My Favorite Line of Dialogue (that I've written)

2006-01-12T09:08:00.000-08:00

"She just went down like a pile of laundry."

Thanks to Scott the Reader and Fun Joel for posting a challenge I can meet with very limited time (to date).

By the way: Act One of my drama is now complete! The first draft of it, anyway. Page 28 and counting. That's like, what? 23.3%? Not that I'm counting...

And for my next post...

2006-01-11T08:35:00.000-08:00

I've fallen behind my posting plan already, which is a bit annoying for me, since I like following through on my planning. That's why I do Project Management (in the "real" world, whatever that is). It's a blessing and a curse, but it serves me well.

In fact, I suspect that trying to manage a "cross-functional technology team" and a client's expectations in delivering an "enterprise solution" feels very much like what a film producer goes through once principal photogarphy starts, all the way through distribution.

Now that I've gotten the corporate speak out of the way, I can truly say that I'm in awe of those of you who keep your blogs updated almost daily, if for no other reason than I cannot seem to fit it into my work/life/screenwriting work schedule right now. I'm hoping that changes when I finally get one of these specs optioned or--dare I say it--produced.

Still, thanks to all for the warm welcome into the Scribosphere, and just to note, I'm planning to post my one page AND a photo of my workspace soon!

Finally, a spot of great news: I'm on plan with my spec writing! Page 20 and counting of the first draft of my new drama. More on it will appear here once I get the dang thing out and registered. Suffice to say, I feel it's my best work yet, and it's due to be submitted to the biggie competishes (Variety-speak) this year (Nicholl, Disney, etc.).

Ooooh, I love the thrill of creation.

The Specter of WYSIWYG

2006-01-06T09:35:00.001-08:00

We as humans are a powerful species. Since our apprarance on this planet, we've managed to wrest control of it from nature and supplant it with an environment in which we are the ultimate arbiters. We--and our collective extended consciousness--are able to quite literally create microcosms, and adapt them to our liking.

The combination of imagination, tenacity and careful engineering of new technologies give us these abilities, and propel us forward to greater things every day. (For a really fascinating look at just how we got here, I highly recommend checking out Jared Diamond's The Third Chimpanzee.)

So why is it that when a writer who shares this human ability to "create worlds" puts words on a page, they don't automatically morph into a powerful, compelling story?

It is because while creating human-made beauty over time, humans didn't stop at the end product. Humans fell so in love with beauty, and the pursuit of perfection, that they also inadvertently created the specters of illusion in the very tools that helped them to achieve their lofty goals.

I call this the Great Illusion of WYSIWYG.

And this is why, when you are staring at a screen full of perfectly formatted pages, with dialogue, action, and-most importantly-WHITE SPACE, the end result is not necessarily an overwhelming RECOMMEND.

Damned specters.

First Topic: Track Pants

2006-01-05T08:19:00.000-08:00

I'll have to admit, I have not owned a pair of sweatpants since my high school cross-country days. But the recent adoption of this professional screenwriter persona has left me no choice but to explore the hitherto unexplored life of sweatpants.

My diagnosis:

Not only do these things make me feel like I'm walking around upright while still lounging in bed...they keep me focused! No joke. I'm a better writer when I shed the trappings of our vainglorious society. And I urge you to try it. It only sounds kinky. I promise.

In fact, I've even written a little homage to my sweatpants. But before I share, I should admit that I am not wearing them at the moment. They had to be washed.

Ode to Sweatpants

Sweatpants are magic.
Sweatpants make me cool and comfortable.
Sweatpants keep my mind sharp and clear.
Sweatpants will usher in world peace, if only everyone would wear them.
Sweapants are magic.

Kicking off the blog with an End-of-Year Rundown

2005-12-22T14:11:00.000-08:00

Both Kristen’s and Dave’s blogs have been on my Scribosphere bookmark list for awhile now, and since I’m striving to reach out and contribute to said Scriboshpere in 2006, I thought doing a 2005 rundown would be a good place to start, and a good way for you to get to know me. So, heregoes:

What did you do in 2005 that you’d never done before?

Blogged on screenwriting.
Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I didn’t have any New Year’s resolutions going into 2005; but at some point in the first quarter of the year, I made the active decision to commit to my writing/producing/directing career. Since I’d tied the knot in 2004, this wasn’t an autonomous decision, and I am still formulating a plan of action; but suffice to say, my wife was even more supportive of this decision than I was at first. I was worried that rallying her support would be the problem. But as luck would have it, I really DID marry the most wonderful woman on the planet.

2006 will be the year I complete two (2) scripts. Last year, I started on no less than five scripts, and three of them are lacking with regard to compelling stories—apart from their initial concepts. In committing to be a “working writer”, I have taken on a responsibility to tell compelling stories that people want to see. And, having done some directing in theatre, and some acting, I am blessed/cursed with the ability to see the value of a script from a more objective vantage point.
Did anyone close to you give birth?

No.
Did anyone close to you die?

Yes, but not closely enough to disrupt my “normal” life. Plus, I’m now living 3,000+ miles away from most of my family, so the distance blunts the pain, if the relation isn’t so close.
What countries did you visit?

No travel outside of the U.S., though I was due to run the Dublin Marathon on Halloween. Due to two stress fractures, that little dream hasn’t yet come true; though I’m still planning to do a marathon within the next five years.
What would you like to have in 2006 that you lacked in 2005?

