No Screenwriting Today. Just Starcraft 2

May 20th, 2011 | Posted by jasonmckinnon in Featured Posts | Screenwriting

CAN YOU EVER REALLY TURN OFF THE SCREENWRITER?

There is a reason this blog is called The Athletic Nerd. Today is all about the nerdy side.

For a while now, I’ve been meaning to take some time away from screenwriting. (Not too long though.) Currently, I’m in between shorts and I’m just about ready to start a new feature so it’s a perfect time. The calm before the storm.

This summer will be packed with development, writing, rewriting and more development. I can’t wait. But this ambitious plan is pointless if I’m burnt out. So over the last few weeks, I’ve been taking more time for myself. Catching up on movies, recharging with family and friends and playing more video games.

I missed video games. Specifically, I missed a good old fashioned real time strategy game. So I bought Starcraft 2!

The original ate up a ton of my free time when I was younger. I didn’t play online much but complex skirmishes against computer AI were my specialty. I loved the strategy the game involved. The addiction of positioning my Terran forces accordingly for the most effective strike. Managing resources and dominated the opposition. So much fun.

I used to spend hours buried in games like Starcraft and Warcraft on my PC. I think I may have waited too long to get my hands on Starcraft 2.

XTRA | I waited too long to upgrade my copy of FINAL DRAFT too…

Obsessing over a strategy game right now is perfect for two reasons. First, it gives me a chance to rest my brain and just click around destroying my enemies. Second, as I got deeper and deeper into the game, I found myself thinking about my new screenplay anyways. That sounds contradictory but it’s true and it’s a good thing. In my mind, I still create little stories in the world as I play. Sub stories I create myself. Epic tales that span multiple games and maps. Yes, I’m a proud nerd!

It’s shocking how much work you can get done when your mind is occupied. So really, I haven’t stayed away from screenwriting at all. I’m still working. I’m just not writing anything down in any ‘official’ capacity.

My new feature is very action oriented and Starcraft 2 has provided me with a perfect escape before I dive into a brand new story.

My issue now is avoiding this brilliant game when I begin writing again in a few days…. Just one level? It can’t hurt right? Maybe there is a reason I’ve avoided these games lately.

No Screenwriting Today. Just Starcraft 2 | Screenwriting & Startcraft 2