Verse Assignment, Casting, Sneak Preview 2010

Well, the verses are all picked and the horses are on the track and running. "Hearing God" is the theme this year and the teams are all very excited at the prospect.

Click here for more Verse Assignment Pics:

(Photos Courtesy of Nathaniel Bluedorn)

As usual, verse night was electro-charged. There's so much anticipation in the room as the producers waited in line for their destiny.

Hollywood Prayer Network Director Karen Covell prayed for all of the competitors and told them that each team has their own personal prayer intercessor at HPN. Pretty cool.

See link to all pics above. During the verse assignment, one gentleman broke down sobbing as the verse he got overwhelmed him. It's always a range of subtitles that God uses to speak to us; some needing a sledgehammer and others, simply a gentle word from a friend.

He wasn't able to share about the verses' personal meaning, but I'm sure in time he will. God is always present at this our holy-est of events.

I remember in 2007, when Chris (who had lost his daughter 8-months prior) got the verse that said, "While he was still speaking, people came from the synagogue ruler’s house saying, 'Your daughter has died. Why trouble the teacher any longer?' But Jesus, paying no attention to what was said, told the synagogue ruler, 'Do not be afraid; just believe.'” (Mark 5:35-36).

Wow. It seemed cruel at the time, but God knew what he was doing and at the end, Chris crossed the finish line with his finished film and was absolutely ecstatic, having finished the race and come through for his daughter. He had also passed many miles thorough the valley of grief and into the brighter days ahead.

As usual, before the verse assignment, we give the teams our best advice and try not to make them suffer too long before giving out the verses.

At the verse assignment, just before the malestrom begins, it's a bit of in-one-ear-out-the-other proposition, but it's our best chance to catch them before the madness of 10-days of pre-production and then (on Feb. 12-19 for the USA), 7-days of shooting, editing and delivering.

This year the main message (with a theme like "Hearing God") was to LISTEN. At all of our events, we have heard countless stories of hearing God, such as the stories 2nd Unit Director Greg Michael ("The Mummy," "G.I. Joe") told of the necessity to be nice and to be respectful of EVERYONE on your crew, because they hold the keys to your life, your production and literally the keys to God's plan for you.

To be sure 168 can be a sleepless, and sometimes hand-wringing time. But, the benefits and personal growth potential is exponential. When do you really grow? When you are faced with insurmountable odds.

People say "wow, you put the filmmakers under a lot of pressure." Not true. We tell them that if they do it right, then all of the pressure goes on The Almighty shoulders and they are along for the ride. Easy to say and hard to do, but miracles happen each year and everyone gets what they need.

Some are forced to drop out and that is hard. But, in general it is a time of testing your limits in your chosen field. The actors, producers, directors, editors, set designers, composers, sound, makeup and everyone else get a chance to MAKE A FILM that will screen at the 168 Film Festival.

It's really such a rush. I know, I did it the first year (2003). I wrote one of the 13 films "New Best Friend" and won second place in the contest. After the breakaway success of year one of the 168 Film Project, I decided that it would look pretty bad if I managed to win the contest I started, so since then, I have stayed behind-the-scenes. The second year there were 53 entries.

Casting was Saturday, Feb. 6th, 2010. It's always a little crazy. Over two hundred actors and dozens of roles up for grabs makes the atmosphere rife with competition, anticipation, hair gel and Starbucks Coffee.

Casting Pics 2010: Click Here (Thanks again to Nathaniel Bluedorn)

I got to run around doing man-in-the-street interviews with many of the actors. It was very interesting to hear them talk. Many had flown in from around the country specifically for the 168 casting and that was very exciting.

This year, we made a much bigger push for online submissions and thus, got many more submissions than ever before, over 1000. Casting coordinator, Susanna Velasquez and Tige Charity have certainly had their hands full wrangling all of the actors. It rained like a flood in the wee hours of the morning, but the day turned out to be exceedingly beautiful.

It was amazing to find out that many of the actors had no idea that the 168 Film Project is Bible based. I asked one girl why she entered and without hesitation, she said I love the competition aspect.

