determination

First step taken

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After some delays, I returned to the outline for the new action-comedy spec. Still a ways to go, but I’d forgotten how much stuff I’d come up with. There’s a lot to work with.

Despite the overall incompleteness, I decided to try something a little different. Something I’d never consider doing at this stage.

I started on pages. Just to see how it read, what could potentially stay, what could be cut, etc.

Since this would be considered the vomit draft, this is all about getting stuff down on the page and focusing forward, rather than writing, going back and rewriting, and so on and so on.

Full disclosure – one day after the first two pages, I thought of ways to improve them and did a little tweaking. I like how it turned out, but am sticking with a “head down, keep writing” approach.

I may even go so far by writing what I already have in the outline, stop at a certain point and finish the outline, or possibly (gasp!) taking a total pantser approach and just write and see what happens.

But that’s not something to worry about right now. I’m just enjoying the writing, as it should be.

More than a few takeaways

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While work continues on my actual writing projects, I’ve also been trying to reduce the number of scripts in my “Scripts to Read” folder.

It’s a decent-sized mix of recent and not-so-recent films, along with material written by professionals, colleagues, and “Hey, I saw you posting about this on social media. Sounds cool. Could I read it?”

It’s amazing how fast you can go through a script when you don’t have to give notes. Even more so when it’s exceptionally well-written, which a lot of these are.

One pair in particular, both written by the same pro.

Each script was unique unto itself, primarily in its story/concept. But you could tell that they were written by the same writer. A very distinctive style for how the stories played out, how it looked on the page, and even moreso in terms of voice.

One detail in particular that really stood out was the lightning pace in which these stories are told. Scenes are brief, to the point, and really move things forward. There’s no lingering, no unnecessary dialogue. The writer really adheres to the “get in late, get to the point, move on” method.

These were scripts that once you started, you didn’t want to stop. Honestly. The writing really was that good.

It’s also worth mentioning that these scripts don’t necessarily break any screenwriting rules, but they sure do bend them. Nothing major or drastic, but the writing is so strong that you’re willing to overlook this unusual approach.

Reading these scripts definitely makes you appreciate (and enjoy) how well-written they are, and also starts you thinking “My scripts aren’t at this level, so what can I do to get them closer to it?” Not that I’d ever try to duplicate this writer’s style – that would be futile. It’s more about letting my own voice and style really come through on all those fronts.

I’ve always been guilty of overwriting scenes, and seeing this very streamlined presentation is a good reminder that I should try for that as well.

It’s probably a good thing that I’m reading all of these scripts now because it’s still relatively early in the rewrite/overhaul phase for my scripts. I don’t think it’ll be too much of an issue to start applying what I’m picking up into them.

My scripts were good, but now it feels like there’s more potential for them to be much, much better. Here’s hoping.

No lab coat required

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A writing experiment of sorts this week has yielded some very interesting results.

I took several drafts of a script and started typing out a new one that combined elements of all of them. Scenes, dialogue, etc. This was primarily to see if it would help me identify what needed work, changing, fixing, and so on.

As I worked my way through, more and more items needing my attention kept popping up. It made me realize this really was going to be the major rewrite/0verhaul I’d expected it to be. Possibly even more so.

And for that I am very grateful.

I don’t know if I would have seen these problem spots or reached this same conclusion if I had just gone through a hard copy of the script with a red pen, marking stuff up. Maybe it’s that specific eye-finger-brain connection while you’re typing that makes you a little more aware of what it is you’re actually typing.

For the time being, I’m deciding between continuing all the way through to the end or starting over at page one. I’m tempted to do the former because that might reveal more problems and issues that need addressing, and it’s probably better to be aware of those earlier rather than later.

All of these pending changes at first seem very challenging, but I have to remind myself I’ve figured my way through similar kinds of problems before, so there’s no reason this time should be any different.

Fingers crossed.

Little changes = big results

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I’d been struggling with the rewrite of the fantasy-comedy spec. I identified a few things that could probably be cut and where some repositioning might come in handy, but there were still a few details that were proving difficult.

So I did what any sensible writer would do: I shifted my attention to another project. Naturally, I’d still return to this one every once in a while, trying to find a viable solution.

Since my usual approach wasn’t working, (helpful tip – don’t try to force ideas. Let ’em happen naturally) I decided to try the tried-and-true “go for the hard turn”. Same objective, much different route to get there.

“Rather than THIS, how about THAT, which still gets us to THERE?”

The spark had been lit. Definitely some potential here, but with some reservations. How much would this drastically impact the story? This was already a major rewrite/overhaul project, but I didn’t want to get away from what appealed to me about the story in the first place.

I mapped things out, looking for scenes and story details that could be changed just enough to make a difference but also not sending things too off-course. Found a few things that matched that criteria and made the appropriate changes in the outline.

I usually stick with the outline until the entire story is ready, but I wanted to give these new ideas a test run to see if they worked on the page. I cranked out a few pages – while also keeping in mind the guideline of “keep it tight!” (i.e. Don’t go for the flourish; just write what needs to be there).

End result – pretty good. It’ll need a little more polishing, but I’ll deal with that later.

There are a few more story details that need work, but I’d say this is a good start.

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Just 2 weeks left on the crowdfunding for my short film SHECKY. We were very fortunate to hit our initial goal and are now working towards a stretch goal. Every $ goes towards post-production, and whatever’s left over will help get the short into some film festivals.

There are several tier rewards, including a new one that includes a personalized video of me telling you a terrible joke (which is on theme for the short).

So if you’re a big supporter of indie filmmaking, the telling of terrible jokes, and the overall screenwriting community, I hope you chip in to help this project reach the finish line.

Change: embraced

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The ping-ponging between my three projects continues, with a little bit of progress for each.

A lot of this whole endeavor comes down to not only rewriting, but how each rewrite is put together. What to keep, what to cut, and most importantly: what to change.

For the most part, there’s nothing huge or drastic, but just enough to make a difference.

Is this scene necessary, and if so, where does it fit best into the story?

Is there a different way to present it so it’s not the same as its previous version but still accomplishes what it’s meant to?

What would be a more effective way to show the protagonist in action while driving the story, but also reinforces their arc?

Notes for each project are dotted with questions that need addressing (e.g. WHY DOES SHE DO THAT? WHICH IS SHE MORE LIKELY TO DO?, etc.) – all with the intent of helping me figure things out.

Also very helpful – a collection of notes from readers with questions, comments, and suggestions. Some have had quite a lasting impact.

It’s becoming easier to make these changes. Some long-term darlings have been sacrificed, all for the greater good – resulting in what is hopefully a better and stronger story.

It’ll be interesting to see what the end result for each project is, with every day seeing a few steps forward.

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Good news for the crowdfunding of my short film SHECKY! We hit our initial goal, which was all about post-production. There are still a few weeks left, so a stretch goal has been added with whatever’s raised going towards helping out with film festival fees.

All the tier rewards remain in place, with the addition of a new one that includes a personalized video of me telling you a terrible joke. And in case that sounds weird, it’s keeping with the style of the short’s story.

So if you’re a supporter of indie filmmaking, the telling of terrible jokes, and the screenwriting community, I hope you can chip in. Every dollar really does make a difference.

Thanks!