My frustration with Full Sail University: Contradictions and Screenwriting

Copied from messages... me getting my thoughts out.

I originally had a character of Amy as the supportive daughter who makes things a little harder for her mom like normal teen daughters do but that wants to see her mother prosper and becomes her ally. Their relationship was my b story.
Now I am trying to incorporate the suggestion of making the story about her relationship and using Amy as the antagonist. How do I change antagonists and thus the story and it feel authentic?

In trying to keep with the suggestion I have changed the turning event from Ivory having to fire someone, which is major to her and the reason she takes therapy seriously to Amy deciding to move to New York by signing a contract Ivory never saw. She does this in the middle of everyone tying to prepare foe the biggest client they have ever had.
But somehow this is no where close to the story I wanted to tell. It magmy be more Hollywood but it is not me at all. It feels like a work for hire project. So how do I completely change the story and still have something I am proud of? How do I change it period?  I am having trouble generating ideas. I have read the text books, watched a lot of tv, read scripts, follow writers on Twitter, and read Script Magazine online at www.scripting.com.

I felt more confident as a writer before. I think I am good, but I am not Hollywood. Not sure I want to be.

Frustrations, gripe, college, writing, screenwriting, Full Sail University, advice, scriptchat, Hollywood

My frustrations with Full Sail Creative Writing Program:

I am used to turning in work on time. I am used to making good grades. I have made bad ones. But I don't make bad ones unless I can't get help understanding something. I always put the work in.

See I have Celebral Palsy. School has always come hard for me. But, I am not one to quit. I want people with handicaps to know they can do things others may not think they can. It is okay if it takes longer.

I have been able to get a BA in film from GA State (I would have to tell you about that later).

I have a Masters in Science from Full Sail in Entertainment Business which I enjoyed getting. So I knew I would lover the Creative Writing Program. WRONG. I feel infuriated by the lack of concern for the students. I have reached out to Program Director and got little support. I have reached out to professors. One was considerate and helped me. Others not so much. I know they could do better.

Why do you ask for your students' phone numbers if you cannot call? If I email you and you get nothing back email me again or call. I don't understand.

But, my issues started when I was trying to register. It wasn't that way the first time around.

Then I had issue getting my advisor. Then an issue with a professor not grading my work or even being able to email to say he didn't get a portion of my work. I submitted it. I had to call tech support but he still wouldn't listen and had an attitude. Now my email does not work and I never hear from support when I use the school contact form. Then I tell the teacher it doesn't work and ask who my partner is and get no response. I even asked classmates and got no response. But of course I got attitude. My partner never responded and now I am behind when I have been doing my part the whole time. And more attitude. Why can't teachers put aside ego and be helpful when people ask for help? I already try to work around their schedule. I don't think they care.

This is my grip. Part one.

You got a college gripe?

Internship Opportunity

Tune Kingdom | Intern Application

Tune Kingdom is currently offering an internship for anyone interested in music or film and marketing. If you want to participate fill out the application.

I Wrote A Screenplay Again and Increasing Productivity

Hello all. I know it has been a while. I am hoping to do better with this Blogger app.

I wanted you all to know if you set a goal for yourself you can make them happen. I like to put down what I want to do on a calendar in small increments.  It helps me to visualize and make it even smaller goals which I can accomplish.

Use your smartphone to download applications that will allow you to increase your productivity. Many of these applications work with the GTD or getting things done system.  If you have an Apple computer you can use iCal to make to do lists and check the status of them completed. This is what I choose to do. Having the visual of what you've already completed allows you to feel motivated to continue your work.

Do you have any applications on your smartphone or programs on your computer that you use to stay on task? What is your message this setting goals? If you have one that you would love to share please do.

Well, space it is late so I think I'm going to go to sleep. Wish you well. Goodnight.

@caramelsarajo

Sposta Say

Sposta Say

Sometimes I don't always say the correct things. It is NEVER my intention to hurt anyone. I don't believe in holding things in. I've done that for the a good portion of my life. I'm done with that. But, sometimes I gotta ask "how should I say this." In the end you can only say what you feel. You can't control the reception. Trying to be respectful is all you can do.

You dig?


Thanks, yall.
@caramelsarajo 

Understanding Distribution

So I have this amazing song, did the publishing thing, and now what? What do you mean? You spread the word. I’ve hit on distribution from a marketing angle in my Musician and Entrepreneur article. This time let’s discuss the various places you want your music to appear.

