Monday, January 25, 2010

Writing Woes...

Do you ever have one of those days where you wake up and wonder if your script really is worth making?? Like you begin to wonder if anyone will ever go see this thing??

Well, I'm having one of those days. And it's not that I don't love my script, I mean I do, but people around me keep telling me it's not their kind of film. So this had me thinking, well, maybe it's not anybody's?? Not that this is necessarily a bad thing, I was just kind of hoping for a few people to at least be as excited about it. lol ;). But oh well, I knew from the beginning that I'm not a filmmaker for the masses, but rather I'm a filmmaker for the few select few who get my twisted sense of humor. It's alright, I really don't mind having a cult film, I think it's actually kind of bad-ass.

And anyway, I'm kind of a filmmaker because I want to make movies that I want to make, and not what others want me to. It's hard enough to be a female director! I mean everyone is going to want me to make the next romcom or Lost In Translation (although I wouldn't mind making a Lost In Translation, that film is brilliant!), but you know what I mean ;). Of course this is not the case for everyone, I mean look at The Hurt Locker! That film is amazing =). I just need to make the films that I want to make and not what others want me to. ;)

Okay, I just kind of needed to rant somewhere. So yes, I'm still set to film my first brutally twisted film about revenge this spring. Even if I'm the only one who sees it, at least it will be the kind of film that I want to make ;).

Hope you all are having better days - love you all!! =)

Thursday, January 21, 2010

My Personal Writing Style

Hello, and happy new year!! =)

Yes, I know it has been a while my friends, and for that I do apologize, but I will say that my absence has been in good use as I have completed another script and have started writing about 4 others! Yay! I love writing =).

Recently I have had a few people, some my friends, and some just people I have met, come up to me and ask me how to write a script. Now first of all, I am in the belief that there is really no right or wrong way to make a film. That's the brilliant thing about art! It's more about what YOU bring to the project then what the right or wrong way to do it is.

But, with that, I will share my own personal writing style that has worked for me (please take note though, this may or may not work for you) ;).

First off I never write an outline. Well, no okay, I have tried to write an outline once or twice, but it never works out for me. I end up growing bored, or just getting way off on the wrong track with my scripts. I do though, however, generally have an idea of where I want the story to go, although sometimes I go in a different direction and then I am pleasantly surprised where my story takes me. This is what I love most about my writing, the surprise of where the story will lead (it's kind of like watching films for me, except it's my own imagination that is doing the telling) ;).

I also don't use a three act structure. Yes, I know every film teacher and book will tell you this is what you're supposed to do, but I never was one who likes to follow the rules ;). I'd rather rebel, lol. Although this could be why sometimes my scripts are a bit all over the place, but for me this is a good thing. It kind of reminds me of life in that way. And I really do love creating new ways to tell a story. I'm a bit crazy like that ;).

Probably the most important thing for me when I write my scripts, though, is to stay inspired. Whether this means by watching a film in my desired genre, or listening to music that inspires the script. A lot of the times I act out each of the characters in my room (or car) too. I love living their lives, and it also helps me to stay focused. Whatever it is, just keep yourself interested. This is crucial. Really.

Creating fun characters that you love is also important. I personally create my characters so that they themselves can carry the story along for me. Sometimes a character I write in the beginning will be meant to live through the entire script, but then, about midway through, all of sudden he dies. I love when these surprises come up...wow, they probably make therapy for this lol ;).

I could probably keep going, but I really should get back to my own script writing ;). Just don't limit yourself with your writing. And if things aren't going so well, go take a break, think about, live it, and then go back and write when you're ready. Just have fun! Writing can be one of the most enjoyable activities if you allow it to be. =)

Alright, I shall leave all of you fabulous people now. But just start writing! And get out there and make your own films!! 2010 is a year to make all our dreams come true! =) Love you all!!