In an industry where actors are idolized for their topical roles and directors for their signature style, writers have truly become the unsung heroes of filmmaking.

But Hollywood literary agent Ken Sherman is making his case for them with his visit to OU this week.

Sherman, president of Ken Sherman and Associates, a Beverly Hills-based literary agency that represents film, television and book writers, will be on hand tonight during the Film and Video Studies Club's screening of "Amadeus."

Sherman played a principle role in the making of the film, packaging the script for playwright Peter Shaffer.

"Amadeus," which documents the last ten years of Mozart's prolific life, garnered considerable praise for its writing when it was released in 1984. It went on to win the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. Following the screening, Sherman will discuss his involvement in the process of the film and respond to an open question and answer session.

Sherman's visit to OU began with a workshop on Saturday that included a lecture and script-pitching sessions.

In the workshop, he worked with prospective screenwriters on developing and presenting their scripts to Hollywood agents.

Sherman said he's making his third visit to OU because of the receptiveness of the students and community.

"There's a natural curiosity and eagerness that I can see in their eyes," he said. "The people aren't jaded here, like they are in Hollywood."

"Amadeus" Screening

o "Amadeus" will be shown at 7 p.m. today in Meacham Auditorium in Oklahoma Memorial Union.

o Following the screening, Ken Sherman, who packaged the script for the film, will discuss his involvement.

o The event is free and open to the public.

In his lecture on Saturday, Sherman entertained the audience with his on-set experiences, writers' success stories, and tips on understanding the business side of screenwriting. With his most basic suggestion for any writer, Sherman said to "just write ... every day."

"Don't be worried about the form; there are no rules," he said. "More importantly, learn how to become a better storyteller. Be honest with yourself about your writing and find your own way to do it."

Erin King, OU alumna and member of the FVS Club, organized Saturday's workshop and said she wanted to help bring Sherman to OU because of his open-minded approach.

"He's worked with probably everyone in Hollywood and has an amazing career, yet he's so modest," she said. "He really cares about bringing artists together and showing them how things really work."

King said that even film enthusiasts who don't have plans to go into filmmaking can learn something from Sherman.

"For people who like movies, this is a chance to see what goes into making them," she said. "In the film industry, everyone has a role."

In his expansive career, Sherman has been a script reader for Columbia Pictures and an agent for the William Morris Agency and the Lantz Office, where he packaged the films "The Dead" and "Snow Falling on Cedars."

In addition to running his own literary agency, he also teaches a film and television writing course at UCLA.
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