Happy 1st Anniversary: The Black List and Go Into The Story!
One year ago this week, this humble little blog became the official Screenwriting Blog of the Black List. It was a partnership born out of the similar sensibilities and interests Franklin Leonard and I have: To honor screenwriters, uplift good screenwriting, and push to see more original movies.
In my view the Black List is the single most important brand in Hollywood related to screenwriting. One small sign as to how influential it is: Nowadays whenever the trades feature an article on one of its projects moving forward, they always say “Black List script.”
A bigger indication: Every Black List writer I have interviewed or talked with has told me flat-out how making the List has benefited their careers. Every. Single. One.
That alone would make me happy to be associated with the Black List because anything that helps screenwriters is a worth its weight in virtual gold.
Then there is the personal value of this partnership. First there is Franklin Leonard. Movie lover, football [soccer] fan and military brat, all of which means we get along just fine. Beyond that It’s both fascinating and inspiring to work with someone who keeps pushing the envelope with innovative ways to approach the business of screenwriting and filmmaking. In sum, the dude is stone-cold brilliant.
Also Nate Winslow who has grown from GITS friend to Black List insider to Hollywood intern to Hollywood assistant, all part of a trajectory that will doubtless lead to what I dubbed him when we first crossed paths: Future Super Producer.
None of this would happen here without the tireless efforts of Dino Sijamic, the technological wizard behind all things Black List. Time and again, Dino has demonstrated the patience of Job with my requests, questions and occasional frantic pleas for help.
And the wonderful Black List interns who have been hugely helpful in any number of ways, some of which I will spotlight this week as we celebrate this happy occasion.
To wit: Starting tomorrow, I will be posting answers to questions, many of which came from GITS readers, directed to Franklin about the movie business. Thanks in advance to Franklin for taking the time to respond to those queries.
Also I thought it would be interesting to reflect back on some of the GITS initiatives that have emerged in the last 12 months… and there have been some big ones. So look for a few retrospective posts this week. [One of them I can’t give away, but it rhymes with Tree Crest.]
Finally I wish to thank all of you for being a part of this community. GITS continues to evolve and grow in ways I never imagined, much of the energy and ideas deriving from its readers. I am proud of what goes on here and I know Franklin is, too.
At this blog, we honor screenwriters and screenwriting. We strive to tell the truth about the business, not shying away from the harsh realities about how difficult it is, but also inspire the best out of each of us in terms of our creativity. Let’s keep that conversation going, shall we?
As always, my virtual door is always open to your suggestions. Who knows what initiatives and series of posts will emerge here over the next 12 months.
I’m excited to find out. And thankful that one day about 18 months ago, I received an email from Franklin that began a conversation leading to a wonderful partnership between the Black List and Go Into The Story.
More this week! And in the months to come!
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