Archive for September, 2006
Just came back from a rehearsal reading this evening with my actors, Erin and James. Eeek. Very strange to hear the words that have been rolling around in your head coming out of other people’s mouths.
Erin and James have both proved quick studies, very intuitive at picking up the language of the film and my peculiar cadences and love of polysyllabic words (although some of them will have to go before the reading on Sunday - as I discovered, I had some real tongue-twisters in there.)
We discovered the treatment really barrels along, especially towards the end when the action picks up. Obviously I was hoping that would be the case, but it was nice to hear them evolve it naturally in the reading; the two of them picked up speed and alternated passages as the tension grows in the final act and gave it real momentum.
The middle act is still weak, and I’m not sure what to do about it. There’s a real howler of a scene toward the end of the 2nd act which I’m sure will elicit groans, but it’s a reading, after all.
Overall, I think I’ve got the breadth of the film nailed down now. From here, and using the feedback I’ll get at the session on Sunday, I’ve got to start working on ‘deepening’ the script - enriching the themes, the history and the backstory, without overwhelming the structure I’ve already got. I’m nervous, but looking forward to it.
See you there!
September 28th, 2006
I was at the Writers’ Room event in Wellington this evening at Katipo Cafe - the organiser was kind enough to let me plug the treatment reading (next Sunday, folks!) before the main course of the evening - talking to writers about their shorts.
Taika Waititi (Two Cars, One Night), Zia Mandviwalla (Eating Sausage) and Velalu Alla-Unsworth (Blue Willow) were invited to talk about all aspects of the film writing process - the (ubiquitous) “where do you get your ideas from?” right through to “how do you find a producer?”
A couple of themes came through all their responses: number 1, trust your gut instinct. They all described the notion that the film you have in your head is not the one the audience will see on screen, nor the one the reader has when they pick up the script. Taking feedback and suggestions on board is helpful, but sometimes you have to back yourself that your idea / concept is the best one for the story. Incidentally, all three writers nominated “their mum” as a inspiring source of feedback and ideas.
None of the writers actively collaborated with others on the films, which I thought was interesting. For ‘The Player and the Advocate’ I will be looking for a storyboard artist to previsualise some of the scenes (especially the big setpieces) and kick around ideas for the production design (with a period ranging from Renaissance through Victorian to futuristic, it should be an exciting job…)
More tomorrow.
September 19th, 2006
- 1. Wedding scene
- 2. Courtroom scene
- 3. Auction scene
- 4. Elevator scene
- 5. Person in bed waking up from a nightmare
- 6. On deck of a ship / spaceship
- 7. Jail cell
- 8. People playing cards around a table
- 9. Grand ball / dancing scene
- 10. Hospital / emergency ward
A completely unofficial list, based on my own movie-watching experience. Obviously these scenes work because of their dramatic potential, but they also have cinematic potential.
Keep a tally in the next movie you watch and see how many crop up.
September 14th, 2006
You are cordially invited to the first reading of the treatment for ‘The Player and the Advocate’:
Sunday 1st October 2006
4:00pm
Katipo Cafe, 76 Willis Street, Wellington Central
Cost: free!
There will be nibbles / refreshments available.
The reading should take about 45 minutes, then we’ll take a break for a drink, followed by a Q&A session. I’d like to get some constructive feedback on the story, characters, anything which piques your interest.
I’m making this the official ’start’ of my pre-production effort - from October, I will be actively seeking out collaborators to work on the film, help finish off the script, begin storyboarding, and look for funding.
I look forward to seeing you there.
September 2nd, 2006