Check out my new article “It’s Okay To Say No” that’s up over at screenwriting magazine The Story Department

Back in May, I had the opportunity to meet with comedian Tom Green at his home / studio and talk about his web TV show  Tom Green’s House Tonight.

The article, for a pro-audio/video industry mag, talks about the unique production considerations for running a broadcast style talk show on the web. (Article copy below / High Quality PDF )

Imagine if you will, you’re at the helm of a live internet TV show with high production values that bucks
the precise ratings driven format of television. The show is streamed in real time on the web, celebrity guests chat on a couch, a band performs and most certainly hundreds of callers Skype video chat with you. Oh, and it happens at a flip of the switch, all from the comfort of your living room.

If you’re Tom Green, that’s a reality. Quietly (and not so quietly) over the last five years, Tom Green has amassed an impressive internet following with Tom Green’s House Tonight one of the first, and longest running internet-call-in shows. One only needs to Google “Tom Green and Xzibit Freestyle Rap battle” and take a look at the nearly 3.4 million YouTube hits to see his reality is well watched.

Armed with the mantra “content over form,” Green makes a show on his terms. He calls it Guerrilla TV. But that doesn’t mean sound or production become afterthoughts. Guests are mic’d with Lectrosonics wireless lavalieres and surrounded by nine HD cameras, all set to various shot lengths and placed everywhere from the living room, front door, bookcase and even the refrigerator.

The before air set-up for Tom Green’s House Tonight resembles a pre-flight check. The control system of such an advantageous set-up looks a bit like the cockpit of a Boeing 747. At the center, a Yamaha 01V 96 VCM mixing console. Unique, are three Apple Mac computers each running a separate instance of Skype, and each running audio out through M-Audio Fast Track boxes into the board. In real time, director and web producer, Tony Corella, uses a Panasonic AG-MX70 video switcher to swap from various sources, and cues on-screen text from yet another computer, this one running Newtek VT[5].

When a band visits the studio, Green’s team rolls out a second Yamaha 01V 96 VCM and a second engineer. Just take a look at the previous show guests.  And no, that isn’t a laugh track you hear, the studio is equipped with bleachers to house twenty-some people to see the show in action.

That’s part of the fun of Tom Green’s House Tonight; two way interaction. Green wants to give unprecedented access and his viewers respond in kind. This attitude is reflected in just about everything he does. “I’m looking for good people to come out, have a little fun, and help run the show,” says Green. Feel like you have what it takes to run the rig at Tom Green’s house? If you’d like to get involved, post to the forum at TomGreen.com.

When the show comes together, the result is impressive. A live band jams, then switch on-the-fly to a Skype call, cut to the front door as guests arrive, then back to the couch. All seamless, all with the great care all direct to your computer in a show that could last twenty minutes of 4 hours.

But the action isn’t limited to inside of Tom Green’s teched and decked-out home. For high quality audio on the go, he uses a DXA-SLR active DSLR Adapter along with a MixPre Field Mixer and with two Sennheiser wireless lavs, turning his Canon EOS 5D Mark II into a formidable mobile sound package.

Ultimately, Tom Green’s House Tonight has built something unheard of in the world of internet entertainment; consistent, well-produced content that doesn’t sacrifice quality. So, when are you making a house call?

Tom Green is currently on tour, and will be performing  at the DC Improv on July 30th/August 1st. Stay tuned for more articles from me on screenwriting, filmmaking, editing, and more. They’re just around the corner, as soon as the dust from good ol’ Comicon settles!

Over the weekend at The Great American Pitchfest I hosted Screenwriter Karaoke. Debra Eckerling of Write On! Online of wrangled me for a couple of moments during the Screenwriter Karaoke set-up and posted this video.

http://writeononline.com/2010/06/28/speaking-with-merrel-davis-creator-screenwriter-karaoke/

June is a very exciting month! Screenwriter Karaoke marks its birthday with a bang at The Great American PitchFest.

