About

Since 2003, I have been working as a contractor in the visual effects industry, working on such shows as Fringe, Raising Hope, Outlaw, Flash Forward, Pushing Daisies, Lost and Alias. I’ve also worked on a couple of movies, both made-for-TV and theatrical. I have an online journal (LeeGabel.com) if you want to take a look. It’s visual effects-centric. Before that, graphic design was my area of expertise.

I’ve always been a fan of film. I try and watch at least one movie every day, and break down the story elements as I watch. I’ve probably seen thousands of films. As a kid I would make my own Super8 movies. I guess I’ve always thought visually. In 2007, I dusted off a screenplay that I had written ten years previously. I realized how terrible it was and began learning all I could about the screenwriting craft. I got a lot of help from other generous writers who were willing to read my screenplay and give feedback. After that brutally honest experience, for which I am eternally grateful, I decided my only option was to rewrite the entire screenplay from scratch; a page-one rewrite. The basic characters and their dilemma are the same, but the story was completely rewritten utilizing my new found knowledge of screenwriting rules and structure.

At the end of 2008, I finished my second feature length screenplay, which then began a barrage of rewrites. It’s true what everyone says: It gets much easier with practice.

Now I am finding myself with the desire to write more, AND the time to do it. I still don’t know if I’m any good at this, or whether I’ll ever make it to Hollywood, but damn, the process is fun. I thought getting an online journal up and running would be a cool way to document my journey.

All the best,
Lee Gabel