July 24, 2012

If you’ve read this blog in the past, it’s no secret that I’m slightly terrified of showing people my screenplays.  Considering I haven’t finished a feature length script in a while, you can imagine the unneeded stress I put on myself.  It’s scary to put so much work into something hoping people will like it.  Eventually your work will reach the eyes of someone other than you.

XTRA | Screenwriting vs Anxiety

It’s a moment between terror and excitement.  Perhaps that’s why I’ve always been scared to allow people to read my work.  You spend so much time wondering what people will think.   What if they hate it?  Most of the time, my scripts reach my family and close friends and then I retire them.

But times are changing for me.  Now that I’ve regained a little confidence in my screenwriting abilities, I feel the need to find out where I stand.  Can I write something that a producer will like?  Is it possible to attract an agent?  I don’t know if this is the proper story to showcase my work but I’m getting closer.  I’m getting excited.

Still, somebody has to read this one!  Basically, I need to stop whining and summon the courage to put myself out there…  Since that day has yet to arrive, I gave my script to my good friend Eric.  He is  a massive film fan, an award winning director and an honest critic of my work.

He’s read nearly every screenplay I’ve ever written and has no problem telling me the truth.  Which is why I wait to hear his thoughts before expanding to the rest of my inner circle.

For someone like me, who has trouble sending work out there, having a friend like Eric is vital.

Obviously, the true test is a reader who doesn’t know me.  I think that’s a test for the final draft.  Until that draft is complete, I think the first reader should be someone you know.  Someone you trust.  There are a couple areas in my screenplay that I have doubts about.  I like to bounce ideas and potential changes off my friend.  This allows me to gauge whether or not my concerns are justified.

Then it’s back to rewriting and refining the script.

When that work is done, I expand to others but this script scares me.  I’ve never written anything so personal and thus, my fear will be doubled once people start flipping through the pages.

Speaking of which, I’m pretty sure he’s reading the script as I type this.  Months of work and someone is finally reading it.

I’m excited…  And scared.

WHO READS YOUR SCREENPLAY FIRST?

I’m happy to report that Eric liked the script.  I’m not as thrilled to report that I haven’t sent it to many people since then.  I got stuck on the idea that I need to complete something else.  If you were to ask me how many screenplays I have worth reading I would answer: One.

The scripts I wrote in the past aren’t as good and I need to prove to myself that I can continue to produce pages I’m proud of.  Thankfully, I’m in no rush.  I just like to write.  The Summer of Screenwriting taught me how to eliminate needless pressure I put on myself.

Maybe someday I’ll sell a screenplay.  Scratch that…  Maybe someday I’ll submit a screenplay.

Until then, I’m having so much fun simply because I love to write.  That’s enough for me right now.

June 26, 2012

I haven’t written a tremendous amount of feature length screenplays but there are a few I’m extremely proud of on the shelf.  Actually, I think the correct term is ‘collecting dust’ on the shelf.  All that is changing now that I’ve reorganized my priorities.  I’ve been writing more than ever!

Today, I wanted to focus on something positive that means the world to me.

As of this morning, I’ve written 70 pages in a month.  The end is near.  I know my characters better than ever, I know how everything fits together and I can see the big picture.  I’m almost finished a brand new feature length screenplay!

I want to talk about how much that means to me.

In the last two years, I’ve only completed ONE feature.  It was a script I developed in college so really I haven’t created anything new in a while.  The ideas have always been there.  I just haven’t written them.  My new script deals with anxiety which adds a personal touch having dealt with high levels of anxiety for years.  This is the most important screenplay I’ve ever written.  I’m not going to say it’s the best thing I’ve ever written but I’m really excited about the story I’m telling.  I want it to be the best thing I’ve ever written.

I’ve reached the final act.  FADE OUT is only a few short weeks away. (Or sooner!)  I can’t tell you how excited I am to type those two wonderful words.  A first draft.  I want to print it out and hold it in my hands.  Hours of work poured into a story I believe in.  For a screenwriter, it doesn’t get much better than that…

…  Although I will be scribbling endless notes and changes in the margins of that first printout.

Honestly, I think this is it for me.  I think I’ve finally taken a big leap forward with my writing.  I can’t wait to finish this script.  I can’t wait to start a new one.  I can’t wait to see what’s next.  I can’t wait to keep writing.

From a screenwriting perspective, there’s no greater feeling than seeing the end and knowing how to get there.

I’m almost done!

I wrote that post 3 months ago to the day.  I was so enthusiastic about the script, my writing and where I was heading.  It’s crazy to look back knowing the creative fire I lit 3 months ago is still burning today.  I’m still writing as much as possible and slowly, the next script is taking shape.

This post made me smile.  I loved that feeling.  I was so close.  There’s nothing like hitting save and immediately anticipating the next available writing session.  That story was so much fun to write.

THE ZONE VS THE PAUSE

Recently I took a look at two completely different ends of the spectrum when it comes to a screenwriter’s rhythm.

There’s the blinding fast creative outbursts found only in The Screenwriting Zone.  And there is the slow problem solving pace that requires techniques like The Screenwriter’s Window Stare.