"What verse?" was her response when I told her what she was getting into. She didn't have a problem with the verse. She saw it as an interesting challenge. People are up for learning new things. I think we often make it way harder than it needs to be.

I spoke to another gentleman, an actor who also didn't know the structure of 168. I told him that all the films are based on randomly selected Bible verses and he got that look on his face that says, "Oh... what did I get myself into."

He gave me the standard Cally-speak, "I'm spiritual, but not religious." Then, I told him about the theme, which is "Hearing God," and his eyes lit up. He was passionate about that aspect and excited to be involved.

I pray he got a part and is well on his way to hearing from God. I'm sure he is.

It's been fun. Please pray for all of our efforts. I hope to see you at the Alex Theatre on March 27th.

Soon we will have a complete sneak preview for you of the upcoming films, but here's a taste:

Team #1: W.G. MacMillan - North Hills, CA is making TWO films this year.

Team #3: Christopher Shawn Shaw’s LA cast includes deaf lead actress Lexi Marman, the first deaf/hard of hearing entertainment host hired to perform on the Disneyland stage. They’re shooting on RED with steadicam in LA, Thousand Oaks, and Ojai).

Team #16: Lynda Stein is back for her 2^nd year. She and assistant producer Bruce A. Haase will be Haase: Just wrapped a film with Kate Hudson, and Jessica Alba, and Bill Pullman as assistant producer. Shooting in Orlando, FL.

Team 17: Susan Shearer and Amber Deegan are returning co-producers. Their writer is Elaine Zicree of “The Table” and director Eric Tozzi is also back again with the team. Their verse: John 15:1-2 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. (L.A.)

Team #18: Theo Love - (Anaheim, CA) is back again, new year, new genre…shhh!

Team #21: Owen Kingston - Croydon, Great Britain.

Team #25: Greg Yost/Jimmy Hendricks & Pioneers East Africa - Nairobi Central, Kenya

Team #29: Grace Craig & veteran 168 producer Rebekah Score have elected to make one of our “Write of Passage Spotlight Films,” sponsored by Resurrection Pictures. These films mark a new direction for 168 in that they are from scripts that are already written. The film is entitled “Regular Charlie Church,” and it was the winner of the Write of Passage competition.

Team #31: Newlywed producers Greg and Sarah Williams (Jerusalem, Israel) entry into the "168 Unlimited Documentary" contest is called "Desert Ark." As an unlimited doc, the producer's have picked their own scripture (instead of getting one randomly assigned), Hebrews 11:7 "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith." The documentary tells the true story of a man named Avishi, who helps save victims of the Sudanese refugee crisis as they flee from Egypt and the Sudan.

Team #40: Deborah Brown – Italy. Deborah’s team won best picture in 2006.

Team #46: Onggo Susilo – Indonesia

Team #49: Eddy Nganji – Cameroon

Team #57: Repeat producer Caleb Brown is done with touchy-feely films, at least for now. He plans to make an action film and even blow up a car. He’s reunited with the Holecek brothers once again (“305”, a spoof on “300”: The Office meets "300" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wpa2Qplm8M) and with Joshua M. Bott.

Team #59: Alan Tregoning - Plano, TX. Alan wrote the 168 Write of Passage screenwriting competition winner (“Regular Charlie Church”), but elected to compete in the 168 signature, 1-week filmmaking competition. He may be one of our most prominent writers this time around.

Team #63: Kyrgyzstan is back in play. Always exciting to have such a vastly different cultural entry.

Team #71: Veteran Actor Gwen McGee, (“ER,” “My Name is Earl,” “Monk.”) saw the TBN interview and “had to sign up.” Her lead actor is David Ramsey, who is credited with "Dexter," (17 episodes, 2008-2009), "Hollywood Residential,” (8 episodes, 2008), "The West Wing,” and many others.

Team #72: Producers: Mike Wech and Tim Lowry are back together again. Mike directed in 2008 from a neck brace. They have cast Victoria Jackson, SNL Star from the 1980s (This is her second turn in the 168 Film Project, having been nominated as best actress last year.

