See how our featured writers' involvement with the ISA has propelled their careers.
featured SCREENWRITERS
Search Success Stories
Jeff York was invited to Sundance as guest of honor for winning Grand Prize for his screenplay, THE SCOUNDRELS CLUB, for the 2013 Sundance Film Festival "Table Read My Screenplay" contest. His script was chosen over 1000+ entries. The Western script also won Best Action/Adventure category in the contest. It is already under consideration at 11 production companies because of the Sundance experience.
Last year, Jeff’s script, FIEND, won Best Thriller at Sundance. FIEND also was a top 10 finalist in the 2011 Script Pipeline screenwriting contest, as well as the 2012 Flatshoe screenwriting contest. Overall, the six feature film scripts he’s written have been finalists in 16 contests and counting. He's been writing since 2009.
His first script, INCURABLE, a character-driven horror tale, received Script magazine's only recommend rating out of over 1000 spec scripts they reviewed in 2009. Jeff’s romantic dramedy, THE LOVE SEAT, was picked as one of the four best spec scripts of 2011 by Script magazine as well. Both INCURABLE and his psychological thriller, THE CONFESSION OF LIZZIE BORDEN, were awarded the highest recommendation ratings by the CAA reader’s room in 2011.
Jeff has also written a play called SÉANCE, currently under consideration by a theatrical producer in New York. He also penned the treatment and pilot for a TV talk show aimed at children called HISTORY/HERSTORY, requested by The Jim Henson Company for consideration.
Living in Chicago, Jeff has worked as Creative Director at top advertising agencies. He also freelanced for the Chicago Tribune -- and he is currently one of the top film critics for the Chicago Examiner online --http://www.examiner.com/horror-movie-in-chicago/jeff-york
Jeff writes his own blog about the movie industry called The Establishing Shot, which is read by followers in 27 countries -http://www.theestablishingshot.blogspot.com
My screenplay CODE & CHEMISTRY (SF) was a Semi-finalist in the 2012 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting contest, among 129 out of 7,197 entries (1% best unproduced screenplays in the world according to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, in probably the biggest spec script contest in history to date). In an earlier year it was also a Semi-Finalist in the Chesterfield Writer's Film Project screenplay contest managed by Universal Pictures and Steven Spielberg's Amblin' Entertainment.
My screenplay FANG HUNTERS (Horror satire) has been a Finalist in the AAA Screenplay Contest sponsored by Creative Screenwriting Magazine.
My screenplay HARMLESS (True crime court drama) has been a Quarter-finalist in Francis Ford Coppola's Zoetrope Screenwriting Contest.
"A Society of Martlets" is a spec for BBC One's Sherlock and was rated strongly with the following comments:
"Overall, the writer has done a wonderful job of capturing the basic Sherlock style . . . We feel like we are watching Sherlock."
On December 8th, 2012, Screenwriter Stephen J. Jacobs won the "Best Feature Screenplay" Award, at the Hollywood & Vine Film Festival, for his full-length motion picture Sci-Fi script "CONTACT PRIME".
available classes
The WRITERS HOMICIDE SCHOOL - Los Angeles, CA
The Writers Homicide School is sure to entertain, intrigue and fascinate even the most hardened crime writer. Built from 22 years of real police experience and ...
consultants
Crime Writers Consultations
CWC provides you with the authenticity you need to give your work credibility. Go behind the crime scene tape and learn what really happens behind the
Resources
New Hampshire Film & TV Office
Promotes New Hampshire as a filming location by attracting and assisting motion picture, television, commercial, photography and multimedia projects.
GRANT, SAVIC, KOPALOFF & ASSOCS.
Recognizing our clients as our most valuable assets we have maintained a select list of highly talented and accomplished artists and film professionals from around the globe.
BARRY PERELMAN AGENCY
Barry Perelman has played a singular role in building and maintaining the careers of countless Writers, Directors and Producers.
American Zoetrope
The Virtual Studio is a submission destination and collaboration tool for filmmakers—a community where artists can submit and workshop original work.
Scene Bridge
We specialize in support for packaging and financing as well as business and distribution planning of high-quality film projects with passionate talent and crew members.