I’d like to have my health returned to the levels it was at in 2000, or 1999. This may take some time, as I am not an avid gym rat, but my wife and I do visit our YMCA regularly, and Yoga is catching on as a trend with me. Yes, I know I’m a late-comer here, but every little bit helps!

I’d also like to have those two completed scripts. They’re on the to-do list, and they’re both promising outlines and treatments right now. I will talk about them more over time, but suffice to say, this—apart from my health—is a major priority.
What date from 2005 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Well, I’d have to say July 6th, as a low point, because I found out that I had the stress fractures, and that I wasn’t going to do the marathon; and July 17th, because it was my first wedding anniversary.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Making the decision to become a working filmmaker.
What was your biggest failure?

Oy. See July 6th above.
Did you suffer illness or injury?

Yep. That darned stress fracture. It sucked having to hobble along on crutches and in a boot for eight weeks, but thankfully, I was fairly healthy for the remainder of the year.
What was the best thing you bought?

An iMac G5. I can’t believe I have been using PCs since Mac release OSX. Admittedly, I am still writing on a PC (laptop), but I plan to reward myself with a Powerbook once I get paid for my writing.
Whose behavior merited celebration?

The general world population can be lauded for not exploding a nuclear weapon anywhere in 2005. Apart from that: behavior meriting celebration? Forgive my cynicism.
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

I know this is going to sound trite, but the Bush Administration pretty much takes the cake here. In fact, I’d be willing to lump all of our elected leaders, regardless of party. The U.S. has been shamefully bereft of good leaders for too long. Hell, the world has been without good leaders for too long. And without going too far down this rabbit hole (that’s what the political blogs are for), I offer up one name as a hopeful tipping point: Barak Obama. The man’s got style, dignity and grace. Hoo-ah.
Where did most of your money go?

Subscription to Variety. Lots of books for research for my screenplays. And some savings! We managed to kill our debt (for now), and hopefully will be on our way to buying our first home within the next two years (we’ll see how the market plays out).
What did you get really, really, really excited about?

The screenplays that will be complete this year, hopefully leading to the launching of a production company.
What song will always remind you of 2005?

"The Way That He Sings” by My Morning Jacket. I discovered them when I bought “At Dawn” (which was released in 2001, oddly enough). I also picked up “Z”, which they released in 2005, but I like “At Dawn” MUCH better. Check it out if you get the chance.
Compared to this time last year, are you:
- happier or sadder? Happier.
- thinner or fatter? Fatter, by about 15 pounds. I’m seeing the Yoga trend continuing through 2006, though…
- richer or poorer? Richer, since we killed the long term debt. But I would prefer not to measure the richness of my life by the money in my account. So from the metaphoric standards I’ve just imposed: also richer. It was a great year.
What do you wish you’d done more of?

Writing. I can’t believe I just typed that. But it’s true.
What do you wish you’d done less of?

Working as an IT consultant. But that will taper off once I start getting paid to write. It’s all a part of the plan. And yes, that is God laughing in the background. Alas, I am only a human being.
How will you be spending New Year’s?

We were in Joshua Tree. Absolutely incredible. I had never been to the desert, and we wanted to have a nice getaway at the end of the year. We found a fantastic little house in Twentynine Palms, and hung out in one of the most beautiful, remote places I have ever seen. Oh yeah, and it didn’t hurt to be in one of the only places in California without torrential downpours.
Did you fall in love in 2005?

Um, yes. Again.
How many one-night stands?

None.
What was your favorite TV program?

Six Feet Under for “pay” TV. And I am so sorry to see it go. And as far as HBO goes, I’m really digging “Extras”, “Deadwood” and “Entourage”. I’m looking forward to the final season of “The Sopranos”, too. So, I guess I love HBO right now.
As for “free” TV, I’d have to say “Gilmore Girls”, followed closely by “House” and “Scrubs”. Amazing writing.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

I don’t have the energy to hate. Too much writing to do.
What was the best book you read?

I love, love, love, love, love reading plays. And John Patrick Shanley did not disappoint with Doubt. Flawless. Absolutely astounding. Other than that: a lot of non-fiction. Standout: Breakfast With Sharks by Michael Lent.
What was your greatest musical (re)discovery?

Discoveries: My Morning Jacket; Common; Sleater-Kinney (I know: Late-comer). Re-discoveries: Bob Dylan; Steely Dan; Brad Mehldau.
What did you want and get?

The iMac G5.
What did you want and not get?

A good finished screenplay. I did manage to get one written. But it’s a mess, and I’ve shelved it for now.
What was your favorite film of this year?

Brokeback Mountain.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 34, and I enjoyed it immensely.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Having been able to quit my day job for a writing gig.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2005?

Urban sprawl.
What kept you sane?

Running. My wife. My dog.
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Selma Blair.
What political issue stirred you the most?

The Plame stuff. I dislike rats very much; and this Administration is full of them.
Who did you miss?

My family in Providence.
Who was the best new person you met?

Sadly, I don’t get the opportunity to do much real socializing, since I work so much. But I did meet some cool people at a seminar I took in LA in October. Looking forward to expanding my network in 2006. I’m taking cues from Shawna’s Relationship Management: 201.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2005:

Maintaining your health is instrumental to living a fulfilling life.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

“Would you not like to be sitting on top of the world, with your legs hanging free? Would you not like to be okay, okay, okay?” – Dave Matthews Band, “Lie In Our Graves”

hooo-a.

2005-12-17T10:43:00.000-08:00