Best Original Screenplay Oscar Winners

As long as I can remember I've always loved to watch the Academy Awards. I would have given a body part away at the chance to attend the ceremonies in Hollywood. Oh hell, who am I kidding? I'd still give a body part or two away at the chance...to walk (I'd be on my hands and knees...crawling) across the famous red carpet. Very heavy sigh.

It's a great honor to be nominated amongst the best of best in screen performance: acting, producing, directing, musical score, etc and of course one of the love's of my life - best screenplay. As a writer, and a lover of film, I dream of writing a screenplay that somehow finds its way into the hands of a producer and director that share my vision.

I know that I'm a dreamer and probably a little (okay, so A LOT) delusional, but if you stop dreaming, I think you die.

Tears of joy. Tears of pride. Tears of honor. Those are the tears that were streaming down my cheeks as I watched the Youtube video above: The Best Screenplay Oscar Winners from 1940-2007.

Enjoy the Academy Award ceremony tonight everyone -


Neve Black

Wood Chippers and Prison Time

Recently I had posted about my desire to write a screenplay. And then I found my subject matter to write about. I knew I needed time to conduct research before making the decision to move forward and commit to writing a script.

Here's a sample dialogue with friends that have asked me how my research is coming along. I want to share these conversations with you, my blogland friends, because it really sheds light on my progress:

"Neve how's the research coming along on ___?" A curious friend will inquire.

"Pretty good, although I can't get anyone to answer my e-mail inquiries and or return my telephone calls, but, I've made some progress putting together the facts by what's already been documented historically." I respond, happy with my note gathering efforts.

"I'm surprised people aren't willing to talk to you about ____, especially once they realize you're not a reporter, but you're writing a screenplay." A usual response.

"Well, from what I've learned, there's a pretty good reason why people aren't responding." I answer, baiting the hook.

"Oh yeah? Why?" Someone will ask, while cocking their heads to one side and creasing their foreheads as curiosity turns to intrigue.

"Well, there's actually two very good reasons - #1: it appears anyone that's been involved with _____has either served time in prison, or #2: has ended up in a wood chipper. And I can't be certain, but I'm guessing the #2 reason is related to desperate times and...well, desperate measures." I finish, knowing that by disclosing this information concludes the conversation.

I've decided to press on and write the script for at least two very good reasons -
#1: I'm an ambitious girl and, #2: I'm partly insane. I'm kidding. Sort of. I do think the story should be told, but it needs to be told on the big screen. Wish me luck.

Trying to avoid wood chippers and prisons at all costs,
Neve Black

p.s. I will fill in the ____above as I feel more comfortable broadcasting the information and my life isn't in danger...I'm kidding. Sort of. :-)

Signs

I pay attention to signs. I think signs are gifts from the universe.

A bolt of lightning, a blinding flash of reality, or learning that a couple traveling through Europe during WWII wrote the original screenplay for Casablanca - Did anyone else know that? It's one of my favorite films of all time and I wondered why I never knew about that little tid-bit of information until last night. I don't think I was supposed to know about it until now - it's a sign. A couple of weeks' ago, I met a poet that spoke about how much she enjoys writing plays and I felt inspired by her words of wisdom. A sign. Then last week, I met writer in town from New York, who recently sold his screenplay to a Hollywood giant. I was so excited for him. Was that a sign too? Yes, I think so.

Then, I was out with my friend Natalie. It was the eve before New Year's Eve. We headed to a local haunt. I was in the mood for Campari, a negroni. Yeah, sometimes I like to think I'm Hemingway, or something, I suppose. Anyway, we met one of the most obnoxious persons on the face of the earth. No really, he rubbed my fur the wrong way. He said something to me though and it struck a nerve deep within my creative soul and I've been marinating in a story idea ever since: juicy and tender. I think meeting him in all his obnoxious glory was...yeah, it was a sign.

It appears screenplay signs seem to keep crossing my path, and I can't help but think it's the universe sending me a message. I've tossed around the idea of writing a screenplay for a long time, because of my love of film. I'd love to sink my writing teeth into the challenge of formulating dialogue and character development, while staying within the fascinating groove of erotica.

Today, I started to conduct research on my desired subject matter in order to get a feel if it's something I should make a commitment of seeing through to the end. Afterall, if the universe is kind enough to give me a gift, I certainly don't want to be rude by not accepting, or returning the gift before making sure it fits properly.

What signs have you been receiving lately?

Neve Black

Vinyl lettering above can be purchased here via Etsy.