates were cleared, our own Pete Kremer stepped up to re-work the forms to support our current standards. Thanks Pete for doing an excellent job. In the meantime, we will examine the new forms by committee and make them available to everyone on the TSA website as well as at our weekly meetings.

As a non-profit organization, we certainly all benefit by keeping our memberships up to date.

All the best,
Glenn

Hey folks ,

It is true! By popular Demand we have extended the TSA Screenplay Contest for an entire month. So if you are one of the thousands who just couldn't get the last few pages written in time for the August 1 deadline, you've been given a brief reprieve. So get writing! Don't wait until the last week of August to get your work completed! The new deadline is September 1st.

If you are having difficulty getting your script on the page, we may have just the answer for you. If you haven't been to a TSA meeting for awhile, get in the car this Wednesday and head to Watkins. We meet at 7:00, usually in room 501. The group constantly works to improve the feedback given to readers. Additionally, we put some time into valuable "Educational Sessions". You might just hear the thing you've been looking for. We'll see you there.

As a non-profit organization, we certainly all benefit by keeping our memberships up to date. Down at the bottom of this emailed newsletter, you'll find the current status of your membership. If you are one of the lucky few who receive their membership on a promotional status, we thank you for all you've done to help improve and promote the TSA.

In the meantime, enjoy the 130 degree heat. That's too hot to be outside, so get to writing!

Hello friends,
I hope everyone is having a productive summer. Hopefully, you are working towards a screenplay. If you are not, give it a bit of time. You won’t regret it. If your time is filled with picnics, white-water rafting and blueberry picking, then give your story or idea an outline or a brief synopsis. Something to get it out of your head and on the paper. That’s a big, important step. Suddenly you can look at it and beat a few problems.

If you are well beyond that stage and you have finished or are nearly finished with a screenplay or two, then we’ve got something else to talk about…Of course, I’m talking about the 2003 Screenplay Competition. You’ve only got a couple of weeks to get your screenplay submitted for consideration, it must be postmarked by Friday, August 1, 2003.

Why should you enter a screenplay contest? Back in May, the TSA hosted two evenings devoted to the "Business of Screenwriting". The event was lead by Hollywood Producer Catalaine Knell and Screenwriter Robert Franke. It was a sobering conversation and those who attended were certainly given a dose of reality. One of the major themes discussed was how difficult it is to break into Professional Screenwriting while living in… Pulaski, Tennessee. One way around that however is to win one of the 5 big screenplay competitions run by the Hollywood Studios. Well, you won’t see the TSA Screenplay Competition listed among those, but having your screenplay judged among hundreds to see how it merits is a great learning experience before it is judged amongst thousands in Hollywood.

Now if you are the winner of the TSA Screenplay Competition, some Production Companies will read your script, something any bozo off the street can’t accomplish on their own. And the $1,000 cash prize doesn’t hurt either. ($500 for second place and $250 for third place). So, get writing, Remember Postmark deadline is August 1…

So, hopefully you saw the first email newsletter. While we haven’t got all the bugs worked out, I hope you find it a suitable substitution to the hard copy newsletter. We will still mail out hard copy versions, but they will only be quarterly and should then include all the TSA news that’s fit to print. Not only does it save the TSA a load of printing and shipping costs, but also it encourages you to use your computer. After all, that’s the only place you can access the TSA website. We’d rather devote our limited financial resources to something that strongly benefits us all, bringing in speakers from Hollywood.

Throughout the email newsletter are “Hyperlinks” that when mouse-clicked will take you to the TSA website where the material is actually housed. Dial-up users will suddenly find their computer connecting to the Internet. (Dial-up users will also hear one of teh most horrific noises to ever grace human ears.) The email newsletter content is just a launching point for the more involved website. So, if you are intrigued by a newsletter offering, you can click on it to access more detailed information. As far as content goes, we will continue to strive to help share great learning information to promote your art… your craft.

We will have regular meetings throughout the rest of July, so I hope to see you on 7 of the clock Wednesday Nights at Watkins. If I won’t be seeing you, enjoy the rest of your summer. Good luck with your Screenplay Competition entry….

Keep writing
Glenn

It’s really starting to feel like summer. The kids are out of school, the pools are open, the burgers are grilling, I’m eating more Meatball Parmesan subs and the major studios are releasing their blockbuster films, hoping the hype will eclipse the weaknesses in their product. Okay, the meatball sub entry may be my own personal summer tradition. So, with the heat upon me, I sit by the pool and ponder ‘What are they writing out by the pools in Hollywood?’