Brick and Mortar Retail Stores

If you can find a record store still running you are amazing. Let me know where it is.  You can find coffee shops and other small businesses that may be willing to place a small order for your CDs.

When you have live shows you should be able to sell your merchandise. Check with the venue’s manager before you set up shop.

Most likely you will be distributing your music on the Internet. First, let us look at blogs.

Blogs

Blogs are a great place to submit your music. Some writers will provide a short description of your band and link. Some may ask you for an interview. Others may only play the track. Regardless, give them a link to your website and your contact for booking. You never know who may be viewing the post. Having only your music means an interested person has to look up your website and people are busy these days. Hyperlinks are the way to go.

The great thing about blogs is they often have comments. You can check those written about your music to see what fans think. Some contributors give their websites. You can check out what they have and get a feel for your audience.

You want to link to any blogs that feature interviews with you on your own site.

Internet Radio and Podcasts

Internet radio is another way to go. A lot of people use their computers and mobile phones to listen to music. They can sit at the desk and discover new tunes. It’s also a way to reach audiences around the globe. Some Internet radio sites allow you to customize the type of music you wish to hear. Others let users upload the their favorite songs and create playlists they share with others. Anyone who likes your music can add it to his or her playlist.  Still others are similar to traditional radio in that they have a program director. The station’s website should have more information.

 Online Retail Stores

Your website is great for distributing your media if you want to get paid. Many website builders host stores for their clients.  You will need to set up accounts so that you may accept credit card payments. Paypal is great option. This is what many Google sites use.

You also need to make sure you have an effective method for fulfilling orders. Do you send them out or are they pressed, wrapped, and shipped from a second party? You will need to make sure your prices absorb your expenses. The idea is to make money. If you plan on selling a lot of albums, and you do, having someone else do the work for you could be more cost effective. Make sure you use a reputable company with great customer service. Unhappy customers may blame you.

Digital Downloads

The most cost effective way to deliver your music to adorning fans is via digital download. Some services will distribute your music to only their program. Others distribute your music to many media outlets. You need to consider the payout structure of each option before you decide who will handle your online presence. Think of the sites where you download your music. This is where you want to be.

Virtual Environments

There is a growing trend in virtual environments. Think of a video game that users from around the world log into to interact with other users. Some have rooms that feature different genres of music. Some have clubs. Users can make their avatars dance to your music. Many artists are using these sites not only to share their music but also give concerts and sell music. Participants purchase virtual money and buy things they like in these worlds. Check out Second Life and Turntable.tm.

Try to get your music into the hands of as many outlets as possible. The more visible you are the more fans you will garner. Use these outlets reports and comments to gauge the needs of your audience.

Which of these are you using to distribute your music? Are they working for you?

 @caramelsarajo

Music, Fans, And Mobile Application Part 1

So I’m reading this article in Mobile Marketer by Dan Lowden on retailers harnessing the power of mobile applications to reach loyal customers, and I think “if retailers can should not also artists?” Indeed, they should. There may already be mobile applications for musicians to reach their fans, or to gain fans, but in going through the top apps for iPhone I didn’t see any.  I don’t have an android. I do think such an application would prove not only helpful, but also profitable.

How could an artist integrate mobile marketing into their promotional campaigns? Facebook Connect makes this easy. You could create an app that allows users to sign in via Facebook. This takes away the step of them having to remember another password. Sometimes the idea of creating another account scares me away. It may have the same effect on your fans.

An application can also alert your fans when you are going to play in their area. It could help them find bands with similar sounds. You may worry about this, but the idea of cross promoting means you could share fans. Stop being greedy!

A band application will also help you decide which songs to include on your album when you finally release it for purchase. Interactivity is the key to an application succeeding. Considering allowing listeners to vote up their favorite songs or videos. You may find more people willing to listen to your music on their phones because they will have access to them in idle times, such as a bus commute or waiting in line at the DMV. Give them something to do and they will thank you for it.

The beauty of an application for musicians is that it is not limited to use with only one band. A label can include it’s entire roster and these artists can battle it out every week to see who is the favorite act. It is an intimate approach that seems lost in the internet. I believe I heard of a study that said people are never more than eight feet away from their mobile phones (I was in school; it’s been a while).  If that’s true go ahead and take advantage.

But how you may ask. You will need to decide if your application is native or a web-dependent application. I’ll go more in dept with the how-tos next article. As for now brainstorm on the type of application you want to create. 

If you have a mobile application that is working for you please tell me all about it. 

 

@caramelsarajo