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Screenwriting Rhythm: Two Extremes

April 4th, 2012 | Posted by jasonmckinnon in Featured Posts | Screenwriting - (1 Comments)

Screenwriting Rhythm: Two Extremes | Screenwriting Blog

THE ZONE VS THE PAUSE

Recently I took a look at two completely different ends of the spectrum when it comes to a screenwriter’s rhythm.

There’s the blinding fast creative outbursts found only in The Screenwriting Zone.  And there is the slow problem solving pace that requires techniques like The Screenwriter’s Window Stare.

One is a fast paced, adrenaline pumping explosion.  The other slows the creative fire down but your imagination still burns just as bright.

Both are seemingly different on the surface offering completely different ways to fill up the pages.  Either way it’s screenwriting and it’s an addiction.

“There are many paths to the top of the mountain but the view is always the same at it’s peak.”

I love that quote…

Where do you stand?

Personally, I prefer The Zone.  It’s such an incredible feeling to fall into a trance and just write until you catch up to your imagination.  However, there are still times when I enjoy solving a tough story problems that halt my progress.  The thing is, solving these problems is pretty amazing as well.

At the end of the day, the pages are still filled with words no matter how long it takes you to write them down.  It just depends on your creative state of mind in that moment.

Write!

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The Screenwriter’s Zone

March 29th, 2012 | Posted by jasonmckinnon in Featured Posts | Screenwriting - (0 Comments)

The Screenwriter's Zone | Screenwriting Blog

SOMETIMES, YOUR FINGERS CAN’T KEEP UP

The Zone is elusive and cunning.  It’s stealthy and mysterious.  It’s extremely difficult to capture but it’s magical when you do.

Screenwriter’s have all been there before.  You sit down and stare at a blank page and everything makes sense.  You know exactly what to do, how it sounds and what it will look like.  You can envision the action, the dialogue and the spirit of your characters.

Before you know it, a couple hours have passed and your wrists ache as you type.

IT’S ALWAYS A BLUR

It’s the creative black out.  You can’t really remember how it happened but you’ve written something you’re proud of.  At this point, readers don’t mean anything.  It’s just you, your words and the satisfied smile on your face.

But what happened?  What was it that made the words come so easily?  How was this particular day different than any other?  That’s what makes The Zone so amazing.  You can’t predict it.  It sneaks up on you.

XTRA | The Screenwriting All-Nighter

Essentially, it’s nothing more than a steady flow of ideas.  One leading to another.  The story in your mind clicks and you can’t wait to write it down.  So your fingers move along the keyboard.  You get that excited feeling in the pit of your stomach.  It’s an feeling screenwriter’s crave.  Once you’re there, it’s nothing but pure creativity.

SNAPPING OUT OF IT

It’s always a little sad when the creative outburst ends but it’s worth it.  You sit back in your chair wondering how you lost track of time for so long.  How you thought of that great moment on page 12.  How your characters made you laugh or cry.

The Zone.

From a screenwriting perspective, I can’t think of a better way to spend a couple hours.

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Russell Peters & Screenwriting

September 26th, 2011 | Posted by jasonmckinnon in Featured Posts | Reviews | Screenwriting - (0 Comments)

Russell Peters & Screenwriting | Screenwriting Blog

‘CALL ME RUSSELL’ REVIEW

I’m a huge fan of Russell Peters.  Should he ever read this review he would be happy to know I’m not a ‘filthy downloader’ and purchased every DVD he’s ever made.  A few years ago, I saw him live as part of an anniversary present for my parents.  What I loved the most about that show was his amazing ability to improvise.

However, what impressed me even more was his honest approach and humble delivery.  Russell carried all of the endearing traits that made him a star into his book ‘Call Me Russell’.  The book is all about his rise to become one of the biggest stand up comics in the world.  Each chapter continues his journey from the streets of Brampton, Ontario to the lights of Hollywood.  In between, you’re given a glimpse at what it was like to grow up surrounded by racial prejudice and how it influenced his career.  Personally, I think it’s an amazing achievement to turn so many negative experiences into a brilliant career in comedy.  ‘Call Me Russell’ is, above all else, about family and what’s important.

I have to admit, I was expecting more laughs from the book at first.  That was before I realized that ‘Call Me Russell’ isn’t about delivering laughs on every page.  It’s about the dedication it takes to realize your dreams.  It’s that aspect that inspired me as a screenwriter.  I know I’m going to write screenplays for the rest of my life and I will no doubt encounter challenges along the way.  They are the same obstacles that people face in every single creative medium and Comedians are no exception.  You must conquer the fear of rejection and failure.  You have to summon the courage to put your creative voice out there and find out if an audience is ready to devour it.  You have to keep working.

When faced with a crowd that didn’t respond to his act Russell writes:

“I remember walking backstage and I wanted to cry.  My mouth went dry and I thought, This is it.  My career’s over.  Looking back on this moment, I’ve learned from my mistakes…  Every fighter gets knocked down at some point…  It teachers you to train more, to keep throwing punches and to always have your guard up.” (p138-139)

He continues by elaborating on the boxing metaphor:

“That show was my chin-check moment, and every comic needs one in their career to test what he or she’s made of.” (p139)

That attitude applies to everyone working their asses off everyday to realize their dreams.  If you simply wait to be counted out you aren’t working hard enough.  I already loved the book before I read those passages but ‘Call Me Russell’ really hit home after that.  Reading those pages made me think about my own screenwriting journey.  I couldn’t help but wonder if these years represent my struggle.  Where will I be years from now if I allow myself to be defeated?  Where will you be?

It’s terrifying to think about my life without screenwriting but I know deep down that will never happen because I’ll never stop working.  I’ll never stop learning.  I’ll never stop improving.

‘Call Me Russell’ is about a comic’s journey from small town clubs to selling out massive arenas around the world.  Every single challenge he faced was met with an equally strong commitment to overcome it.

It was a fascinating journey to follow.

Now back to my own journey.

Russell Peters & Screenwriting | Call Me Russell Book Review

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How My Newest Gray Hair Inspired A Screenplay Idea

February 2nd, 2011 | Posted by jasonmckinnon in Featured Posts | Screenwriting - (0 Comments)

How My Newest Grey Hair Inspired A Screenplay Idea

I knew this day would come.

It had to…  It was only a matter of time…

I was brushing my teeth before heading to work when I noticed a slight glimmer on the side of my head.  It was right above my ear.

A gray hair!

Let me rephrase that.  A gigantic gray hair.  I had found a number of those pesky and ridiculous follicles before that day but I never saw one like this.  It was the most arrogant grey hair I had ever seen.  Smiling at me and taunting the regular youthful looking hairs around it.

I quickly yanked it out and went to work.  Later that day, through a random series of clicks I came across this article:

Science Could Prolong Aging: A Modern Day Fountain Of Youth

It was that article combined with my unfortunate encounter that inspired a new short screenplay idea.  Who knew?  I’m actually really excited about it.  It’s a science fiction tale that deals with an assassination attempt and a big BIG idea I’m looking forward to exploring.

You never know when an idea will hit. Sometimes, something as simple as a gray hair can ignite your creativity.

I’m not sure when I’ll get around to writing this new tale but I’m definitely happy it exists in my mind.  It’s got enough substance to be expanded into a feature someday but we will see.  One script at a time and the list is growing daily!

PS: I got a hair cut the next day.

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