Mike had a vision in 2008 of a car crash, so he was preparing to shoot a car crash. Two weeks before the competition, Mike was nearly killed in a car crash. He recovered and persevered as the film’s director in a neck brace. The whole team experienced many revelations, including both Tim and Mike awakening at the same time, but in different households with the same vision for the film. As a result of their process, one of the actors came back to faith and checked into a drug rehab.

168 Film Project Deadline Feb. 1st

Dear 168,

Our annual competition is almost here. The films will all be produced by Feb. 19, the end of the USA Production week (168 Film Festival is March 26-27). Please pray for our filmmakers!

This is our 168 Film Festival Poster Concept (photo by Christina Arena). The Festival is March 26-27, 2010 in Los Angeles.

Saturday's Production Workshop (free and open to all) 1/30/10 at Media City Church 269 E. Providencia Ave. 9:00am-4pm rsvp@168project.com. More info click here:

Internally, we have had the usual financial wrangling and a bit of hand-wringing with the difficult economy, but God is so faithful. He is solving all of our issues even as I write this. We are changing the world through the media! Please pray for us and help support us financially by clicking here.

You filmmakers out there, take note this is your LAST CHANCE TO ENTER A TEAM: Deadline Mon. Feb. 1. We now have 73 teams from 12 states and 9 countries, including Great Britain (2), Kenya, Israel, Italy, Indonesia, Cameroon, Kyrgyzstan, and Mexico. I expect to be very close to our record of 83 teams set in 2009. Register your team here:

I really love our theme this year, "Hearing God." Some of us are on top of the world, while others feel they are barely hanging on. All of us, young and old, meek and bold need to be listening and expecting to hear.

Theme is a big reason why filmmakers jump in. This year they overwhelmingly say they want to do a 168 film because they want to HEAR FROM GOD! We have assured them that they will. God shows up each year on the set, at the awards show and in the verse assignment.

In selecting the verses this year, a funny thing happened. I learned that the well is deep, and I can't understand all of the things the Lord is working through this contest and especially through the theme.

Picking verses for "Hearing God" has been harder than I thought. It did not work to simply search for verse keywords like "listening" or "hearing." This does not allow for full support of the theme. This type of search yielded verses that TALK about hearing, but they are not demonstrative of hearing, making for unsatisfying support of our theme: a bunch of verses about listening/not listening.

So, why is this I wondered? I guess it's a fact that the whole of God's word is what we hear, see and experience when we open the book. I remember that scripture is God-breathed and that we live on every word that comes from God. So the whole of the Bible then becomes fair game, a more complete representation of what we all want, to HEAR GOD.

I hate this expression, because it's usually a lie, but in this case, "IT'S ALL GOOD," meaning all of the Bible is fair game for this exercise of a random verse as the foundation for a film.

As I always tell our filmmakers, the best journey they can take is the one that is completely dictated by the verse, not by preconceived ideas.

NEWSFLASH: 168 FILM PROJECT & NAB SHOW TO PRESENT “FAITH IN FILM” FORUM Wed. April 14, 3:30-5:30 PM at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Click here for more info:

USE our special NAB Show registration by using the code "HF02" - good for free, exhibits-only registration, now until April 1st or $100 off a Conference Flex pass until Feb. 5. Click here to register:

See what it's like producing a 168 Film:

168 Goes to Prison

Here’s a review of my trip to the Pitchess Detention Center, to encourage the inmates by presenting a writing class. This new program is a joint effort with Gary and Cyndi Hall’s Hollywood Impact Studios, which teaches media literacy to those in prison.

Photo-Gary Hall addresses L.A. inmates

Gary is Sr. VP of Post Production for 20th Century Fox TV, a policeman and a jury member for the 168 Film Project. The writing class was taught by indie writer/producer, Derrick Warfel.

