Do Film and Television Producers Actually Work?

Many people have misconceptions about what a producer is and what they do.  Producers are jacks of all trades, masters of few. She or he needs people skills and technical knowledge, while still being willing to not only think outside the box but also rip that sucker up and reinvent it.

They are mediators and counselors of egos, who understand that sometimes you need to hold hands, while other times they need to kick butt.  Cast and crew are people with individual challenges that sometimes spill over onto the set.  Differing opinions can be resolved if the common goal remains to produce quality.   Hiring the right people means more than just focusing on experience or job skills.  It’s bringing together those who work easily and effectively together.  One bad apple will create a hostile work environment that threatens every aspect of production. This doesn’t mean that everyone needs to be besties, but respect is paramount.  Another analogy would be that of gears in a machine.  It only takes one to be out of sync to start a cascading effect that will eventually cause a loss of productivity.

Having a general, yet working knowledge, of all aspects of production, marketing, and distribution means knowing more than just the job description.  It’s being able to assist without getting in the way or becoming a liability to the task at hand.   The producer doesn’t have to be able to set the lights, but she or he must know the difference between a flood and a spot.  It’s having the humility to be willing to pull cables, help with food service, pick up trash, and load equipment.  It’s doing the job at hand without egos getting in the way.

As scrouges, they find cost-effective solutions to production challenges.  She or he needs to be inventive enough to turn to drop clothes and Christmas lights into the interior of a circus tent.  It also requires helping the team to be flexible enough to alter schedules and methods when challenges present themselves.  You can plan to the nth degree and things will still go sideways.   Freaking out or allowing others to do so only exacerbates the situation.  Running around with their hair on fire because it rained or someone came down with the flu, only creates unnecessary stress.  However, remaining calm and stepping back lowers the emotional temperature and makes finding solutions much easier.  Effective producers formulate plan b and an outline for plan c.

Having these skill sets gives the producer the ability to bring projects in on time and within budget.  It also builds teams that become working families that build the trust that is necessary to produce quality, while pushing the status quo of the industry. 

Website

A woman who flourished where angels and fools fear to tread

 For most of my life, people have been telling me not to try or to give up. They said my goals were impossible--that I couldn't possibly make any of it happen. But, what they were really saying was that it was impossible for them. Since they couldn't, I shouldn't even try. It was too bad and so sad that they empowered their fears and self-doubts instead of finding their own inner courage ignore the negative message. If you believe you can't, then you can't; yet if you are certain you can, you can find or make a way to reach your goals. I changed the punctuation, which modified the message to "I'm possible." What they didn't understand is that every time they said I couldn't, not only did I proved them wrong, but I did it so well that they looked foolish for doubting me.

I am a creative with a good business sense. As a storyteller, I tell tales about those who find the courage or are forced by circumstances beyond their control to face their deepest, darkest fears. As a producer, I use innovation, moxie, and the highest production standards to produce film and television projects. I base my projects on age, gender, and ethnic diversity both in front of and behind the cameras.

No matter what the venue, you first must start with an original concept and a well-crafted script. Adding the current visual/special effects or new talent doesn't make a project new, which makes nearly all remakes and sequels reruns.

Never Can Say Good-bye video one sheet from Theresa Chaze on Vimeo.

The current trend of focusing on A-list talent and high price tent poles projects only serves to reduce the number of projects produced every year, which increases the financial risk to the investors and the production company. Just because it worked before doesn't mean it will be successful again. Original projects initially carry more risk, but the truly innovative ones become the trendsetters and sent new bars for profitability. Casting talent in an inappropriate role, no matter what their marketing rating, will only serve to increase the budget and will hurt the project at the box office. However, casting a talented unknown in the right role will garner the audiences and create a future A-list talent. 

Money can't fix a bad project. By substituting money for innovation is throwing good after bad and is the main ingredient in producing a disaster. Business 101 states that profitability comes when you give the public what they want at a cost-effective price. Business 102 states that if you treat your people well, they will treat you well, which means paying them a living wage and giving them respect. These are two elements many in the business community have forgotten, which is why the economy is still challenged.

Although I have not served, I use my talents to actively support military personnel and veterans. Recently, I was asked why. The answer is simple. I don't have the temperament to serve. Nearly all of my time would have been spent in the stockade. Besides, I am only capable of shooting off my mouth. But at that, I'm a markswoman because I know how to use words as weapons. 

Horses and Heroes: An Unscripted Veteran TV Series from Theresa Chaze on Vimeo.

Most of those who serve signed their name and dedicated their lives to serving and protecting their country and the world. However, killing others is an unfortunate necessity for both sides of conflicts. This is a major disconnect that causes most of the emotional issues for those served. In order to defend, they have to kill. But killing is contradictory to their need to protect. I met a gentleman, who served during WWII, who put it the best. Looking back on his life, he felt guilty over the good men he killed just because they belonged to the other side and for his buddies, he was unable to save. Now decades later, those memories tore him up inside, because he couldn't stop thinking about them

Those who serve the nation are people, not disposable parts of the war machine and they are especially not political footballs that are to be used, abused, and then losed at the whims of politicians.

