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Hi, Everyone…
Sorry I haven’t posted anything in a while. I’ve been keeping busy with some script projects, so blog time has been limited. I should have something posted over the weekend…or early next week at the very latest. In the meantime, I'd like to post a segment pulled from the Fatal Flaws section of my website (www.TheWorkingScreenwriter.com).
Characters Sound the Same
Always remember who your characters are. Think of their ages and their backgrounds. Some young dude who grew up in the projects and sells crack, more than likely won’t speak the way a middle-aged Manhattan attorney speaks. For instance:
Fred, a 60-ish lawyer, emerges from his Mercedes Benz. A Mugger jumps him, shoves a knife in his face.
MUGGER: Awright, you [expletive], gimme da money!
LAWYER: Yo, dude, is this a stick up?
MUGGER: Shut yer [expletive] lips and gimme da [expletive] money, man! And gimme that shiny watch too!
LAWYER: Man, this just ain’t right! My momma gave me that watch!
...or the reverse can also be applicable:
MUGGER: Pardon me, but would you mind handing over your wallet?
LAWYER: Oh, would this be a stick up?
MUGGER: Why yes, it is. Do forgive the intrusion. And oh, can I have your watch, too, please?
Or in this scene:
MOMMY puts her SON in his tiny bed with the SpongeBob sheets.
MOMMY: Now dear, I want you to be a good little boy and do what your babysitter tells you.
SON: But Mother, I don’t understand why you must always leave me alone with that woman. She smells just awful!
…or this:
In a courtroom as the Judge admonishes the Suspect.
JUDGE: Look, bub, keep yer trap shut. I’m the Judge ‘round here, see? I make the rules, see? Do what I say or I’ll stick your [expletive] rear end in a cell for a thousand years!
Again, always remember what type of character you’re writing for…and give them an appropriate voice.
QUICKIE UPDATE...
I just completed the first draft of that thriller I started three weeks ago. All I gotta do now is type it up. Now the really fun part begins!
What's REALLY important...
I had dinner with an actor buddy a few nights ago. He looked a bit depressed, so I asked him what was wrong. He complained about the lack of acting gigs he’s been getting (which is virtually zero at the moment). He then told me how some of his other friends were trying to make it as actors or screenwriters, and how they were finding no real success. Then he asked me, “Don’t you ever feel like you’re living a pipe dream?” Here’s how the rest of the conversation went:
ME: What exactly do you mean by “pipe dream”?
HIM: Well, what if you never become a big, successful screenwriter?
ME: Do you really think I’m doing this so I can become a “big, successful screenwriter”?
HIM: Aren’t you?
ME: Sure, I’d love to make a really good living and be a part of some great movies, but even if that doesn’t quite happen, I still consider myself successful.
HIM: How?
ME: Well, let’s look at the stuff that’s really important: I’m healthy…my daughter is healthy…I have a family that cares about me…I have fun times and lots of laughs with the greatest group of friends a guy could ask for...I’m able to travel once in a while…I have 40+ years of great memories to think back on…and I’m working on a career that still excites me. Based on all that, I’m already a success!
My friend seemed to understand what I was getting at, but I’m not sure he fully “got” it. Unfortunately, most people will never quite “get” it. Over the years, I’ve met a lot of creative types who’ve spend far too much of their life wishing and hoping they’d become rich and famous. A young guy I knew in the mid-80s got so depressed over his own perceived failure as an actor that he finally blew his brains out. C’mon, folks, if your happiness hinges on whether or not you sell a million-dollar screenplay, or whether or not you become the next Tom Cruise, you need to get you head screwed on straight. Remember, it's not the final destination that’s important, it's the trip along the way. A cliché perhaps, but so true. If you don’t get the personal stuff sorted out, chances are good you’ll still be miserable after you sell that big script or get that leading role. So get out of that crummy room you’re in and go out and enjoy the world; take a trip somewhere; enjoy your friends and family; have some fun; put a smile on your face; make wonderful memories. And puh-leeze, don’t let other people’s lack of success—or their achievement of success—deter you and bring you down. Focus on what YOU are doing; do the absolute best you can and work your butt off. Nobody—including yourself—can ask for anything more. If you truly feel you were meant to write, act, sing, dig ditches, or whatever it is you feel you were meant to do, work toward your goals and never ever give up. Never ever.
