Category Archives: Instagram

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It's called 'the MOVIES'. So keep things moving! But don't just show characters walking, running, driving because they have to go from A to B. To create mythical stories, all trips must be thresholds. The character doesn't just move in geographical space. They 'move on', move forward, choose a new direction, and 'get unstuck'. Scenes or sequences of movement are most powerful when they signify a threshold; when we enter a new phase of the story. Any other travel will be an expensive series of shots that likely ends in the 'deleted' bin. #storytelling #screenwriting #screenplay #herosjourney #myth #scriptwriting #indiefilm #filmmaking #amwriting #writing #creativewriting #character #structure #courses #writingcourse

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It's called 'the MOVIES'. So keep things moving! But don't just show characters walking, running, driving because they have to go from A to B. To create mythical stories, all trips must be thresholds. The character doesn't just move in geographical space. They 'move on', move forward, choose a new direction, and 'get unstuck'. Scenes or sequences of movement are most powerful when they signify a threshold; when we enter a new phase of the story. Any other travel will be an expensive series of shots that likely ends in the 'deleted' bin. #storytelling #screenwriting #screenplay #herosjourney #myth #scriptwriting #indiefilm #filmmaking #amwriting #writing #creativewriting #character #structure #courses #writingcourse

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A story can often be told from various perspectives. Are you having difficulty deciding who will be your protagonist? Just look at who has to perform the final climactic action. This is usually your main character. Sometimes the (transformational) hero is a different character… S/he who learns or grows the most doesn't necessarily have to be the same character who determines the outcome of the plot. #protagonist #hero #maincharacter #mc #screenwriting #storytelling #scriptwriting #screenplay #filmmaking #indiefilm #amwriting #writing #structure #character #pointofview

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A story can often be told from various perspectives. Are you having difficulty deciding who will be your protagonist? Just look at who has to perform the final climactic action. This is usually your main character. Sometimes the (transformational) hero is a different character... S/he who learns or grows the most doesn't necessarily have to be the same character who determines the outcome of the plot. #protagonist #hero #maincharacter #mc #screenwriting #storytelling #scriptwriting #screenplay #filmmaking #indiefilm #amwriting #writing #structure #character #pointofview

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It's tempting to write about true facts that are wildly exciting, incredible or surprising. But because the event really happened, doesn't necessarily mean the reader will believe it. You still need to make sure that the circumstances and context give it plausibility. #adaptation #screenwriting #amwriting #storytelling #filmmaking #indiefilm #screenplay #moviescript #scriptwriting #screenwriter #storyteller #moviemaking #character #structure #pointofview

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It's tempting to write about true facts that are wildly exciting, incredible or surprising. But because the event really happened, doesn't necessarily mean the reader will believe it. You still need to make sure that the circumstances and context give it plausibility. #adaptation #screenwriting #amwriting #storytelling #filmmaking #indiefilm #screenplay #moviescript #scriptwriting #screenwriter #storyteller #moviemaking #character #structure #pointofview

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Immersion Screenwriting allows you to discover and study scripts in the most popular genres. You adopt the habits and skills of the professional screenwriter by following a strict daily regimen of writing and reading. Every script is an adaptation of something: true stories, life, memories, or just that original creative idea. Most of the work lies in shaping the idea into a dramatic format that fits the screen. #screenwriting #writing #amwriting #storytelling #screenplay #scriptwriting #filmmaking #indiefilm #writingcourses #moviemaking

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Immersion Screenwriting allows you to discover and study scripts in the most popular genres. You adopt the habits and skills of the professional screenwriter by following a strict daily regimen of writing and reading. Every script is an adaptation of something: true stories, life, memories, or just that original creative idea. Most of the work lies in shaping the idea into a dramatic format that fits the screen. #screenwriting #writing #amwriting #storytelling #screenplay #scriptwriting #filmmaking #indiefilm #writingcourses #moviemaking