My job is to make sure civilians and especially politicians never forget that.

I am proud of my work. It will make you laugh, cry, and scare your socks off. But it will also inspire you to see the world in new ways. Join my team and become the difference you want to see in the world.

Website

Book Trailer Producer

Authors!  Time to prepare for the holiday giving season by helping your readers and those who love them find your books. Whether your book is print or electronic, the most effective way to reach your readers is through your website, blog, and through social networking.  Writing blogs, tweeting, or buying ads does help the search engines find your work, but they are not as effective as a video, which entices and teases your readers?


Authors!  Time to prepare for the holiday giving season by helping your readers and those who love them find your books. Whether your book is print or electronic, the most effective way to reach your readers is through your website, blog, and through social networking.  Writing blogs, tweeting, or buying ads does help the search engines find your work, but they are not as effective as a video, which entices and teases your readers?

I am a writer, producer and editor, who combines her skill to produce videos to market books for authors, publishers, and PR firms.     Join the digital age by hiring me to produce a video that will showcase your book and increase your sales


To watch  more samples of my work on the website 

The ghost is a murdered child bring his parents back together after they have reincarnated.  He needs them to remember their lives together and forgive.  If he succeeds, they will all heal and he will be freed to also reincarnate.  If he fails, their need for revenge will damn them all 

Never Can Say Good-bye is a Paranormal Thriller, which is comparable to Ghost, The Others, and the original Dark Shadows TV series.

Website 

Who is the real Theresa Chaze?

In the early 1990's, I walked away from the entertainment industry. I was burnt out and disillusioned. Instead, I focused on my fiction and my spirituality. Although it those years were very healing and fulfilling, there was still something missing.

In 2003, I was able to translate my television and writing experience into producing digital videos. At first I just promoted my work. However, my reputation for producing quality quickly spread. Other authors, PR firms, and publishers were reaching out to me to market their books.

I reached a major bend in that road in 2008. The writing on Days of Our Lives went from bad to worse. Me being me I couldn't just sit by and quietly watch the hack writing destroy one of my favorite shows. Instead, I wrote alternative storylines and posted them on the NBC Days of Our Lives board. I was just trying to be snarky and prove that there are much better writers out there. Most of the responses were positive. Nearly all wanted to read more. So I continued telling the story. As simplistic as it may seem, it was a very important turning point in my life. (You can read the Days of our Lives script by going here and  clicking the Adobe symbol. The PDF file still isn't up to industry standards. But it is just to tell the story. It is not a job presentation. If you are looking to hire me, please contact me directly. I have much better work available.)

Each "episode" only cost be a couple of two-three hours. It was mostly for fun. Originally, I never did consider it to be anything more, which is why I didn't bother making the scripts an industry standard presentation. However, many people wanted me to apple for the head writer gig. Eventually, I did clean up a presentation and apply. Luckily, I wasn't hired.

I say luckily, because if I had been, I wouldn't have rewritten Never Can Say Good-bye or created the other projects that have followed. Nor would I have started producing again. I am so very grateful to the Days of Our Lives fans, who encouraged me, but I'm even more thankful to Ken Corday for turning me down.

The past seven years have been scary and frustrating, but they have also been the most amazing years of my life. I have been challenged by my own fears and the many con artists, who tried to capitalize on my work. I was forced to find the true meaning of me. It wasn't always easy. There were many tears shed. Many times I screamed in anger, fear, and frustration. Many times I just wanted to give up. Like I said it wasn't easy, but it was worth it.

Recently, I realized that what I lost wasn't my love of the industry, but my belief in myself. I allowed others to change how I saw me and my talent. I had always been a doer. I set my goals. Then I achieved them. When people told me that it was impossible. I'd laugh and then just did it. Mostly I did it so well, that they naysayers looked stupid. This reminder was brought home recently after a snow storm. I had to go out. It never occurred to me that I wouldn't be able to get out. I just drove out of my driveway through the foot and half of snow. On the way back home, a glimmer of doubt about getting back in wafted through my mind. It was casually brushed aside and I pulled easily into my driveway.

We do what we believe we can. If we think we can't then we won't. It's that simple.

I have come back to the industry much stronger and wiser than before. I am a writer, producer, and editor that the entertainment world both desires and fears at the same time. I am a creative with a keen business sense. As a writer, I create original work. As a producer, I pull together the people and resources needed to produce a quality project. My business sense keeps the budget low enough to make a profit, while still being able to keep the production values high. I have a common sense no nonsense attitude that doesn't waste time, energy, or money. I have the courage to be innovative and challenge the status quo, which is why the current insiders both need and fear people like me.

To learn more about Cosmos Productions click here

Theresa Chaze's novels

Love can be a blessing or the curse that destroys an entire town.

Have you ever met someone and suddenly felt love or hate? Did you wonder why? What if you had forgotten the reason? Would you want to remember if it could save you life? 