According to Founder Gary Hall, "The goal of Hollywood Impact Studios is to bring new hope and a brighter future to those individuals who have been dealt a tough hand in life; to use the art of television and film changing lives and to provide a training ground where Hollywood professionals mentor these individuals in order to identify and develop their individual talent for a career in Hollywood." For more, see www.hollywoodimpactstudios.com.

Driving into the prison, I passed the idyllic landscape of agrarian beauty. The landscape soon gave way to white picket fences and then chain link fences topped with concertina wire to prevent escape.

As I watched, the prisoners were exiting from one of the buildings. Man after man after man was dressed in prison denim uniforms, all with the words “LA COUNTY JAIL” on the back and the pants.

As they jumped up and down for warmth, I wondered why were they there, what had they done? That I don’t know, but they are all in the facility for one year or less. And they will get a second chance.

In the classroom, I had the privilege of introducing the 168 Film Project and the Write of Passage – Prison Edition.

We started the two hour session by relating to them a verse that had come to my attention as I read my Bible that morning at 5:30am. Perhaps against my better judgment, I read Acts 12, the account of Peter’s escape from prison.

It tells how the angel of the Lord came and woke Peter to bust him out of the joint. The shackles fell off and the doors opened by themselves. Later the narrative tells us that Herod executed all of the guards when he heard of the escape. They liked this.

“If God did that for Peter, what will he do for you?” I asked them. More importantly, what will he ask you to do?

To start, I asked who amongst them would enter the upcoming contest and write a script for the Write of Passage – Prison Edition. Less than half of them raised their hands. They’ve had some hard knocks and they didn’t believe in themselves.

I told them how awards are the lifeblood of a young writer, and really (I said to myself) “just trying” to conquer a daunting new task is the lifeblood of building confidence for a new start. We were there to lift their spirits.

Luke 4:18-19: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”

At the prison, the main focus is teaching the basics of writing a screenplay. In future classes, they also will learn short story, stage play and even news writing.

Finally, these men will write a short film based on a theme ("Hearing God") and a verse in a week. The top screenplay will win a prize. Actors will be used to perform some of these scripts for the men. I can’t wait to see their faces on that day.

Derrick Warfel gave the basics of story and gave a fascinating deconstruction of several scenes from the movie “Rocky.” After he showed them basic structure, examples and ways writers manipulate emotions, it was time to conclude.

We gave them a homework assignment to write a short scene. This is a confidence builder. They have two weeks and we will be seeing them again. Next time, we will bring professional actors, who will perform their work.

I asked if there was any bad language in prison. “Duh.” Then I requested that they humor me and write as if they were going to show it to mom. Maybe then they can show it to mom. I told them that bad language is most often a way to artificially heighten the drama in a scene and an excuse for lack of creativity.

I was a little nervous as to how they would react to the purist at the head of the class (me). But, they got it and they were ok with it. They understood that no one is going to turn off a good story just because there’s not enough “f-bombs” in it. Tell all the stories. Just leave out the bad language.

They liked the fact that we are trying to do something new and fresh that creates art that tells real stories, yet does not drag people through the mud of gratuity to get there. There was a sense of mission in this, really. There were smiles.

I asked again, who would be entering a script in the contest. Well over half of the hands went up!

What a great feeling to be able to pump up a group of men and turn them back into a population where hopelessness is a constant; where fear of the unknown lurks around every corner and where getting out may be the most scary of all because of what will or will not be waiting for them.

Please pray that we would be of great encouragement to them.

We talked with some of the men after. They were so very excited to jump in and write.

One told me that as I read the story of the jailbreak from the Bible, he looked at his compadres in shock. He had the same verse written down on his notes from days before. They are working on a skit on that very verse!

He works in mysterious ways.

"BUTTERFLY CIRCUS" WINS THE DOORPOST FILM PROJECT'S $100,000 FIRST PRIZE

Los Angeles, CA - Writer-producers Joshua and Rebekah Weigel were awarded $100,000 first prize for their film, "THE BUTTERFLY CIRCUS," by The Doorpost Film Project Saturday, September 19th at Nashville's Belcourt Theatre.

