Nick Schenk scored big with Gran Torino after over ten years of struggle, rejection and near-misses. How does someone– anyone– keep motivated in the face of impossible odds, daunting circumstances and a crushing lack of validation. Here’s how.
Tag: Screenplay
The Wrestler – Power of Idealism
Randy’s tragedy is he finds magic only in the empty choreographed illusions of the ring. He compulsively plays the spray-tanned bleached blond hero to dwindling numbers of cheering strangers.
Live, Love and Write – Happy New Year
As we look forward to the tremendous shifts and changes this coming year will bring in technology, finance, entertainment and politics let us fully and completely embrace the indomitable and unconquerable force of love in our work.
Writing Routine
I discovered a great website that discusses how various writers and artists approach their work and organize their day. Below is a discussion of the simple method Anthony Trollope used to write forty-nine novels in thirty-five years!
Frost/Nixon and the Power of Ambition
Frost/Nixon is an epic battle between two Power of Ambition characters.
Subtext – Unspoken Communication
The subtext of a scene is the underlying emotion that changes or alters the meaning of the words spoken or the actions taken. Or it is what is “under the skin of a character.” Or it is what is under the surface of what a character says or does.
#ThinkpieceThursday – Einstein and Writing
#ThinkpieceThursday – Einsten’s concise quotes are invaluable and timeless.
Mad Men – Art vs Commerce
Mad Men has had wide-spread critical acclaim, won numerous awards and has become a cultural reference– but it has a very small audience. This struggle between art vs commerce and high brow vs low prestige mass entertainment is a dilemma writers and producers wrestle with continually.
#MondayMusings – Creating a New Character: Backstory
#MondayMusings – What is your character’s backstory?
Creating a New Character – Fear
It’s important to look at the ways the character is most worried about failing others and becoming unloved or unlovable. This often is traceable back to the character’s own childhood fears. These early fears powerfully stay with us and color our adult lives.