5 Things I Learned Writing This Movie, #2

So I started a series of blog posts, 5 Things I Learned Writing This Movie, to honor my first produced movie that comes out this month, 5 Weddings. So, today let's hear it from:

#2 - When you write a script, you may think that what you have, is what it will always be. But for us, that was definitely not the case. And maybe not the case on many scripts. So what I learned is that when you write a script, it will change, and change, and change, and then change some more. At first when we started this script, it was a straight-up comedy. But after I finished the script in two weeks, the producer decided to add some dramatic elements. I don't want to say what they are as to not give anything away about the movie. I do think they add a lot of depth to the story, so I'm glad she suggested it. It ends up being the B story, in fact. But that meant there would be a lot of rewrites. So it went from a comedy to a dramedy. I also wrote the first script about 13 years ago, so that means a lot of rewrites over those 13 years. So as a writer you just have to be fine with changes. Because changes are what makes a better story. I think the basic elements are there from the start, but we added a lot over that time frame. So what I'm saying is, don't be afraid to let your script evolve! That's what scripts are made for.

Okay, be sure to be on the lookout for #3 tip next time!

Keep in touch with those contacts

So you know how you meet people that work in the industry?  Maybe through a friend. Maybe at a networking event. Maybe you email them and hear from then once, or meet them again and then not much happens except an email back. So you think, well, this really isn't going anywhere. Well, guess what? Keep in touch with them! Let them know every little thing you're doing. Because you never know what will come of it. Here's why:

So I met this really big producer through my step-dad years ago. They played golf together, as big producers do. I asked my step-dad to ask him if someone in his office could read a script of mine. A guy this big, I'd never ask to read it. But he insisted he'd read it. OMG! Okay,  if you insist. So he read it, liked it, but nothing came of it. So that started a friendship/mentorship. We'd keep in touch, me doing the reaching out. Him always responding and happy to read stuff. He even offered to meet for breakfast one time when I was visiting my parents. He was super nice and we talked about our love of movies. But I thought okay, this guy is just a mentor of sorts and that's cool. But I always let him know new scripts I was working on, always let him know new producers I was working with. He pretty much always wrote back, but not even always.

So fast forward to a book I wanted to option. I wasn't sure if the price would be too steep for me. So a friend at ICM said, email producers and tell them what you want to do with the story and you want to partner with them to produce it. Okay sounds easy enough. So I reached out to this producer and told him that. He said yeah, send me the book. Hmmm...okay, still didn't think much about it since nothing really came of it over the years. But lo and behold, he starts emailing me several times a week saying how much he loves it! I couldn't believe it! And then he asks, can I bring in my Academy Award winning producer friend. Uh...gee, let me think about it! You know what my answer was! Uh, yes! So next thing I know, his producer friend is in town and he suggests we meet for lunch to discuss the project. Wow, is this really happening? So we set up a date and place to meet, and we do! It really happens! They ask me my take on this story and next thing I know, we've decided to produce this thing, together! I still can't believe it.

Of course there are many steps before this becomes a movie. But it just goes to show, keep in touch with your contacts! You just never know where it will lead. You just never know!

Watch out for that tree!

So my friend sends me this story today, that was sent to her. We had been talking about focusing on the things you're grateful for, because if you do, then more of that comes into your life. Then she gets this story sent to her that says that exact thing. It's a story about a parachuter and as he's heading towards the ground, he sees a big tree right in his way, he keeps focusing on that huge tree, wishing he wouldn't hit it, but of course he lands right in the tree! The instructor tells him once he's on the ground, do you know why you landed in the tree? The guy answers, yes, it was right there, I was heading right for it! The instructor goes on to say, no, you were focusing on it, so that's why you hit it. If you focus on a tree, then yes, you'll land in it, there was plenty of open land for you, but you focused on the tree.

And the story goes on to say that this works for life too. So if you focus on all the lack of success or how hard it is for your writing career to take off, or all the contests you're not winning, and no director emails me back after my queries, well, guess what's going to happen? Yup! Exactly what you're focusing on!