Screenwriter Karaoke is proudly sponsored by  CoverMyScript.com, Final Draft, Inc, Script Magazine, The Writers Store, L.A. Sings Karaoke, Sardo’s Bar, Coffey Sound, and our friends at #ScriptChat.

More details here.

Hey folks, a quick note. I have some excellent articles to share in the near future. In the mean time check out Xandy Sussan’s Six Deadly Script Sins Part 2 – Writing Edition.

Now, some great news the new Screenwriter Karaoke website is up! We’ve landed some awesome sponsors for next month’s appearance at The Great American Pitch Fest. (Final Draft and Script Mag to name a few.)

Just in time for tomorrow night! And don’t forget to follow the Screenwriter Karaoke Twitter account @SWKaraoke.

Thursday May 20th, 2010 at 8:30 PM
Sardo’s Grill and Lounge
259 N. PASS AVE.
BURBANK, CA 91505

Driving directions: Here NOTE: THE DETOUR!

So many exciting things are on the horizon.

Let’s start with the big news! I am very happy to announce that Screenwriter Karaoke will be making an appearance at the Great American Pitch Fest & Screenwriting Conference on Saturday, June 26th at the Marriott Burbank Hotel & Convention Center. More details as they come! Check out the sponsors.

In other news, partner Xandy Sussan and I, were recently interviewed for a web publication about the new DOUBLE FEATURE story analysis services we are providing through CoverMyScript.com. Big shout out to Jenn over at Allfreelancewriting.com. For those who are unfamiliar with the Double Feature service it is a set story analysis and development packages that leverage two professional story analysts simultaneously, complete with video conference calls for notes.

And lastly, an article I wrote for my site two years ago, has seen new life in syndication via the website The Film Crusade. Check out the newly retitled “Reveling in the Reveal” is now live. Full with video examples of different types of reveal shots in cinema.

And don’t forget the next Screenwriter Karaoke in 1 week!

Thursday March, 22th, 2010 at 8:30 PM
Sardo’s Grill and Lounge
259 N. PASS AVE.
BURBANK, CA 91505

Some fun stuff on the horizon.

Screenwriter Karaoke Thursday March, 25th, 2010 8:30 PM

Sardo’s Grill and Lounge
259 N. PASS AVE.
BURBANK, CA 91505

CoverMyScript Inc. Will be giving away free script coverage at the event.

Script Chat: Professional Script Reader Panel – March 28, 2010

I love Twitter, it has been a great vehicle for me to connect with other filmmakers. So, I’m excited to announce I’ll be a guest of Twitter chat Script Chat for a script reader panel. You can read more about my work as a script reader and story analysis here, and be sure to check out Script Chat which takes place 5 p.m. PST every Sunday on Twitter. (You can follow me @UncompletedWork and look for the #scriptchat hash-tag.)

photo credit: leinadsimpson

Screenwriter Karaoke is a monthly filmmaking network event organized by yours truly in two cities (NYC and LA.) It’s been a great vehicle to meet some wonderful, creative people. I encourage you to come out and mingle, sing or drink!

LA:
Thursday, January 14th, 2010 at 8:30 PM
Sardo’s Grill and Lounge
259 N. PASS AVE.
BURBANK, CA 91505

Driving directions: Here

NYC:
Since I am now in LA, I’m working with others to help co-organize NYC Screenwriter Karaoke. I anticipate the 3rd week of January for New York Screenwriter Karaoke. Stop by as the date nears for more information.

January TBD 2010 at 8:30 PM
Baby Grand
161 Lafeyette St.
New York, NY 10013

Back in 2002 I was studying to be an audio engineer at The Sheffield Institute for the Recording Arts. I reasoned that since I fancied myself a musician, it was an important step to learn how to produce my own music.

I further studied and later re-directed my focus on production and post-production for film. It was an excellent choice which gave me an important educational foundation to move onto and pursue rewarding work.

So, it is very exciting to share that nearly eight years after I graduated from Sheffield that I’ve been featured in their Alumni online magazine. Check it out!

