Welcome To The Cupboard
August 15th 2007 05:53
Liz Cooper Smith is a Sydney writer looking for writers to collaborate on some darn interesting writing projects. These range from TV Pilots to Screenplays to Novels.
The Onion Cupboard is the trading name of Liz's writing ranging from quotes to novels to articles to screenplays.
Screenplays and Short Films aren't uploaded, rather just the Story Pitch. If you're interested in viewing the scripts, email liz@theonioncupboard.com
The Onion Cupboard is the trading name of Liz's writing ranging from quotes to novels to articles to screenplays.
Screenplays and Short Films aren't uploaded, rather just the Story Pitch. If you're interested in viewing the scripts, email liz@theonioncupboard.com
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Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
Comment by Liz Cooper Smith
Another Monday
Quirk Berserk
The Onion Cupboard
I don't care if they've got only one bit of an alphabet. I think I have the other one here somewhere...
Comment by David
I've got a few questions.
When you refer to The Onion Cupboard as your trading name, it is your solo business or a company? How long have you been trading?
What's your background and involvement with the film, television and literature industries?
Where and to whom are the screenplays / novels pitched?
Does anyone get paid?
David ...
Comment by Liz Cooper Smith
Another Monday
Quirk Berserk
The Onion Cupboard
All very good questions.
I'll save you some reading and answer the last question first. No-one gets paid. My theory is that it's better to share ideas and writing rather than have them sitting in your harddrive until the end of time. I'm looking for a start and to be part of a successful writing team that hopefully can one day make money. I'm sure I'm not the only one out there in the same position.
I have a lot of ideas and projects I'm working on and find that I just don't have enough time to get them done.
My background:
- Self published my first novel in 2005
- Wrote, Directed and Produced my frist Tropfest film last year (I'm not a very good director and it didn't go anywhere)
- Have articles posted all over the place ranging from Sydney Morning Hearld to Renovation Planning to here.
I'm very new to this whole Orble thing so if I'm barking up the wrong tree, I'll go bark somewhere else.
Comment by David
You're not barking up the wrong tree. I asked those questions for my own sake.
Firstly I like collaborative writing. It's not quite the same via the net as it is in real life, but it can be done. Apart from my own projects, I don't do a lot of 'free writing' any more. I've had my fill of it with the film industry.
As for Tropfest? I was part of their inaugural Travelling Nest. I wasn't very impressed with the guy in charge, but then I'm straight and didn't pay his arse as much attention as he would have liked, I guess. At the time I already had a feature film credit to my name, so it didn't really bother me, but anyone who tells me no gay is nasty? Get out of here!
As for directing. At least you had a crack at it. That's how you learn. It's a completely different profession to writing. That's one thing you learn pretty quickly.
It's a good effort to get anything published in the SMH.
So, welcome to OrbleFest.
David ...
Comment by Liz Cooper Smith
Another Monday
Quirk Berserk
The Onion Cupboard
Thank you for your warm welcome.
I haven't heard about the Travelling Nest.
I was flat out trying not to slit my wrists over my little entry.
I must say that Tropfes was an extreme learning experience but one I'm glad I went through.'
I'm going to be a lot more sensible this year and just write the shorts and not do anything else. After all the script was the only thing I didn't have to worry about.
In relation to collaboration, email is good but I prefer face to face meetings, brainstorming etc. Plus it keeps you honest.
I'm a quirky personality and some of my writing reflects that - to give you an idea - When I grow up, I want to be Joe Hildebrand (Daily Telegraph) but without the dangly bits.
Comment by David
I'm glad you don't want the dangly bits. No way am I collaborating with you if you have a sex change and start staring at my arse, okay?
Having a crack at Tropnest sounds like a good move to me re the learning curve. Getting the hands dirty is the best way to learn. Shooting and editing a film teaches the writer heaps about what works and what doesn't work, so good on you for having a crack. (And keep your eyes off mine if you get a sex change).
As much as I'd like to direct a film? I'd rather spend my time writing screenplays. Finding a director who shares the vision is the difficult part, so it's always a temptation to go directing, but I'm a bit over it. It's far too active. It would only cut into my drinking time.
David ...
Comment by Liz Cooper Smith
Another Monday
Quirk Berserk
The Onion Cupboard
How about I just skip the sex change and just jump straight into staring at your arse? I could be wrong but that's probably the best offer you've all day (or at least for an hour).