Never Can Say Good-bye is a paranormal thriller-horror that combines a traditional ghost story with unique twists.

Never Can Say Good-bye website

Actor and Producer Stanley Livingston

 Until You Walk The Path, You Won’t Know Where it Goes is hosting  actor and producer Stanley Livingson  at 1 pm eastern on  June 7 as we talk about his work in the film and television..




Mr. Livingston is best known to audiences worldwide for his portrayal of CHIP DOUGLAS on “MY THREE SONS”.   Mr. Livingston has also appeared in many feature films as well, including: “HOW THE WEST WAS WON”, “PLEASE DON’T EAT THE DASIES”, “X-15”, “RALLY ‘ROUND THE FLAG, BOYS”… and more.

Mr. Livingston works behind the scenes as producer-director, writer, cinematographer and editor.  He is the owner of FIRST TEAM PRODUCTIONS - a Los Angeles based Production Company.  The company produced the feature film,  “CHECKERS” and a Children’s TV Series, “CORY’S CIRCUS” among others.   The company is developing the feature film “BARSTOW” which is slated for production in 2012.  Mr. Livingston will serve as the film’s producer.



Mr. Livingston is currently one of two Producers on an historic CINERAMA PRODUCTION titled “IN THE PICTURE”.  This is the first production in over fifty years to actually shoot utilizing an original Cinerama Camera and filming in 3-Strip 35mm Film Process.  The film will be premiered at the TURNER CLASSIC MOVIES CINERAMA FESTIVAL taking place at the historic ARCLIGHT CINERAMA DOME in Hollywood.  IN THE PICTURE premiers Sunday, September 30th, 2012

MY THREE SONS was honored as the Los Angeles City Council declared Wednesday May 16th, 2012 official MY THREE SONS DAY in L.A.  The cast and show were honored at a special event that took place in city hall.

In an effort to give back to the Entertainment Industry and the next generation of actors, Mr. Livingston recently founded THE ACTOR’S JOURNEY PROJECT.  The purpose of this landmark Project was to bring 100 highly experienced and successful industry veterans (such as actors Henry Winkler, Melissa Gilbert, Michael York, Sherman Hemsley; directors Richard Donner, Richard Rush to name a few) together to create and teach a definitive program on the “BUSINESS SIDE of ACTING CAREER”.  Acting Schools are everywhere – however, none of colleges, universities and private academies that teach “ACTING” teach actors the critical “NON-PERFORMACE” skills needed to launch careers and secure sustainable and career propelling work.  This educational “glitch” has cost generations of aspiring actors a career in the industry!   The Actors Journey Project now offers actors an alternative to spending 5 to 10 years down in the trenches of the industry attending the school of hard knocks.  Over 35 of the industry veterans teaching this amazing program have won or been nominated for Academy, Emmy, Golden Globe and other prestigious industry awards.   Mr. Livingston is the Founder of The Actor’s Journey Project served as producer and director of this 10 hour-long Program now available on DVD.

Livingston’s website is at www.StanleyLivingston.com
   
To learn more about  the film and television industry  a veteran actor and producer Stanley Livingston please join us at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theresachaze on June 7  at 1 pm eastern.  The phone lines and chat will be available for those who wish to ask Livingston questions. The phone number is (347) 838-9927. 

This show will be available in the archives at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theresachaze/2012/06/07/until-you-walk-the-path-you-wont-know-where-it

Solution for the Book Marketing Conundrum

Solution for the Book Marketing Conundrum

In these challenging times, authors like everyone else are being forced to streamline their marketing campaigns. Yet the need to promote has become increasingly more important to a book’s success, creating a conundrum for authors, publishers and public relations firms alike. Every dollar spend must be maximized to its fullest in order to reach not only the specific target audience but the general reading public as well. With the increasing number of venues available for videos, book video or book trailers have become the most valuable and cost effective way to promote books of all genres.

An effective book trailer is very much like the movie trailers in the theatres. Using graphics, music and voice-overs, book trailers create a multi-media experience that tempts the reader to seek out the book. Unlike TV commercials, these advertisements are not limited by the traditional two minute breaks in programming, nor do they require additional payment for each airing. Once produced, they can be uploaded and shared without any additional cost. In addition, the site link can be sent out in viral emails, which further increase its effectiveness and broaden its target audience.

As with all information, once a trailer is uploaded on the net, it remains there until it is physically removed. With unlimited viewing potential, this tool has become the most successful in the online book marketing and promotion toolbox. Whether it is watched once or a million times, the production and distribution costs remain the same.

Although there are an increasing number of book trailer producers, Valkyrie Publishing has become one of the front runners for not only their quality but also their creativity when it comes to scripts, production and distribution for books of all genres. Using all three elements, voice-overs, music and graphics, Valkyrie has produced trailers for authors, publishers and PR firms. Why settle for a two dimensional media experience when there is a cost effective way to have all three. To watch the trailers and videos Valkyrie has previous produced go to http://www.youtube.com/user/Tirgana. To contact Valkyrie Publishing email Theresa@theresachaze.com or go to www.theresachaze.com to see what services Valkyrie Publishing provides.