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How can this not result in a Nordic Noir of some sort (apart from the fact that outside Scandinavia everything Scandi seems to be called NN these days). Very much looking forward to 5 days of lecturing and workshopping with the students of StoryUtbildningen, some of which have already proved their talent and skill over the past year. And then on to Cinemantrix in Stockholm for two days of TV drama fun.Hopefully, this trip will revive my Instagram life, as it appears that I have only posted 3 pics since last year…But this could also be because the past year was a dramatic rollercoaster. It seems like five years compacted into one. Certainly great value for money.Here's a question for you: If you were to be in the audience this week, what would you like me to teach you?#visby #storyutbildningen #storytelling #screenwriting #screenplay #manus #tvwriting #sweden #gotland #stockholm #cinemantrix #forasund #filmmaking #amwriting #filmmaker #screenwriter #script

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How can this not result in a Nordic Noir of some sort (apart from the fact that outside Scandinavia everything Scandi seems to be called NN these days). Very much looking forward to 5 days of lecturing and workshopping with the students of StoryUtbildningen, some of which have already proved their talent and skill over the past year. And then on to Cinemantrix in Stockholm for two days of TV drama fun.Hopefully, this trip will revive my Instagram life, as it appears that I have only posted 3 pics since last year...But this could also be because the past year was a dramatic rollercoaster. It seems like five years compacted into one. Certainly great value for money.Here's a question for you: If you were to be in the audience this week, what would you like me to teach you?#visby #storyutbildningen #storytelling #screenwriting #screenplay #manus #tvwriting #sweden #gotland #stockholm #cinemantrix #forasund #filmmaking #amwriting #filmmaker #screenwriter #script

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Finally we're back above water! And with exciting developments: "Logline It" has been upgraded (https://logline.it), a Logline Generator is in the works for screenwriters, and Immersion 2.0 is about to launch. ⠀No further excuses for leaving those screenplay ideas unwritten!⠀Check out the Immersion Course page (https://screenwriting.courses) and register for information.⠀⠀And I haven't mentioned the films that we worked on through The Story Department! Some are in post-production (#thelegendofbarontoa), or getting premiere screenings in various parts of the world (#thefuries, #dangerclose). Watch this space!⠀⠀#screenwriting #screenplay #scriptwriting #storytelling #story #filmmaking #thestorydepartment #karelsegers #logline #courses #creativewriting #elearning #filmscript #moviescript #scriptassessment #development #filmproduction #writingsoftware #amwriting #screenwriter #filmmaker #script #indiefilm #writerslife #independentfilm #screenwriters #writer

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Finally we're back above water! And with exciting developments: "Logline It" has been upgraded (https://logline.it), a Logline Generator is in the works for screenwriters, and Immersion 2.0 is about to launch. ⠀No further excuses for leaving those screenplay ideas unwritten!⠀Check out the Immersion Course page (https://screenwriting.courses) and register for information.⠀⠀And I haven't mentioned the films that we worked on through The Story Department! Some are in post-production (#thelegendofbarontoa), or getting premiere screenings in various parts of the world (#thefuries, #dangerclose). Watch this space!⠀⠀#screenwriting #screenplay #scriptwriting #storytelling #story #filmmaking #thestorydepartment #karelsegers #logline #courses #creativewriting #elearning #filmscript #moviescript #scriptassessment #development #filmproduction #writingsoftware #amwriting #screenwriter #filmmaker #script #indiefilm #writerslife #independentfilm #screenwriters #writer

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I fell out of love with one of my all-time favourite movies, and this one took its place. Finally. Check out the YouTube channel (link in my Instagram profile) for the full video, in which I play a few clips from both films.I also explain why I believe every wannabe filmmaker should watch the classics. Three good reasons… #film #storytelling #screenwriting #indiefilm #filmmaking #story #structure #character #theme #orsonwelles #vincenteminelli #citizenkane #classicfilm #hollywood #rko #protagonist

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I fell out of love with one of my all-time favourite movies, and this one took its place. Finally. Check out the YouTube channel (link in my Instagram profile) for the full video, in which I play a few clips from both films.I also explain why I believe every wannabe filmmaker should watch the classics. Three good reasons... #film #storytelling #screenwriting #indiefilm #filmmaking #story #structure #character #theme #orsonwelles #vincenteminelli #citizenkane #classicfilm #hollywood #rko #protagonist

