Writer's Drift restart

Well, I utterly failed to keep posting here at least once a week. As I was once told by Kathryn Corrick - a social media consultant - maintaining a blog requires a huge amount of discipline. Boy, she wasn't kidding.

Since my last post I've made a short film - Goodbye - which is running in the Virgin Media Shorts competition. And completely forgotten to maintain its blog - something I'm going to change soon.

I've been getting my head around Twittering (follow me at @rcosgrove). It really is strangely addictive.

I've finished a screenplay, had it read at Script Tank (which you can read about here blog post) where it was pulled to pieces, and I've begun work on rewriting it.

And now I've seen that the Red Planet Prize screenwriting competition is due, so I need to get a pilot episode of TV show finished by the 31 July. I have a premise, all I need now is a plot.

I've also updated this blog, with notices about the kind of freelance work I'm available for - script reading to proof reading. Just click on one of the links about to find out more.

And I'm trying to start The Screenplay Club (Twitter: @screenplayclub) - it's a book club, except for screenplays. Currently it's homeless, as it doesn't have a venue. But that will change shortly.

That's the update done with. The next post will be something actually interesting. Really.

New Producers Alliance shuts for business

This is not good news, at all.

(From an email sent out to NPA members.)

The New Producers Alliance has closed for business. It is with great regret that the Executive Committee and Trustees announce that the New Producers Alliance ceased trading on the 8th March 2010. The recession and increased competition for training have contributed to a loss of membership income which, having taken professional advice, has left the directors of the two companies with no option but to close. The NPA has been a valued and respected resource for independent filmmakers since its inception in November 1992 and has provided help, advice and assistance to over 10,000 producers, directors and writers over the years. The NPA has attracted a membership of many energetic people, passionate about their projects, embodying the independent spirit. Some of these were members on their way to achieving great things. But there have been countless other great moments, such as learning a trick or two at a training event, meeting a new collaborator at NPA networking event or button-holing someone you admire at one of our panels or a business breakfast. The Executive committee and Trustees applaud all our members, past and present: long may our filmmakers thrive. We would also like to thank the many companies, organisations and individuals who have supported the NPA in the past. Special thanks too to all the hard-working staff and volunteers who have made unique contributions. If you have any comments or memories that you wish to send us, we have set up an email address: newproducersalliance@googlemail.com

Are you professional? The test

However much I admire what Raindance does for the UK's independent filmmakers, and enjoy their newsletter, there are times when it has me spitting venom.

This is the latest bit of their newsletter that really grates: 

"Those of you who know me, will know that for years I have dabbled at home - drawings, painting and a bit of writing.

"Christmas time this year, I realised that to move ahead with these creative projects, I needed to spend more than just 2/3 hours a week.

"My New Year's Resolution was to spend at least 10 hours a week pursuing these pastimes. 

"But what does that make me?  

"Here's my theory:

• 2 hours or less per week - hobbyist
• 10 hours per week - talented amateur 
• 20 hours per week - semi pro 
• 40 or more hours per week - professional" 

This view - you're a professional if you spend X amount of hours doing something - gets in my nerves, no matter who says it.

I've met plenty of writers who spend a great deal of time justifying why they are a professional writer: they write a certain amount of words a day; they writer for a certain length of time a day; they're respectful to other people; they meet deadlines; they take pride in their work; they’re always open to criticism for every quarter; they read every book, magazine and blog on writing they can find; or their spelling and grammar are impeccable.

While behaving in those ways are laudable, and will help you become a professional writer, they won’t turn you into a professional by themselves.

This is how to tell - with absolute certainty - if you are a professional writer.

Answer yes or no to the following question: Do you get paid for your work?

If you answer “yes”, you’re a professional.

If you answer “no”, you’re an amateur.

Professionals get paid for their work. Amateurs don't.

As the catchphrase goes: Simples.