the move to plain text

I bought an iPad 2 at release last year and have been using it as a screenwriting/filmmaking companion ever since. The iPad coupled with Dropbox is a glorious thing. Having access to my files with me anywhere I go has really spoiled me. How did we ever do things before? I don't remember.

By "going iPad" I've had to do one thing different. Learn to appreciate the simplicity of plain text files. Honestly, I've had zero trouble dropping fancy formatted documents for plain text. Maybe simple is in my nature, but I like it. I've now converted all of my writings to plain text, shared them with Dropbox, and voila!

The nice thing about text files (besides their simplicity) is that there are numerous text editors out there. One for every mood. Almost too many.

What's really cool is that most apps support Markdown syntax for when you do need a little extra formatting. But what's really super duper cool is what Fountain can do for us plain text screenwriters. [Fountain is what used to be known as SPMD, or Screenplay Markdown].

Since it's the cool, writer-nerd thing to do lately, I've considered writing a series of blog entries for how I made the move to iPad. To discuss various apps that I use as well as how I use my iPad. It would make Steve Jobs proud. *sniff*

App: Doc Scan

Anytime I get to use my iPhone in a geeky way, I'm happy. Because, hey, why not? I downloaded this free app a while ago called Doc Scan. Today I finally put it to use. In the current issue (Fall 2011) of MovieMaker Magazine there is an article I wanted to keep. A script doctor article that helps with various story problems. Well, I'm done with the magazine, so I didn't want to keep it just for the article, and I really didn't want to have to keep up with the 2 pages of the article itself.

Then I remembered… Doc Scan! I turned on several lights, took a pic of the article (one page at a time) and voila! The app lets you combine the 2 pages into one document, saves it as a pdf and then I uploaded it to Dropbox for safe keeping. Pretty cool! I have no idea if some of the other document scanning apps out there are better than Doc Scan as I only tried this because it has a free version. And anything I can do to cut down on paper clutter is nice. I haven't gone paperless yet, but I'm one step closer.

I bought a Kindle

I did it. I bought a Kindle. Nothing fancy like the new Fire. Just a Kindle Touch 3G. After playing around with my niece's Fire at Christmas, it's hard to imagine using anything other than an iPad - it's so seamless it's divine. But I've been a big fan of the Kindle app on both my iPhone and iPad for several years now. So why spend hard earned money on an actual Kindle? Two reasons. One, having an actual Kindle device allows me access to Amazon's book Lending feature. One book a month for unlimited reading time. Sucks it's only one book a month. What if I choose one I don't like? I'm stuck with it for 30 days. But hey, at least it's free. And you know what they say about a gift horse... To make sure I actually use this feature, I've even set a reminder on my phone for the beginning of every month.

Now, I realize that artists should get compensated for their work. Being one myself, I can totally relate. But I'm a very picky reader. It will be nice to sample books by various authors. And when I discover a new author or book series that I like, I will have zero problem forking over the dough for my own copy or giving a book a favorable review.

That said, the first book I chose was Naked Filmmaking: How To Make A Feature-Length Film - Without A Crew - For $10,000 Or Less by Mike Carroll. I've read many filmmaking and screenwriting books. Some are gems; most are coals. "Naked Filmmaking" is a fun, entertaining read. It offers good advice with a straight-forward attitude. I recommend it!

The second reason is that reading on an iPhone or iPad in direct sunlight is painful. But with Amazon's fancy E-ink technology, reading a Kindle in sunlight won't cause headaches and eye strains that make me wanna punch a kitten. For that, I'm grateful. And I'm sure the kittens are, too. I doubt I'll travel with my Kindle since I also keep several books handy on my iPhone app; plus, that would be one more thing to haul around. But come this summer, when I'm baking (er, lounging) in the hot sun, I'll enjoy having this bad boy.

Oh, and for the record, no way would I ever intentionally harm an animal.  My pets are my kids. 

Wunderlist Task App

I'm trying a new task management app to see what the fuss is all about.

For a while I've been using the Pocket Informant app for both iPhone/iPad. I like it because it plays nicely with (i.e., syncs with) Google Calendar. I'm usually not a Google supporter (I have my reasons), but I do like having an online version of my calendar that I can have easy access to if I so desire. Even though I make all my calendar entries via my iOS device, it's nice to know the web interface is there if I want it. Ok, truth be told, I simply like how Informant looks compared to iCal. Not to mention Google calendar is so much easier to share.

So, what's the new app?