Valkyrie Publishing Produces Cost Effective Online Promotions for Authors

Valkyrie Publishing Receives Praise from Authors, Publishers and PR Firms


Traverse City-Valkyrie Publishing offers cost effective video production services for not only books but also other products and services. With the increasing number of sites, which offer video placement, online marketing and promotion is now available no matter how small of a budget.

Book trailers, also called book videos, are the wave of the future when it comes to book marketing and promotions. Whether self published, POD or traditionally published, book trailers give a professional look to books of all genres. They are cost efficient and effective tools for online marketing that the traditional press release cannot compete with.

Using voice-overs, graphics and music, trailers enhance the promotional message by adding additional layers of information. When properly produced, the trailer adds dimensional qualities, which include both the visual and auditory senses. By combining the elements into a single cohesive package, the producer creates a product that is not only more appealing, but also longer lasting.

Founder and CEO of Valkyrie Publishing, Theresa Chaze is not only a novelist and screen writer, but also a video producer, director and editor. She has several novels available and her screenplays have won awards. In addition, she has years of experience working in broadcast television. By combining her talents and her experience, she is able to product trailers that are unique, effective and cost efficient. Examples of her work can be viewed at

http://www.youtube.com/user/Tirgana and she can be contacted at Tirgana at yahoo.com.

Her current and past clients have the following to say about the work Valkyrie Publishing has done for them.

"Theresa Chaze has the experience and know how to turn out quality high-performing book trailers. I am very pleased with the work she has done for us at Pump Up Your Book Promotion!"
Dorothy Thompson, CEO & Founder Pump Up Your Book Promotion

Theresa's book trailers are creative, compelling and very competitively priced. Her placement of these on various online sites goes way beyond YouTube. Authors can be assured that her book trailers will help elevate their book from the printed word. I recommend her book trailer services.
Scott Lorenz
President Westwind Communications
scottlorenz@westwindcos.com

Theresa put together a book trailer for my novel MRS. LIEUTENANT that was an original -- not simply a cookie-cutter book trailer that could fit almost any book. She took the time to research the era of the Vietnam War and then used her research to craft a quality book trailer whose script, graphics and music reflected the tension of the time when the novel takes place.

I would definitely use Theresa again to do a book trailer for me, and I particularly appreciated the open communication between her and myself that allowed me to have input on the trailer.
Phyllis Zimbler Miller
MILLER MOSAIC, LLC -- Working to Make Your Life Easier
www.millermosaic.com

Theresa Chaze produced my book trailer and I was stunned at how wonderfully she captured, truly captured, the spirit of my book! Others have contacted me to tell me what a wonderful book trailer I had and the raves continue to come in. Ms. Chaze is not only astute but sensitive to the driving force of authors and their books. Ms. Chaze is president of Valkyrie Publishing. Look out world! Authors have a real voice now and the PR industry will never be the same again!--Cate Cavanagh, author of Her Godmother. See my trailer here: somethingmagicalinourmists.blogspot.com
CATE CAVANAGH
Author, HER GODMOTHER


I enthusiastically take great pleasure in recognizing the fine professional services of Theresa Chaze and her wonderful, Book Trailer Production Services. I am a recipient of her great talent in which she has provided visual services in promoting my book. Aside from my very strong endorsement, a literary colleague mentioned upon witnessing, Theresa Chaze's fine work on my book, suggested that all of my family and friends view my website www.angusrmunro.com - under Angus Munro on You Tube. Her services to me, can best be described as, "The icing on the cake!"
Gratefully,
Angus Munro, Full House - But Empty by Angus Munro
Bakersfield, California

"It has been our good fortune to have Theresa Chaze and Valkyrie Publishing do the video production for book trailers for two of our books, Honor Due and Standing The Watch: The Greatest Gift. Both of our authors were very pleased with the end product and the level of production. We fully intend to use her services again for our forthcoming books." Big River Press

"I was most pleased with the video book trailer of Honor Due produced by Theresa Chaze and Valkyrie Publishing. She captured the spirit of the my book and characters. I am looking forward to using her services again with my next book."
D. H. Brown, author of Honor Due


In the past few years I have been extremely fortunate to have Theresa
working on the promotion and marketing of my novels. She has done
excellent creating video blurbs for You Tube and other places. Highly
imaginative and eye catching. Thanks to her my books sales have
been higher than expected.

Theresa is a writer and published author herself. She truly understands
the needs of other writers at all levels. Her experience allows her to be
focused and aware of what it takes to get published and promoted
nowadays. I am honored to be able to give her book trailer services a
glowing recommendation. Especially because she has helped me so
wonderfully much.

Please be sure that Theresa will do her best for you and your works.
You definitely won't be disappointed.

