Back to Work!

So, despite my urge to dive back into my cerebral horror film about America's obsession with... well, I'll get to it. No, instead I realized there was a spec that I've had sitting around that was almost complete and the time has come to finish it.

At heart, it's a bit of a slasher, a film style that I don't really enjoy seeing, but boy can they be fun to write. And, as I mentioned, this one was almost finished anyway and I want my dozen registered scripts by year's end. This one is set in the Australian Outback and involves some kids on their way to Mardi Gras. Along the way, they meet up with a character who has spent just a bit too much time alone in the wilds and has decided that other people aren't necessarily off the menu any longer.

Sure, it's a bt mindless, although the main character has a fun arc, but it needs to be completed. I should have the first draft by week's end. More as that develops...

We Are 5 X 5...

A quick status report on all things writing. First and foremost, my script Elle is moving from the filming to post-production phase. It's interesting, as a writer, to see the molasses-slow process of filmmaking from the purchase (or commission, in this case) of a script to it's transition to the big screen (or direct-to-video screen, as this seems likely to do). Still, there are moments of intensity during rewrites, specifically working with one of the actors on the project which was both informative and a delight.

What did I learn from all this? Make the lines count. Every one of them. When an actor has to say them, make sure you have a reason for the line to be the way it is. That doesn't mean that it won;t change, but it shows you know your stuff. And be open to the collaborative process. The movie will be a better one because of these collaborations.

Also in the works, the new horror script is done through the first act, and the second is where things get creepy. I'm shooting for more of a Polanski-esque vibe on this one, and we'll see how close I get to that lofty target.

Lastly, I'm beginning the hunt for representation. There are some great notes on Chip Street about this very thing, and you can find that here... So, I'm using the contacts I've made to assist in finding someone to get me further work. All the while, I keep focused on the notion that I have to have a body of work to make anyone pay attention. As Steve Martin said, "Be so good, they can't ignore you." I'm not that good yet, but I learn every day.

And So It Begins...

After much writing, rewriting and polishing, it's time to do some self-promotion. This will be the place to promote existing scripts, discuss the writing process with others, and generally nerd out on the art of screenwriting.

As of this writing, my first produced script is filming, entitled Elle: A Modern Cinderella Tale. You can see the IMDB listing for the film here, and my own here.

In the works is a new horror script, one that, conceptually, I am very pleased with and look forward o completing a first draft very soon. Additionally, I have almost a dozen registered scripts with WGAW, and more to come. Always more story than time, sad to say...

Jump in, say hello and I hope you find this entertaining and/or informative. Or, at the very least, a pleasant way to spend some idle moments.