Sorry, I’ve been out of pocket this month. Still getting into the groove of LA life. Luckily part of that groove is some fun tomorrow at Screenwriter Karaoke LA.

THE NEXT SCREENWRITER KARAOKE EVENT IS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10TH, 8:30 PM AT SARDO’S BAR AND GRILL IN BURBANK, CA.

Thursday December 10th, 8:30 PM
Sardo’s Grill and Lounge
259 N. PASS AVE.
BURBANK, CA 91505

Driving directions: Here

TO RSVP PLEASE GOT TO THE MEETUP.COM EVENT PAGE HERE

Big things over at the Merrel Davis camp. Chiefly, I’m moving to Los Angeles. It was a long time in the making. I’ve positioned myself in a good place, and I’m heading out.

Life in New York City is great. I’ve done a lot of good work here, connected with great television and filmmakers. New York led me to my first work on a documentary. New York led me to work on the Olympics. New York and I saw the production of several short films, more seminars and workshops than I can count, and the genesis of “Screenwriter Karaoke.”

But worry not! I won’t be a stranger, and I suspect work will bring me back around here soon enough. Oh, and to be clear Screenwriter Karaoke in New York City is not dead. In fact, it has just grown into a bi-coastal endeavor.

So What’s the Plan?
Well,  I’m selling off my dead weight. And by dead weight I mean loads of dvds and video games. I just can’t take them with me, So if you would, check out my for sale list. I’d be delighted if you bought something from me.

After that, it’s a cross country drive from New York to California. I plan to regularly tweet and twitpic (from my iphone) as I travel from state to state. So stay tuned for next month when I get on the road!

It is quite possible that you’ve landed on my blog and you aren’t aware that I also organize a filmmaking network event called Screenwriter Karaoke. Right now the events are NYC based, but I hope soon to have an LA counterpart.

What is Screenwriter Karaoke? Think of it as a way to let your hair down, step up, wail on Super Tramp’s “The Long Way Home,” and then talk about your latest romantic comedy script. Looking for a collaborative writing partner with a knack for 17th Century English? You just might find one at Screenwriter Karaoke.

The event aims to be an informal way to meet your writing and filmmaking peers. Sometimes network events are just awkward, so why not try to loosen up have a couple of drinks and sing?

When: October 15, 2009 8:00 PM
Where:
Baby Grand
161 Lafayette Street at Grand
New York, NY 10013
212.219.8110

Please RSVP: http://www.meetup.com/Screenwriter-Karaoke/

To prove there is nothing to be afraid of, here I am on the right, rocking out to some Build me up Buttercup!

This past Saturday, I was a special guest of Roberta Munroe’s “Best Short Film Workshop Ever” — It was a great event, and despite also being a speaker, I took some time to live tweet the event for all those who couldn’t make it.

Leah Meyerhoff and Kim Garland chat during "The Best Short Film Workshop Ever"

Here is a twitter transcript of the event. Look for a full write-up on the event soon!

