Elle Screens, Jake Evolves...

Elle: A Modern Cinderella Tale screens today at Cannes, in the sales wing. No competition or anything, but it's there and I couldn't be happier. Now if it would only sell and make a little coin for all of us who worked on it, better yet.

On the other front, the next film for the same director is trucking right along. First act is just about complete after much negotiation on the outline. I find that an outline is the only way to fly. I also use a beat sheet program from Blake Snyder, which helps more with structure. One lesson that every screenwriter should learn is the appropriate use of the three-act structure. the story is, of course, important, but ithout the beats, you might as well be telling your story around a campfire. Even then, you better have some moments to propel the story along.

Although outline-less, I have done the same beat sheet work-up on the next two films I intend to rite, and it's a great way to begin the process of developing, fully, the story while work continues on Jake. I revisit the beat sheet and muse over the ups and downs of the characters, hoping that, when it comes time to write, they speak as they should - clearly and with distinct personality. We'll find out soon enough. The to week deadline on Jake means that the first draft must be done within the next ten days. We're on track, for now, and the story is humming along. The villain is fun, the hero is torn and the supporting characters, so far, have their own agendas. What more could you want?