So focus on your successes, no matter how small. And set your sights for what's on its way, things that you want to come into your life. Success! Eye that open land ahead of you instead of that big tree you're about to hit. Just remember, you're only getting snagged in your career if that's what you focus on. Happy landings!

As High As The Sky

No, not me. It's the title of a little film that needs to get attention. I happen to know the writer, director, Nikki Braendlin, but hadn't been in touch in years. I saw on her Facebook that she started to film said movie and was excited for her and wondered what kind of movie it would be. Well as luck would have it, she posted this week that it was free on Hulu, with commercials. So I thought, sure, why not! I thought I'd watch it in two days because what writer has time to watch a movie in one sitting. Not me at least because I'm always writing something.

Well, I loved it so darn much I sat and watched the whole thing all the way through. I didn't just love it a little, or love it because I knew her. I looooved it! It was really well written, the characters were done so wonderfully, the story was heart-warming and sweet. From start to finish, Nikki just hit it out of the park. I have since gotten back in touch with her and we're going to catch up, because I was so darn impressed. But now it's your turn. You must watch this great little film. The message was great. I loved the casting. Really could have watched more of these characters even beyond this movie, and that's a rare thing to say. I won't give away any plot points or ending, but I'll just say it really touched me. I had never been more proud to say I know a fellow writer.

Just as I was writing this blog, I opened an email from Sundance touting "4 movies you must watch online right now". Well, I'm going to make it 5. Add As High As The Sky to your list. You'll be happy you did.

Tell YOUR story

When it comes to writing your screenplay there are a million ways it could go. A love story could be Romeo and Juliet or Casablanca or Wedding Crashers. Each story is so different and each writer is very different. So when you get the chance to write a story, tell the story that YOU want. That's why when you get hired to write a story, you have to trust your own instincts. It can be scary when you know someone has the power to say yes or no to what you just wrote. But you have to trust there's a reason you want to tell this exact story. It came to you for a reason! So write that story. One of the worst things you could do is doubt yourself and then end up with a mediocre story. Go out with a bang! Write the story that's speaking to you. And if all goes well, the producer that hires you will see your vision and agree with it and want to get it made.

I read somewhere recently that Arthur Miller was given notes about Death of a Saleman and was told what an awful play it was. He used those notes and changed it so much that he hated it! That's when he realized he wasn't going to listen to anyone. He said something along the lines of, "I'm going to do what I want. And if it's no good, at least I wrote what I wanted." Then of course it went on to being the longest performing piece and most acted piece ever.

So that's what you have to do too! Trust that your vision of your story is what needs to be told. Sure take notes, listen to trusted friends. But if they don't see the vision that you are wanting to tell for your story, then ignore it all. How's a new writer to know when to listen to friends and when not? That only comes with experience. But as time goes on, you'll know who to listen to and what notes to listen to. In the end, it's your story and when a producer hires you, they're going to hire you for your style and story telling. So be sure that's what ends up on the page.

When it finally all clicks

I was reading an article by a writer who's finally getting noticed by Hollywood. And she said how all of a sudden she knew her scripts were ready when it just all clicked. I know that feeling and maybe you do too. But if you don't, that's okay too. It just means you're still at the learning point of your writing career. It's not something you can force. It's not something you can rush. Developing the tools to become a writer that will get you hired and sell your scripts is like a fine wine, it takes time. It takes studying the craft, learning as much as you can, and getting comfortable with breaking the rules you've learned.

I always wondered if I'd know when I finally "got it". Believe me, I felt many times before that I was there. But most recently I've rewritten two scripts, one for a producer and one with a writing partner. And both scripts, I just could tell I'd be able to figure out how to fix these rewrites. I could see it clearly. I'm not saying it came easy. Oh no. Especially the one for the producer. Since that was a page 1 rewrite, I was basically starting from scratch. But once I knew the new story, then I knew what had to be done. And I could tell what beats to hit and what would make the story flow in the best way it could.

