Go Your Own Way

The smell of this fresh rain is exactly what I needed! Summer has officially arrived. I'm glad I could make it. Meaning: I had some heavily busy time lately, but the best is yet to come! I am ready.

My faith did push me forward when all seemed lost. I'm found again. I'm grateful for my calendar and happy for my family & friends. Living in the eye of the storm, I guess. Two things I love dearly from 1971. One of them is Starbucks. I know, I know. Another white trash snob. Seattle is my beloved one, though. Not just because of Brandon Lee and the coffee. The wind! That's my kind of place!

The same goes for Dublin, Éire. I enjoyed staying there for a week in March. It was kind of a test - am I able to live there? Yes, very much! The Irish people are welcoming and witty. I felt they have tremendous stories to share! My kind of tribe, no doubt. My gut keeps telling me I should move there asap! God is going to arrange it sooner than later.

I decided to shut down this page because people stopped reading blog posts. Vlogs can survive this cultural shock, so I'm moving on to TikTok. I tried it years ago, but my old-fashioned self went back to typing. Now, I understood. We became a rare breed. Don't worry! My scripts and books are still written (or typed). But the daily dose of me is going to be virtual. I have to check if my old profile is available. Stay tuned! New ways, but my own!

your fellow creator,

Kata The Writer

Turn Off - Get Out

Movie ideas come to me when I do something new or different from the usual daily stuff. Dreams are also helpful, but changing my location is the best inspiration (and motivation). It may work another way for you, but it won't hurt if you try.

Let your mind wander! Let yourself feel good! Take it easy every once in a while! Simply walk down a street you have never been before! Listen to the birds or a train! Inhale and exhale loudly! Let the sunshine on your face!

My method to get my creative juices flowing is to observe everything silently and always take notes when my inner nerd is talking. I play with my ideas. I say them out loud to hear how they sound. No, it's not weird at all. You all should try it!

My stories have real-life examples in them from my own timeline. 'True story' would be a little harsh to state, but the seed is there. It's challenging to combine fiction with non-fiction. A personal connection to a script is much better than just some random idea.

Focus on what moves you! That's one of the best pieces of advice I have heard in a decade. I'm working on stories that bring a high level of authenticity to my writing. 

What can happen next? What will happen next? - Most people go crazy to find that out. This makes a script a good one. Now get back to writing!

your fellow screenwriter,

Kata The Writer

The Family Stallone 1.0

Blessing. Fun. Smart. Epic. Awesome. Genuine. Creative. Joyous. Loveful. Hilarious. Strong. Motivating. Open. Exciting. Meaningful.

I just saw the first two episodes of 'The Family Stallone' and had to grab this keyboard! It made my afternoon! They are so natural at this. I was curious to meet the Ladies of my hero's life. Sly already got me with 'Rocky'. I was a teen with tons of unused energy, rage, and fury - so I began boxing. My world started to make sense right after that.

Losing my Dad last August (way too early) made me realize the hard truth about time as the currency we only have. I'm a writer. More of a screenwriter as I came to clarity recently. The first professional script I read was also 'Rocky'. Since I entered that 'blue door fight club' - I was hooked on movies. It's a roller coaster ride to create my worlds and share my deepest fears, thoughts, past stories, and roughest feelings. 

Sly has a warm and welcoming family. I am completely okay with their way of examining a new person. I secretly hope that my heart and personality will pass their scrutiny. I enjoy a good prank, a little competition, and a loud dining party. Laughter and wisdom are a perfect match.

The girls are hilarious. So great to meet them! I loved the birthday cake joke! Sly took it right to the heart. Sistine is cruel, well, just a healthy bit. My instincts tell me she's going to be the hardest to unwrap. Sophia is a natural-born big sister. She has grace and dignity. No doubt, she can also put you down if she has to. Scarlet is goofy and refreshing. I sense an enormous amount of kindness in her. Jennifer seems like the best Mom ever. She's deadly gorgeous. No question where the girls got their looks from. Sorry, Chief.