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Alex Garland can't do much wrong. I find him one of the most interesting filmmakers, even after Annihilation. It's a film that's kept me thinking, long after seeing it. Paramount didn't trust it and sold it to Netflix for international, instead of working on a proper theatrical run. I think that was a pretty stupid move, because it is a pure cinematic experience. If any country was NOT going to dig it, it was the US. Elsewhere people are way more open-minded.⠀Did you see it? What did you think?⠀⠀Here's a cool interview with Garland:⠀⠀bit.ly/alexgarland⠀⠀#annihilation #exmachina #alexgarland #scifi #genre #storytelling #screenwriting #netflix #filmmaking #arthouse

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Alex Garland can't do much wrong. I find him one of the most interesting filmmakers, even after Annihilation. It's a film that's kept me thinking, long after seeing it. Paramount didn't trust it and sold it to Netflix for international, instead of working on a proper theatrical run. I think that was a pretty stupid move, because it is a pure cinematic experience. If any country was NOT going to dig it, it was the US. Elsewhere people are way more open-minded.⠀Did you see it? What did you think?⠀⠀Here's a cool interview with Garland:⠀⠀bit.ly/alexgarland⠀⠀#annihilation #exmachina #alexgarland #scifi #genre #storytelling #screenwriting #netflix #filmmaking #arthouse

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Last month I finally started posting regular videos on YouTube. They are short, from 3 – 12 minutes each. ⠀⠀In the future I will create longer videos, and discuss topics in greater detail. My favourite topics are POV, concept/loglines, inciting incident, mid point reversal and thresholds. I believe I can bring a new perspective to each of these.⠀⠀If you are following me on Instagram, I would love if you also subscribe to my YouTube channel, and give me some feedback to the videos. Despite some professional experience (even with live TV!), I'm still struggling with being natural and spontaneous in front of the camera. I do believe the videos have improved since I launched, but would love to hear your feedback. Did I ask you to subscribe!? :)⠀⠀http://bit.ly/tsd-channel⠀(Click the link in my profile) ⠀⠀#screenwriting #story #storytelling #screenplay #POV #midpoint #incitingincident #filmmaking #screenwritingcourse #writingcourse #indiefilm #creativewriting #australia #bluemountains #nsw

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Last month I finally started posting regular videos on YouTube. They are short, from 3 - 12 minutes each. ⠀⠀In the future I will create longer videos, and discuss topics in greater detail. My favourite topics are POV, concept/loglines, inciting incident, mid point reversal and thresholds. I believe I can bring a new perspective to each of these.⠀⠀If you are following me on Instagram, I would love if you also subscribe to my YouTube channel, and give me some feedback to the videos. Despite some professional experience (even with live TV!), I'm still struggling with being natural and spontaneous in front of the camera. I do believe the videos have improved since I launched, but would love to hear your feedback. Did I ask you to subscribe!? :)⠀⠀http://bit.ly/tsd-channel⠀(Click the link in my profile) ⠀⠀#screenwriting #story #storytelling #screenplay #POV #midpoint #incitingincident #filmmaking #screenwritingcourse #writingcourse #indiefilm #creativewriting #australia #bluemountains #nsw

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The heroes from the March 2018 Story Cave! To my (camera) right is our wonderful hostess, Annie Phillips. It was arguably the most productive cave to date, as we slightly tweaked the schedule. And our October cave will be even more exciting! If you are interested, get in touch. #story #storytelling #screenwriting #logline #screenplay #writing #script #australia #nsw #bluemountains #yarrabin #horseriding #scriptworkshop #writersworkshop

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The heroes from the March 2018 Story Cave! To my (camera) right is our wonderful hostess, Annie Phillips. It was arguably the most productive cave to date, as we slightly tweaked the schedule. And our October cave will be even more exciting! If you are interested, get in touch. #story #storytelling #screenwriting #logline #screenplay #writing #script #australia #nsw #bluemountains #yarrabin #horseriding #scriptworkshop #writersworkshop