And the rewrite with the writing partner, I could see it as clear as day what had to happen to make it a strong enough script to be ready to go out. I could just tell that something had changed in my writing. Maybe it's like hiting puberty. You don't really know you're in it while you are. But when you get to the other side of it, and you've got boobs or a hairy chest (hopefully not both!) then you realize, wow, I've blossomed!

So keep at it if you're not there. There's no waste of studying your craft, no waste of reading scripts, analyzing movies. It all helps you get to where hopefully you will be having meetings and selling scripts and seeing your ideas on the big or little screen. We can all hope it's sooner than later!

"Come up" and come on down!

So writing my second review of the short films that I saw at the IFFCA film festival. I thought today I'd write about the topic, what if you're trying to do your own short film? Well, there's some things to consider first. Like knowing what is the best scenario and story to do for your film. I can imagine it's got to be a tricky thing for most writers/directors/producers, picking that one story. And a short one has to pack the punch of a feature, but quicker. For me, seeing what worked at the festival inspired me to want to do my own for sure.

Now I would say that there was no genre that was better over others, but what really mattered was if there was a story or not. There were a few short films, that I won't mention, that didn't really fit that bill and I felt suffered because of it. But the rest were great at being mini movies. So if you have yet to do your own short film and you're looking to try your hand at one, be sure you include the beginning, middle and end, with the goal and obstacles, just like any feature. And if you can, throw in a twist.

One of the short films that I felt did a great job at this was called "Come Up" directed by Christopher Boyd. It was a funny story based on an action film that happens on the set of an action film. A lot of the humor in this piece faired best with people in the industry, as you could hear them laugh the loudest during the film. Inside jokes, for sure, but that didn't mean people who hadn't worked on a set couldn't get enjoyment out of it. But I have heard from industry producers that movies about the biz don't do well outside of the group that makes them because regular movie-going folks just don't care or get the story as well. I think as far as doing a piece for a short film festival, doing a movie about the industry is perfect though. Because who else is probably going to see most of these festivals, but your movie biz peers? 

The people who created this film talked about how they figured this story out while on the set, which is another way to get your story ideas for shorts or any story you're writing. Write what you know, you know? Because when you do, the audience can tell and that comes across as a solid piece of film. 

Sometimes procrastinating is a good thing

Okay, I'm not talking about watching TV every single night and forgetting that you're a writer. But when you're sitting down working on a script, and here and there you find your mind wandering, I truly think this is part of the process. Heck, I'm writing my blog to you right now as I'm writing my latest comedy. I think what it is, is that our little brains are doing a lot of work when we write. And every so often, our brain gets tired! It's like, hey, you've been squeezing out brilliance all day, do something else for a couple minutes!

So yes, I do find myself posting on Facebook or reading the headlines on Huffington Post or writing my screenwriting blog. I figure as long as I'm banging out pages that I'm happy with, then I'm doing what needs to be done. I'm not forgetting that my main job is to write. But by letting my story breathe, letting my brain focus on something other than the story, I'm actually coming up with the story.

The trick is making sure you're not letting other things get in the way of your writing. For me, I make sure I stay in my seat at my desk. I also make sure that I see my page count increase. If I haven't added any pages, then it would be time to worry. But we don't really know what goes on when we create magic on a blank page. And I really think that part of that magic, is letting our mind do what it wants. And sometimes that means procrastinating. Since I've just done some of mine, it's now time to go write a few more pages.

de Van Nuys

The reason I'm so giddy over this story about the guy who wrote a script and is directing it and Bill Murray is now starring in it, is because of what it means for us other writers. We all know that the road may be long. And we all may think who knows what can come of it. But we do know that we have to get our work out there and keep writing and keep sending scripts to who knows who. And then one day, just one day we may be lunching with Jack Nicholson or picking Bill Murray up from the airport with our script all earmarked with notes. It's what happens. And it could mean we're a 10-year overnight success too. I guess when I read it, I don't feel that far off from this happening to me. So maybe that's another reason why I'm so excited for this guy. I mean, I am working with a huge producer right now. And he's giving me notes. And the writers he works with are seeing their movies get made with huge stars, so I'm not that far from it being me. And then that means, if you're reading what I'm writing, then you're not that far off from it being you. These stories don't just happen to people in trade magazines, they happen to real people. And if you keep writing, and keep trying, you just may be next. So keep on keeping on! http://www.deadline.com/2012/11/weinstein-co-lands-bill-murrays-next-film-st-vincent-de-van-nuys/