After these two episodes, I have to state that I like them to no end. I literally can't wait to meet the whole family! 'Tulsa King' is a blast! I loved watching each episode! Oklahoma caught my interest because of this show with Chief. Now 'The Family Stallone' is there on the menu, too. Thanks for making it to the whole cast and crew!

your fellow screenwriter,

Kata The Writer

9 Seconds of Bad Karma

The Equalizer (1-2-3) is done without me. I'm pretty much bummed. I knew I was the best choice next to Denzel Washington. Me - like a lucky charm. You hear me, Antoine Fuqua and Richard Wenk? Much respect, but you did it wrong. Just kidding, or am I? Anyway, I can't wait to see what you get together. Bringing Dakota Fanning into the game was an excellent reflection on 'Man on Fire' (2004). Italy was a great choice, too. I love the Italian lifestyle; those people can teach you how to live! 

Fun fact about my craft: new movie ideas pop into my mind daily. Hard to remember them all, even with keeping a tiny journal by my side each moment. I need to relax and distract my brain from movies every once in a while. You know, to be there in the present. I have to make memories. I never stay put in one place. I was born to be on the road. Nomad, that's what they say about me. I have a base that is constantly changing, too. This life was meant to be lived, right?

I'm a joyful person - anyone can tell. Highly spiritual, also. My stories include an outcast heroine who makes life brighter for everyone around her. A heavy past shapes you into a dark-eyed angel who knows what you've been through by staring into your soul for a while. I write scripts from the inside. Drowning in my thoughts could have gone awfully wrong, but I turned everything upside down. I created change. That's why I'm here. I show you how to learn and move on. Anything can be used as a stepping stone. You were raised to settle for bad karma. Guess what? There's no such thing. Don't let them belittle you and your life! Dreams are there for a reason. Karma is not fate. Everything can be changed in a second. Or 9 seconds. Your call.

your fellow writer,

Kata The Writer

YuanHongWaiXiaoYanZhiTongTie

Whenever, wherever. The best medicine I could put my hands on for my shoulders, back, lower back (lumbar disc herniation), and lower stomach pain. I highly recommend this anti-inflammatory analgesic plaster. What's it made of? Far-infrared nano-ceramics powder, mint, medical adhesive plaster, backing, and silicone paper. We call it 'Tiger Patch'. Going to post photos on my Instagram /@katathewriter/, and how to use it! Stay tuned!

Another topic: Rennervations!!! This show keeps me smiling. Jeremy Renner is right at it. I'm overjoyed that he does what is dear to his heart! The whole team is truly incredible, yes, including Rory! XD Amazing efforts that they put in, and lifting up my spirit to list my ways of building and helping! Look around you and do something good today! Let's make Jerminator proud! ;)

I need new music from time to time to artist-ly function. These days I got back to my old fav, Azealia Banks. And some new (to me): Jessie Ware.

Writing is not a job, writing is a lifestyle. You should explain it to your family and friends. Not to mention lovers, right?! So, why don't we get the credit we deserve?! I feel deeply saddened that /WGA or not/ writers are underrepresented. We give our souls for your entertainment. We change your lives with our words and visions. Free yourselves from the chains! Write for your own pleasure! Let it all out! Keep going, no matter what!

your fellow writer,

Kata The Writer

WGA Strike 2023

I'm not yet a WGA member, but I care about my fellow writers and my future as a screenwriter in the entertainment industry. The last big strike was in 2007/2008 when I started working at a Hungarian local TV (as managing editor). Salaries and equality. I had to pave the path for the next generations, too. They have no idea of how we had to begin our careers.

Fighting for fair wages in the streaming era is a heavy task. I'm still learning what these 'mini rooms' are for us - writers. We all want to get into a writer's room, but when they are shrinking (fewer writers than a traditional room would employ) - that's no good news. Seven (or more) writers can brainstorm over any concept and create one hell of an entertainment! I'd love to join a group like that!

Breaking down a season and giving it the glue/wind it needs requires more minds than one (or two). Getting paid the union minimum rather than the regular fee sounds wrong.

Catching the long-term payroll is a dream? Let's hope not! Better take action now than cry later! Short assignments are considerable and appreciable, but we are here for the settlement - keep us employed. We want to be recognized and paid fairly. Without us writers, there would be nothing to watch. No movies, no TV shows. Let's just remember that for a second! Thank you.

your fellow writer,

Kata Varga

Admit It, McConaughey!