Enter Wunderlist.

Informant is a great calendar system. I dig the layout and how easy it stays in sync on all my idevices. No complaints here. But I have yet to feel real comfortable with the tasks feature. Not to mention, the tasks do not sync with Google calendar. I'm basically trying Wunderlist to satisfy my desire to see if a stand alone task app would make me happier.

So far it does. I'm digging the separate app for tasks. It feels cleaner, more manageable than a combined task/calendar app. I'm not sure why that is. Perhaps because Wunderlist does one thing, and it does that one thing really well.

Oh, and it's free! Wunderlist also has a free desktop app that syncs seamlessly between the app on my iPhone and iPad. Nice.

For more information visit: Wunderlist

Update: 8-29-13
I no longer use Wunderlist or Informant. I'm a simple gal with simple needs, and the default Calendar and Reminders apps (iOS) are simple and uncluttered and are doing the trick for me just fine. At least for now....

R.I.P. Steve Jobs

I've loved using Macs for many years, but it was the iPhone that really changed (for the better) how I do so many things. From simple notetaking and appointments to keeping in touch and web surfing to scriptwriting and filmmaking. That has ...also extended over onto the iPad. The thing I liked about Steve Jobs is that while he did get excited about the technology, it was more about how people can use it to make personal/business tasks easier and more fun!

I was sitting in our living room with my husband when the news broke.  As a fan of technology in general it made me sad.  The world lost a tremendous visionary today.

Inspired by: Bousman

[Note: This is the original post in my "Inspired by" series. Follow the "Inspiration" tag for more entries.]

Today I stumbled across Darren Lynn Bousman's filmmaker blog. You know him, he's the director of "Saw" 2-4, and the really cool, but lesser known, "Repo! The Genetic Opera". He's currently working on a new movie called "11:11" and has been updating his blog with notes from the production.

But I'm not here to talk about his latest movie. I found something else far more poignant in his blog archive that truly touched me. He wrote a 6-part blog series on how he made it in Hollywood. While every single entry is recommended reading, it was part-1 that touched me. Go. Read it.

http://www.darrenlynnbousman.com/life-lessons-in-la-la-land/

Our First Oxford Film Fest

Friday, Feb 11 - Tonight we head down to Oxford for their annual Oxford Film Fest. "BLOOD THERAPY" is screening along with several other horror short films at the Malco. This will be the second time I've watched my movie on the big screen. I could get used to this.

We were put up in an inn on the square. It was a nice place with a touch of old Southern charm. We arrived with just enough time to check in and head to the theater. We met up with Christian Walker, our lead actor, and a couple of his friends before the screening. I felt good about our showing. The audience laughed at the appropriate spot and a few even jumped at the end. Yes! A man and woman were sitting to my right who I did not know that appeared to enjoy our film. That was neat to see them reacting to it.

Sunday, Feb 13 - The fest has come and gone. It went by way too fast. My only regret regarding the festival is not staying longer. Our schedules weren't jiving with the festival dates this year. But I so could have hung around all weekend making new friends, watching movies, and eating good food. I'm a southerner... we have the BEST food!

Oxford, MS is a beautiful place. Its gorgeous architecture on the square and rolling hills make for a perfect setting for a film festival. My only minor suggestion for improvement would be to hold the festival during warmer months. Oxford screams photo opportunities and with the landscapes in bloom, it's my guess that the city would be picture perfect.

"BLOOD THERAPY" played in the late night block of films along with other genre fare from all over the country. That was really cool seeing our film amongst films from all over and not just from our own city. The stand out short for me was "Night of the Punks", a fun and funny journey into the world of rock n' roll and demons. The performances were spot-on and the standout element for me was the special f/x. If this gets made into a feature (it's a possibility), horror fans like myself will be in for a fun treat. To see our little short play alongside something as polished as "Punks" was exciting! And it gives me a higher standard to strive for.

I've only been making films for a few years. And even fewer have I participated in festivals. I would wager that the Oxford Film Fest will be one of the better fests I ever experience. The directors of OFF really make us filmmakers feel like royalty. But they're the royalty. They've done a fantastic job bringing in movies from all over the country. Coupled with the beautiful setting of Oxford, it made for an inviting experience. It has been an honor to participate in such a well organized event that was clearly designed by people who love movies as much as us filmmakers. It is my hope to have the opportunity to be involved with many more OFFs.

Thank you again to Oxford Film Fest. I hope to see you again soon!