NATIONAL SCREENWRITERS DAY
On January 5, when the credits roll on your favorite show or movie, admire the writers on National Screenwriters Day!
#NationalScreenwritersDay
You’ve probably heard of Steven Spielberg, the great director, who is known for Saving Private Ryan, Raiders of The Lost Arc, and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.
But do you know that Spielberg didn’t write any of those movies? They were all written by the screenwriter (Robert Rodat, Lawerence Kasdan, and Melissa Mathison respectively).
Inside the industry, these screenwriters are well known for their ability. They crack the story, create great roles for actors, and write memorable dialogue. But there are also writers in living rooms all around the world, tapping away at their keyboards, writing what could be the next breakout movie.
Listen to what Ryan Reynolds said when he received the award for Best Actor.
“I’d like to take this chance to thank the screenwriters, not just the ones on Deadpool, but everywhere. It is a hugely undervalued asset in Hollywood. They are the architects. They make us look good.”
– Ryan Reynolds accepting the 2016 Critics’ Choice Award for Best Actor
So why haven’t we heard of these creative souls?
You will. Starting right now with National Screenwriters Day!
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL SCREENWRITERS DAY
- Research the latest interviews with top screenwriters to learn about their mysterious vocation.
- Look up the origins of your favorite movie. Who is the screenwriter?
- Using #NationalScreenwritersDay on social media and share your favorite screenwriter.
- Encourage a screenwriter you know.
- Work on your screenplay.
- Take a course on screenwriting to boost your career.
NATIONAL SCREENWRITERS DAY HISTORY
ScreenwritingU.com, the leading education source for screenwriters worldwide, founded National Screenwriters Day. Its purpose is to recognize the talents behind the scripts coming out of the television and film world.
The Registrar at National Day Calendar® declared the day in July of 2016.
January 5th Celebrated History
1858
The U.S. Patent Office issues patent No. 19063 is issued to Ezra J. Warner of Waterbury, Connecticut for a can opener. While it never became popular for home use, it wouldn’t be long before another can opener was invented.
1914
Ford Motor Company establishes an eight-hour workday and sets a daily minimum wage of $5.
1925
Nellie Tayloe Ross takes the oath of office, becoming Wyoming’s 14th Governor and the first woman to serve as governor of any U.S. state. Wyoming has not elected another woman since.
1943
George Washington Carver dies at the Tuskegee Institute where the agricultural scientist spent years developing many uses for sweet potatoes, peanuts, and soybeans. While he would receive a couple of patents, the first in 1925, Carver was most noted for his 1916 publication How to Grow the Peanut and 105 Ways of Preparing it For Human Consumption.
January 5th Celebrated Birthdays
King C. Gillette – 1855
After inventing a disposable safety razor made from stamped steel, Gillette founded the American Safety Razor Company in 1901.
Elizabeth Cotten – 1893
The folksinger is best known for her song “Freight Train.” Using right-handed instruments, Cotten played them up-side-down to accommodate her left-handed playing. In 1984, she received the Grammy Award for the Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording.
Jeannette Piccard – 1895
The high-altitude balloonist was the first woman licensed to pilot a balloon in the United States. On October 23, 1934, she became the first woman to reach the stratosphere when Piccard piloted a hydrogen balloon to an altitude of 57, 979 feet. Her husband, Dr. Jean Piccard accompanied her on the voyage.
Kemmons Wilson – 1913
In 1952, the businessman founded the first Holiday Inn in Memphis, Tennessee.
Aaron Bunny Lapin – 1914
In 1948, Lapin collaborated with Aaron Block to develop a way to dispense real whipped cream from a can. Their invention? Reddi-Wip.
Sam Phillips – 1923
The record producer opened a recording studio in 1950 and in 1952 founded the Sun Record Company. Phillips produced recordings at the studio for notable artists including Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and Roy Orbison.