One is a fast paced, adrenaline pumping explosion.  The other slows the creative fire down but your imagination still burns just as bright.

Both are seemingly different on the surface offering completely different ways to fill up the pages.  Either way it’s screenwriting and it’s an addiction.

“There are many paths to the top of the mountain but the view is always the same at it’s peak.”

I love that quote…

Where do you stand?

Personally, I prefer The Zone.  It’s such an incredible feeling to fall into a trance and just write until you catch up to your imagination.  However, there are still times when I enjoy solving a tough story problems that halt my progress.  The thing is, solving these problems is pretty amazing as well.

At the end of the day, the pages are still filled with words no matter how long it takes you to write them down.  It just depends on your creative state of mind in that moment.

Write!

SOMETIMES, YOUR FINGERS CAN’T KEEP UP

The Zone is elusive and cunning.  It’s stealthy and mysterious.  It’s extremely difficult to capture but it’s magical when you do.

Screenwriter’s have all been there before.  You sit down and stare at a blank page and everything makes sense.  You know exactly what to do, how it sounds and what it will look like.  You can envision the action, the dialogue and the spirit of your characters.

Before you know it, a couple hours have passed and your wrists ache as you type.

IT’S ALWAYS A BLUR

It’s the creative black out.  You can’t really remember how it happened but you’ve written something you’re proud of.  At this point, readers don’t mean anything.  It’s just you, your words and the satisfied smile on your face.

But what happened?  What was it that made the words come so easily?  How was this particular day different than any other?  That’s what makes The Zone so amazing.  You can’t predict it.  It sneaks up on you.

XTRA | The Screenwriting All-Nighter

Essentially, it’s nothing more than a steady flow of ideas.  One leading to another.  The story in your mind clicks and you can’t wait to write it down.  So your fingers move along the keyboard.  You get that excited feeling in the pit of your stomach.  It’s an feeling screenwriter’s crave.  Once you’re there, it’s nothing but pure creativity.

SNAPPING OUT OF IT

It’s always a little sad when the creative outburst ends but it’s worth it.  You sit back in your chair wondering how you lost track of time for so long.  How you thought of that great moment on page 12.  How your characters made you laugh or cry.

The Zone.

From a screenwriting perspective, I can’t think of a better way to spend a couple hours.

‘CALL ME RUSSELL’ REVIEW

I’m a huge fan of Russell Peters.  Should he ever read this review he would be happy to know I’m not a ‘filthy downloader’ and purchased every DVD he’s ever made.  A few years ago, I saw him live as part of an anniversary present for my parents.  What I loved the most about that show was his amazing ability to improvise.

However, what impressed me even more was his honest approach and humble delivery.  Russell carried all of the endearing traits that made him a star into his book ‘Call Me Russell’.  The book is all about his rise to become one of the biggest stand up comics in the world.  Each chapter continues his journey from the streets of Brampton, Ontario to the lights of Hollywood.  In between, you’re given a glimpse at what it was like to grow up surrounded by racial prejudice and how it influenced his career.  Personally, I think it’s an amazing achievement to turn so many negative experiences into a brilliant career in comedy.  ‘Call Me Russell’ is, above all else, about family and what’s important.

I have to admit, I was expecting more laughs from the book at first.  That was before I realized that ‘Call Me Russell’ isn’t about delivering laughs on every page.  It’s about the dedication it takes to realize your dreams.  It’s that aspect that inspired me as a screenwriter.  I know I’m going to write screenplays for the rest of my life and I will no doubt encounter challenges along the way.  They are the same obstacles that people face in every single creative medium and Comedians are no exception.  You must conquer the fear of rejection and failure.  You have to summon the courage to put your creative voice out there and find out if an audience is ready to devour it.  You have to keep working.

When faced with a crowd that didn’t respond to his act Russell writes:

“I remember walking backstage and I wanted to cry.  My mouth went dry and I thought, This is it.  My career’s over.  Looking back on this moment, I’ve learned from my mistakes…  Every fighter gets knocked down at some point…  It teachers you to train more, to keep throwing punches and to always have your guard up.” (p138-139)

He continues by elaborating on the boxing metaphor:

“That show was my chin-check moment, and every comic needs one in their career to test what he or she’s made of.” (p139)

That attitude applies to everyone working their asses off everyday to realize their dreams.  If you simply wait to be counted out you aren’t working hard enough.  I already loved the book before I read those passages but ‘Call Me Russell’ really hit home after that.  Reading those pages made me think about my own screenwriting journey.  I couldn’t help but wonder if these years represent my struggle.  Where will I be years from now if I allow myself to be defeated?  Where will you be?

It’s terrifying to think about my life without screenwriting but I know deep down that will never happen because I’ll never stop working.  I’ll never stop learning.  I’ll never stop improving.

‘Call Me Russell’ is about a comic’s journey from small town clubs to selling out massive arenas around the world.  Every single challenge he faced was met with an equally strong commitment to overcome it.

It was a fascinating journey to follow.

Now back to my own journey.