Marilyn Horowitz

Screenwriting Classes, Coaching, and Resources

212-600-1115

What Defines You?

by

Happy Friday!

It’s been an exciting week!

My wonderful NYU students Beau and Kathy completed scripts!

Beau          Kathy

In final my SVA class, we had a party and worked on the logline and Bible for the original series pilot they will write next semester with the amazing Joan Brooker.

SVA 12-13

I attended the Women In Animation party on Wednesday. It was a drawing party with a live model, Dirty Martini, and I had fun doing the first life drawing I’d done in years.

On Thursday, I attended the NYWIFT Muse Awards luncheon. It was thrilling to be in the same room with Laura Dern, one of the NYWIFT honorees. I felt uplifted by the strong women being honored and those attending. A special shout out to some of the friends I got to chat with:

Terry Lawler, Executive Director of New York Women in Film & Television.

Duana Butler, Program Coordinator

Avis Boone, Actress/Photographer

Diane Fraher, Writer/Director

Ronit Pinto, Writer/Magazine publisher

Bob Siegel,  Entertainment lawyer

Muse Award 1   Muse Award 2

Muse Award 3   Muse Award 4

NYWIFT is currently having a membership drive!  For more information on this organization and the benefits of becoming a member, visit the NYWIFT website.

A quick exercise:

  1. Name three objects that define you. For example, a notebook, tango shoes and my cat are objects that define me.
  2. Set a timer for 5 minutes.
  3. Write a sentence or two about the qualities of and how each object defines you. For example, my notebook is a dark red, medium sized, unlined moleskine . It defines me because there are clues to me that can be inferred: I like red, I like high quality notebooks, and the plain sheets allow me freedom to write, doodle, and draw.
  4. Set the timer for 5 minutes again.
  5. Write a brief story about the first time you connected to the object. For example, I discovered these notebooks, which come in packs of three, when I went on a trip and wanted a special notebook for each country.
  6. Repeat both exercises for your main character, villain/obstacle, and love interest or buddy.

You will find out a lot about your imaginary characters – and yourself!

Here’s to your successful writing!

Professor Marilyn Horowitz