Monthly Archives: May 2010

Is it talent or luck?

I’ve  heard about  screenwriters whose first screenplay sells  for six-figures.  I think when this happens, most people will say:  (1) the writer is truly gifted, (2) the writer has contacts, or (3) the writer’s extremely lucky!

But, maybe there’s something else.   Perseverance!    This might be the first sale for the screenwriter but what if that writer had written every day for the past ten,  fifteen, or twenty years, and has just now sold something.  Where was the writer’s struggle, the perseverance?

THAT is the purpose of this blog.

My stated goal is to have a feature made from one of my screenplays by the time I’m 85.  I started this journey in 2008.  So, if I’m 85 when I reach my goal,  I will have been striving towards it for almost 30 years.

This blog will, hopefully, shed light on experiences that one can expect when trying to get a feature produced.  I already know I’m not lucky and that my writing is not brilliant!   And, believe me, I don’t have contacts.

But I do have patience.  I’m like the turtle that keeps plodding on.  One step at a time but, in my case, it’s one page at a time.  Eventually, I’ll reach the finish line!

I’ve got perseverance.

It’s ALL About the Story…

At all times, I am reading several books.    Usually I’m reading a couple of novels while reading at least one non-fiction.  The non-fiction book is usually about writing.

I just finished reading “On Writing” by Stephen King.  Now, this is not the first book I’ve read that’s not focused on screenwriting but it definitely reinforced a belief that is solidifying in my tiny brain.

Most writers write in a particular  style.  Some writer’s develop a style that is unique to them.  Other writer’s mimic other writer’s style.  This is true for screenwriters and novelists.  I feel like  my “style” is solidifying.  It is unique for me.

Then there is format.   A screenplay is written in a basic format.  It doesn’t look like a novel.  It isn’t a poem.  There are blocks of dialogue, action paragraphs, etc.  I really believe that any writer can learn the correct format for screenplays.

Many novelists will never see their books on shelves  at Borders or Barnes & Nobel   Likewise, most screenwriters will never see their features shown on the silver-screen.  (Although, right now the advent of  DVD’s and digital programming is changing  the market for film.)  So, if I’m writing because of the prospect of fame and fortune, I might want to rethink why I write.

Bottom line, though, is THE  STORY.   A novel and a screenplay might look different but, the story has got to grab the reader or viewer.  A writer increases their chances of success by looking for something unique.  If I am writing a detective story, what makes MY story unique.  Likewise for romance, or science fiction, etc.

I think it’s a good idea to study the prior successes of other novelists or screenwriters.    And, to a certain extent, I can borrow from those works.  But, if I want to be published or have my story turned into a movie, then I better write something that is original and unique.

Stephen King didn’t become so successful by copying other writers.

“Fishing” to be Produced

I am pleased to announce that my short script “Fishing” will be produced.

Hannah Ashley, a filmmaker from UCLA in Los Angeles, will start filming “Fishing” in mid-June.  Production is expected to be complete by mid-July.

This script is special to me because it is based on a true-story, starring my son!  At the time he was only about 3.  ( Now he’s fourteen.)   In any case, I can’t wait to see the finished product and as soon as it is ready, I’ll post it here.

I Thrive on Monotony

I love my little schedule that is designed around my family, work, and writing.  But, every once in a while, “life happens” and my schedule is disrupted.

Last week-end was Mother’s Day and my son’s confirmation.  This week-end we’re taking three days and going out-of-state to a niece’s wedding.  All wonderful things…

… that turn my schedule upside down.  I confess, I thrive on monotony.   Last week-end my brain was bombarded with little reminders…  This week I’ve been trying to decide what I should pack for the trip.

All week long I’ve been trying to come up with an idea for a short screenplay for MoviePoet’s monthly challenge.  I have had ideas and tried to write them but nothing seems to work.    All week long I’ve been trying to breath more life into “Windfall” but my writing just seems flat as a pancake.

Finally, this morning, I decided that I’m not going to worry about it.  After the wedding, I’ll get back to thriving on my routine.

Between now and then, I guess I’ll just have to thrive on “life”!

Windfall Rewrite Continues

I just hit the one-third mark on this rewrite (sixth).  It is turning into  a real pleasurable experience.

One thing I noticed about this rewrite is I’m able to take it nice and slow.  In the past, I have just “rushed” through the rewrites.

So, now  I’m  wondering if it’s just this screenplay or if it’s a kind of maturity related to the screenwriting craft.  Right now I’m thinking it’s a little of each but, with a half-dozen screenplays under my belt (and no sales)…   Well, why rush!  Just enjoy the process.

So, good-bye to:  Hurry up and finish so I can sell this baby.

And, hello to  “one page at a time” .