It's nice to meet another writer who understands the importance of alcohol and the time one must dedicate to it. It's just as important as sharpening your pencil.
As for Tropfest, tell me about the Travelling Nest. Is Travelling Nest like the Travelling Wilbury's but without the sunglasses, guitars and hypnotic grooves?
Comment by David
It's the only forthright and honest offer I've had all day. I don't mind a bit of textual foreplay but some women do tend to overdo it a bit.
Oh, btw. I'm circumcised. There is no sharpening of the pencil happening here. In filmic terms? The cut version.
Travelling Nest? It was in the mid-to-late 90s. I think it collapsed. How surprising. It was Tropnest's attempt to get a bit of a hold on feature film production in Australia, but I gather they realised short films were their gig. John Polton was one of the founders (The Boys). I lost touch and interest with Tropfest after my experience with gay boy and his cohorts.
David ..
Comment by Liz Cooper Smith
Another Monday
Quirk Berserk
The Onion Cupboard
That wasn't the type of sharpening I was referring to but I understand I opened the door (and have again) to sexual innuedo. After all HB pencils really aren't that sexy...
No they're not.
I'm green enough not to know the grand history of Tropfest and still have enough enthusiasm in me (and there we go again) to believe in it. From experience, it's been a great introduction to film and you're right, it made me appreciate how my words translate to film.
So what's your story David? Please don't tell me you write for Neighbours.
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
Ive been giggling away over you guys.....
I gotta say you've hooked me Liz, and Im interested, but Im one of those writers that hides in the closet with everything she's ever written.....Cos my ideas are so good everyones just GOT to be trying to steal them!
(Think that simpsons scene with Matt Groening - "Get outta my office!")
Comment by Liz Cooper Smith
Another Monday
Quirk Berserk
The Onion Cupboard
Yeah - Get outta my office! Actually no, I need you in here. Where's the 'any' key? ...
I watch Neighbours too but that doesn't change the fact that the acting is stilted and the dialogue doesn't make sense.
The only actor I really like on Neighbours is Toady. I remember the days when he was on the other side of the law. Also, it goes to prove that there are nice guys out there, even if they're reading off a bad script.
As for your ideas, I have great ideas as well but I came to realise my ability in myself. So what if someone steals your idea - immitation is the highest form of flattery.
Not that I want people to steal from me but I'm sick and tired of writing into thin air and not get paid for it.
I want to be a good writer, surrounded by people passionate about stories, are witty and have enough money to BYO their own booze.
As for Matt Groening - not only is he comic genius but he has a cool last name.
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
BYO booze....*giggle*
Matt Groening is an enlightened master. Im not kidding. He hides universal truths in that show, and thats why people cant stop watching. He reveals the secrets of the Heavens between beer burps. Problem is, theyre so quick I dont have time to write them down.....
You are in the right place. Everyone on Orble wants to be a good writer.....Problem is, most of us are! Its a good community for intelligent people, you will find interesting thoughts here.
Looking forward to future artistic discussions...
Comment by Liz Cooper Smith
Another Monday
Quirk Berserk
The Onion Cupboard
Over the weekend, I'll be checking out your Orble site as I like the fact you too appreciate the effect of Champers at 10am. The last time I started drinking at 10am was at the races. By 2pm I was so drunk I was cheering for horses I hadn't bet on and by 3pm I fell asleep under Bookie.
So tell me your story Kleonaptra. Give us the whole uncensored and delicious story.
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
BTW, thats what ladies day at the races is for....One of my TAFE teachers(horse course) said the only purpose of ladies day at the races was to - "Get dressed up to the nines and get so drunk you fall off your high heels....."
And......Youre cute.
Comment by Liz Cooper Smith
Another Monday
Quirk Berserk
The Onion Cupboard
I had a quick poke around your site - you really do love Neighbours. Did you write your blog after I bagged it out?
You're right about the races. That's why I just now stick to the TAB.
So Kleonaptra, what's been happening this week?
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
I breed horses, theyre my life.....Yet Ive NEVER been to the races! Now that I know the truth about the industry I refuse to support it. I feel guilty if I bet on the Melbourne Cup.
This week? Oh, you know....Ambiguity, guilt, selfishness.....Nothing out of the ordinary.