I’ve been looking into this for a few months, and haven’t been very successful in finding a really cohesive group of screenwriters in Ottawa, whether established or up-and-coming…if one is out there, it’s not well publicized. I want to create a group for those people who get together, swap and share knowledge and ideas, and make it a priority to continue working the craft. There are a few Facebook groups out there, and some people who want this group to exist, but not alot of basics – like when/where/how.
So, I decided to bring it all together.
Ottawa has become a place where movies are shot, celebrities come and go, and a place where screenwriters should be able to live and work out of (even if they sell their work in other cities or countries). Writing is a solitary endeavour most of the time, but if you do too much navel gazing, you never get the real world feedback that everyone needs once in a while. This group, I’m hoping, will solve that. And, I want it to be a face-t0-face group. We do so much work behind the keys these days that sometimes it’s nice just to meet someone, break bread, share a coffee or a drink, and make nicey. It doesn’t even have to cost much, it just has to happen. And it has to mean something for those that show up.
My idea: a once a month (or more frequent, if warranted) meeting of the minds, to discuss, swap, critique and get feedback on the characters, scenes and scripts that we’re all working on. I know screenwriters are out there, and I know some of you are represented and working out of more fabulous and metropolitan centers…but let’s make Ottawa the place that everyone else can envy.
What? You’re a screenwriter in Ottawa? Who knew?
Join me. We can figure out the rest.
First meeting (and general schedule): January 16th, 2011. Third Sunday every month.
Location: The Carleton Tavern (upstairs), Parkdale at Armstrong, Hintonburg
Time: 2PM-4PM
Hope you can join me.
If you’re on Facebook, I started a group there too. Find us: The Writers Room Ottawa – and join up or send a message. I will add you to the group.
Thanks,
Jennifer Mulligan