Brothers Michael and Nick Regalbuto, finalists from last year, won second place and $35,000 for their film "La Premiere." Brent McCorkle, Steven Spielberg's darling on the FOX reality show "On the Lot" won $25,000 for his film "The Rift," and the "Filmmaker's Choice Award" and $15,000 went to Greg Kwedar for "Guest Room."

Photo: Filmmakers Joshua and Rebekah Weigel receive $100,000

at Nashville's Belcourt Theatre

Heartfelt, "The Butterfly Circus," is set during the height of the Great Depression. The showman of a renowned circus leads his troupe through the devastated American landscape, lifting the spirits of audiences along the way. During their travels they discover a man without limbs at a carnival sideshow, but after an intriguing encounter with the showman, he becomes driven to hope against everything he has ever believed.

"The Butterfly Circus" stars Eduardo Verastegui ("Bella"), Nick Vujicic (Life Without Limbs ministry) and Doug Jones (The Silver Surfer, "Pan's Labyrinth").

In the Doorpost Film Project, only ten finalists made the cut from hundreds of filmmakers. These ten received $30,000 each to make a new, 20 minute film based on the theme "hope." http://www.thedoorpost.com/

"Butterfly" producers Joshua and Rebekah Weigel are veterans of the 168 Film Project, a faith-based, global competition in which teams create a short film in 168 hours (1 week). Their film "Stained" won Best Picture in 2008's 168 Film Festival as the first ever film festival award given to a production shot on RED Digital Cinema. "Stained" was produced by Joshua Weigel, Aaron Moore and Jeff Bartsch.

According to founder John David Ware, "Many budding filmmakers like the Weigels begin their film careers with 168. We give them tracks to run on and once in awhile, we're amazed by artists like Josh and Rebekah."

During the first phase of the Doorpost process, "Stained" was the ticket into the contest and became crucial in other ways to the success of "The Butterfly Circus."

According to director Joshua Weigel, "Nearly every day we were facing some impossible feat that only seemed to be accomplished through prayer. The most nerve-racking was getting Nick Vujicic to commit to star in the film. We had pursued him for several months. Our stomachs dropped when he finally said 'no' less than two weeks before production.

But, we kept praying earnestly. Several hours later, we heard that he finally had the opportunity to watch 'Stained' and loved it. Nick called shortly after, still not convinced, but intrigued. Two days later he was on board."

"I am so proud of this group! And who says short films aren't profitable?" said Ware. "The time invested to create films for 168 has paid off handsomely."

Weigel agreed. "What I learned most on my (2) 168 Film Projects is to strive for the highest quality film you can imagine. Going all the way will absolutely attract talented people who will then help you reach that goal. People respond when they see that you're pursuing the best equipment, talent and locations. And that you are willing to spend money, or raise it, if necessary. Filmmaking is done best as a team. It is a great sacrifice for everyone so I've learned how important it is to make it worth the commitment," said Joshua Weigel.

The team included the whole family Joshua, Rebekah, Sydney, Judah and Sylas Weigel directing, writing, crewing and acting, sometimes out of necessity.

According to Joshua Weigel, "Last minute casting and lost locations got us way behind schedule. I lost three composers during post production, leaving me without music only five days before the deadline. Timothy Williams ("300," "The Day The Earth Stood Still") fit us into his busy schedule. He absolutely captivated me with a stunning score and did it in 4 days!

The next steps for "The Butterfly Circus" may involve a cocoon.

"We're working with the Doorpost on distributing "The Butterfly Circus" and are hoping to expand the short into a feature film. There has been a tremendous response to the film (100,000 views in less than three weeks) and we have already been approached by several interested parties," said Joshua Weigel.

"The Butterfly Circus" included "168" alumni Chris Witt-editor, Brandon Lippard-camera operator/additional photography, Jared Isham-second assistant camera, Brandon Griffith-sound designer, Martin Kitappa-production sound mixer, Timothy Williams-composer, Nasira Elias wardrobe assistant, Aaron Moore, Dane Bettis and Brad Bettis. In addition, 168 alumni cast for "Circus" included Mark Atteberry, Doug Jones, Bob Yerkes, Jared Day, Kirk Bovil, and Melissa Disney.