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Second night in eerily balmy Welly. I don't remember ever walking the streets in a T-shirt in this city. Did I say that I could live here? Loving the food, the folks and the film biz. Great location for YouTube videos about screenwriting, too. (http://bit.ly/tsd-channel)⠀⠀The NZFC is the most wonderful host, and the projects have colour, truth and punch. (Do they really need me?)⠀I'm always honoured to be able to contribute something in the areas of POV, story catalyst, Mid Point Reversal, thresholds and … loglines (https://logline.it)⠀⠀One more workshopping session in the morning, before we head back West.⠀⠀#screenwriting #filmmaking #scriptwriting #screenplay #story #storytelling #screenstory #filmdevelopment #indiefilm #nzfc #wellington #newzealand #northisland

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Second night in eerily balmy Welly. I don't remember ever walking the streets in a T-shirt in this city. Did I say that I could live here? Loving the food, the folks and the film biz. Great location for YouTube videos about screenwriting, too. (http://bit.ly/tsd-channel)⠀⠀The NZFC is the most wonderful host, and the projects have colour, truth and punch. (Do they really need me?)⠀I'm always honoured to be able to contribute something in the areas of POV, story catalyst, Mid Point Reversal, thresholds and ... loglines (https://logline.it)⠀⠀One more workshopping session in the morning, before we head back West.⠀⠀#screenwriting #filmmaking #scriptwriting #screenplay #story #storytelling #screenstory #filmdevelopment #indiefilm #nzfc #wellington #newzealand #northisland

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Time to revive the Instagram account, with this accidental photo. I thought I was filming on my iPhone for my brand new YouTube channel (http://bit.ly/tsd-channel), but had the phone set to pictures.⠀⠀This is amazing Wellington, where I just love coming back again and again. This time I'm spoiled with an eerily pleasant temperature. I might even live here. (Baxter would be totally OK with that) ⠀⠀Tomorrow, 2nd day of our workshop with kiwi teams at the gorgeous theatrette, and offices of the NZFC.⠀⠀#screenwriting #filmdevelopment #writing #screenplay #storytelling #filmmaking #creativewriting #storystructure #loglines #midpointreversal #character #wellington #wellywood #nz #nzfc #newzealand

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Time to revive the Instagram account, with this accidental photo. I thought I was filming on my iPhone for my brand new YouTube channel (http://bit.ly/tsd-channel), but had the phone set to pictures.⠀⠀This is amazing Wellington, where I just love coming back again and again. This time I'm spoiled with an eerily pleasant temperature. I might even live here. (Baxter would be totally OK with that) ⠀⠀Tomorrow, 2nd day of our workshop with kiwi teams at the gorgeous theatrette, and offices of the NZFC.⠀⠀#screenwriting #filmdevelopment #writing #screenplay #storytelling #filmmaking #creativewriting #storystructure #loglines #midpointreversal #character #wellington #wellywood #nz #nzfc #newzealand

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Some of my best screenwriting students earn a living as a copywriter.⠀(This is not one of their jobs.) If I were to start out today, I would trace down the marketing company for this brand, and offer my services.⠀⠀While you aspire to become a screenwriter, there are tons of opportunities to earn a living while improving your craft as a writer.⠀⠀#screenwriting #writing #creativewriting #filmmaking #indiefilm #story #storytelling #freelancing #screenplay #tvwriting #art #scriptwriting #immersionscreenwriting #writingcourse #marketing #copywriting #amwriting

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Some of my best screenwriting students earn a living as a copywriter.⠀(This is not one of their jobs.) If I were to start out today, I would trace down the marketing company for this brand, and offer my services.⠀⠀While you aspire to become a screenwriter, there are tons of opportunities to earn a living while improving your craft as a writer.⠀⠀#screenwriting #writing #creativewriting #filmmaking #indiefilm #story #storytelling #freelancing #screenplay #tvwriting #art #scriptwriting #immersionscreenwriting #writingcourse #marketing #copywriting #amwriting

