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Deborah S. Patz – Author

Author of film books for industry pros and youth

Sep222016

Who’s on Which Platform Nowadays? (the answer)

Here it is… the order of who spends the most time on which site:

Platform (Year Launched)

Millennials

Gen-Z
Facebook (2004)

2

3
YouTube (2005)

1

1
Twitter (2006)

5

5
Instagram (2010)

3

2
Snapchat (2011)

4

4

There is more detailed data on this info in CMF’s 2016 Mid-Year Trend Report.

So… surprising? Does it match with informal chats with parents of Millennials and Gen-Z folk? At any rate, it appears we’re starting to see differences between the two social demographics.

BTW – It’s not entirely clear in the report the age of Millennials vs Gen-Z, so per Wikipedia, Millenials seem to be born early-80s to mid-90’s/early 2000’s and Gen-Z after that. Let’s then say that Millennials are about 18-34 and Gen-Z about 17 and under.

Food for thought…

Cheers & a good shoot to you,
Deb

Sep82016

Who’s on Which Platform Nowadays?

With school starting again for Millennials and Gen-Z, can you guess which social demographic spends the most time on which site?

Platform (Year Launched)

Millennials

Gen-Z
Facebook (2004)

?

?
YouTube (2005)

?

?
Twitter (2006)

?

?
Instagram (2010)

?

?
Snapchat (2011)

?

?

I’ll share the info next blog, or you can read CMF’s 2016 Mid-Year Trend Report and find out right away.

Also in the report is info on VR, transmedia, bots, 4K, the Internet of Things, and more.

It’s not entirely clear in the report the age of Millennials vs Gen-Z, so per Wikipedia, Millenials seem to be born early-80s to mid-90’s/early 2000’s and Gen-Z after that. Let’s then say that Millennials are about 18-34 and Gen-Z about 17 and under.

I’ve also added the “year launched” in the chart above so we can see what it looks like over time.

Cheers & a good shoot to you,
Deb

 

Aug242016

Ciné Surfer: Basics of Script Copyright

lglstatStephen Follows has an interesting site. Not a lot of links on the Resources page, but what’s there is worth the surf by. In particular, I enjoyed:

Basics of Script Copyright

https://stephenfollows.com/resource/basics-of-script-copyright/

Although copyright is handled differently in each country, the basics are here. Know the basics already? Well, there may be a nugget or two that’s new to you. What do you think?

Cheers & a clear script to you,
Deb

– – – – – – – – – – – – – –

My own book, “Film Production Management 101.” covers a related topic, script clearances, from a production manager’s and coordinator’s point of view. Don’t worry, the book is conversational in tone and very accessible reading, if you’re like to learn more.

Aug82016

Where Do You Write?

Back from the UFVA Conference, it’s time for me to get back to writing! But rather than talk about my works-in-progress today (there are two of them), let me ask you:

Where do you write?

When I was single, writing was hard to schedule around life, but I had a dedicated desk at home for the job… then I had a family and wow! it’s HARD to schedule writing around life!! Consequently, I find I’m not writing in one designated place anymore. I’ve written on desk, table and lap – wherever and whenever I can, including:

  • At coffee shops (of course… hasn’t every writer?)
  • On the train (thank you, thank you for those excellent tables and plug-ins on the train!)
  • Backstage at the theatre (waiting for dance class to finish)
  • On a boat (fine, until the seas get lumpy)
  • On a plane and in a hotel room (more, classic out-of-the-house locations)
  • On the patio (trying to enjoy the good weather, but it’s too bright for the screen)
  • And, at home (the family made me a “Busy Writing” sign, thank you very much!)

bzywriWhat about you? A designated spot, or wherever you can?

Cheers & productive writing to you,
Deb

 

Jul312016

What a Screenwriter Needs to Know About… Production Budgets

Writing and money… am I serious?

In the collaborative spirit of the film industry… yes.

I’ve taken a moment (ok, 4 min and 45 sec) to highlight a few things that writers should know about production budgets, because… well… when you write a movie, the script is not not going to be the story’s final form.

Here ’tis :

https://youtu.be/0eAoChVXSAc

Cheers & insightful writing to you,
Deb

– – – – – – – – – – – – – –

For more info on production budgets and on many more details about the production process, come over and check out my book “Film Production Management 101.”

You can also see me in person at the UFVA Conference in Las Vegas, July 31 – Aug. 4. I’ll be on several panels or at the MWP Books booth.

I’ll also be at the Future of Story Conference on August 1.

Jul292016

Magic Movie Moment: Ocean’s Eleven

chpsvPicture it:

Basher sits in the hotel room watching the demolition of a building on TV… while the actual event is happening behind him out the hotel room window!

What a lovely, insightful moment!

It mirrors back to us how often we choose to experience life on screen – be in TV or tablet or cellphone – instead of in person. Even concerts use giant screens so the audience toward the back can see what’s happening live on the stage right beside them.

Then again, this is the Age of Screens, isn’t it?

How many screens are around you right now?

A couple of days ago, I saw four teens hanging out together. Three of them were eyes-glued to their cellphones as they walked along together, while the fourth one was engaged by the surrounding scenery. Which one would you rather be? I don’t know about you, but it kinda makes me want to unplug…

Cheers & magical movie moments to you,
Deb

– – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Speaking of “live and in person,” I’ll be at the UFVA Conference in Las Vegas (July 31 – Aug. 4), speaking on a couple of panels and also at the MWP Books booth.

You will also find me at the Future of Story Conference on August 1.

Hope to see you there!