I don't really care how much the latest superhero film took at the box office, although I'd probably know if you asked me. When I watch a film the main thing I am looking for is a good story. I like it when I look up at the big screen and can see a part of me staring back at me. More than anything, I am still looking for Jimmy Stewart and Jack Lemmon and Billy Wilder in every film I see.
Tuesday, 7 February 2012
Feedback: Creative Stuckness
DONNA: You know, I post comments on blogs sometimes all day long. I can't tell you how impressed I am that you not only replied, but replied with style and content and sincerity. I don't know how long it might take me to finish my novel, but I will eventually. I promise myself that. BUT, thanks to your reply, I got a little motivation and actually finished a children's book I've been playing around with for months. Yeah, it needs work and I'll have to talk my 19 year old daughter into doing some illustrations for me, but I'm excited about it and it motivated me to start thinking about my novel again, so thanks. From the bottom of my heart.
LUCKY PUNK - I love your advice on Nothing Time, and also your kind responses to everyone. It would be so easy to be cruel and horribly funny about people's procrastination problems, but you chose to be actually helpful...
Monday, 6 February 2012
Film Pitching With My Friend Carl
Name Dropping
Apparently Gary Oldman is attached to the project, and Megan Fox is interested.
Yet he was looking at me to invest money.
I don't have any money. And the business partner I was with has precious little as well.
So how to inspire us?
Name dropping is not how we roll.
But I got a real insight. Because this is how it's done. People buy into it. You say "We have Bill Nighy attached," and when production begins, it doesn't matter that he's not there, because the investors fell for it. There's always the "unforeseen scheduling conflict" excuse further down the line.
You can share huge passion about your project, but that means nothing compared to saying that David Beckham will be attending your premiere.
It's amazing to me how excited people get by name dropping. You might think it's about legitimacy, about showing people serious industry names are involved, but that's rarely it. It's more about feeling like you're in the loop, that you'll get to be at the cool table.
Something happens in the brain at the promise of a celebrity. The neuroscience guys should study this. People lose all reason.
Having established names in your film helps in numerous ways, that's undeniable. What I'm talking about, is those people you have a meeting with who, without prompting, reel off a list of A-list actors and producers who are clambering to be involved in their project.
Anyone with any sense can smell it a mile off, yet still these fools permeate the industry. Why? Well, probably because they're not fools at all, because the name dropping, much to my chagrin, seems to completely work.
You don't have to know Harvey Weinstein. You don't need Megan Fox's number stored in your phone. You just have to pretend, it'll impress people.
Sunday, 5 February 2012
Creative Stuckness, Continued..
Tonja, first of all; it sounds like you're doing really well! For so many, the 'Mommy-gig' is the death of their writing pursuits. "I would have been a writer but...", or "When the kids grow up, then maybe I'll...".
You should give yourself a huge pat on the back for still being a part of the game! You write when you can, you read sites like these that are linked to your work. Do you give yourself the credit you deserve for all this?
The hardest thing for nearly all writers, is discipline. It seems that you have it, because you know your writing time is precious and short. Maybe try and develop that a bit more -- try to find a time of day, or certain day of the week, when you'll focus your energy on the writing, and then dedicate yourself to it.
But it sounds like you're doing better than you think.
BRUCE: I'm getting more ideas lately for things to write about but I have a problem with getting distracted. If I can just finish this level on a game I'm playing. If I can finish this movie I started watching last night.
The real problem is I need to commit to sitting down to write more often and I'd like an editor to go over my work. I'm too wordy and I need help getting my point out in a shorter fashion. HELP!
Go Where The River Is Flowing! My new catchphrase!
Saturday, 4 February 2012
New Perspectives on Creative Stuckness
I want to try a bit of an experiment.
Every writer, director and actor that I know; they all suffer blocks which render them creatively impotent from time to time. Inner criticism, money issues, sinking passion, lack of clarity, etc. It happens to everyone. I've had five friends this week sharing such problems.
I am asking you, the reader, if perhaps you may want to share some of your current issues which are affecting you're creativity, either by leaving a comment here or by emailing me.
I'm hoping that two things will happen. 1) We will realise how similar we all are, how these disturbances are a common element of living a creative life, and 2) That either myself, or other readers, will be able to help give you a new perspective on your work or the things troubling you, that will help you in some way.
If it's too personal, feel free to contact me anonymously. I'm certain we all have more in common than we realise. Are you struggling to focus on your writing? Are you making excuses to avoid auditions? Did you lose the confidence of the actors on your set? Whatever it is, please share!