Jeffrey Redmond

For my memoir about taking care of my dying father-in-law, Theresa Chaze intuited exactly the mood & ambience. The seamless flow of photos, the music she chose & her tone of voice as she read excerpts were so exquisite they brought tears to my eyes. Made me see what I'd written in a whole new light. I highly recommend her services. The work and shear professionalism displayed by Theresa Chaze and Valkyrie Publishing in the book video production for my book Standing The Watch: The Greatest Gift was stunning. I will be very pleased to work with her again on my next book, The Dead Husband."

R. J. Brown, STANDING THE WATCH: The Greatest Gift.


I can't express how I felt when I saw that trailer! It embodied
everything that Street Lit is in general as a genre and that my novel is
in particular! You are a true Wiccan priestess
because you've just wielded some wonderful magick with this book
trailer!! Kudos!!

Darrell King, Dirty South and Mo Dirty


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Never Can Say Good-bye--A Doorway to Romance, Suspense and Murder

Never Can Say Good-bye
by Theresa Chaze



US copyright number: TXu1-167-991


INT: HALLWAY: MID-AFTERNOON
Michael tapes the wall with a hammer, marking with an “X” where he hears a hollow sound. He is a middle-aged man, who looks more like he should be swinging an ax cutting down forest than a scholar teaching college history. His brown hair is held back in a ponytail. His brown eyes are determined. Using a crowbar, he pries the panels from the wall, exposing a door. He drops the crowbar and turns the doorknob. The door slowly creaks open. The room is dark and musty. The door hits the wall behind it. Michael stands in the entrance, framed in the hallway light. He takes the flashlight from his back pocket and shines it around the room, revealing part of the four poster bed. A slight breeze blows past. He doesn’t notice.

INT: BEDROOM: MID-AFTERNOON
Stepping further into the room, the beam hit the dusty glass of a dressing table mirror; it is cracked. The light reflects on a rocker, which is moving as if someone has just gotten out of it. Michael stops its motion, scanning the light around the room. He is alone. Narrow bands of sunlight shine through the shutters. Directing the beam toward the window, he sets down the flashlight. He opens the shutters. Sunlight filters through the dust and overgrown ivy on the outside. He tries to open the window; it’s nailed shut. He turns and surveys the room. Shane is standing in the doorway, her hands on her hips. Long auburn hair and delicate featured, Shane gives off the aura of being a much larger, stronger woman, yet she is very sensuous in her movements. She is in her late twenties-early thirties.

MICHAEL
Shit!

SHANE
(Angrily)
What did you do?

MICHAEL
I told you it was here.
(Trying to pull her into the room)
Come help me explore!

SHANE
Mike this isn’t our house. We said wallpaper, paint!

MICHAEL
She’ll be happy we found it.

SHANE
It was boarded up for a reason.

MICHAEL
Ghosts, maybe?
(Bouncing on the bed)
Let’s have an adventure.

INT: HALLWAY: MID-AFTERNOON
SHANE
(Running down the hallway)
No!

MICHAEL
(Following)
Shane!

He catches up to her at the top of the stairs.

What’s the matter?

SHANE
I hate this house!

MICHAEL
It’s perfect for us.

SHANE
It’s too big. It’s too far out. It’s too old.

MICHAEL
You have your own studio. The acoustics of the ballroom are fabulous for your band. Not only is it a great place to rehearse, but with a few modifications it could be a recording studio.

SHANE
It gives me the creeps!

MICHAEL
That’ll change once we make it ours. Besides what ghost would stay after one of my student-faculty parties?

SHANE
(Pouting)
Is that supposed to make me feel better?

MICHAEL
No. This is.

He kisses her, gently pulling her back down the hall.
SHANE
(Resists)
Not in that bed.

MICHAEL
Our bed.

She kisses him and they go to their bedroom.

EXT: COLLEGE CAMPUS: MID-AFTERNOON
Judy Olson is showing Elizabeth Downing around the Bellow’s University Campus. It is a medium size college in a rural setting. Most of the buildings are from the forties and fifties. However the football stadium and the Ramsdell Building stand out; not only are they the newest, but the do not conform to the rest of the structures. A woman in her mid to late sixties, Judy is a determined woman. Perfectly dressed in the latest designer fashion, she is very used to getting what she wants and is willing to bulldoze any opposition. Casually and comfortable dressed, Elizabeth is secure in her own self. A woman in her mid-forties, she no longer has to prove herself. She is clearly disinterested in anything Judy has to say. Instead her attention is absorbed by her surroundings.
JUDY
The fall term starts in two weeks. We have staff meetings in my office every week. Your department meets on Thursday.
ELIZABETH
Fine.

JUDY
Tomorrow at nine am is the first general staff meeting. Mitchell hall. Room 102.

They walk past an elaborate fountain. Elizabeth stops.

I’ll introduce you then.
ELIZABETH
It’s beautiful. Sara Jane Bellows Memorial?

JUDY
(Irritated)
My father’s first wife. When he created the university, he insisted on the ugly thing.

