rewrite

Thrillingly terrifying, or possibly terrifyingly thrilling

Maximum Z agent, analysis, confidence, editing, manager, motivation, Multiplex, query letter, Radioslot.com, rewrite, screenwriting, webcomics
Yeah. Kind of like that...

My mind is racing at a faster rate than usual these days. There are a zillion things I need/want to do with DREAMSHIP over the next few weeks. Finish the edit. Polish where necessary. Research potential script analysts. Create and fine-tune a list of potential managers, agents and production companies. Compose a persuasive query letter.

I kinda/sorta knew this all along, but it didn’t really hit me until I started price-checking different services like Done Deal Pro and IMDB Pro:  this is like me officially entering the field of battle, and not entirely sure I’m armed and ready.

I hate self-doubt.

I know my script is good, but there’s still that little voice in the back of my head saying “But is it good enough?” There are literally thousands, probably even tens of  thousands of people just like me trying to accomplish the exact same thing.  It’s me against them. Every man for himself.

My script not only has to be a solid piece of work, it has to have that certain something that grabs your attention and doesn’t let go.  Once you start reading, you don’t want to stop. You NEED to keep going.  You are COMPELLED to know what happens next. That’s the impact I want.

I can only hope that’s what actually happens.

And the more I think about it, the more I realize I don’t have time to worry. I’ve worked too hard to let that stand in my way. I may be nervous about what’s coming next, but I won’t let that stop me.

Besides, this is what it’s all been about.

-In case you missed the most recent installment of The Script Adventurer!, my guest this week was Gordon McAlpin, the mind behind the webcomic Multiplex.  Apart from some technical difficulties, it was great talking to him. The fine folks at Radioslot have added an additional replay, so now you can catch the show live at 1PM on Monday, or hear it again 7AM on Wednesday or 7PM on Sunday (all times Pacific Standard Time).

That’s almost that

Maximum Z analysis, Dreamship, Hollywood Creative Directory, loglines, Lucy Steele, Nicholl Fellowship, query letter, reading, rewrite, screenwriting, ScriptQuack
Reaching my goal seems a little closer now

It took me longer than I wanted, but I finally finished the DREAMSHIP rewrite. 116 pages, which isn’t too bad. Now begins the editing phase, primarily of the second half.  I managed to trim about 7 pages for the first half, and hope to cut at least 4-5 this time around.

It bothers me that it won’t be ready for the Nicholl, but I’ve accepted it and moved on.

I’m also exploring the idea of sending it to a couple of professional script analysis firms. One of them might be ScriptQuack, especially since this rewrite was based on their suggestions for the previous draft.  I like the idea of getting some solid feedback, but I don’t know if I have it in me to go through another rewrite.  I like the idea of doing what I can with this and moving on, since LUCY is still waiting.

There’s something that’s been gnawing away at me inside for the past few weeks. I’ve noticed a unique writing style in a lot of recent scripts I’ve read; a lot of it really good.  My writing may not necessarily be as vivid as others, but it gets the point across. I try to use a little flair, but not enough so it distracts you from the story.  I’d rather let the story do its job than wow you with fancy-schmancy writing.

I’m also hoping that once the editing/polishing is done to fine-tune the logline and start sending out query letters. I did this before using a hard copy of the HCD, sending out about 200 email queries. It got the script optioned, which unfortunately didn’t lead to anything.  Maybe I’ll have better luck this time around.

 

Maybe next year

Maximum Z Drive, Girls With Slingshots, Moneyball, Nicholl Fellowship, productivity, rewrite, screenwriting, The Script Adventurer!, webcomics
So close to being done, but just not enough

Based on my recent productivity, or lack thereof, I don’t think the DREAMSHIP rewrite will be ready for the Nicholl deadline.

At first I was pretty disappointed in myself. I’d set a goal, but fell short.

But while it’s taken longer than I wanted, I’d rather take the time to make sure it’s a solid piece of material, and not “good enough for now”.

And it didn’t help that my work schedule the last few weeks has been all over the map, which completely messed up my chance to just take some time to sit down and write. But it’s starting to calm down a bit, so I’ve been able to make a little headway. Latest example – 3 pages yesterday.

Besides, if things work out the way I’d like them to (re: agent, manager), I won’t worry as much about making next year’s deadline.

