Northwestern University Entertainment Alliance

Northwester University Entertainment Alliance



	NUEA Programs NUEA Writers Group The NUEA Writers Group meets monthly to read and give notes on two member's feature and/or television scripts. We give honest, constructive feedback in a supportive environment. Our sole goal is to get our writers’ scripts as ready as possible before going out to the industry. We've had members sell feature specs to studios and/or independent producers, a few who have written for television shows or had pilot deals, and numerous screenplay contest winners and finalists. In addition to script discussion, we often have industry guests visit the group, including producers, agents and produced writers. If you would like more information about the NUEA Writers Group, please contact info@nueawest.org. Script Reading Series The NUEA Script Reading Series is a new program which has been well-received by the membership because it provides an opportunity for writers, actors, friends and colleagues to all interact in an informal setting. Selected scripts must have gone through the Writers Group so that they are at a certain level of 'polish' before being read. Then, actors are cast from NUEA headshot submissions. At the reading, the actors read the script, following by audience questions and comments for the writer. It's a great opportunity for the writer to hear feedback, but also a great showcase for our NU actors. If you are interested in the Script Reading Series as a writer, please contact the writers group at info@nueawest.org. If you are interested in casting, please submit your headshot, resume and personal contact information (please not your agency) to NUEA Script Reading Series, P.O. Box 691702 Los Angeles, CA 90069 Short Film Night The NUEA hosts a short film night quarterly at the MBar in Hollywood. Filmmakers get a chance to show their work in public and mingle with other aspiring filmmakers in an informal setting. Past short film nights have included traditional short films, documentaries, webisodes, spec television commercials, and music videos made by talented NU alumni. The screening is followed by a Q&A. Friends and guests are welcome. If you haven’t been to one of our short film nights before, please join us. These events have been very popular with members who want to network and meet others who are making films. If you’re an NU filmmaker and have something you’d like to submit for consideration for a future NUEA Short Film Night, mail a DVD copy to NUEA PO Box 691702, Los Angeles, CA 90069. Industry Panels Every quarter the NUEA hosts a panel of industry professionals discussing pertinent industry trends and issues in an informal setting. Panels are a great way to learn from experienced pros working in the trenches whether you're new to Hollywood or just looking to stay on top of the game. Past panels have covered: The Psychology of Success in Hollywood The Revelation of Spider-Man 2 -Character, Story & Production in the Brave New Digital Computer World - at Sony Imageworks Creating and Selling the Illusion (The Big Lie, Part 2) Independent Filmmaking - The Festival Route Heaven or Hell? - The Episodic World of Writing Editor & Savior - Directing & Writing the Picture All Over Again Master & Commander: The Hyphenate Life of Director-Producer-Writer The Blame Game Ill - Tempered Actors, Irascible Writers, Dictatorial Directors, Pernicious Producers - Why Can't Everyone Just Get Along? Film Tracks - Scoring a Collaboration The Low Down with David Downs Join NU professor David Downs as he conducts very personal one-on-one interviews with former students and other industry professionals about the ups and downs of their careers from college to Hollywood. Past Low Downs have included Oscar-nominated writer JOHN LOGAN (The Aviator, Gladiator), television star and independent filmmaker ZACH BRAFF (Scrubs, Garden State), and actress LAURA INNES (ER). Comedy Writers Room The Comedy Writers Room is a break story group for half-hour TV comedy, that the NUEA hosts in conjunction with Columbia College's alumni network. The group mimics the “writer’s room” process of outlining to help members tighten structure, write first drafts more efficiently, and have more fun with their writing. The primary focus is spec scripts. We will also tackle pilots but, for the sake of time, members pitching a pilot will are asked to bring in handouts with a logline, synopsis, and character breakdowns. Members pitching bring in several story ideas that imply a first, second, and third act (or first and second for multi-camera). As a group, we choose an A story (and possibly B or B and C) and break the script into a workable outline. We take turns at the dry-erase board and on laptops so that the originator of the idea will leave with the outline on a CD or on their laptop ready to start his or her first draft. The group is limited to the outline process and does not read or critique scripts. Members are encouraged to exchange scripts among each other for peer review. To participate, writers must have a thorough understanding of half-hour script structure and are asked to submit a half-hour writing sample. The group meets every three weeks on Sunday afternoons. NUEA Peer Groups Many argue that success in Hollywood is all about whom you know. Peer Groups are an excellent opportunity to meet other NUEA members in your field and seek advice from prominent professionals in the entertainment business. A Peer Group consists of about 8-12 NUEA members who share similar career interests in the entertainment industry. Each Peer Group meets with seasoned professionals in different disciplines – acting, producing, writing, directing, the business, etc. Peer Groups are great for individuals who want guidance in getting started, making a career transition, or boosting their careers. Intended as an informal resource to share experiences, answer questions, provide guidance and perspective, the Peer Groups are a stimulating experience for all – Peer Group Leaders and participants alike. If you are interested in participating in a Peer Group, please complete the Peer Group Application at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=365181334809 If you are interested in serving as a Peer Group Leader, please complete the Peer Group Form at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=37861334839 Peer Groups are formed based on interest and on a first-come, first-placed basis. We will be setting up next year’s Peer Groups during the summer and launching them in September. Applications after that date will be processed on a space available basis. Annual Television Spec Writers Workshop What the heck is it? The Television Spec Polishing Seminar is a four-week workshop, designed to give NUEA members unprecedented access to high-level working television writers in both comedy and drama, who will help them buff their latest specs to a professional gloss. How does it work? This unique seminar is divided into two components, one for drama, and one for situation comedy. Eight writers are selected for each component, which will meet one night each week for two hours per session. Prior to each meeting, participants will read the spec scripts scheduled for discussion that week. Each workshop will feature a different professional writer who, having received that week's scripts in advance, will lead the seminar in in-depth discussions of those specs.As a new element to the Seminar, participants in both comedy and drama will have one meeting prior to the workshops to get to know one another and to discuss general industry issues (i.e. how to get an agent, pitching stories, meeting with showrunners, become a member of the writers guild, etc.) Who is eligible for the seminar? You must be an NUEA member, with dues paid in full. How are participants selected? Entries will be reviewed by a panel of NUEA judges. Can I be in both the drama and comedy seminars at the same time? In the interests of giving as many people a chance to participate as possible, writers will not be allowed to participate in both seminars simultaneously. Please submit your best work in either category, but not both. Please note that pilot scripts and feature scripts will not be accepted – only speculative scripts of produced television shows. If I was in the sminar last year, can I be in the seminar this year? Again, in the interests of giving as many people a chance to participate as possible, writers who participated last year are not eligible. Past participants will need to skip a year in order to reapply. Check back for information on the next Television Spec Writers Workshop							Available Programs Menu: NUEA Writers Group Script Reading Series Short Film Night Industry Panels The Low Down with David Downs NUEA Peer Groups Comedy Writers Room Annual Television Spec Writers Workshop [on hiatus]