ELIZABETH
He must have loved her very much.
JUDY
(Walking toward the Ramsdell building)
Saturday is the Annual Bellows Ball. It’s a fundraiser.

Elizabeth lingers at the fountain. She walks around it, stopping to stare at the mother and child in the center. She notices the inscription that runs around the edge that reads “Love that is not forgotten never dies. You remain a part of me as I remain a part of you. Each moment we shared shall remain in my heart until we are again reunited.”

(Annoyed)
Ms Downing! Your office is this way.

ELIZABETH
How can you call it ugly?

JUDY
As I was saying. The Bellows Ball is on Saturday. This year we’re doing a period theme. The logging era. It’ll be great fun.

INT: OFFICE BUILDING HALLWAY: MID-AFTERNOON
Judy and Elizabeth walk in.
ELIZABETH
I’ll try to be there.

JUDY
The staff is required to come.
(Unlocking the first door on the left)
I made sure it was in your contract. The Theatre Department has costumes that are suitable.

ELIZABETH
You are very thorough.

JUDY
(Opening the door)
This is your office.

ELIZABETH
Computer. Fax. Refrigerator. Bit much for a temp.

JUDY
I’ll convince you to stay.

ELIZABETH
That won’t happen.

JUDY
A writer of your caliber--

ELIZABETH
You mean fame.

JUDY
Would be very good for our students. Coyote Springs is a wonderful place to settle down.

ELIZABETH
If you’re into that sort of thing.

JUDY
Skiing winter and summer. Swimming. Clean air. Good, wholesome family people.

ELIZABETH
Do you have a copy of my teaching schedule?

JUDY
It’s on your desk. You were in such a demand we had to add a few classes and one more workshop.

ELIZABETH
I’m only contracted for three classes and two workshops. With a limit of fifteen students per workshop.

JUDY
We just assumed you wouldn’t mind. You’ll have an assistant.

ELIZABETH
Why would you assume that?

JUDY
You wouldn’t want to disappoint your fans.

ELIZABETH
I’m here to teach writing skills. I sign autographs at bookstores.

JUDY
Would you consider the extra classes?

ELIZABETH
Let’s understand each other right off. I never wanted to be a teacher nor will I be here longer than the one term. I’m here doing a friend a favor. Nothing more. Your brother took a chance on me twenty years ago by publishing my first novel. He asked me to help boost enrollment by teaching a term and I never forget a kindness.

JUDY
I arranged for you to see a few houses that are available tomorrow afternoon.

ELIZABETH
I’ll be staying at the hotel

JUDY
Don’t forget the staff meeting tomorrow. Nine am sharp.

Judy leaves. Elizabeth leans against the door, her forehead bumping on it. Lynne slides in the partially open door. She is in her mid-thirties long black curls intermixed with tiny braids and intensely brown eyes, which sparkle with humor and old time wisdom.

LYNNE
Beating up on yourself won’t help.

Elizabeth backs away from the door. Lynne opens it further.

Lynne Mason. Psychologist. Parapsychologist. Neighbor extraordinaire.

ELIZABETH
How nice.

LYNNE
So you know. Bathrooms are around the corner on the left. Break room slash conference room further down on the right. Hum. You have your own frig. That’s one way to suck up. My office and lab is 104 and 105. Michael Scott, famous historian is in 106. Need anything. Just ask.

Lynne turns to walk out the door.

ELIZABETH
That’s it?

LYNNE
Darlin’ you just spend most of the day with Madam Judy, you can’t handle any else.

ELIZABETH
Persistent bitch isn’t she.

LYNNE
With selective hearing. If you’re smart you’ll run now. She wants “the famous” writer to stay. Madam Judy always gets what she wants.

ELIZABETH
This will be a learning experience for her.

LYNNE
It’ll be fun to watch. From a safe distance. Later.

Lynne returns to her office. Elizabeth closes the door. She walks to the window and stares at the fountain.

INT: SHANE AND MICHAEL’S BEDROOM: LATE AFTERNOON
The sun shines through the curtains, making a pattern on the foot of the bed. Both Michael and Shane are asleep. Michael is dreaming.

INT: MICHAEL AND SHANE‘S BEDROOM: DREAMTIME
Michael hears a small boy giggling and a woman laughing. He gets out of bed and follows the sound out of the room.

INT: HALLWAY: DREAMTIME
Michael follows the sounds to the hidden room; he stops at the door. The hidden room is fresh and clean, filled with fresh flowers and bright sunshine. A toddler is being rocked by a woman in her late teens. She is dressed in the style of the late 1920’s. Her hair worn long and free, she is a shapely young woman with laughing eyes and an easy smile. The woman physically resembles Shane. Yet there is a joy and incense in her that is lacking in Shane.
MICHAEL
Sara Jane.

They notice him for the first time. The toddler calls him Daddy. Sara Jane turns and smiles at him. He runs to her, embracing them both.

Why did you leave me?

INT: HALLWAY: LATE AFTERNOON

SHANE
Michael? Michael, where are you?

