WHERE'S THE DRAMA?
The stuff dreams are made of
Testimonials
Over the years, screenwriters, directors, producers, editors, documentarians, playwrights, production designers, poets, copywriters, actors, film-school students, and many others have taken the journey with Billy Marshall Stoneking into that most confronting and confounding region of the human heart - the world of character-driven, mediumistic dramatic film storytelling. WHERE'S THE DRAMA? invites past and present participants of Stoneking's seminars, workshops and script services to make a brief comment about their experiences, so that those that have not yet had the experience may become better acquainted with the value and benefits of working with Stoneking and his unique approach to screen storytelling. If you found your time with Stoneking useful, inspiring or catalystic, please help us by providing your testimonial concerning the value and efficacy of whatever workshops or seminars you have attended. If you have employed Stoneking as a script editor or story consultant, write a few lines about the experience. Your support is greatly appreciated. Thank you. Suzy Gordon, producer - Stoneking Seminars ________________________ CLICK LINK at bottom of page to add your testimonial or leave your PRIVATE comments by clicking HERE!4 EXT TESTIMONIALS DAY
I first encountered Billy as a writing student at AFTRS. I tried his methods, and they work. Billy isn't just interested in teaching technique, although he has technique aplenty. He's interested in getting the best out of your script, and the best out of you as a storyteller. His advice is worth every cent on any project at any stage of development.
Jason Ian Gordon
Writer
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Will Martin: be able to get his characters leaping off the page, get his plot firing, unleash his writing mojo?
Following a lunch with BMS where the only nourishment was food for thought, I can now say the answer to these central screenwriting questions is a loud and resounding yes!
Want consultation on your script that will comfort, inspire and guide you? Go to the master. Thanks Billy.
Martin Simpson
Writer Director Producer
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The most creatively challenging yet rewarding time of my career - working with Billy as my script editor - in fact I may only end up with a career in this industry because of his mind-blowing insight into the truth of the writer, the characters and the story that is trying to be told. He sees what I have written and what I'm trying to say even when I can't yet see it. He understands the complexities of the human race far beyond what many people understand of themselves. I would be doing myself a disservice to not have him come aboard the next projects after this one and quite frankly without his guidance I would feel as though I was missing a limb - despite this, be warned - only the brave will survive.
Kelly Schilling
Writer/Director
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BMS has a unique and specific ability to cut to the chase of not only the writing but the writer him/herself.
Renee Brack
Writer
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I find myself quoting you practically directly when commenting on the process of development! Such is your legacy and impression on us x
Adam Bishop
Producer, former AFTRS student
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I "Did Lunch" with Billy Marshall Stoneking.
I arrived confused and full of doubts and left an hour later energized and full of ideas. He showed me the strengths in my story and how to unleash them.
Sonia Bible
writer/director
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I just reread your chapter (essay) on subtext. Throughout the reading of it, I was once again stirred to tell you that you are on to something so very valuable. I have read Mckee and all the other "mandatory" texts on screenwriting while I took my screenwriting courses. I could never give the instructors what they wanted; apparently, I had no idea how to write a narrative and I balked continuously. Now I have found your essays and I realise that here is a person who truly understands the power of cinema. Your essays are quivering with life, but to fully grasp the power of your words one has to take time to reflect, to meditate on your words.
Richard Toews
An ardent disciple
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One of my films is in ACTUAL financing! Billy helped make me a writer who can sell her work x
Lou Sanz
Writer, performer
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I often find myself telling people that Billy Marshall Stoneking is amazing. As a script editor he's made my work stronger, more truthful and more entertaining. As a mentor he's inspired me to simply embrace the creative process. He has this uncanny ability to reveal recurring themes and ideas on your pages that you didn't even know were there - until he told you! The writing process can be a kind of cruel and twisted, self-imposed-existential therapy but Billy's perspective makes you embrace the challenge. He has a depth of understanding of story across cinema, theatre, prose and poetry and an intuitive knowledge of human emotion and psychology. It reminds you what you always loved about filmmaking and inspires you to create great work.
Sarah-Jane Woulahan
Writer / Director
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I have rarely spent 4 more interesting, exhausting, challenging, inspiring and exciting days. The close discussions of each scene were so informative. I was so impressed at the energy, intensity, generosity and precision with which Billy examined the structure of each scene, explored its failures, its potential, and offered advice from his wide experience, and provoked us as group memberes to engage with the work and analyse it compassionately and usefully.
Terry Whitebeach
novelist. poet & playwright
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