Rewriting in a big way

I think when I was a newbie writer, rewrites were not really effective rewrites. I might have changed sentences here and there, rewritting sentences so they flowed better. I might have added a character but not one that really helped the story move forward better. Now I know that rewriting takes a whole lot more than just dotting more i's and crossing more t's. Rewriting is really tearing things apart and building stuff back up. It really takes a lot to get to the core of the story and sometimes that means rebuilding. A lot! Even in this rewrite that I'm working on, I have put a scene that was in the middle, as my opening scene. I thought, well, it's a comedy, and that comedic moment happens half way through my story. It's a very visual moment. And we all know that opening with a visual moment is a good idea. So I decided why not? The good thing is you save the other drafts, so if it doesn't work, you can always go back to the older version. I think that was key as a writer for me to learn. That it's okay to play around and try new things. Once I learned that as a writer things became and felt so much more freer. I even got rid of an entire character that I was sure I needed. But people had suggested I might not need him. So I thought, why not try it without him? And by introducing a whole new character, now I have more motivation for my inciting incident and the 2nd act. So ask yourself, what are you doing in your rewrite? Is each scene filled with conflict? Does each character help move the story forward? Do you have some characters that fill up the same spot and purpose that other characters do? Don't be afraid to cut out things and put entirely new stuff in. You just might surprise yourself and see your story flourish like never before.

Taking notes

So, you've written the best screenplay ever. And you're going to meet with your writing group or a producer and get feedback. Of course they'll agree it's brilliant and Oscar worthy. Sure, there might be a few changes, but they'll notice how brilliant you are, right? So...then come the REAL notes. And they're not as positive as you hoped! Of course you want to tell them that they don't know what they're talking about and they must be mistaken. But guess what? They're not wrong! At least not completely. The fact is, we writers are inside our head. And when we put words on the paper, we're sure that what's in our head is on the page. But that isn't always the case. So when you get notes, listen to the person giving them. Write down what people are saying. You don't have to agree inside. You can actually think they're completely way off base. But if you ever want notes again, which you need, you better listen! And get in the practice of just listening with your writer's group. Because when it comes time to get notes from a producer, you really better not argue. No producer wants to hear a writer tell them they're wrong. If they're hiring you, listen to what they have to say or you'll be known as a writer who's difficult. Before long no one will want to work with you again. I'm not saying you have to take every note people give you. In fact, don't. Take the notes and go home and sit on them for a couple days. Remind yourself the story you are trying to tell. Then read the notes and see which ones are helping you get there. If you don't take all the notes but use them to make your story the one you want to tell, then those notes will be very helpful. Sometimes people don't know what's not working, they just know it's not. So that's why arguing with the person giving the notes is a waste of time and truly downright rude. So listen up. I promise you, there's something there that will help your story become better than you ever imagined.

Screenwriting: In honor of Valentine's Day

Why I love screenwriting. Let me count the ways.

I love creating characters that can sometimes take on a life of their own and tell me a story I didn't even know I had inside of me.

I love creating plots, that get so complicated that even I'm excited to see how the story ends.

I love the idea that some day, my words will be acted out by actors I admire on the big screen.

I love that when someone with talent reads my words, it sounds even better than I ever envisioned.

I love that when it's time to do a rewrite, even if I feel like there's no way I can fix the problems, with a lot of sweat and toil, I always do.

I love that at times I love screenwriting and times it drives me mad, and that's exactly why I love it.

I love the sound of hearing people laugh because I wrote something they thought was funny.

I love pushing the envelope to see how far I can go with humor.

I love when someone tells me I'm a really good writer. That never gets old and never will.

I love so much about screenwriting. What about you?