The Writers Power Breakfast

A scone, coffee, computer, iPod and a wild imagination... let's see if today will be productive!

Over the last couple of days I've done a really good job at working on the edit of my new script, which is not complete.

But I also have a couple of other scripts in various forms that I might start hacking at to keep the mind sharp and to continually work on the craft of screenwriting. And believe it or not... there are even a couple of more ideas that I should at least get down in note form.

My philosophy has always been, don't force writing, write when you feel it and just ride it for as long as you can, your body, mind and soul will tell you when you need to take a break, so I'm just riding this wave for as long as it goes!

A Great Edit!

Completed! This version of the new script I believe is tighter and flows better. Still proud of it... still hoping to get it sold... but if not, when I get ready to put it into production... this version will sing!

Working In A Sea Of Noise!

You've got to love construction! I'm at my desk working on my rewrite and battling through a sea of construction noise right outside. I opted not to go to one of my mobile offices today, I had the great idea to stay in an write!

In the end it will hopefully turn out well, I am getting a lot done and right now I'm just taking the noise outside, transforming it in my mind to the sounds of ocean waves cracking against the shore.

Time to write on!

Changing Things Up!

For those of you who follow this blog, which I think for the record is only one person officially, you know that when I work outside of my home, I like to hack away at any one of my favorite mobile offices aka Starbucks. But every now and then I like to think... pardon the overused expression, "Outside of the Box," and today that is the case. Today I'm working at Mayorga Coffee Factory in Silver Spring. It's a different vibe here and for the most part, I enjoy working here from time to time. The one issue I do have is that their server goes down from time to time and if I'm working on the web, I lose things. But for the most part it's a cool place to work.

Currently I'm working on an edit of my new screenplay. I like where it is right now, but am always working on getting it a little tighter and stronger. I just got done reworking a scene to have it flow better and I really love the new feel of it.

Now on this blog I list what films I'm watching and of course there is the big "Library Project," I have going right now. (Making it through all of the films in my library) Last night in addition to watching a great German film, "Run Lola Run," I started watching a DVD compilation I have called, "Cult Classics." It came with my subscription to MovieMaker Magazine when I signed up last time. It's a collection of 20 films from the 30s, 40s and 50s. Last night I watched the first film called, "Marijuana Menace" or it's original title, "Assassin of Youth." I figure the more film I can watch, from every source possible... all of it will help me be a better filmmaker. MM, wasn't the strongest film in the world, but you can imagine that it was pretty scary or powerful back when it was made in 1937. I love watching these old films and seeing the sets and costumes and listening to the dialogue. I grew up watching films from the 40s and 50s so this is fun to look back even further.

So that's what's going on right now, lots to do and I like it that way. Hopefully I'll have some big news to pass along in the next couple of weeks, so keep an eye out. And for those who do actually read this... thanks!

Kicking It Old School

Doing some work on a script with pen and paper! It's an old school approach, but some times the best way to get things done. Right now still trying to make it the best script I can and I do believe it may be the best script I've written, but I will always work to make it even better.

Usually what happens is, I'll get a script to what I think is about, 85% ready. And what that means is, it's a complete script and I like it and it's ready to shoot, but during the rehearsal process and I do like to rehearse before shooting, I'll tweak things even more. Part of the reason is because I always help my actors work on their characters and brings something to them that's not on the paper. And the other reason is because as you spend more time with the actors, you get a better sense of who they are and their own rhythms. If you can incorporate some of that into their character, I find their performance becomes even stronger.

So spending some time taking pen to paper right now, should help in the long run when this film gets made one day.

Crunching Numbers...

(At my primary "Mobile Office")

So out and about, crunching some numbers regarding a possible project. This is always kind of a fun part because you can put in whatever numbers you like! Usually I try to put in the "dream numbers" then I do about 4 or 5 other budgets that range from the more "realistic" to the "drop dead minimum." You always hope you get your dream budget or something close, but you never know.

After doing some work here for awhile it's off to the AFI theater to see the Larry David film, "Whatever works." Any chance you get to see a film in a theater these days is always great!

Everything I Need... To Work At Least!

(Mobile office time)

OK so it's been a little while since I've had some time to really sit down and update the blog, but who can blame me... my daughter was here for her summer visit and when she's in the mix it's all about her!

Now however it's back to work and that includes a plan for me latest screenplay. Still shopping it around, trying to get it read. But I'm also looking into what happens if I go it alone. I've done it before, I'll do it again so I'm not afraid of the proposition, but until I really crunch some numbers and do a little more research I'll reserve final judgment on that final step.

In the mean time, good news about a special project, the 10th Anniversary DVD of "3 Days... 3 Hours... 3 Minutes... 3 Seconds..." The initial post is going well and hopefully before the end of the year it will be ready for you to purchase. There will be a ton of special behind the scenes pieces I think you'll really enjoy, so stay tuned on that.

All in all, staying upbeat and pushing forward... after all that's what you have to do to make films as an Indie!