Sell it in a sentence: Lessons learned from the incomparable Lane Shefter Bishop

Hi lovelies,

As I waited in my favorite Starbucks in West Hollywood with my notebook, pen, and iced vanilla sweet cream coffee in hand, I was trying my best to not let my inner fan-girl come out. After all, I was moments away from interviewing Lane Shefter Bishop, a multifaceted writer, producer, and director. She's also won an Emmy and six Telly Awards, all while also being at the helm of Vast Entertainment, the production behind blockbuster hits like D.U.F.F. and the groundbreaking Lifetime movie, The Choking Game, as its CEO.

If that wasn't enough, another reason why my inner fan-girl was on the verge of making a special guest appearance, was because Lane is also responsible for creating her own niche within the entertainment industry. She's a pioneer in the book-to-screen space, and not to play the gender card, but she's one smart, funny, and inspiring woman creating her own path in a landscape that is usually dominated by men.

As I looked up and Lane walked in, she cared a sense of integrity with her, she has the presence of someone that you want to impress, but with the humility to match. Being as accomplished as she is, she's also gracious enough to share her wisdom with the rest of us in her best-selling new book, Sell Your Story in a Single Sentence: Advice from the Front Lines of Hollywood.

Deemed as Hollywood’s go-to “book whisperer,” Lane shared with me essential lessons and insights to help demystify how some authors transition from pitching to published to production. The secret sauce lies in streamlining your log line - can you get them hooked in a sentence or less? If you're having trouble honing in on your log line, which Lane explains will ultimately be your most lucrative asset in your pursuit to getting your story on the silver screen, then definitely pick-up her book here, and if you need a more personalized approach, you can book some one-on-one time with Lane, here.

In the meantime, read below for how Lane advises to get your story off of the pages and into the theaters, with a simple sentence.

How to create a log line that sells in 50 words or less:

The most paramount ingredients in creating a compelling log line that sells is specificity and uniqueness.

What makes your story stand out against thousands more? Why should we care about what happens in your story above others? If you can hone into why we should care and pay attention in 50 words or less, then you've hit a goldmine.

If you're not sure how to get started, then use the blueprint below that Lane shared with me. In the most unique and specific way possible, answer the three questions below to create a log line that will break-through the noise and clutter of predictable pitches:

#1: Who is the protagonist?
This might be a deceptively simple question, but in Lane's own words, “numerous writers mistakenly put the antagonist as the protagonist of their log lines. I always tell content creators to ask themselves "Whose decisions are moving the story forwards?" and "Who has the most to lose if they fail in their journey?" That character is your protagonist.”

#2: What do they want?
What is the goal that the protagonist? What is he or she trying to achieve? What life or death thing are they fighting for? Make sure this is clearly defined so we know why their story matters.

#3: What's at stake if they don't achieve their goal?
Create a scenario where if his or her goal isn't realized, the consequences are meaningful and real. Make sure that we are invested in whether they win or lose. Make sure that the protagonist has to make a critical decision that matters.

Besides soaking up her delicious stories of how she started, lessons learned, awesome experiences, and how to create a killer log line, the most valuable piece of wisdom that I walked away with was when Lane simply said, "I don't believe in 'no.' I think it means find a different, and better, way."

Those words really struck a chord and I will cherish them forever. If you're like me and need more actionable insights from Lane, then be sure to pick her book, Sell Your Story in a Single Sentence: Advice from the Front Lines of Hollywood, and schedule some time for her to consult with you, here.

If you found this article helpful, be sure to comment below, share with your friends and post on social media.  

Q&A with “The Atlanta Casting Director” Cheryl Louden-Kubin

Hi lovelies,

If you’re like me, “breaking into” a new market might seem overwhelming, but don’t fret, I compiled my core tips on connecting with casting directors and a list of the top casting directors in “The New Hollywood.” Enjoy Atlanta: Hollywood’s New Frontier, Part 1: Casting Directors and let me know if you find the tips helpful.

Taking a bit of my own advice from the article, I was lucky enough to score an interview with Cheryl Louden-Kubin, known as The Atlanta Casting Director with over 20 years of experience in the industry, on her career, experiences, and advice to actors looking to break-in and take their career to the next level.

Candy Washington: Hi Cheryl, as the go-to casting director in Atlanta and the Southeast, how did you get your start in the industry?
​Cheryl Louden-Kubin: I studied Theater all of my life. My mother was a Drama teacher so it was kind of in my genes. I studied at Carnegie-Mellon University doing a summer theater session and received a BA in Drama/English from Marymount College, NY and studied a year abroad at RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts) in London, England. After I graduated I moved to Miami and got a job as a PA (Production Assistant) for Worldwide Production Services, a company that we just cast the Google Science Fair spot with. Through them I got a job once a week answering phones at a busy Casting office (Casting Directors, Inc/Dee Miller) she hired me full time and a career was born.

CW: What advice do you have for actors that want to connect with casting directors?
CL-K: Technology has allowed actors to reach out and be seen without even getting in the car. That’s both good and bad. An actor can submit an audition done from home easily which allows for more exposure but what we’ve lost is the personal connection. The presentation. When I’m reading talent for a film I like to have them come in so I can work with them, I have consulted with the Director as to which “way” the actor needs to go. Even if it’s one line – they need to know where they fit into the puzzle. We can’t hand out scripts to every actor that reads.

Also, do Theater. Study. If you have a camera-put yourself on tape. There are also Casting Directors that have Facebook Pages. I know when I’m looking for something that needs extra attention, I’ll post it on my page.

Ideally you’ll want to get an agent if you want to be considered for the bigger projects. Go to the Sag/Aftra website (sagaftra.org) and plug in your area and you’ll see a list of legit agents. Each agent will have information on how to submit. You should not have to pay to register and they should only take 10% of whatever job they sent you out for and you got. 20% for Print.

CW: What’s your favorite casting project or story that you would like to share with us?
CL-K: I was fortunate enough to work on the NBC hit series “Miami Vice” from start to finish in varying casting capacities. It was an amazing experience to be involved in a top 10 series. We shot one episode every seven days. Sometimes 10 pages and 3 locations in a day. Exhausting!!! It was so exciting to sit in on Production meetings and go through the script page by page with every department being represented. An amazing education. I will cherish that time forever.

CW: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned while being a casting director? 
CL-K: Even though I am an extension of the Director – my eyes are not his (or hers). I may think someone has nailed their audition and the director may think they were awful. Also, if you don’t get the job, don’t take it personally. Sometimes it has nothing to do with you. You may remind the Director of his ex wife… you may never know why you did not get the job. Just keep moving forward.

CW: What are some of your upcoming projects? 
CL-K: I have several projects in the works. Unfortunately I am not able to speak about them. Two features and a reality show. I am delighted to say that I will be doing ALL of the Casting, not just local hires. Something rare for a Location Casting Director.

We just cast an international commercial for Google Science Fair. It’s on our website at www.AtlantaCastingDirector.com and on our Facebook page. Don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook.

CW: What’s on of your favorite casting moments?
CL-K: I have always thought that having an acting background makes me a better Casting Director. I delight in being able to see that “something” that no one else sees, even the Actor. I love being able to call the Agent, or the Actor and tell them they got the part. Priceless.

CW: Anything else you would like to share with us?
CL-K: Because of the wonderful tax incentives in the state of Georgia we are becoming very busy. The future looks very bright.

Connect with Cheryl:
Website: http://www.atlantacastingdirector.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AtlantaCastingDirector

Found this Q&A helpful? Be sure to comment below, share with your friends, and tweet @candywashington with any comments or questions.