SHIRLEY WILSON & ASSOCIATES
5410 WILSHIRE BLVD. SUITE 227
LOS ANGELES, CA 90036
(323) 857-6977
The Film Foundation - Film Preservation
AIMS TO GUARD PIC INTEGRITY - The picture may speak a thousand words, but even a million words may not be enough for Hollywood's creative artists to change seemingly invulnerable copyright laws.
SILVER BITELA AGENCY
We strive to bring the finest representation to our clients. If you don’t stop believing, we won’t stop pitching.
SUSAN SMITH COMPANY
1344 North Wetherly Drive Los Angeles, 90069
(P) (310) 276-4224
(F) (310) 276-4343
Axial Entertainment
At Axial, we specialize in finding original voices (both established and emerging), creating and developing strong, marketable material.
Baby Cow Productions
Establishedin 1999 by award winning comedy creators Steve Coogan and Henry Normal, Baby Cow Productions Ltd has gained an enviable reputation for nurturing new British comedy talent, whilst teaming up with the best of the UK’s established writers, directors and producers.
Julien Dubuque International Film Festival
The Julien Dubuque International Film Festival opens doors. We foster the development of film arts by providing educational opportunities for students of all ages; through presenting powerful arts and social enrichment/entertainment events; and by showcasing the unique character of the Dubuque community. The festival works to improve quality of life in our area, to promote cultural awareness and to help the community become informed about events, politics and social conditions around the globe. We also aim to create an environment for economic growth by attracting residents and visitors alike to our events in Dubuque.
South Dakota Film Office
South Dakota is a state of many startling and beautiful contrasts, emphasizing the geographic division of the agricultural Midwest and the mountains of the rugged West.
The Academy - Motion Pic Arts & Sciences
Dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of motion pictures, the Academy's corporate management and general policies are overseen by a Board of Governors, which includes representatives from each of the craft branches.
CANDACE LAKE AGENCY
Canadace has represented clients for Showtime, Oxygen, and the WB and have ventured in to new media by writing scripts for movie-based thrill rides, video games and Internet shorts
Bill Boyle's 'Visual Mindscape of the Screenplay
This Group is primarily made up of screenwriters who have recieved coaching and explored 'The Visual Mindscape of the Screenplay" with Bill Boyle and are interested in continuing to work with like minded writers. The group is also open to a limited number of interested guests at each meeting.
The various topics of discussion will include the visual mindscape, story ideas, plot lines, dialogue, narrative pacing, character development as well as legal, business and marketing issues that are relevant to screenwriters.
Kentucky Film Office
Kentucky has a lot to offer filmmakers and producers. Kentucky makes film location scouting easy with mountains, lakes, cityscapes and other great locations for filming.
North Carolina Film Office
North Carolina is world-renowned as a film-friendly state with minimal permitting and ready assistance throughout your production.
Austin Film Festival
AFF provides an invaluable platform for filmmakers to showcase their craft among industry professionals and film-lovers. Offering distinguished jurors, amazing venues, enthusiastic audiences, and an opportunity to network, learn, and flourish at one of the most renown film festivals in the country. 2013 is Austin Film Festival’s 20th Anniversary and we’ve added a brand new DARK MATTERS competition category, to showcase horror films.
Clear and Tight Writing
Crushing to learn: Nobody wants to read your stuff, unless it's your mom. You are duty bound to give the reader a document that is 1.) clear and 2.) easy to read. Will Akers will show you how to clean up that first draft. Will has written scripts and series television for studios, independent producers, and television networks. He is Chair of the Motion Pictures Program at Belmont University.
ACME TALENT & LITERARY AGENCY
A full service talent agency based in Los Angeles and New York that maintains a literary division that represents writers of feature films, television movies, and novels.
Pillar Entertainment Group
We represent film/tv/theatrical and commercial actors.Our clients are seen in episodics, films, commercials and on Broadway. We are currently accepting submissions from 6 years thru adult.
LYONS,SHELDON,PROSNIT AGENCY
Lyons-Sheldon Agency in Los Angeles, CA is a private company categorized under Professional Talent Management.
Legendary Entertainment
A leading media company with film and comics divisions dedicated to owning, producing and delivering content to mainstream audiences.
Storm Entertainment
During its more than seventeen year history, Storm Entertainment has arranged for the full financing of 43 films.
The Myth of 3 Act Structure with Jacob Krueger
A discussion with award winning screenwriter Jacob Krueger on what’s wrong with three act structure and other formulas, and an introduction to Jacob's notion of Seven Act Structure as a new way of looking at structure from a character's perspective, allowing you to break down the character's change into manageable chunks.
