If you missed our last meeting, you really missed out. Our guest was the very personable and accomplished Lovinder Gill of the North Carolina Screenwriters, a writers' group based in Winston-Salem, NC. You can learn more about Gill at: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1159049/bio

His film, Chicks 101, which Mr. Gill wrote and directed, was recently released on DVD. It was voted Best Feature Film at the 2005 Backwoods Film Festival. CS' own Mack Stanton was a judge in the BFF competition, and gave the film high marks. See the trailer or purchase a copy at: http://www.chicks101movie.com/

Mr. Gill studied engineering before following his dream to work in the film industry. He has a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism and Mass Communications from Lock Haven University, a B.F.A. from the North Carolina School of the Arts School of Filmmaking as well as his M.A. in Screenwriting and Film Studies. He earned a M.F.A. in Screenwriting from Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia.

At the September meeting, Gill shared with us how their group operates. To be considered for membership in NC Screenwriters, writers must submit a completed feature-length screenplay to their board. Based upon their criteria, the review committee then ****uates the screenplay, and may invite a member to meet or to join. The goal of NCS is keep their membership small and focused on member work during the course of the year, as each member is allowed to submit their original work for critique twice a year. NCS meets twice a month. This group offers beginner screenwriting classes once a year and a more advanced screenwriting class. 

One of the many perks NCS offers its members is the opportunity to see their work produced. Each member of the group has the opportunity to submit a 12 page short script to be considered for production. The membership then chooses by vote, one project to be filmed. Once a script is selected, everyone has the opportunity to crew on the film. 

Gill shared about the Masters in Film and Screenwriting program through Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia. This program is a 6 week summer program over three years. A great option to consider. 

A big CS shout out to our special guest speaker Lovinder Gill, President, NC Screenwriters. Thanks, Lovinder! 

We did not have time to engage in discussion of our progress on John’s project so come ready to dive in at the next meeting.