ABOUT THE VIRGINIA SCREENWRITERS' FORUM
1990: Helene Wagner founded the VSF with the help of the Virginia Film Office.

1990 -1997: Director of the VSF - Helene Wagner

1997 - 2003: Director of the VSF - Drina Kay

2003: Drina stepped down as Director and Helene was asked to take the Director's helm again.

"Some American writers who have known each other for years have never met in the daytime or when both were sober ." - James Thurber

During the first year, the VSF met at Randy Strawderman's Studio Theater on Cary Street until Studio Theater closed. For the next twelve years the VSF met in one of the board meeting rooms at Signet Bank at 8th and Main St.. When Signet merged with another bank they lost their meeting space. Our new meeting facility is at ART WORKS located at 320 Hull Street, Richmond, VA.

VSF Schedule: Approximately Twelve (12) meeting dates a year. Each VSF member is given a critique reading date for up to thirty (30) pages of a script. Scripts are distributed to members via email or copies made by the writer four (4) weeks prior to the writers critique date.

The VSF has hosted numerous events throughout the years, including:

A screenwriting workshop, "Finishing and Selling Your Screenplay" presented by Rich Reichman, author of "Formatting Your Screenplay," plus a full reading of Vince Gilligan's screenplay, "Wilder Napalm, " at the Virginia Festival of American Film in Charlottesville. The film was produced by Mark Johnson ("Rain Man" and "Avalon:), starring Dennis Quaid, Debra Winger and Arliss Howard.

A discussion panel was also included in the workshop. Six Virginia screenwriters who won or were named finalists in national screenwriting competitions discussed their experiences.

A two-day seminar given by writer Bob Gordon and sponsored by the Virginia Screenwriters' Forum and the Metro Richmond Film Commission covered such topics as story, character, structure and how to pitch scripts.

A Film Memorabilia Auction, with many items donated to us by Hollywood screenwriters and celebrities. Featuring an autographed script of "Platoon" donated by Oliver Stone and an autographed script of "Grand Canyon" donated by "Raiders of the Lost Ark" writer, Lawrence Kasdan. Some of the VSF guest speakers throughout the years include: Margo Millure and Mary Nelson from the Virginia Film Office, Roberto Gazzale, Director of the Virginia Festival of American Film, Tom De Haven, who teaches screenwriting at VCU, Virginia born writer, Don Mancini, originator and writer or co-writer of the "Chucky" movies, Richmond Times Dispatch film critic, Dan Neiman , Bill McCutchen producer of 1998's "Southie" with Donnie Wahlberg and 1999's "Pigeonholed," starring Rosanna Arquette. and 2004's "The Vistors."

VSF member discussion panels, featuring Kevin Hershberger, Michael Cordell, Megan Holley, Jeffrey Rubin and Helene Wagner have been presented around the state for the Virginia Production Alliance in Richmond, Regent University in Virginia Beach and at the Blue Ridge Vision Film Festival in Roanoke.