On May 28, the TSA welcomed 2 special guests that planted that seed in my head. Producer Catalaine Knell took a break from Los Angeles for a couple days and joined Screenwriter Robert Franke in Nashville. For that Wednesday evening, we took our focus off of the “Art” and “Craft” of Screenwriting and placed it on the “Business of Screenwriting.” I found the evening informative and quite often sobering. The discussion continued as many of us retired to “Logan’s Roadhouse” for beverages and peanuts. (We were specifically forbidden from throwing peanut shells on the floor that evening… I have no idea what that was about.) The following evening, the TSA sponsored a second discussion with Catalaine and Robert held at the Border’s Bookstore on West End Blvd. Both evenings filled the seats and made a strong impact. Be sure to watch the TSA calendar for more great events.

May was a busy month for the TSA. In addition to the Business of Screenwriting Event and rolling out the TSA online bulletin board, we also acted as sponsors for the second Renegade Independent Film Festival. RIFF as it called by the unpretentious, is the brainchild of Mark Naccarato who deserves kudos for pulling it off. Other TSA members also represented in the fest include Zac Adams directing the thought provoking short film A LITTLE CHANGE written by Bob Giordano, and then David Van Hooser tugged at the heartstrings with his powerful entry THE FUNERAL MAN. Congratulations go out to Mark and all of the participants. For information on a replay of the 2003 film offerings in Franklin, visit the RIFF website:

Elsewhere on this website, you’ll find information on the 2003 Screenplay Contest. Want to see how your work stacks up before sending it off the Hollywood? Get it into the TSA by August 1 and see if you’ll be judged among the top entry. If so, you’ll receive $1,000! Second and Third Place receive $500 and $250 respectively. For complete information, check out the contest section.

I hope everyone has a wonderful summer. See you on Wednesdays.

Keep writing
Glenn

Hello friends and welcome to the Internet. The TSA is finalizing the 2003 Screenplay Competition, we’ve rolled out a new online discussion forum, the Academy Awards have happened and I’ve recently gotten the second worst haircut of my life.

2003 Screenplay Competition
We are finalizing the details for this years contest. So dust off that old manuscript… or write a new one. Put your work to the test. We have an August 1 postmark deadline for submissions. Click the Contest Info button to the left for updates.

TSA Feedback Forum
One of the coolest things going right now for TSA members is the online Discussion Board. It is the brainchild of the TSAs own Jeff Chase and we thank him for his efforts. Access the board directly from the button to the left. While there, you can post any question… thought… challenge… whatever comes to your mind in regards to screenwriting. It’s a lot of fun and a cool learning environment. I’ll see you there…

Academy Awards
Handicapping the Oscars is a load of fun for most movie geeks (Many of us included.) I don’t know about you, but I didn’t do too well this year. Quite often, I find many of the results elusive. With the exception of a few of the TSA members living in the Los Angeles area, most of us don’t see the full page Variety ads, billboards on Hollywood Blvd. and marketing campaigns that help generate nominee interest. At my place in Nashville, I make my picks based solely on personal tastes. Whether you picked the winners or not, we can all learn something from the nominated films. In the two screenplay categories, what were the elements that made those ten screenplays shine? What would you have done differently?

I’ve run out of space so you’ll have to trust me about the horrible haircut.

Get writing!
Glenn

After I was officially elected President, a strange hush fell on the room. Unfortunately, that eerie silence was broken by desperate and ungodly calls for a recount. With that speed bump behind us, I tackle one of my first duties as Prez, The "President's letter" - The INTERNET VERSION...

I must admit I was surprised by the attention placed on the Tennessee Screenwriters Association elections. Sure, I knew that the organizations bylaws provide us with “Board” guidelines and in the past several years I have seen many a ‘regime change’. But, I consistently forget the phone calls and politicking that run hand in hand with filling spots on the board. You’d think it would be a chore getting people who are willing to devote energies to a job that pays less then sitting home on the couch. But, that’s not the case. Instead, people who have gotten something out of their TSA membership have chosen to give something back in the way of time and talents. That crew is the new TSA Board of Directors. This year, there is a nice mix of new blood and old timers on the board. We will strive to keep the TSA an informed and invaluable resource.

I would be remiss if I didn't thank the previous administration for a great year. Especially the President and Vice-President, Diane and Dennis Burton. Both are extremely dedicated and valued examples of the great people in the TSA. Their dedication is so strong that they married to strengthen the TSA administration. (Some would argue with my logic, but they can dispute it in next years President's Message.) Whatever Dennis and Diane's reason for hooking up, we are a stronger organization because of the two of them. Diane brought a unique brand of energy to her Presidency.. And I'm not only referring to Feng Shui energy.. Thank you for raising the bar so high.

