Marvin V. Acuna

I recently read the book “One Small Step Can Change Your Life” By Robert Maurer, Ph.D.  Its core message is based on the Japanese technique of achieving great and lasting success through small, steady steps.  He calls it, The Kaizen Way.

Each of the following people listed below all took one very small step, they simply responded to my call to action. I wish each of you an extraordinary 2009!

Marvin, first let’s start with 2008. My goals were two. One: To have you represent my work, and Two: To have Nic Cage star in “Crusader.”
Specific, clear, took the steps to accomplish both goals, followed by action after action to assure I’ve done all possible in both areas.
While the 2008 goals have passed, undetered, my new goal for 2009 is to film a trailer for “Crusader” and have it in Hollywood by June. By the time the trailer hits, I will have finished the trilogy based on “Crusader.”

Dear Ron:

Happy New Year! Thank you for sharing your goals with me, both the 2008 and now 2009. If you have submitted Crusader via our production entity, we will search through our queries and read it. If you have not, I will have my assistant contact you to request a copy. A few years back I partnered with Saturn Films to produce a picture, unfortunately a deal with the buyer was never reached. I know, bummer.  

Nothing would please me more than to discover a new property to share with Saturn… so let’s have a read.

As for 2009, continue to proceed forward with the trailer, very exciting. Taking control of your own destiny, now that’s a professional!! Please share the link to trailer when it’s done.

May Your Life Be Extraordinary,

Marvin V. Acuna

 

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Goals:
1. Re-write 7th screenplay, SUPER, before my birthday, 3/16. Committing 1-2 hrs/day.

2. Conclude research and begin 8th screenplay, ISS, late spring. Research and treatment in progress.

3. Receive compensation (option/sale) for screenplay 6, Charioteer. Secured agent and quiried all viable production companies. To date, 16 scripts requested… fingers crossed.

Question:
I still have a day-job, writing and producing DVD special features and theatrical trailers and there are days I feel like my head is going to explode. How many scripts do your writers work on at any one time? Is it a personal thing or is it common for writers to \”multi-task?\”at any one time?

Dear Martin:

Happy New Year!

Wonderful set of specific goals. Your experience writing and producing DVD special features is invaluable. It makes sense why you were successful in generating a positive response to your queries. My gut tells me you have a strong logline and write a compelling query letter, nice!

As far as your question, I have found that it’s an individual thing. Some of the writers I work with have numerous projects going on at once. For example, I have a writer who sold a pitch, two television ideas, wrote a new spec (while the deals were being concluded) and prepared a take on a book for an A list director. He also took a number of meetings and has an offer to write for them too. He loves what he does and is a big believer in having a number of projects going at once since he doesn’t know which one will actually get the green-light.  

Another writer just finished delivering a script to the studio and while he is waiting for notes will start on a new spec. When he receives the studio notes, he’ll stop working on the spec and focus solely on the notes. He’s a one project at a time guy. In the end, it has to be your call.

May Your Life Be Extraordinary,

Marvin, thanks for another great tip.

My goals are to sell/option my script River Key & to complete two more screenplays this year. I am sending query letters, making new contacts, & writing everyday to achieve these goals.

I will be attending your class & screening in March. Thanks for the opportunity.

Gary Sanders

Dear Gary:

Happy New Year!

I sooo look forward to meeting you in person! The live event is exactly 60 days away from today, that’s plenty of time for at least a first draft of one of the two screenplays you intend to write, right?

May Your Life Be Extraordinary,

Goals for next 90 days: Continue to learn the craft by (1) attending the McKee genre conference in Los Angeles; and (2) UCLA Extension classes beginning mid-January.

Continue to market spec scripts. Meet with producer of optioned screenplay to check progress/future projects. Network with producer friends of good friend here during visit.
But send out no script until it is ready to be shown. The script itself is the ultimate sales tool if executed to perfection.

Develop mentor relationships with working professional writers.

Continue to create new product using studio-style approach to screenplay writing. Write an act — get professional editor feedback. Polish. Then to second editor. Working on three screenplays at once. Build support team of friends and pros that compliment my talents by strengthening my weak areas.

Stay positive and active. Take time away from writing to workout, stay healthy, and give adequate time for thinking.

Dear Stephen:

Happy New Year!