Now then, while I have your attention…
As I mentioned in a previous blog, an old buddy of mine has been posting video clips from some of the sketch comedy shows I did back in my high school days (‘77-‘81). Well, he’s recently added a few more. One of them I’m rather fond of. It’s titled “Outtakes” and it’s a rare blooper from a sketch we did in 1979 called “Complaints.” Anyway, I hope you’ll check it out. Here's the link...
Watch Clips from the Izen-Vines Vault!
ME: What exactly do you mean by “pipe dream”?
HIM: Well, what if you never become a big, successful screenwriter?
ME: Do you really think I’m doing this so I can become a “big, successful screenwriter”?
HIM: Aren’t you?
ME: Sure, I’d love to make a really good living and be a part of some great movies, but even if that doesn’t quite happen, I still consider myself successful.
HIM: How?
ME: Well, let’s look at the stuff that’s really important: I’m healthy…my daughter is healthy…I have a family that cares about me…I have fun times and lots of laughs with the greatest group of friends a guy could ask for...I’m able to travel once in a while…I have 40+ years of great memories to think back on…and I’m working on a career that still excites me. Based on all that, I’m already a success!
My friend seemed to understand what I was getting at, but I’m not sure he fully “got” it. Unfortunately, most people will never quite “get” it. Over the years, I’ve met a lot of creative types who’ve spend far too much of their life wishing and hoping they’d become rich and famous. A young guy I knew in the mid-80s got so depressed over his own perceived failure as an actor that he finally blew his brains out. C’mon, folks, if your happiness hinges on whether or not you sell a million-dollar screenplay, or whether or not you become the next Tom Cruise, you need to get you head screwed on straight. Remember, it's not the final destination that’s important, it's the trip along the way. A cliché perhaps, but so true. If you don’t get the personal stuff sorted out, chances are good you’ll still be miserable after you sell that big script or get that leading role. So get out of that crummy room you’re in and go out and enjoy the world; take a trip somewhere; enjoy your friends and family; have some fun; put a smile on your face; make wonderful memories. And puh-leeze, don’t let other people’s lack of success—or their achievement of success—deter you and bring you down. Focus on what YOU are doing; do the absolute best you can and work your butt off. Nobody—including yourself—can ask for anything more. If you truly feel you were meant to write, act, sing, dig ditches, or whatever it is you feel you were meant to do, work toward your goals and never ever give up. Never ever.
Now then, while I have your attention…
As I mentioned in a previous blog, an old buddy of mine has been posting video clips from some of the sketch comedy shows I did back in my high school days (‘77-‘81). Well, he’s recently added a few more. One of them I’m rather fond of. It’s titled “Outtakes” and it’s a rare blooper from a sketch we did in 1979 called “Complaints.” Anyway, I hope you’ll check it out. Here's the link...
Watch Clips from the Izen-Vines Vault!
Tag, I'm it! (Yawn.)
My screenwriter buddy Matt Hader (goasa.blogspot.com) tapped me on the shoulder in a game of Internet tag. Now I have to come up with five things you don’t know about me. Um, sure, I’ll play along. Here they are…
1). I have an intense aversion to needles, knives, razors, swords -- anything that can stab or cut me. Ugh.
2). Little House on the Prairie is my all-time favorite dramatic TV show. Man, I sure do miss Michael Landon.
3). I love to walk. I used to walk from Beverly Hills to Santa Monica and back again (a 15-mile round trip) just for the fun of it.
