So, with my moaning out the road, I'm going to take a stroll through some of my more interesting thoughts over the past while. No point in trying to go back several weeks and remember everything from classes. Right now I can't even remember what I had for dinner... 20 minutes ago!
I like structure. Not just in my day-to-day life (though sometimes a change is welcome), but in screenwriting. The lesson with John Yorke was of particular use to me. Not only did it articulate really well with work we have covered with Richard, but it also clarified areas which I have struggled to grasp (particularly creating a compelling 2nd-act). The use of archetypal examples and the supplementary information on the history of the theories just cemented to me the importance of understanding and learning the structure. Right now I'm still weary of "painting by numbers" when writing, but it's always good to remember that creativity comes first, and the structure is there to support it!
Another issue I'm finding is my annoyingly producer-minded brain. Okay, it's great for producing, but I'm finding it a hindrance when it comes to writing. For instance, if I decide to set a scene in a new location, or introduce something perhaps a little complicated, I'll always ask first if it would be too much hassle for the production-team and decide based on that. I really need to force myself to ignore that and write what's best for the story. For instance, I would never have been able to write Little Clown. It's a brilliant script, but the producer-side of me would have had a heat-attack, with juggling children and what-not. (And, in fairness, that same side is having a heart-attack now that it's being made! But challenges are always good.) I need to fully separate my creative-side from my producing-side when writing, but have them both work together when producing. Electrolysis, anyone?
Something else... let's see... Oh yes, a while back Andy asked us to mention what we are currently reading on our blogs. Well, in truth, I'm not a very well-read person. It's perhaps one of my own tragic-flaws. I've never read a novel through my own choice; only when it has been compulsory for school. I do read, just not fiction. I read Russell T Davies' The Writer's Tale (a book about writing Doctor Who) near the end of last year, which I really enjoyed. Along the exact same lines, I'm still working my way through Graeme Harper's Calling the Shots (a book about directing Doctor Who). And, with regards to publications, I'm also a fond reader of the Doctor Who Magazine. Hmm, I think I've just uncovered a slightly larger tragic-flaw. And the worst thing? I'm 5 issues behind on reading the magazine because I've just been so busy! However, I am planning on getting a copy of Save The Cat by Blake Snyder, following John Yorke's recommendation. I'm also going to force myself to getting into the habit of reading fiction during the summer. Any suggestions? (Maybe I should start from a kids book, and work my way up?) I did actually go through a massive stage of listening to fiction audio books, which I really did enjoy. I could go down that route again, perhaps. Y'know, to kick-start me!
I am, however, also really interested in getting some books by Derren Brown (the well-known psychological illusionist). Not only am I interested in his work, but I'm also interested in seeing if there's any way to use similar techniques in film to - for example - make the audience know the next line of dialogue before it's spoken, or make them really emotionally invest in the story. I imagine there could be a question of legality, particularly with regards to subliminal messaging. Not that I think flash-frames would be wise. Really using psychology to make the audience go on a journey, not just the characters. I suppose all film-making is about that, really. But I'm talking about going beyond using certain colours to play with emotion. I do need to read about it to learn what these other techniques could be, but it's certainly something I want to explore. I would just hope I'm not burnt at the stake for witchcraft.
Anyway, that's enough rubbish. Here's some important news: I like Nutri-Grain Elevenses. Tell your friends.
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