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Working as a creative means looking at everything fresh.⠀⠀You may use established structures and tools, but your own personal implementation will always be different. ⠀⠀Each story is an exploration, each new world a wonder.⠀⠀#screenwriting #writing #creativewriting #filmmaking #indiefilm #story #storytelling #freelancing #screenplay #tvwriting #art #scriptwriting #immersionscreenwriting #writingcourse #creativity #theories #rules #structure

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Working as a creative means looking at everything fresh.⠀⠀You may use established structures and tools, but your own personal implementation will always be different. ⠀⠀Each story is an exploration, each new world a wonder.⠀⠀#screenwriting #writing #creativewriting #filmmaking #indiefilm #story #storytelling #freelancing #screenplay #tvwriting #art #scriptwriting #immersionscreenwriting #writingcourse #creativity #theories #rules #structure

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Many writers think they can write loglines. The truth is that only a very few understand this specific skill. If more did, there wouldn't be so many flawed concepts floating around.⠀⠀Join us this weekend, learn about loglines, and test your own. The event is free to all.⠀⠀#logline #synopsis #screenplay #screenwriting #writing #creativewriting #filmmaking #indiefilm #story #storytelling #freelancing #screenplay #tvwriting #art #scriptwriting #immersionscreenwriting #writingcourse

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Many writers think they can write loglines. The truth is that only a very few understand this specific skill. If more did, there wouldn't be so many flawed concepts floating around.⠀⠀Join us this weekend, learn about loglines, and test your own. The event is free to all.⠀⠀#logline #synopsis #screenplay #screenwriting #writing #creativewriting #filmmaking #indiefilm #story #storytelling #freelancing #screenplay #tvwriting #art #scriptwriting #immersionscreenwriting #writingcourse

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Keep it moving at all times.⠀⠀If your story is slow, you will be struggling to keep your readers and viewers. This doesn't mean you need unrelenting action. We need story points: characters confronted with choices, decisions, conflict and dilemmas.⠀⠀Move forward, constantly.⠀⠀#screenwriting #writing #creativewriting #filmmaking #indiefilm #story #storytelling #freelancing #screenplay #tvwriting #art #scriptwriting #immersionscreenwriting #writingcourse

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Keep it moving at all times.⠀⠀If your story is slow, you will be struggling to keep your readers and viewers. This doesn't mean you need unrelenting action. We need story points: characters confronted with choices, decisions, conflict and dilemmas.⠀⠀Move forward, constantly.⠀⠀#screenwriting #writing #creativewriting #filmmaking #indiefilm #story #storytelling #freelancing #screenplay #tvwriting #art #scriptwriting #immersionscreenwriting #writingcourse

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You may have a scene, a line, a shot that you are particularly enamoured with. Why delete it? Park it. ⠀⠀A time will come when you need exactly this, in a different part of your script, in an entirely different story perhaps.⠀⠀Keep a file with your 'parked' scenes and shots. What may not work now, could be your saving grace in the future.⠀⠀#screenwriting #writing #creativewriting #filmmaking #indiefilm #story #storytelling #freelancing #screenplay #tvwriting #art #scriptwriting #immersionscreenwriting #writingcourse

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You may have a scene, a line, a shot that you are particularly enamoured with. Why delete it? Park it. ⠀⠀A time will come when you need exactly this, in a different part of your script, in an entirely different story perhaps.⠀⠀Keep a file with your 'parked' scenes and shots. What may not work now, could be your saving grace in the future.⠀⠀#screenwriting #writing #creativewriting #filmmaking #indiefilm #story #storytelling #freelancing #screenplay #tvwriting #art #scriptwriting #immersionscreenwriting #writingcourse

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Guardian Of The Hallway. #Australia #Sydney #wildlife #insect #mantid #mantis #prayingmantis The praying mantis is an amazing insect that can be kept as a pet. A praying mantis can catch other insects with its strong front legs. The front legs are lined with spikes and close in a certain way to have a firm grip on the prey. A mantis has a mobile head that can turn around like humans can, large eyes, large front legs to grab prey and four legs meant for walking. Praying mantids vary in adult length between 1 and 16 cm. Praying mantids exclusively eat other insects by catching them with their forelegs. They do not use poison but eat the prey alive while they hold it firmly.