4). I’ve never taken a drug stronger than Aspirin, and the total amount of alcohol I’ve ingested in my lifetime could fill a thermos. (No, it's not some nutty religious thing. I've just never had the need or desire to take drugs or get drunk.)
5). I never use foul language in my everyday conversation. Friends are fairly shocked when they read the F-word in one of my scripts.
Just for the heck of it, here’s one more…
6). I dislike sports. I’d rather stick needles in my eyes than watch five minutes of any sporting event.
There ya go, Matt. I’d tag somebody else, but a). I don’t know anybody else, and b). I can’t let this silliness continue. I just can’t.
1). I have an intense aversion to needles, knives, razors, swords -- anything that can stab or cut me. Ugh.
2). Little House on the Prairie is my all-time favorite dramatic TV show. Man, I sure do miss Michael Landon.
3). I love to walk. I used to walk from Beverly Hills to Santa Monica and back again (a 15-mile round trip) just for the fun of it.
4). I’ve never taken a drug stronger than Aspirin, and the total amount of alcohol I’ve ingested in my lifetime could fill a thermos. (No, it's not some nutty religious thing. I've just never had the need or desire to take drugs or get drunk.)
5). I never use foul language in my everyday conversation. Friends are fairly shocked when they read the F-word in one of my scripts.
Just for the heck of it, here’s one more…
6). I dislike sports. I’d rather stick needles in my eyes than watch five minutes of any sporting event.
There ya go, Matt. I’d tag somebody else, but a). I don’t know anybody else, and b). I can’t let this silliness continue. I just can’t.
Wow, people really like my book!
Here a sampling of some of the nice e-mail messages I’ve been receiving about my book, Q & A: The Working Screenwriter – An In-the-Trenches Perspective of Writing Movies in Today’s Film Industry…
“…Totally 100% inspirational… -- Desmond K., Brooklyn, New York
“…Worth every penny…Really dug this book!...” – Carla M.
“…Too much fun!...I think I really need to get my lazy butt out to L.A. and make a concerted effort of my first love – screenwriting. Say Jim, would it be OK if I came to stay with you for a few months?...” – Sheila
“…[expletive deleted], I loved your book!” – Denny E., New York, New York
“Really vital information for those of us striving to become just what your title says: A working screenwriter…I really learned much, Jim…If we ever meet in person, the Starbucks is on me.” – Michael R., Seattle, Washington
“…Thank you, Mr. Vines, and thank you to the screenwriters in your book…I found it to be quite educational…I will give my copy to my young nephew, who also wants to write for Hollywood one day…” – Phil Z.
“Now that I know some of the realities screenwriters face on a day to day basis, I have so much more respect [for screenwriters]…I guess I should give myself a big pat on the back for sticking it out so long…Thanks for the book!” – Barbara Y.
“…I am not a screenwriter, but I intend to become a film producer…I found your book to be quite an education into the trials and tribulations faced by the unsung heroes of Hollywood – the screenwriter…Thoroughly enjoyed it, Jim.” – Dennis V., Los Angeles, California
“…I savored every single word…Learned so much about the inner workings of the screenwriter…” – Linda W., Menlo Park, California
“…Lots of good screenwriting books out there and this is one of them…I look forward to your next opus!...” – C.J., Hollywood, California
“…The book rocks, man!”…, Chaz R.
From Amazon.com:
"The Working Screenwriter delivers answers to some of the questions that wander in the minds of hopeful screenwriters. As an aspiring screenwriter myself, I found this book enlightening, and entertaining as well. The diversity of perspectives from the panel of screenwriters is more valuable than most people realize. Jim Vines does know this value, and shares it with us, in this must read book for the novice and the professional as well." – M.H., Palmdale, CA
A million thanks to everyone for their kind words!
Q & A: The Working Screenwriter – An In-the-Trenches Perspective of Writing Movies in Today’s Film Industry is available online wherever fine books are sold!