INT: HIDDEN BEDROOM: DREAMTIME
Michael looks toward the door as Shane walks into the doorway. The image of an older woman superimposes itself on the younger. The image’s otherwise beautiful features are distorted by rage and hatred. She is taller and more shapely than Shane, yet their posture and body language are the same. He stands up to face her.
SHANE/IMAGE
What are you doing?

Michael snaps awake.

INT: HIDDEN BEDROOM: REAL TIME-LATE AFTERNOON
Michael snaps awake. He is standing beside the rocker.
SHANE
(Angry)
What are you doing in here?

MICHAEL
I don’t know. I must have been sleep walking

SHANE
You never did that before.

MICHAEL
There was woman and a little boy. He called me daddy.

SHANE
Aunt Judy has friends who can find us a nice house in town.

MICHAEL
(Looking at his watch)
Ohmygod! The office closes in fifteen minutes. I forgot my schedule.

He pushes past her.

INT: MICHAEL AND SHANE’S BEDROOM: LATE AFTERNOON
Michael runs in and starts dressing. Shane follows more slowly and sits on the bed.
SHANE
I’ll call. You can pick it up tomorrow.

MICHAEL
And break one of Madam Judy’s precious rules.

SHANE
I wish you wouldn’t call her that. She’s my aunt.

MICHAEL
She may be your aunt but I’m no longer the star on campus. I haven’t written a new book in five years.

SHANE
Come back to bed and I’ll write you a note.

MICHAEL
Be back so fast you won’t have a chance to miss me.

SHANE
Too late.

Michael quickly kisses her and runs out of the room.

INT: RAMSDELL BUILDING HALLWAY: LATE AFTERNOON
Elizabeth knocks on Lynne’s office doorway.

LYNNE
(From inside)
Come in.

Elizabeth opens the door.

ELIZABETH
(Holding up two fingers)
Peace.

LYNNE
Were we at war?

ELIZABETH
I’m usually not such a bitch.

LYNNE
I understand. Have a seat.

Elizabeth walks in

INT: LYNNE’S OFFICE: LATE AFTERNOON
Elizabeth sits in the chair opposite Lynne’s.
LYNNE
Have you had a chance to see much of our little hamlet?

ELIZABETH
Nice old houses. Lots of history. Reminds me of a town I created in one of my novels. A woman killed all the people who hurt her son.

LYNNE
Did she get away with it?

ELIZABETH
Not really. When all was said and done, none of their deaths took away any of her pain. Have you found many ghosts?
LYNNE
Some. Hauntings aren’t always entities. Usually it’s just pent up memories working themselves out.

ELIZABETH
Most of my friends believe in ghosts.

LYNNE
Don’t you?

ELIZABETH
I don’t know. I believe once it’s over, it’s over and time to move on.

LYNNE
Sounds like a story.

ELIZABETH
The shortened version. I was married to the man of my dreams. We planned to explore the world--to never set down roots or gather baggage. But then he changed. He wanted the house, kids, and the stuff. I never wanted kids. He put down roots. I got claustrophobic.

LYNNE
Everyone needs a home base.

ELIZABETH
(Shrugs)
I bought a house. My mother and two nieces live in it. I visit and rest up. Usually after a couple of weeks the walls start closing in.

LYNNE
So what are you doing in a place where the grass yawns as it comes up?

ELIZABETH
I promised a friend.

LYNNE
Must be some friend.

ELIZABETH
Couldn’t have done it without him. So what’s your story. How did a Parapsychologist end up in back water USA?

LYNNE
I was born here. The nerd that everyone picked on. I escaped to college. Graduate top ten of my class, thank you very much. Dual majored in Psychology and Parapsychology, with a minor in Electronics.

ELIZABETH
That’s some combination.

Lynne shrugs.

So how did you end up back here?

LYNNE
I was working at the Parapsychology Research Institute. Amanda Ramsdell had a problem. She called. The Institute sent Dave and me.

ELIZABETH
Dave?

LYNNE
A highly evolved soul with cute buns who makes my heart goes pitter-pat. We solved Amanda’s problem. I fell in love with Dave. Dave falls in love with the area. Amanda is impressed with our work and wants to help. The two of them convince the Institute that this would be a wonderful place for an annex. They agree. We set up a lab and classes. For a while we both investigated hauntings. But I had a problem a few months ago and lost my nerve. So now Dave goes on his own. It’s a way of doing research and giving back for our many blessings. He travels. I stay here and compile the data from him and others like us.

(Pointing around the room at the equipment)

Between Amanda and the Institute, this building and the program are fully funded. It’s totally independent. It drives Madam Judy crazed.

ELIZABETH
That must be fun to watch.

LYNNE
(Checking her watch)
I have to do a favor for a friend. Do you want to have dinner?

ELIZABETH
Where do you want me to meet you?

LYNNE
My house. I love to cook and with Dave away I’ve been living on take out.
(Rapidly writing down her address)
Here. Give me a couple of hours.

ELIZABETH
(Taking the piece of paper)
Do you want me to bring anything?