-In case you missed the most recent edition of The Script Adventurer!, it’ll be on again this Sunday at 7PM PST. I had the pleasure of talking with Danielle Corsetto, creator of the webcomic Girls With Slingshots. I got a very nice email from her afterward saying it was one of the most complimentary interviews she’d ever done, which I guess is saying something.

-Movie of the Moment – I forgot to post this last week, so another twofer.

-MONEYBALL (2011). Loved it. A great look at behind-the-scenes baseball. Especially poignant to me since my daughter loves the A’s. Very worthy of a Best Picture nomination; seemed more like that kind of movie than THE ARTIST or HUGO, which now come across as lighter, fluffier works.

-DRIVE (2011). Loved this too. An extremely quiet movie that simmers with suspense in a lot of scenes. Not as gory as I’d been led to believe, but a lot of make-you-squirm scenes both on- and off-camera. I was surprised Albert Brooks had such a small part, but I agree that by playing completely against type, he was (no pun intended) criminally overlooked for a Best Supporting Actor nomination.

15 days and dwindling fast

Maximum Z AMPAS, Dreamship, Nicholl Fellowship, rewrite, screenwriting
NOT the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences

The deadline for the Nicholl Fellowships is coming up fast – May 1st! – and I keep going back and forth as to whether I want to submit DREAMSHIP.

I like how the rewrite’s been coming along and think it’s pretty solid, but I want to be absolutely sure the end result is what I want it to be, which could mean another pass at it once I finish this rewrite/edit.

A tough choice, actually.

I’ll have more time to write between now and then, so I’m hoping to have a better idea of what I’d like to do near the end of the month.  Either way, I’ll end up with a script I like, and that’s the important part.

If you’ve already sent yours in, good for you. If not, are you and your script ready?

I can see clearly now

Maximum Z anime, editing, Heather Hale, Miyazaki, plot, Radioslot.com, reading, rewrite, screenwriting, story, The Script Adventurer!
Ahoy! Rewrite dead ahead!

This week’s installment of The Script Adventurer! featured an interview with the multi-talented Heather Hale.  She’s worked as a writer, a director, a producer and as a consultant, so she definitely knows her stuff. (Mark your calendars – the show re-plays Sunday at 7PM on radioslot.com)

I always like to know what key piece of advice a professional or working writer would offer to the rest of us.  A thought or phrase to jot down on an index card and attach to the wallspace in front of your working area.

Heather named two.

1. Clarity is king.

You may know your story inside and out, but if the person reading it can’t follow it or is confused as to what’s going on, then you’ve got a problem.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve got the most brilliant concept ever.  The plot and story have to be clear so anybody can pick up the script and know exactly what’s going on.

It’s up to the writer to make their story as easy to follow and comprehend as possible, or else the reader/audience will get lost in the story, and not in the good way.

2. The reader is never wrong.

You think your script is perfect. The reader knows better. It’s their job to go over it with a fine-tooth comb and look for flaws.  And unless you’ve attacked that script from every conceivable angle, fixing any potential problem you can think of, they will find them.

The reader really does want to like your script, but if you give them any reason to say no, there’s no reason to be bitter about it.  They know what they’re talking about.  Look at this as an opportunity to make your script better or stronger than it was before.

-Movie of the Moment: Three over three days!  It’s been a long time since I’ve done that, and two were actually in theatres. Wow!

THE HUNGER GAMES (2012). I read the book last month, so it was pretty fresh in my mind. I liked it, although it could have been a little shorter. I can appreciate a strong female protagonist, and it’s easy to see why Katniss has caught on.  She’s tough and doesn’t give up.  Congrats to Jennifer Lawrence for doing a solid job in the lead.

I also really enjoyed Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman, the blue-coiffed TV personality with perfect teeth. A great accomplishment in casting.

My only complaint – Katniss doesn’t always drive the action forward. She’s more reactive than active in some scenes.

-THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETY (2010). Another animated gem from Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, based on the classic books THE BORROWERS.  A recurring theme in a lot of their films is the main character’s coming of age. And this one is no exception. If it weren’t for 3 of the characters being 3 inches tall, this could easily pass as a stage production. Good for all ages.

-RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (2011). Smart and well-written. Easy to see why this was a surprise hit last summer. Especially fun if you’re familiar with the original films. K made an interesting point in that you’re rooting for the apes to win, which would mean the eventual downfall of humanity.  Count me in the camp of those who think Andy Serkis should have gotten some kind of recognition for his mocap work as Caesar.