How To Write A Holiday Classic

This month at the Screenwriters Salon, it's noted local filmmaker Brian McDonald at the mic. Seattlest has this freaking eterna-cold that's going around now, so we're still deciding whether or not to infect the goings on with our presence. It's a tough call, because McDonald's take on story structure in film is particularly insightful and grounded.

Since it's the holidays, his talk, It's a Wonderful Script!, covers why Frank Capra's film It's a Wonderful Life takes over your television every December as regularly as a flu bug. McDonald will break the script down to bring to light what he calls "invisible" story structure. Given its familiarity, Wonderful Life is a great example to use -- imagine seeing it for once in an entirely new light.

The event is tonight, December 14, at 7:30pm at Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, on Capitol Hill. They're giving away five Scene-It games, too, to audience members. Admission is free for SIFF Group members; $2 for NW Screenwriters Guild members, students and seniors; and $5 for general public. You can buy tickets at the door.

Earlier in the day, from 4-6pm, the Richard Hugo House School Alliance program presents, "We Wear the Mask," an end-of-term performance. Featuring thirty young writers from Richard Hugo House and Seattle Parks and Recreations' Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center, the presentation explores how writers often wear masks to tell their truths. A reception follows, if you're into that kind of thing. Seattlest hasn't been to one of these performances, but it sounds interesting, doesn't it? That's why we mention it.