Our final project is a 5 minute script that we write or adapt from other works.
I decided to write my own piece.
I've done a fair bit of writing in the past (a one-act play that was produced/directed at Roosevelt University in 2002 - pretty darn proud of that one) and a few 10 minute plays. However, I've never written a screenplay. Even a short one seemed daunting.
Julian suggested we take something from our diary or journal as a place to start if we planned on writing our own piece. I thought about that and realized that it would be difficult for me to take liberties for a "better story" if I used a situation that had already happened. In other words, I already know how that movie turns out and I'd be trying to duplicate the performance. So...I thought, instead, I'd write about a situation I had fantasized about. A conversation/meeting that never actually took place but that I had played over and over in my mind how it MIGHT go.
Words began pouring out of me. I actually couldn't find enough blank paper to "neatly" write it all out. When I finally finished it, I typed it into Celtx (a brilliant free program for those of you who would like such things... www.celtx.com) and tweaked and edited it a bit.
I'm pretty fucking happy with how it turned out.
Julian needs to approve it, of course, and will most likely make some line cuts since I normally write for theatre (more verbal) rather than film (more visual). It doesn't always occur to me that we can "act those lines" and don't need to SAY them.
I have some lovely blog readers here who will probably recognize the basis of this scenario when I describe it. I assure you, names were changed to protect the innocent (and jackasses), and the unseen-only-spoken-of man's "probable" response is definitely changed for dramatic effect.
The Brass Monkey - synopsis
SARAH is waiting at a neighborhood bar for MARIE. They used to be good friends but have not spoken for 4 months. SARAH is now dating MARIE's ex-boyfriend of 6 years. SARAH has desperately wanted to mend the wounds between them, but, until now, MARIE has consistently avoided her phone calls and emails. Today, MARIE has agreed to meet with SARAH for a "talk". Little does SARAH know, MARIE has a secret and a plan up her sleeve.
Julian suggested we take something from our diary or journal as a place to start if we planned on writing our own piece. I thought about that and realized that it would be difficult for me to take liberties for a "better story" if I used a situation that had already happened. In other words, I already know how that movie turns out and I'd be trying to duplicate the performance. So...I thought, instead, I'd write about a situation I had fantasized about. A conversation/meeting that never actually took place but that I had played over and over in my mind how it MIGHT go.
Words began pouring out of me. I actually couldn't find enough blank paper to "neatly" write it all out. When I finally finished it, I typed it into Celtx (a brilliant free program for those of you who would like such things... www.celtx.com) and tweaked and edited it a bit.
I'm pretty fucking happy with how it turned out.
Julian needs to approve it, of course, and will most likely make some line cuts since I normally write for theatre (more verbal) rather than film (more visual). It doesn't always occur to me that we can "act those lines" and don't need to SAY them.
I have some lovely blog readers here who will probably recognize the basis of this scenario when I describe it. I assure you, names were changed to protect the innocent (and jackasses), and the unseen-only-spoken-of man's "probable" response is definitely changed for dramatic effect.
The Brass Monkey - synopsis
SARAH is waiting at a neighborhood bar for MARIE. They used to be good friends but have not spoken for 4 months. SARAH is now dating MARIE's ex-boyfriend of 6 years. SARAH has desperately wanted to mend the wounds between them, but, until now, MARIE has consistently avoided her phone calls and emails. Today, MARIE has agreed to meet with SARAH for a "talk". Little does SARAH know, MARIE has a secret and a plan up her sleeve.
Sound familiar to some of you?
If it gets approved, I'll try and put a copy up here. It was actually pretty wonderful to "get those demons" out. Woody Allen proved in Annie Hall that as the writer of your own work you are the master of your own destiny. HE decides how the relationship goes when he writes the ending. I believe we can re-write our history to some extent with our imaginations.
Here's to a healthier relationship with my past!
Peace and love to you all!
~Ali
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