Visit me at http://www.theworkingscreenwriter.com/ – a site for the pre-pro screenwriter.
“…Totally 100% inspirational… -- Desmond K., Brooklyn, New York
“…Worth every penny…Really dug this book!...” – Carla M.
“…Too much fun!...I think I really need to get my lazy butt out to L.A. and make a concerted effort of my first love – screenwriting. Say Jim, would it be OK if I came to stay with you for a few months?...” – Sheila
“…[expletive deleted], I loved your book!” – Denny E., New York, New York
“Really vital information for those of us striving to become just what your title says: A working screenwriter…I really learned much, Jim…If we ever meet in person, the Starbucks is on me.” – Michael R., Seattle, Washington
“…Thank you, Mr. Vines, and thank you to the screenwriters in your book…I found it to be quite educational…I will give my copy to my young nephew, who also wants to write for Hollywood one day…” – Phil Z.
“Now that I know some of the realities screenwriters face on a day to day basis, I have so much more respect [for screenwriters]…I guess I should give myself a big pat on the back for sticking it out so long…Thanks for the book!” – Barbara Y.
“…I am not a screenwriter, but I intend to become a film producer…I found your book to be quite an education into the trials and tribulations faced by the unsung heroes of Hollywood – the screenwriter…Thoroughly enjoyed it, Jim.” – Dennis V., Los Angeles, California
“…I savored every single word…Learned so much about the inner workings of the screenwriter…” – Linda W., Menlo Park, California
“…Lots of good screenwriting books out there and this is one of them…I look forward to your next opus!...” – C.J., Hollywood, California
“…The book rocks, man!”…, Chaz R.
From Amazon.com:
"The Working Screenwriter delivers answers to some of the questions that wander in the minds of hopeful screenwriters. As an aspiring screenwriter myself, I found this book enlightening, and entertaining as well. The diversity of perspectives from the panel of screenwriters is more valuable than most people realize. Jim Vines does know this value, and shares it with us, in this must read book for the novice and the professional as well." – M.H., Palmdale, CA
A million thanks to everyone for their kind words!
Q & A: The Working Screenwriter – An In-the-Trenches Perspective of Writing Movies in Today’s Film Industry is available online wherever fine books are sold!
Visit me at http://www.theworkingscreenwriter.com/ – a site for the pre-pro screenwriter.
BREAKING NEWS...
I just got word that House at the End of the Drive has been accepted into Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors, which will be held May 18-20 2007 at Burbank Airport Hilton and Towers. Cool.
Screening: The Day After...
We had a screening for House at the End of the Drive last night. It was held at the Westwood Crest Theater in West Los Angeles. I’ve been seeing movies in this grand old theater for…well, at least twenty years. The interior is quite impressive with its distinctive Art Deco look, murals of old-Hollywood landmarks and a ceiling that lights up with a sky full of stars.
Producer David Oman and I both had friends and colleagues show up for this screening, but attendees were primarily made up of representatives from film distribution companies, reps from horror website and publications (e.g., Fangoria), as well as a smattering of members from the general public. Altogether, I’d say we had approximately 130 people in the audience. Let me tell ya, it’s a whole different experience seeing your movie on a big screen as opposed to a TV or video monitor, especially with a room full of people. On a big screen, stuff that looks and sounds great, looks and sounds REALLY great, and stuff that looks and sounds not-so-great, looks and sounds REALLY not-so-great. (Luckily, this movie looks and sounds pretty darn great any way you watch it!) I tend to be very hyper-aware of audience reactions, especially when it’s a project I’ve worked on, and wanted to keep an eye and ear on things, so I situated myself in the very back row of the theater.