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Guardian Of The Hallway. #Australia #Sydney #wildlife #insect #mantid #mantis #prayingmantis The praying mantis is an amazing insect that can be kept as a pet. A praying mantis can catch other insects with its strong front legs. The front legs are lined with spikes and close in a certain way to have a firm grip on the prey. A mantis has a mobile head that can turn around like humans can, large eyes, large front legs to grab prey and four legs meant for walking. Praying mantids vary in adult length between 1 and 16 cm. Praying mantids exclusively eat other insects by catching them with their forelegs. They do not use poison but eat the prey alive while they hold it firmly.

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How to write the greatest dialogue? Listen to the greatest conversations. I frequently give my students the task to record conversations, then transcribe them in screenplay format. The result is often astounding. It shows you what real dialogue looks like. Rarely can you cut and paste it right into a script, but it will always have a genuine flavour that is hard to achieve for the beginning dialogue writer.#screenwriting #writing #dialogue #story #storytelling #filmmaking #indiefilm #scriptwriting #scenes

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How to write the greatest dialogue? Listen to the greatest conversations. I frequently give my students the task to record conversations, then transcribe them in screenplay format. The result is often astounding. It shows you what real dialogue looks like. Rarely can you cut and paste it right into a script, but it will always have a genuine flavour that is hard to achieve for the beginning dialogue writer.#screenwriting #writing #dialogue #story #storytelling #filmmaking #indiefilm #scriptwriting #scenes

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It's finally happening. After nearly 8 years in this place, I'm moving on. I'll be missing the gorgeous Kuring-gai National Park with its gum trees and cockatoos. But I'm also relinquishing the toxic environment of Tony Abbott, entitled baby boomers, and a bitter bunch of drunken bogans.The new home will be cool. Back to a more cosmopolitan environment. You'll soon see pictures of a brand new Sydney. The face of the future of this city. Hint: the flavours will be all-Asian.#sydney #australia #forestville #chatswood #chinatown #moving #boxes #story #storytelling #filmmaking #indiefilm #screenwriting

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It's finally happening. After nearly 8 years in this place, I'm moving on. I'll be missing the gorgeous Kuring-gai National Park with its gum trees and cockatoos. But I'm also relinquishing the toxic environment of Tony Abbott, entitled baby boomers, and a bitter bunch of drunken bogans.The new home will be cool. Back to a more cosmopolitan environment. You'll soon see pictures of a brand new Sydney. The face of the future of this city. Hint: the flavours will be all-Asian.#sydney #australia #forestville #chatswood #chinatown #moving #boxes #story #storytelling #filmmaking #indiefilm #screenwriting

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Where is the catch? This boys trip is perfect so far! Our rental car is a FIAT (Baxter is in heaven.)Kiwi ATM's accept my Bendigo Eftpos card.We just watched TROLLHUNTER together.Tomorrow's meeting is CONFIRMED (though only last week our host was mentioned in about every article about Hollywood movies starting production in this town, this month). #baxterisms #wellywood #weta #wetaworkshop #lotr #hobbit #avatar #ghostintheshell #filmmaking #newzealand #wellington #storytelling #screenfx

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Where is the catch? This boys trip is perfect so far! Our rental car is a FIAT (Baxter is in heaven.)Kiwi ATM's accept my Bendigo Eftpos card.We just watched TROLLHUNTER together.Tomorrow's meeting is CONFIRMED (though only last week our host was mentioned in about every article about Hollywood movies starting production in this town, this month). #baxterisms #wellywood #weta #wetaworkshop #lotr #hobbit #avatar #ghostintheshell #filmmaking #newzealand #wellington #storytelling #screenfx