About 168 Film Project:

The 168 Film Project is in it's 8th year, having made over 400 films. Team entry is open now until January 25th for International Teams, and February 1st for USA Teams. Filmmakers are responsible for their own team, production budget and equipment.

After 168's signature verse assignment and ensuing ten days for teams to write, cast and schedule the production, cameras can roll Feb. 5th (international). USA teams (outside SoCal) start shooting Thurs, Feb. 11th, and SoCal teams start Fri, Feb. 12.

Exactly 168 hours later, films must be turned in to 168 or to a mail carrier. Unlimited Documentaries may begin production Sept. 15, 2009. "168" prizes include a guaranteed screening, thousands in prizes and meetings with Hollywood players.

On March 26-27, 2010, the 168 Film Festival will showcase all films and filmmakers, casts and crews. For more information, visit www.168project.com.

168 has also started the 1st Annual Write of Passage Screenwriting Competition, which offers mentoring and critique as part of the process for all writers.

Top scripts compete for $1,000 cash and Hollywood introductions (producer Ralph Winter, "X-MEN Origins: Wolverine") and expert critique from writer/producers Luke Schelhaas ("Law and Order," "Smallville") and Brian Bird ("Not Easily Broken").

All entries will be written in 168 Hours, based on a foundational scripture with the theme: "Hearing God." Writing week is Oct. 19-26 Entry Deadline: Oct. 18th. Scripts are 12 pages or less. Entry Fee: $35. Winners will be announced in November 2009.

http://www.168project.com 818-557-8507, WriteofPassage@168project.com.

The 168 Film Project is a competition, in which films are based on a Bible verse and created in one week (168 hours). The 8th Annual 168 competition occurs in Feb-March 2010. All films premiere during the 168 Film Festival March 26-27, 2010 in Los Angeles, CA.

168 Film Project 2009-2010 schedule: http://168project.com/downloads%5CPR/168Schedj09%2D10%2E1%2E1%2Epdf

View the 2009 extended clip reel at:

http://168project.ning.com/video/168-clip-reel-2009-4-min

Click here to view 168 Film Project, KNBC-TV Coverage 2009:

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/around_town/the_scene/168_Film_Festival_Opens_in_LA_Los_Angeles.html

Weigel wins the Doorpost's $100,000

168 Film Project veteran Joshua and Rebecca Weigel have struck pay dirt. Against all odds they have won the $100,000 prize in the Doorpost Film Project.

After winning a spot amongst 10 finalists, they were awarded $30,000 to make a film. Then all the films were available online to watch and receive votes. The audience voting accounted for 30% of their score, with the bulk of the score coming from an eclectic group of up-and-coming Hollywood judges.

The runners up were awarded $35,000 and $25,000 and the audience favorite received $15,000.

All three placing films had personnel from the 168 Film Project. Jenn Gotzon's film "The Rift" placed third, and Rebecca Brunk was in the second place film "La Primiere," which was helped along by a location from Universal Studios.

More soon.

168's 1st StoryLab with Derrick Warfel

168 Film Project Update: 31 teams from 6 states, USA, Kenya, England and Israel. See website for next StoryLab on Oct. 2nd.

Write of Passage Screenwriting Competition now open: Deadline Oct. 18th, 2009

Friday nite was the 1st StoryLab with Derrick Warfel, Grad of Princeton, Dallas Theological Seminary and USC Filmschool. Derrick is a real wealth of information, due to this and his extensive study of screenwriting and his personal foray into Indie Filmmaking. StoryLab is designed to help writers and directors improve their craft.

Derrick's film was called "The Fall of Night," but he is astutely re-marketing it to react to market conditions. See www.fallofnight.com. He is a wealth of knowledge and a true benefit to the 168 Filmmakers, who get to take his A-Z one-day crash course in filmmaking for free in February! (see schedule www.168project.com). StoryLab is sponsored by the Peter Glenville Foundation.

