Letters to the Editor

Sometimes we all have days like this! Hang in there! — Vernon Whitlock, II

Don't let these incompetent people get to you. You and your impressive Magazine's reputation speak for itself. I myself am an inspiring Screenwriter, Instead of giving these people grief, they should be thanking you for giving them an opportunity to achieve their dreams! I would like to personally thank you for the opportunity. It is just a shame that we have to deal with people like these. — J. Masse

I have just read of the horror to which you have recently been subjected and to offer my support. You have done so much to help so many. You certainly do not deserve this. The Fade In Awards are one of the top, and most helpful, contests in the industry. I had won in 2006, and you have been helping me to further my career ever since! How could anyone put a price on that? How dare anyone call that a scam? I will forever appreciate everything that you have done for me. — Luke Dalinda

I can't believe the stuff people have published to hurt your reputation for no reason. I have been a part of the Fade In organization since 1995. I have so much respect and admiration for your mission. I love being in your magazine although it's been so long (hint). I will continue to do your pitch festivals and support you in finding the next great screenwriters know matter what slander is published on the web or anywhere. — Ken Kokin, Producer (Usual Suspects, Way of the Gun, Captain Abu Raed)

I'm sorry to hear about the scandal. I'm new to Fade In. I participated in the Online Pitchfest. I was told by a friend that, it would be a waste of time and not to bother. I'm glad I didn't follow that advice. The service provided was GREAT! I immediately signed up for the next one with the largest package you have and began sharing my excellent experience with other writers and will tell all my students (I teach film at a college). This attack is petty and not worth your energy. It doesn't reflect any truth on the service you guys provide to the film community. So, to quote that famous urban philosopher Jay-Z, "Brush that dirt off ya shoulder." Keep being the light that you guys are. Stay focused on the truth of your being and the motto of your company, which I'm sure is to serve the writing community. Word of mouth advertising is the best. You can't buy it. It's wrapped in the supposition of truth and inherent validity. I've told several of your great service and I'm sure others have and will continue to. So unleash your lawyers to do THEIR job of handling this petty B.S., and get back to that space of joy I'm sure you feeling being a beacon for writers and the film community around the globe. Say a little prayer for your attacker. What they are doing in truth has nothing to do with you. They obviously are looking to blame everyone else for their failing but themselves. Hold them in a space of forgiveness and move on back to providing the four-star quality service I'm bragging so much about. We have your back!!! — Paul Calderon

I had recently looked at the website and see the letter from Audrey Kelly on the main page regarding some of the sad behavior of some contestants and participants and bloggers regarding Fade In events. I am very sorry to hear that some people are so ill motivated to create problems and obvious falsehoods given the success of Fade In events, especially given the helpfulness I have seen staff and volunteers treating participants. I have enjoyed and benefited from my experiences at Fade In events and enjoy the magazine, and hope to be at the August pitch event. I hope Fade In will continue to have such useful events, and run the contests. — Kate Warpeha

As a MovieBytes bulletin board member, thank you for posting your rebuttal. We members, work very hard to support each other, discussing contests, coverage opportunities, offering congratulations to members placing etc., and it was sickening to see what went on. It was hard enough for me to become a finalist in a contest, and to get smacked with the kind of news that spread about your contest, well, it made me wonder about the entire contest universe, so thanks to you, or whomever brought the issue to your attention. Many of us were rattled. — Cheryl Miller

It's sad to hear about all this bull you're going through with these people. It amazes me that finalists are slinging mud your way when it's clear Fade In is trying to help. Being a Finalist in the 10th Annual Fade In Awards I remember we had a black sheep in our group as well. We were CC'd on all emails and I remember just shaking my head. I truly do not understand this behavior. As a Finalist I got everything you promised; the Waterman pen, my name in the trades, my name in Fade In Mag, my Fade In Mag subscription and my $750. And you can print that for all to read. Keep up the great work. Love the magazine! — Michael Yurinko

I am a writer/producer residing in NYC. Imagine the shock I'm in from reading about your recent accusations and character assassination attempts by these bitter, disgruntled wannabe screenwriters. You are not the first person I've seen attacked as a fraud or scam artist in this manner. Its as if these so-called writers have no other agenda but to strike out on these message boards. If they put a fraction of their energy into perfecting their craft maybe it would manifest itself in the positive manner they hope to attain. Where were they ten or more years ago when you would take the time out to pencil edit scripts by green writers such as myself for free, all the while building the infrastructure for what is now an industry staple for screenwriters everywhere? If there is ANYTHING AT ALL that I could do in your defense PLEASE LET ME KNOW! I am your soldier-in-waiting! You should be defended and protected at all costs. — Stan Nabors, First Point Films, NYC

I went to your website and saw the note from your Editor about some disturbed writer making a false statement; that is pathetic. There is a lot of talent and it is terribly smug of the two writers who caused Fade In so much distress. — R. Gilroy

After reading the Editor in Chief's statement today, I felt it was high time to issue praise of this contest and magazine. I am a Commercial Production Manager who sat down one day and decided that I wanted to write. With a good idea, I decided to follow my dream and finished my first script, DAEMON. I entered it into Fade In Magazine's competition on the sole recommendation of another writer who says this was a legitimate competition. As you know, there are a lot of competitions that do not deliver the goods. They are strictly a money making machine with nothing to offer. I have had the good fortune of making the semi finals of this year's competition. Needless to say I am ecstatic and look forward to possibly being a finalist. Just the recognition of being a semi-finalists has inspired me in more ways than you can imagine. Because of the competition, I was given the opportunity to Pitch Online this year. I paid the premium membership amount to pitch to as many people as I could. It was a success in the fact that, so far seven companies would like to read my material. Regardless of the outcome of the contest or pitchfest, it has been inspirational in my journey as a writer. I have not rested on my one script but continue to write. Last week, I finished my third screenplay. I have now written two features and a TV pilot. This body of work is reflected by encouragement from other artists and this particular competition that helped validate me as a writer. I look forward to pitching again and entering my other scripts in your upcoming competition. I know how hard it is to crack the barrier of Hollywood. I've been working in commercials and music videos for ten years. I look forward to the day that I do get representation and optioned where I can say FADE IN MAGAZINE was a big part of it. Thank you for what you are doing. I am not connected in the Television or Feature world but when I am I will sing your praises to other unknown writers. You give us the opportunity to be recognized and that IS ALL THAT A WRITER CAN ASK. No matter how bitter. Remember this. When my interview comes out in Variety magazine after my scripts are optioned, I will be giving you free publicity at every turn. Thanks for making me believe in myself and keep up the good work. Looking forward to the rewrite! — Brannon Walters, Unknown Writer who pays the bills as a Production Manager

I was not going to enter - just because I'm pinching the few pennies I have left but the smear campaign of recent times made me reconsider. I have been an entrant in past years. But the chicken shit postings pissed me off. Where do these idiots get the idea from your info and FAQs that somehow all these A-List talents will be reading and judging? It is obvious they are not. It's nothing but newbie, ignorant sour grapes. These malicious posters will not get very far with that type of behavior in H-wood. Hopefully all the hub-bub will die down and things will get back to somewhat normal. — Peter Fraser

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