J.K.A. Talent Agency
12725 Ventura Boulevard
Studio City, 91604
(P) (818) 980-2093
jkatalentagency@aol.com
Michigan Film Office
When it comes to moviemaking, you’re looking in the right place. Whether you’re a producer, director, crewmember, actor or just someone who is new to the business, we’re here to help.
STARS, THE AGENCY
Represents some of the most gifted and visionary writers, directors and producers for Motion Picture, Television (scripted and unscripted) and Interactive Media.
North Dakota Film Comission
One trip to North Dakota and you'll understand why it's known as the friendliest and safest state to visit. In fact, from agricultural products to quality of life - North Dakota is often at the top of the charts.
LENHOFF & LENHOFF
Lenhoff & Lenhoff is a management company representing Writers, Directors, Producers and Cinematographers based in the United States, Canada and Europe.
The Artists Colony
T h e A r t i s t s' C o l o n y was established in 1996 at UNIVERSAL PICTURES and has been recognized as one of the country's foremost independent film incubators for more than 13 years.
DON BUCHWALD & ASSOC
We proudly offer representation in all areas of the entertainment industry including our Film, Theater and Television department, our Literary department, our Television and Film Packaging departments.
SUITE A MGMT. TALENT & LITERARY AGENCY
120 EL CAMINO DRIVE SUITE 202
BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90212
(310) 278-0801
Revolution Studios
Revolution was formerly a strategic partner of Sony Pictures Entertainment, which distributed and marketed Revolution's films.
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Relativity Media
Relativity Media is a next-generation studio engaged in multiple aspects of entertainment, including full-scale film and television production and distribution.
Sundance Screenwriters Lab
The Screenwriters Lab is a five-day writer's workshop that gives independent screenwriters the opportunity to work intensively on their feature film scripts with the support of established writers in an environment that encourages innovation and creative risk-taking. Through one-on-one story sessions with Creative Advisors, Fellows engage in an artistically rigorous process that offers them indispensable lessons in craft, as well as the means to do the deep exploration needed to fully realize their material.
ANGEL CITY TALENT AGENCY
Mission: To enjoy a great collaboration with talent and industry professionals, providing outstanding talent and service with an easy-to-work-with attitude.
How To Give Yourself the Best Possible Chance at Screenwriting Success
Listen to this podcast to learn the five main reasons people fail at screenwriting and come away with specific insights and hands-on tools to help give you the best possible shot at success. Perfect for experienced screenwriters as well as beginners
Delaware Film
The Delaware Film Office is a private non-profit organization which promotes the Video Game, Motion Picture, and Television Production industries in Delaware.
MITCHELL J. HAMILBURG AGENCY
The agency usually responds to manuscripts, sent in with a cover letter, outline and chapters, in one month.
New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission
Including the state's location diversity, its proximity to New York and the professional support you'll receive from the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission.
SCHIOWITZ CONNOR ANKRUM WOLF, INC.
1680 VINE STREET, #1016
LOS ANGELES, CA 90028
(323) 463-8355
Tennessee Film Commission
Whether you are considering Tennessee as a location for your next production or thinking of relocating your business or family here, we're here as an information resource for you.
Connecticut Office of Film,Television & Digital Media
Serves as liaison between production companies, state agencies, municipalities, production facilities, local crew and vendors
WRITING THE SPEC SCRIPT THAT LAUNCHES YOUR CAREER
An extremely well executed spec script is required to break into the business, yet too many writers waste valuable time writing a script with little to no chance at success. This seminar covers what agents and managers are looking for in today’s marketplace and shares the best ways to launch a career.
The Asylum
The Asylum fully finances and produces 10-15 titles per year and its North American home entertainment division has released over three hundred titles to date.
HOLLYWOOD VIEW AGENCY
5255 VERONICA STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90008
(310) 480-5118
Maine Film Office
The film office helps bring film, television and other media projects to Maine; works to expand and improve Maine's in-state production industry; and helps all Maine made media productions succeed.
CREATIVE ARTISTS AGENCY
Major Talent Agency with offices in Los Angeles, New York, Nashville, London, Beijing, Chicago, St. Louis, Stockholm, and Mumbai
May Script Club: Writing for Television with Nkechi Okoro
