Talent Doesn't Need An Excuse

Two very talented people; Bullis and Roso on set discussing their work

     I am in the middle of reading one of the best scripts I have ever read.  It is clear, concise, intelligent and relevant.  The characters are interesting, powerful, weak and in constant conflict.  Choices must be made and bad ones must be endured.
     I love this script.  I wish it were one of my own.  When I began reading it; I had just read seven or eight others and this one jumped off the page like a Frazetta hero in dire straits.  I could not put the script down until I had read it through and then I read it again.
     That's what talented people do, they create work that moves you and makes you want to achieve the same results with your own work.
     Talent doesn't need an excuse, it just exists for it's own sake and then knocks us off our feet.  Kudos to this writer, she deserves all of the rewards and accolades her talent will surely gain for her.
Until next time, Filmmakers First.
D

Why? What For?

Two of my favorite storytellers  Tim Littlefield and Michael Givens

     As I've said before, I write every day.  My lap top sits next to my chair which sits next to my desk which holds my mac and various logs and notebooks.  I got one of those Blackberry Playbooks and I write on that as well.  I'll even jot down ideas on my notepad of my phone if the mood strikes.
     No, there's no big Hollywood deal pending, I'm not writing spec scripts for the possibility that someone next to me in line at Starbucks will ask if I happen to have the next great movie concept.  I write because I write, that's the why and that's what its for.
     Last week one of our AOF Alum gave me a call to talk about his new project.  He and his partner wanted to see if I would be interested in showcasing the work at AOF 2011.  Well, since that's the business I'm in, of course I wanted to see the project and hear about what they had done and why.
     We sat in a nicely appointed booth with a large flat screen and mixer and I must say that I spent a little more time watching their reactions to their film then the film itself.  The film looked great by the way.
     I'm not so much interested in what people make as I am about the motivation behind the process, the 'why' and the 'what for'.  See, every project has a story, drama, problems, antagonists and heroes.    Many times, these problems are too difficult to overcome and we find ourselves in a place where we can't go forward with our art.  Other times; delays and issues make the process better.  What remains after all of that garbage is the 'why'.  Why, will either make you go forward or stop you in your tracks.
      I only have one why and that is, it's because writing and creating stories is what I am compelled to do.  I love story, I love film and I love helping people make their stories come true.  One of the most interesting questions that I'm able to ask at Q&As is, 'Why did you make this film?'  Knowing the answer to that question is more than half the battle in creating something worthwhile.
Until next time, Filmmakers First.
D