Hunting....for rabbits?

Reading isn’t my strong point. I read slowly so it takes me a long time. In the last few weeks I’ve read over 12 scripts. I’m amazed at what talent is out there and don’t quite understand why we are getting so many bad films when there are fresh new scripts out in the world. But I forget it’s more about money sometimes then making a great film. Anyway, most of the scripts have been good, pretty commercial which is great, always want to get a script that can be sold but unfortunately most are not that original, which makes it easier for me to put it down and move on to the next. It’s hard to write something original since everything has been done one way or another. But it’s even harder to write something that feels original but really might not be…and that’s the golden script. As a filmmaker, you think I want something different, something people haven’t seen but you still want them to connect and have that feeling of familiarity, even if it’s just a passing moment. As a screenwriter, I myself love commercial films but even I tend to question my scripts, because in the end I want my story to stand out and be original. If you can find a way to take something people have seen a million times and turn it just slightly into something different, something original then you’ve accomplished that level of familiarity thus some form of originality. So, the hunt continues for at least two scripts for us to produce and for me to direct. I really am looking forward to that moment of finding just the right script. Every time I begin a new read hopes of instant connection and total immersion are present. Then on the other side of course is my excitement to move forward with making a film, getting the business plan and budget together, start thinking about casting and locations and such things. I have hopes we’ll find a script soon and be able to shoot something next summer. Fingers crossed.

My own writing is coming along well. Outlining and character development is in full swing. This is probably the most structured part of writing for me. Laying all the plans out, making sure everything has a purpose and a through line. Getting to know my characters on a deeper level and it always happens, discovering that one character that raise into a more important role than I had imagined. This is the hardest part of writing for me, picking my brain for all the details of the story and developing believable, realistic characters that are unique in their own way not a copy of someone else’s creation, it’s hard and sometimes I totally fail at it but if I get through it, it is the most rewarding. I’m happy with what’s evolving in the stories thus far and look forward to the day of sitting down and giving each character their voice. But at the moment I have to be patient and work out all those minor and major details. Question, I’ve always been interested in how other writers develop their stories. What steps do you take to build and create your stories? I’d love to hear your process.

A word on “Clombies”, we are still in the fundraising game, it’s just a matter of time. With picking up two more projects I feel the odds will to be better for “Clombies” and I am dedicated to making sure that when “Clombies” is made, we do it right and give it all the advantages we can. It’s a small horror film that done right will be great. So, no matter how long it takes to make it, it will be done and done right.

Signing off for today, have some rabbits to round up, have a great weekend and we’ll speak again soon.