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Author gives tips for turning your book into a screenplay Her advice: 'Face the Fears and Take the Risks Kelly Haratnis CHICAGO TRIBUNE Even though we are noi movie moguls, reader Caryr Amster as^ked us how tc turn a book (such as hei “The Pied Piper of South Shore, Toys and Tragedy ir Chicago”) into a film. And so we turned tc Sara Caldwell, co-authoi of “So You Want to Be a Screenwriter: How tc Face the Fears and Take the Risks,” who offered these tips over the phone from Los Angeles for all us would-be Woody Allens. Turn it into a script. “Collaborate with a screenwriter who is experienced . . . write a script and submit it as a screenplay,” said Caldwell, a freelance producer and 'writer for Amphion . Productions. Tempting as it is to pen a love story about two gay cowboys on a mountain, Caldwell said to avoid what’s hot in Hollywood. “The idea is not to write for the trends . . . write because you’re passionate about the subject,” she explained. Once you have your future blockbuster, Caldwell suggested starting with the Hollywood Creative Directory (Hcdonline.com), which includes a resource guide, job board, e-mail lists and entertainment industry directories. You’ve got the names; now ink the deal — by sending out a query letter. “These days it’s all done by e-mail,” Caldwell said. But “don’t send attachments.” And don’t forget the log line: “one sentence that describes a movie (or project).” Like all future Oscar winners, you’ll need to include a detailed paragraph about the project, as well as noting your writing experience, published books or any relevant awards. If you don’t get any bites, don’t shred the manuscript. Instead, Caldwell recommended: — Screenwriting festivals. “They are good to get recognition,” giving you access to “judges who work in the industry.” — Contests. Why not try the 2006 Illinois/Chicago Screenwriting Competition, accepting submissions through April 17? For rules, see (www.illinoisbiz. biz/dceo/Bureaus/Film/ ScreenwritingContest/). — Networking. “Screenwriting groups (are a great way) to meet someone who might have contacts and experience.” — Agents.' “Many (studios) won’t accept scripts without an agent.” She added: “There are agents in other parts of the country (aside from Los Angeles). It’s better to have an agent in L.A. who has more day to-day contact and who knows people.” — Even with your BlackBerry-toting, Armani suit-wearing power agent, Caldwell said that no one can market you as well as, well, you. So get out there and wow the movie-going public, and . . . make sure to thank us during your Oscar acceptance speech. PLHV • COnTinueD PR0fT19 University in Chicago, he began acting, professionally and continued to do so for 10 years. He then decided to take up directing and is now a third-year M.F.A. directing student at USC. He teaches two courses at the university, but his primary purpose is to direct plays. “Buried Child” will be his last play at the Longstreet Theatre. His father, Walter, is a professor of English at the University of Ohio. He has a Ph.D. in English and has been acting on and off since he was 35. He has acted in such plays as “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” and “The Odd Couple.” He is also an author, having written seven books with two more on the way. After this production, Walter plans to retire from theater. Stephen’s career, however, is just beginning. He works extensively with the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey and is interested in getting into the drama scene in New York, but neither of these are his ultimate goal. “I want to teach,” Stephen said. “I want to educate and inspire other people.” “Buried Child” will premiere at the Longstreet Theatre on Feb. 17 and run through Feb. 26, with most shows starting at 8 p.m. The play runs around two hours and 45 minutes, and the cost of admission is $10 for students and $14 for the general public.. Comments on this story? E-mail gamecockfeatures @gwm. sc. edu hello • connnuED PRom g “I would buy a pool full of Jello and take my friends on a whirlwind trip to Europe.” WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR A KLONDIKE BAR? ....- -••• “I would throw Jaren into a pool full of pufferfish.” WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR SPRING BREAK? “Hot tub extravaganza in Jeffersonville, Indiana. I hope it’s as wild as last year’s.” WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE? “ ‘The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.’ — e. e. cummings” WHAT DO YOU WANT EVERYONE WHO IS READING THIS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? “It was my birthday yesterday. For those of you not on the gift registry, you can contact me via Facebook.” — Jaren Hayes mi • conTinueD PRom 9 have applied henna tattoos in the past. Henna kits can be found on the Internet and at beauty salons, bookstore cafes, head shops, tattoo parlors, art festivals and trade shows. According to Earthhenna.com, a standard henna kit usually contains the following items: henna powder, essential ingredients to mix with the powder, stirrers, mixing cups, applicator bottles, plastic cones, cotton balls, designs and stencils. Another type of ink called “black henna” can be found on the market. However, a public service announcement on Earthhenna.com says “black henna is nothing more than natural henna with a chemical dye added to it.” The announcement goes on to say that black henna “should not be used on the skin” and that 9 it can cause open sores, blistering, life lasting scars, and possible lifelong health problems if applied to the skin. Henna kits come with either henna powder or with ready-made paste. If you buy a kit that comes with powder you must mix it with water, strong tea or lemon juice, and then oil in most cases. Then sugar can be added to get a more muddy consistency. The mixture must then sit at room temperature for at least 24 hours. Once applied to the body with a plastic cone or paintbrush, the paste can be covered with medical tape, plastic or tissue, which is worn overnight to produce a more vibrant reddish brown color. The henna tattoo will last anywhere from a week to over a month depending on the quality of the paste. Comments on this story? E-mail gamecockfeatures@gwm.sc. edu < SHhr:-'. ’- * ■.«-:-aMESS5air^^VL^><^>:i({b>ii.: \i ILrasfiiffli am, ^IJ^ffTiistituted a Monday night shuttle to transport Greek students |j§ from central campus to their chapter meetings, and a Game Day Shuttle to Football Games. B^ 2. Worked with Parking Services and the City of Columbia to remove medians on Blossom Street to add turning lanes into the Village and Coliseum Parking Lots. 3. Secured funding for the purchase of two new shuttles to transport students on campus. 4. Placed security cameras in the Blossom Street Garage, which is characteristically dark, and has one of the campus’s highest crime rates. the environment by campus, sponsoring encouraging the university to establish a campus bike rented program. 6. Created the Congressional Advisory Board as an avenue for students to address their concerns to members of Congress, such as student loans, expensive textbook prices, etc. 7. Implemented the first-ever Carolina Convoy trip to take students to an away football game. 8. Co-Sponsored a bus trip that transported 106 students to Biloxi during their Fall Break to assist with Katrina Relief efforts. 9. Improved communication with the students through a new Blackboard site, Student Government Television, publications, and an Open Door policy giving student full access to the officers. 10. Lobbied for the elimination of the 16 Hr. credit limit and the implementation of a grade forgiveness program, to give students a second chance to improve course grades. BvflHMMMMMiH SSSS&BS&BSE3HESES5&&3BBBBKSI itema bin to benefit I Habitat for I Humanity during I the month I of February. I