I had a few hours to try what Matthew McConaughey was cooking for us at the 'ART OF LIVIN' virtual event table. I admit I went only for the free part, but let me tell you this: I did one rewatch of the 2nd part. It was worth it. Not every second of it, no. Most of it, yes. Where to begin? I've never even liked McConaughey in the first place. I thought he was just another poser, a clueless American actor boy with more toys than he could play with. Then my Instagram showed me this event, and I was like: 'What the hell! I want to know what he's cookin'! I'm a curious creature, after all. Also, I wanted to test my theory about him. I joined on YouTube with another 300,000 folks! (tops was around 400,000)

McConaughey said a few things that are useful for all of us. Let me share some with you:

- Name, claim, and declare! (whatever it may be for you)

- Invest in yourself! / revolving vs. evolving

- Complete honesty / admitting the lies to admit the true you

McConaughey asked a few questions, and we had to type our answers in the chat box. He was reading out quite a few (mine was there, too). How would you answer these:

- Why are you here? 

(he asked about the event, but perfect in general)

I loved the talk about the false sense of identity/illusions/white lies/impostor syndrome/the boogeyman/gratitude/TRUST.

- Me, too. /an invite back to the human race/ by Brother Christian

- Trust 5% percent more! (I agree!)

Although I couldn't afford to pay him anything, I'm humbled by the experience. McConaughey put his heart n soul into this. He solidly made millions of hearts lighter. The midlife crisis is a real thing. People need a push in their lives. Start doing something is easier when you see others taking their first steps, too. That was the strongest about this virtual event. Togetherness. Acceptance.

You can trust me when I praise McConaughey cuz I still don't like him. I like what he did. THAT was worth my attention. I'm going to read his book /Greenlights/ because he made me curious. I want to know MORE. Life is an endless learning experience for all of us.

I understand that McConaughey needs to pay his bills, too. I was unimpressed by the promo feeling near the end, but I'm not here to judge. I couldn't afford the 47USD VIP Fast Pass, so no wonder I can't sign up for his 'Roadtrip: The Highway To More' for the super low price of 397USD. Whoever reads this and can try it, please let me know some details!

In the meantime, start LIVING!!!!

your fellow human,

Kata The Writer

Screenwriter Salary 1.0

Answering the queries here, both for myself and fellow rookie screenwriters out there reading these posts. In our material existence, we must take care of money matters. First, there's no such thing as a fixed screenwriter salary. This is not like any other job in the entertainment industry. Being a writer itself is a lot different. We work as we like. We write with discipline (who am I kidding, we are not Stephen King). We create whenever the muse blows a kiss on our mouth. We can't live without a pen and paper (or a notebook and its keyboard).

Screenwriters are paid on a freelance basis. I've never heard about the otherwise. We are living through the next paycheck. Or we are doing other jobs to feed the dog (and ourselves). Until we get a name/track record. You can become an A-list or independent screenwriter - that's your call, but still no steady money from month to month. That's a fact one should consider right next to the craft itself. If you can't imagine living any other way possible - this life is for you.

There are more non-WGA member screenwriters than WGA members, so let me talk to my kind from now on. It's a long run (three years) to get a Writer's Guild of America membership, especially if you are not from the USA. A writer must meet definite criteria to get full or partial membership. They count units that are earned by the writer. What does that mean? WGA asks for your writing employment and/or sales within the Guild's jurisdiction and with a signatory company (who signed the Guild's collective bargaining agreement).

When you are not a WGA member, what should you expect to be paid for your stories? Higher the page count, the higher the salary. Shorter the deadline, the bigger the money. (If you have to finish in 4 weeks > or 4 months.) Read an online article about an example of a TV pilot salary (2,000 USD). Yet, writing shouldn't be primarily about earnings. I know, I know. We have to make a living from our big dreams. Don't worry! A solid credit can be worth a pile of gold! An honest connection helps you evolve a hundred times better! You want to see open doors after all those years of knocking, right?

Being a WGA member has benefits, but you need a gig first to get in. Membership costs 2,500 USD. It gets you health insurance if you keep working as a writer. The WGA guarantees that you will get a higher salary than if you are not in the Guild. One original feature screenplay with treatment pays the most. On TV, it's the 60 Minute Network prime time teleplay. My goal is to get a staff writer position on an ongoing TV show. And to get my scripts sold, of course.

your fellow screenwriter,

Kata Varga