BARBARA SCHIFFMAN: 2010 Awards Season - Movie Marathon Months!

Barbara Schiffman

Script Consulting, Book Editing & Creative Career Coaching

About Barbara
Barbara Schiffman is a writer, editor, journalist and script consultant. She specializes in writing about personal and spiritual development, and edits articles and books written by other authors.
Her co-authored book "THE EXHILARATION EFFECT: Building the Courage to Take Your Leap of Faith" was ranked among the Top 25 Semi-Finalists in the Next Top Spiritual Author 2010 publishing competition. Get info on E2 coaching with Barbara and her co-author Camille Leon at The ExhilarationEffect via link below.

She's an active member of the Story Analysts Union and has been a professional script consultant for over 25 years. Barbara reviews scripts and books for Hollywood producers, cable networks and literary agencies. She's also a teaching assistant for Will Akers' Vanderbilt University Screenwriting 101 classes since 2008. Her long list of Hollywood clients includes Starz Network, Mandalay Films, HBO, Miramax, Dreamworks, UTA, CAA and Harpo Productions. Barbara provides "first look" feedback to writers, directors and producers as well as pitch coaching by phone.

Barbara's contributed chapters to anthology books including "Now Write! Screenwriting" (from Tarcher/ Penguin) and written articles for publications and websites including Vision Magazine, Emmy Magazine, Publisher's Weekly, Writer's Digest, LA Daily News and SelfGrowth.com.

In addition, as a Certified Hypnotherapist she helps writers reduce anxiety over public speaking and pitching their work. She's also a breakthrough coach for creatives and people in life &/or career transitions.

Contact Barbara at 818-415-3479 or email LiteraSee@gmail.com for info on her editing and coaching services.
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BARBARA SCHIFFMAN: 2010 Awards Season - Movie Marathon Months!

2010 Awards Season - Movie Marathon Months!

November and December are Movie Marathon Month again for me — I'm getting to see most of films being screened for Academy and other film awards! It's one of the perks of being in the Story Analysts Union, which I appreciate.

My favorite so far is CITY ISLAND with Andy Garcia and Julianne Margulies — about a dysfunctional but lovable family which lives in the Bronx area of City Island. Secrets are revealed over a few days and relationships change — for the better — but everything that could go wrong does. If you liked LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE and movies like that, you'll like this one. See some clips here:

http://www.cityislandmovie.com/#/video

Also liked SECRETARIAT which was amazingly inspirational. Loved the underdog theme and the performances as well as the horse races.

Not sure what I think of HEREAFTER yet — amazing opening that felt real to me. But it was more about coincidence and serendipity in our lives than about death or what comes next, however, and somewhat slow paced. But it had memorable characters and deeply affecting situations. I'm still thinking about it which means it had a deep impact regardless.

PLEASE GIVE was better than I expected — with Oliver Platt and Catherine Keener. The character study of New York neighbors was surprising and amusing. A good reminder that the people in our lives are more important than the objects. Clips at:

http://www.sonyclassics.com/pleasegive/

IT'S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY was similar — how people affect each other even in a mental ward. Good performances from Zach Galafiniakis and Emma Roberts, and especially young lead Keir Gilchrist who made it believable. Clips at:

http://focusfeatures.com/film/its_kind_of_a_funny_story/ focusfeatures.com/film/its_kind_of_a_funny_story/

More to come — let me know what you think of these movies or others this holiday season!