Awesome goals, best of luck in 2009!!!!!

May Your Life Be Extraordinary,

My main goal is to help director Misha Zubarev find funding for my script ‘Souls of the North Wind’ which we are both passionate about.

I plan to continue to enter features and short scripts into select contests in the hopes of placing higher, especially the contests that send back judges notes and advice.

I’ll continue to work on the sequel to ‘Souls of the North Wind’ and improve the original.

Dear Chrissy:

Happy New Year!

Below is a link to an article that may inspire fresh ideas to aid you in your search for funding.

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/business/la-ca-finance23-2008nov23,0,6488242.story

Kick ass in 2009.

May Your Life Be Extraordinary,

You’ve read my mind again.
Representation is my goal for 2009. I did subscribe to the HCD and I have built an electronic data base of companies to whom I am preparing to send my latest querry. I am also a newly minted member of the Northwest Screenwriters Guild in Seattle.

I’m preparing to pich some stories at the next guild meeting as well. My business cards are ready, so is my story and the little leave behind catalogue of my works-in-progress.

I like what Peter Guber always says, “You have to be active in your own rescue.”

Thanks again Marvin,
Michael in Seattle.

Dear Michael:

Happy New Year!

I love Seattle. One of my dearest friends lives there. While there I was introduced to a very tasty dish in a Thai restaurant, I believe it was Northern Thai cooking, damn, damn good!

Congrats on your new association and being ready. I agree with Guber and am very excited for you.

May Your Life Be Extraordinary,

Can’t disagree with your action plan… specific, break it down, take action…

I think you should then emphasise that all other goals you might have as a screenwriter are predicated upon the fact of having written a great script.

Dear Lawrence:

Happy New Year!

Thank you for your thoughts.  But, I must say that I have read great scripts that will never be bought or made and bad scripts that are sold and now in production. Finally, I’m not asking you to respond, I’m simply sharing my thought process in business that was eloquently phrased here.

Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘Press On’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.

Calvin Coolidge (1872 – 1933)

 May Your Life Be Extraordinary,

Good evening Marvin,
Before I get into my goals for ‘09, let me state what a service you are doing for writers, although many of your tips would be wise to heed regardless of occupation.

My specific goals for ‘09:
–Sell my latest comedy, Agitated Angel (days 1-90).
–Finish my first suspense/thriller, Forced Addiction (currently outlined) and begin marketing (days 1-90)
–Receive a development deal as a writer for hire. This will be accomplished through a pitch meeting arranged either by myself, or my agent. (days 1-120)
–Provide the script as necessary to accomplish the above (days 1-180)
–Conceptualize, begin, and complete my next comedy feature (days 181-365)

I have allowed a substitution for any of the above, as I recently completed writing a sitcom pilot titled, The Mamaluke for Take Two Entertainment. While what ensues with the sitcom is out of my hands, should Take Two accomplish their goals, I will be a main contributing writer for the show.

Dear Rick:

Happy New Year!

Thanks for the kind words and I agree whole heartedly. This is a business and it should be approached that way.

May Your Life Be Extraordinary,

 

Hi Marvin,

Happy 2009 to you too.

My New Year\’s Resolution is to get one of my flagship screenplays optioned. In addition, I am setting up goals for writing new scripts.

At this point, I am working on a plan of action to get my scripts in as many Producers\’ hands as possible by putting together a logline, treatment, and Plan of Action for each script.

Thank you for the tip about how to contact agents. Does the PGA have a directory too?

Thank you, Marvin.
Ros Mickens

Dear Ros:

Happy New Year!

It sounds like you intend on becoming more specific with your goals, good for you.

Below you will find a link. This is a great tool for you to become familiar with the buyers in the market:

http://shop.hcdonline.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=hcd&Product_Code=PDBK0&Category_Code=Books

May Your Life Be Extraordinary,

 

Competition scripts already sent out. I will final this year with either Deceased, Time & Again or Thunder Warrior. I will use the buzz to attatch name actor/actress to the winning script, which in turn will generate a sale, which will lead to an agent.

I have the HCD and query lists made up for all 14 scripts that are ready to go out. I’ve taken the high concept ProSeries with Hal Croasmun. And will be rewriting the course script Beyond Belief, as well as four others before pitching.