• Heading on train to downtown to “The Best Short Film Workshop Ever” headed by former Sundance Programmer Roberta Munroe. Gunna be a blast! 5:58 AM Sep 26th
• Introductions have begun – @robertamunroe is leading the room. Good turnout. #ScreenwritingSaturday7:33 AM Sep 26th
• In the “Best Short Film Workshop Ever” is a great mix of writers, directors, actors, and producers. #ScreenwritinSaturday7:43 AM Sep 26th
• Dispelling myths about Sundance “the # of good films never changed from year to year… despite increased # submissions.” – Roberta Munroe 7:51 AM Sep 26th
• On your short film for festival circuit “No opening credits, no long credits at the end” – Roberta Munroe. Don’t be overly self indulgent. 7:56 AM Sep 26th
• Surround yourself with others inline with your goals in filmmaking. “Surround yourself with genius” #ScreenwritingSaturday8:08 AM Sep 26th
• Workshop Break. Next up. ME! I’ll be talking about Mental Spackle, and where I “fell down” on my last short film. #ScreenwritingSaturday8:37 AM Sep 26th
• Talking about the Duplass Brothers — “This is John” and “The intervention” and “The Puffy Chair” #ScreenwritingSaturday8:55 AM Sep 26th
• The post-production process is the “final rewrite” — work is not done when you call “Wrap!’ #ScreenwritingSaturday9:24 AM Sep 26th from TweetDeck
• If you send a short film to festival — have your a feature script READY. If you a don’t you may be passed for other workshops @ festival. 9:28 AM Sep 26th
• “Youtube Screeningroom is the curated section of youtube. Filmmakers that got paid for their films” -Roberta Munroe http://bit.ly/C0MIO9:48 AM Sep 26th
• Nash Edgerton’s short film “Spider” — check it out! http://bit.ly/xTvPN (Roberta Recommends) 9:54 AM Sep 26th
• Break time from “The Best Short Film Workshop Ever” #ScreenwritingSaturday9:54 AM Sep 26th
• Re: Your short film “Get a Casting Director.” N/E thing takes something off shoulders. “get to know casting assistants” -Roberta Munroe. 11:01 AM Sep 26th
• “Do not settle in your casting. Find someone that knows more than you. You are paying for their time.” – Roberta Munroe. 11:09 AM Sep 26th
• “Cover peoples cost, they will respect you, and work harder” – Roberta Munroe RE: Day rates on short films. 11:13 AM Sep 26th
• “Create a ‘look book’ of your movie. Take book to your DP/Producer/Prod Designer. This is your vision/Colors/Magazine clips” – Roberta Monroe. 11:16 AM Sep 26th
• “You should never ‘be’ a post-production supervisor, unless you ARE a post-production supervisor” — Roberta Munroe 11:41 AM Sep 26th
• “1st time filmmakers often don’t understand post-production process.” – Roberta M. Admit you don’t know everything & hire someone who does.11:44 AM Sep 26th
• What a good editor says “you are probably are not going to be in love with the first cut. This is a skeleton.” Good editor gives you options. 11:54 AM Sep 26th
• “Don’t get stuck on the Master Shot. Get your close shots, mediums. Move onto getting closer. Make sure you’ve the coverage” – Roberta Munroe 11:55 AM Sep 26th
• Check out “The Lean Forward Moment: Create Compelling Stories for Film, TV, and the Web” by Norman Hollyn http://bit.ly/15aqu912:12 PM Sep 26th
• “More sound design, less music. Sound Design can add muscle to a scene. Fill out, move dialogue.” -Roberta Monroe 12:21 PM Sep 26th
• “Do not put music in the first 3rd of your film. Should stand and deliver on its own. Music should accompany not overwhelm.” -Roberta Munroe. 12:24 PM Sep 26th
• For those wondering what I’m tweeting. Am a special guest @ “The Best Short Film Workshop Ever” w/ Roberta Munroe former sundance programmer. 12:27 PM Sep 26th
• Now talking distribution with Leah Meyerhoff, @GoGoSlava will be here soon. 12:43 PM Sep 26th
• “If you want your short film to be distribution ready, don’t use recognizable music. You will not get the rights to The Who” -Roberta Munroe 12:47 PM Sep 26th
• “Take some pictures on set for promotional purposes.” It’s much better than pulling stills from your cut. They never look as good. 12:52 PM Sep 26th
• “Did you separate your Dialogue, Music, and Effects tracks? Ask about this in your soundmix! Important!” – Roberta Munroe. 12:57 PM Sep 26th
• “Contracts: Remember! “NON-EXCLUSIVE” never give all rights to single distribution co. Different Markets different needs” – Roberta Munroe. 1:01 PM Sep 26th
• “There is not a single distributor who can exploit your film worldwide. To be able to sell to as many people, non-exclusive!” -Roberta Munroe. 1:05 PM Sep 26th
• Now Leah Meyerhoff (@leahland) speaking about distribution. When shopping “Twitch” she created a “distribution database”
• Leah’s (@leahland)Her short film Twitch won Grand Jury Prize at Slamdance http://bit.ly/78Jpv1:11 PM Sep 26th
• Leah Meyerhoff (@leahland) sold exclusive rights for Twitch in Scandinavia for $7000. So there are cases when exclusive contracts work!1:12 PM Sep 26th
• “Sign all non-exclusive contracts you can. At this point it is about getting your work seen” – Leah Meyerhoff (@leahland ) 1:14 PM Sep 26th
• “Internet is murky & tricky. I held off releasing my film online until I completed the full festival run.” – Leah Meyerhoff (@leahland) 1:16 PM Sep 26th
• Be sure to have a website for yourself or your film. Oh, and Slava Rubin (@GoGoSlava) has arrived to the workshop. 1:19 PM Sep 26th
• “The more kind buzz you build about yourself comes back 10 fold. I know the importance of how to have a great image” – @leahland1:25 PM Sep 26th
• “When you go to film festivals, you are collecting a database of people who may later be part of your filmmaking career” – Roberta Munroe 1:27 PM Sep 26th
• “Build an email list. Don’t spam. Create an ongoing conversation and engage about your film and filmmaking” – Leah Meyerhoff (@leahland) 1:32 PM Sep 26th
• “Do not write a scathing email if you got rejection from a festival. It makes your look like an ass.” – Roberta Munroe 1:52 PM Sep 26th
• Now up is @GoGoSlava from Indie Go Go talking about raising about monies 2:06 PM Sep 26th
• “Email campaigns are the most undervalued items in your arsenal. Not just to market, but to engage filmmakers.” – Slava Rubin (@GoGoSlava) 2:14 PM Sep 26th
• Check out IndieGoGo provides “tools for fundraising, promotion, and discovery for filmmaking” Listening to @GoGoSlava speak. 2:28 PM Sep 26th
• Flyer from today’s “The Best Short Film Workshop Ever” http://twitpic.com/j9l80 3:03 PM Sep 26th
• “Focus on European festivals that don’t charge submission $ Go w/ the free ones 1st. Learn your festival submissions chops”- Roberta Munroe3:08 PM Sep 26th
• Sundance is not the end-all-and-be-all of film festivals, there are others out there, that can help you get great traction. 3:09 PM Sep 26th
• Closing statements from @robertamunroe. [Merrel note: Ouch! My back is killing me!] 3:22 PM Sep 26th
• Workshop over, now back to your regularly scheduled tweeting. Thanks for indulging me! 4:08 PM Sep 26th
• Look for a recap of today’s filmmaking workshop and tweets on my blog sometime mid next week! 4:54 PM Sep 26th