Here are some quotes from attendees:

"...an eye-opening experience. It (shows) how Directors and Writers should approach filmmaking, whether they are experienced professionals or just getting their feet wet." -Ed Shin

"My only problem was that I couldn't take notes fast enough! UCLA would charge $500 for a class like this!" - Erik Jacobson

"Thanks for putting on the Story Lab last night. I thought it was amazing!" -Luanne Mohr

"... an excellent example of positive criticism! It is a safe place to learn how to improve your craft! I am honored that our film was chosen to be critiqued and I look forward to growing from the experience!" -Amber Deegan

"We're looking forward to having our film deconstructed. It can only help us in our quest to become better filmmakers. Thanks John, Karen and Derrick for all you do for us to make us better at our craft." -Susan Shearer

Why is StoryLab so good? The structure was a huge reason. Derrick started with just enough basic theory to give a refresher for the experienced folks and enough to to whet the beginners appetite for more.

Then we watched "The Test." This film has good and bad, strengths and weaknesses as you might imagine in a made-in-a-week movie. We took an interview scene where the hero is interviewing for a Harvard grant and compared it to a scene in "Flashdance," where the main character Alex, a welder by day and exotic dancer by night, whose dream is to someday be accepted at an illustrious school of dance (played by Jennifer Beals).

She goes to apply for a spot at the ballet conservancy. She rides up on a bicycle. The camera looks down on her as she stares up at the massive edifice of conservancy building. She navigates a gauntlet of revolving doors and impersonal legs and arms and torsos of the dancers, all unconcerned with her and unwilling even to straighten up as she asks for directions to the office.

As she enters the office, there are 3 girls in line to apply for the school. They all look like ballerinas and have their hair worn up. Alex's hair is free flowing and the girls whisper about her as she enters. The secretary repeats instructions to the applicants in an impersonal monotone and the camera reveals the applicant's ballet shoes in sharp contrast to Alex' welder's boots. In the end, Beals runs out and disappears into the crowd on her bicycle past a sign that says END, ONE WAY (comma added for effect).

It's a study in good choices that were made by writer and director, no doubt agonized over for weeks. From the background actors to the camera angles and shot selection, all of these choices converge to make the stakes higher, the odds more stacked against the heroine.

Please make sure to RSVP for the next StoryLab. Seating is limited to the first 25 RSVPs.

The other scene from "The Test" was the one where the hero is tempted to cheat on his college ACT test. We compared this to a scene in "Slumdog Millionaire," where the hero is tempted to cheat by using the answer provided to him by the corrupt game show host. He writes the answer in the steam on the mirror in the bathroom.

If you would like to participate in the exercise, get the films: "Best of 168" for 2009, "Flashdance" and "Rudy." The "Rudy" scene is the one in which the hero breaks into the football stadium he so desperately wants to play in. He later intrudes on Notre Dame coach Ara Parseghian for a forced "interview" with the coach to further his dream.

Your homework is to take and rewrite the scenes mentioned in "The Test" and bring them to the next StoryLab on October 2nd. You are encouraged to meet with friends (wherever you are) to discuss these films and how to improve your storytelling.

Call for Entries for Write of Passage Screenwriting Competition

I am extremely pleased to announce the call for entries for our new writing contest called WRITE OF PASSAGE.  

The competition offers writers the chance to be seen onscreen.  Signups are Aug. 20 - Oct. 18, 2009.  Writing week is October 19th-26th, 2009.

Top scripts compete for awards and $1,000 cash.  Selected scripts will be eligible to be produced by 168 Film Project veterans.  Resulting films will be screened during the Write of Passage Spotlight Exhibition at the 168 Film Festival, March 26-27, 2010 in LA, CA.

The prize package includes a meeting with Producer Ralph Winter ("X-MEN Origins: Wolverine").  In addition, writer/producers Luke Schelhaas ("Law and Order," "Smallville") and Brian Bird ("Not Easily Broken") will provide professional feedback to the top 3 writers.

For more, see press release by clicking on the title link above.

Enjoy!

John