Continuing to network with ProSeries Alumni, building mentorships on LinkedIn, and always learning and striving to be a better writer.

This year, there is no limit to what can be accomplished.

Thanks for the wonderful blog. It’s nice to know there are people out there who want to see success for others.

Orlanda

Dear Orlanda:

Happy New Year!

Thank you for the kind words. I wish you much success in 2009.

May Your Life Be Extraordinary,

Marvin,

You’re a mind-reader. Many of us aspiring screenwriters really DO want to obtain literary representation. Ha ha. At any rate, just a couple of days ago, I ordered the “alternate” directories from Fade In, and signed onto Done Deal’s database; I will also be using Howard Meibach’s Spec Screenplay Sales Directory to try to target the best producers and reps for what I’m doing. A new site to come on line, Script Delivery, looks like a possibility, too. And, though I live across the universe… I mean, the country, from L.A., I’m making plans to attend The Great American Pitchfest in June. Feel free to visit my website, which I use primarily to promote my wife’s artwork, but also what I do. Click “Menu” at the upper left and choose “Screenwriter Research Links.” You might find some useful sites for yourself in the list. Thanks.

Dear Ron:

Happy New Year!

Thank you for the kind words and recommendations to the sites. Sounds like you are being very proactive, rock on! May 2009 be all that you desire.

May Your Life Be Extraordinary,

My goal for 2009 is I’m done waiting. I’ve been done waiting. Sure I’ll send letters to agents and producers and hope for the best. I have my multi million dollar screen play budgets. Waiting is a foold game, because industry people 9 out of 10 times usually don’t have time or want to help.

Here’s my tip of the week to every writer who reads this. MAKE YOUR OWN MOVIES. Cater something to a low budget, get a group, a movement, and make movie. Don’t wait for that perfect situation because you may never get it.

I live my career by this phrase, and I ask myself everyday. “If I never get a budget, or sell a script, will I never make movies?” It’s not as hard as you think. I’ve done it. And I’ve made enough off my last film to make my next one. So my goal for 2009 is make another movie. If you get up and do something people will resepct you more for that. Maybe you wont win the academy award but at least your making movies while everyone sits around at the whim of a check book wait and hoping for a pipe dream.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvJ6a3s8_44 (copy and paste the code) Check out DETOX

The3answerai@aol.com if you want to be down with the movement

Dear Ross:

Happy New Year!

I could not agree more. In fact, my last blog posting “Show. Me. The. Money.” echoes your sentiment. I wish you much continued success in 2009. Keep cranking them out!

May Your Life Be Extraordinary,

Marvin V. Acuna

Well, this was a tough question for me because I’ve always looked at what I need to accomplish today with my screenwriting and not what goals or desires I have for the year ahead. I know my overall goal has always been to have my work on the big screen, but beyond that, I never really thought of it much. Maybe a little forward planning will set my sails straight.

Okay, here’s my screenwriting plan for 2009:

1)I will have two more screenplays finished by the end of this year, thus completing my epic sci-fi “Destiny of the Sword” trilogy based on my novels.

2)Get my first script, “Destiny of the Sword” in the hands of as many people who will read it – more contests, producers, directors – whoever I can find to grant me some of their valuable time.

3)Purchase the Hollywood Creative Directory

4)Send out query letters, and make more contacts to find representation for me and my work.

Marvin, thanks for the forward-looking planner. Maybe I’ll see you on the other end of my goal #4 some day

Thanks, always.

Doing. doing, doing.

Hi Marvin,

My goal for 2009 is to work with experienced people in the film or television industry in order to begin my career on a solid foundation that will no doubt lead me in the right direction. I sent you an e-mail with a brief description of two ideas that I plan to get developed. The following sentences are part of the e-mail that I sent you. Please read the message and the e-mail that I sent you and let me know what you think.

Would you be interested in developing ideas if you think the ideas have the potential to become marketable products? I would be willing to work for nothing and I am willing to share my ideas with other writers and producers in order to further develop the ideas that are potentially marketable. I believe that starting out in the business with experienced people will no doubt help me to quickly build recognition within the industry and I would be on the next flight out to meet with you if you would be willing to hear some of my ideas. Please let me know if you are interested. I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,
Anthony