LYNNE
Just your appetite.

INT: HIDDEN BEDROOM: LATE AFTERNOON
Shane nervously takes a few steps into the room. She looks around. It’s quiet. She walks to the closet and opens it. Clothes from the 1920’s are still hanging in it. She touches them. Taking one out, she holds it up and looks at herself in the mirror. The crack distorts her image. Tossing the dress on the bed, she smugly picks up the silver hairbrush and brushes her hair. The rocker slowly starts moving. She sees the image in the mirror. Setting the brush down, she slowly turns to look at it. The window slams open. Shane screams and runs to the door. It slams shut before she can reach it. She pulls on the knob. It moves easily but the door won’t open. She screams. The curtains blow into the room. The rocker creaks. Shane turns around.

INT: OFFICE BUILDING HALLWAY: LATE AFTERNOON
Lynne is picking up her mail. Michael runs in. The office door is locked.
MICHAEL
(Punching the door)
DAMN!

LYNNE
Hey, Cute One. Looking for this?
(Holding up a folder)
Didn’t want Madam Judy to spank.

MICHAEL
Thanks.

They walk toward each other. Lynne gives Michael the folder

I need to talk to you.

LYNNE
I know that tone. What did Shane do now?

MICHAEL
Please don’t.

LYNNE
That tone usually means you need my help cleaning up after her.

MICHAEL
That room I told you about. The one that was part of the original house, not the additions from the second marriage.

LYNNE
I haven’t had a chance to ask Amanda about it.

MICHAEL
I found it. I-I couldn’t wait.

LYNNE
Michael you didn’t!

MICHAEL
That’s what Shane said.

LYNNE
If you’re going to get nasty, I’m leaving.

MICHAEL
You would think it’d be all dusty. Full of cobwebs. It isn’t. The bed’s made. The dressers are neat. It’s like it was closed up last week. Could you bring your equipment and check it out for me?

LYNNE
I’d gotten better readings if I had been there.

MICHAEL
How about tomorrow? After the meeting?

LYNNE
What’s the rush now? Something jump out at you?

MICHAEL
No, but--

LYNNE
Shane will have a fit.

MICHAEL
She’s spending the day with her mother.

LYNNE
So I won’t have to deal with a jealous tirade?

MICHAEL
Swear.

LYNNE
(Walking toward the exit)
We’ll work out the details tomorrow. I’m having dinner with the new star on campus.

MICHAEL
What’s she like?

LYNNE
Skittish. See you later Cute One.

INT: HIDDEN BEDROOM: LATE AFTERNOON
Shane is curled up in the corner; her back pressed against the door. She is watching the rocker sway back and forth. A male apparition dressed in 1920’s lumberjack clothing, walks through the closed door. He is in his early twenties. He is unshaven and more than a little drunk. Sadly he walks around the room humming the same tune over and over. Terrified, Shane watches unable to move.
RANDOLPH
Sara Jane. Where are you? I need you.
(Slumping in the rocker)
I’ve betrayed you.

Sara Jane’s ghost appears in the mirror.

SARA JANE
You mustn’t cry.

RANDOLPH
I was going to take Randy to your sister. Amanda’s young, but she loves him. She’ll be marrying Leonard soon. He would be safe and happy with them.

SARA JANE
Our son needs his father.

RANDOLPH
Audrey’s pregnant. I only married her so she would care for him. I couldn’t loose you both. I tried to love her. But I can’t! She knows I only love you. She so jealous. I was going to join you...but now...Audrey doesn’t have any family. No one to care for her.

SARA JANE
Or your child. It’s all right to want to love him or her. It’s natural to love your children. It’s one reason I stay close. Audrey loves you. It hurt her to know you don’t love her back. Maybe I should leave.

RANDOLPH
No! I forbid it! If you love me, you’ll wait for me.

AUDREY
(Screaming from the doorway)
Blasphemy!

The apparition of a stern woman in her late twenties stands at Shane’s feet. She is tall and voluptuous.

RANDOLPH
Audrey don’t.

AUDREY
(Making the sign of the cross)
A devil.

RANDOLPH
Sara Jane’s my wife.

AUDREY
I’m your wife!

SARA JANE
I’ve only stayed to protect my son. You don’t sing to him enough.

AUDREY
I won’t listen to you. You’re dead.
(To Randolph)
I’ll get the priest to exorcise this house.

RANDOLPH
No!

AUDREY
We’ll never be happy while she’s here. I love you. Please darling think of our child.

RANDOLPH
I am. I don’t love you. I love her. If you do anything to make her spirit leave his house, child or no, I’ll cut you out of my will, give my son to his Aunt Amanda and put a bullet in my head. You will have nothing.

AUDREY
Love or not, I am still the mother of your child. No matter where you go or what you do, I will always own you. Nothing you can do will change that.

The angle of the sun reaches the point where it floods the room with light. The apparitions disappear. Shane is alone. She reaches up and turns the knob. The door opens easily. She runs out of the room.