Good news folks! I’ve been invited as a special guest to Roberta Munroe’s Best Short Film Workshop Ever, this weekend September 26th in NYC. I will be speaking with Roberta about short film script structure, things like how to creating characters that are immediately engaging.

You may recall Roberta put on a great workshop at DCTV last March, Please check out my detailed recap of the event if you haven’t, it is chock full of goodness

If you are a short filmmaker come out to this event. Roberta is a sharp filmmaker who has judged over 15,000 films for large festivals like Sundance. The workshop will cover:

• Story
• Structure
• Production Distribution
• Film Festival Circuit
• How To Actually Make Money From Your Short Film

See you there!

Novelist and screenwriter Alexander Stuart is commemorating the 20th Anniversary re-release of his novel The War Zone by offering up a signed copy of the new Authorhouse release. You can read my review of the novel here and read what’s new this edition on Stuart’s blog.

To enters just @reply to @AlexanderChow (his twitter name) with the hash tag #WarZoneNovel

“What experience in adolescence most shaped your life or work?”

Best answer in three tweets or less by midnight PST Sunday August 23rd 2009 wins a signed copy. [Full Disclosure: I am co-judging this twitter contest. You can follow me at @UncompletedWork.]

Stay tuned for my second part of “Stepping into The War Zone” where I review and compare The War Zone film to its novel counterpart.