In closing, I'd like to share a true story. It easily expresses the double sided sword that the Presidency wields.

For me it's not done for 50 more weeks. In the meantime, I pledge to work for the betterment of the organization to the best of my abilities.

Keep writing.

Thanks for having me,
Glenn

January/February 2003

Glenn Whelan
President

After the elections were over, many of us headed to TGI Friday's for brews and bobble heads. While walking through the parking lot to the front door, I came upon Dennis and Diane getting out of their vehicle. Unaware of my presence and with a load of responsibility off of her shoulders, Diane sighed "I'm glad that's done.."

The TSA wants to help you get your script in front of the Hollywood A-list. How's this for a starting line-up?

And that's just the As and Bs. More production company names to follow in future issues of the newsletter.

October 2002

Diane Burton
President

Greetings!

Please note; There is no TSA meeting on September 11... the board has voted to stay home with loved ones Wednesday to remember 9-11-01. Value your time with your family and we'll see you the next Wednesday, which brings me to some very exciting news. We are set to rejoin with Watkins for our meeting space! As you've probably heard, they are now headquartered in the old AMC Theater just past Fountain Square. The parking lot is big, secure, and well lighted. Over this summer, the building was strategically transformed into very comfortable accommodations . We look forward to many years of association. The meetings will start at 7:00 PM. We'll be posting a map on the TSA website soon.

I had several people respond to the quest for new blood to fill the shoes of old, some from as far away as Memphis (thank you, Lewis!). We still need those few people to step forward and take the reigns for next year. It doesn't really involve that much time... just ask some of the current board! We're looking for someone to assume the critical duties of Treasurer. Chris Farran has done a fantastic job, but I doubt we can convince him to serve in that capacity for a third year... Chris?

Several newsletters ago, I forgot to mention Al McKenna when I listed the T.S.A. participants in the R.I.F.F. extravaganza. So... I'm relieving some of my guilt by giving you an update on Al's short film. Sorry, Al, that I overlooked you. So, here's a few words from the not-so-silent director himself...

Good luck, Al... how 'bout it, TSA? Any character driven (read: inexpensive to shoot) scripts out there?

Now, once again, it's time for another great reason to be a TSA member... our Outreach Program. All TSA members are eligible to submit scripts to our panel of judges. For $20, you'll receive feedback sheets from two different readers designed to critique key components of your script(s). If you progress to the second round, you'll get more in-depth feedback. Those scripts determined to be finalists by our point system can be submitted to an impressive list of production company contacts we've developed over the past few years.

Check out the partial listing of production companies who've agreed to read recommended scripts by clicking here.

It's a virtual who's who of the Hollywood A-list movie makers! Please take advantage of this opportunity to polish your screenplays and get them in before October 31st. Remember, in this competition you're only judged solely against your own work. If we get 10 great scripts we determine to be finalists, then all of them earn the right to be submitted. There is no cash prize, but according to many past entrants the feedback pages alone are worth the price of admission. Don't let this unique opportunity get away. Get your script together!

Your Prez,
Diane Burton

July 2002

Diane Burton
President

June 2002

Diane Burton
President

One of the most powerful offerings members get from the TSA is professional quality feedback. Sure, your friends, family and co-workers love your screenplay, but how will it go over with Hollywood readers?

The TSA uses Hollywood standards when it reads your screenplay, but within the Producers Outreach we will also provide you with feedback, both complimentary and constructive. It can guide you in preparing your script for the Big Screen!

The next Producers Outreach is coming soon so watch the TSA website for more information.

On July 10, 2002, the TSA Wednesday meetings resumed at a new date and time. Watkins School of Art & Design had been our home for awhile and experienced are-location of their own. In the interim, the TSA met at 7:00 at Mere Bulles in Brentwood, Tennessee. Even though Mere Bulles is a wonderful dining establishment, the TSA met on the second floor and continued to offer attendees professional feedback to their screenwriting offerings. The experience was great and we all owe a lot to Mere Bulles. Who knows, we may be stopping in their occasionally.

5102 Maryland Way,
Brentwood in Maryland Farms
Phone: 615-467-1945

On June 20th, Nashville held it's first RIFF to great audience response. Seven Independent Films were shown of which five were created by TSA members. Those included:

For more information on the RIFF,
go to their website Here