So the movie starts to roll. The sound is way too loud, so I rush up to the projection room, let the projectionist know and he adjusts it. About fifteen minutes into the movie, I watched a young woman leave her seat, bound up the aisle and exit the theater. Great, the first act isn’t even over and we’ve already lost an audience member. Thankfully, she returned to her seat about two minutes later. Not long thereafter, I watched a man leave his seat and rush from the theater. He returned about a minute later. (Question: Why can’t people use the restroom before the movie starts?) Then at one point, three twenty-somethings got up and left the theater. I’m thinking, “Oh, man, they’re not coming back. I mean, three people aren’t going to the restroom at the same time…are they?” But sure enough, they were back in their seats a few minutes later.
During the 92-minute run time, the audience seemed to be with the movie every step of the way. I noticed a man and woman seated four rows in front of me, snuggled in their seats, munching popcorn…and they seemed to be enjoying the show. We got some good chuckles out of the comedic lines; and you could’ve heard a pin drop during the creepy, suspenseful beats. I didn’t notice anyone fidgeting in their seat, or checking cell phones (though some dope’s phone did ring incessantly at one point), and anyone who did get up and leave was back in their seat after a minute or two. When the movie ended, there was an enthusiastic, sustained applause. Folks even stayed in their seats to watch the credits.
Out in the lobby, there was the usual schmoozing and congratulatory handshakes and hugs. It’s all very nice, but it's not something I’m totally comfortable with. So while David was being the center of attention, which he loves, I snagged a bunch of promotional t-shirts, shook the hand of our projectionist, and slipped from the theater.
All in all, I think it was a good night. Hopefully we’ll get a distribution deal out of it. I’ll keep ya posted.
Producer David Oman and I both had friends and colleagues show up for this screening, but attendees were primarily made up of representatives from film distribution companies, reps from horror website and publications (e.g., Fangoria), as well as a smattering of members from the general public. Altogether, I’d say we had approximately 130 people in the audience. Let me tell ya, it’s a whole different experience seeing your movie on a big screen as opposed to a TV or video monitor, especially with a room full of people. On a big screen, stuff that looks and sounds great, looks and sounds REALLY great, and stuff that looks and sounds not-so-great, looks and sounds REALLY not-so-great. (Luckily, this movie looks and sounds pretty darn great any way you watch it!) I tend to be very hyper-aware of audience reactions, especially when it’s a project I’ve worked on, and wanted to keep an eye and ear on things, so I situated myself in the very back row of the theater.
So the movie starts to roll. The sound is way too loud, so I rush up to the projection room, let the projectionist know and he adjusts it. About fifteen minutes into the movie, I watched a young woman leave her seat, bound up the aisle and exit the theater. Great, the first act isn’t even over and we’ve already lost an audience member. Thankfully, she returned to her seat about two minutes later. Not long thereafter, I watched a man leave his seat and rush from the theater. He returned about a minute later. (Question: Why can’t people use the restroom before the movie starts?) Then at one point, three twenty-somethings got up and left the theater. I’m thinking, “Oh, man, they’re not coming back. I mean, three people aren’t going to the restroom at the same time…are they?” But sure enough, they were back in their seats a few minutes later.
During the 92-minute run time, the audience seemed to be with the movie every step of the way. I noticed a man and woman seated four rows in front of me, snuggled in their seats, munching popcorn…and they seemed to be enjoying the show. We got some good chuckles out of the comedic lines; and you could’ve heard a pin drop during the creepy, suspenseful beats. I didn’t notice anyone fidgeting in their seat, or checking cell phones (though some dope’s phone did ring incessantly at one point), and anyone who did get up and leave was back in their seat after a minute or two. When the movie ended, there was an enthusiastic, sustained applause. Folks even stayed in their seats to watch the credits.
Out in the lobby, there was the usual schmoozing and congratulatory handshakes and hugs. It’s all very nice, but it's not something I’m totally comfortable with. So while David was being the center of attention, which he loves, I snagged a bunch of promotional t-shirts, shook the hand of our projectionist, and slipped from the theater.
All in all, I think it was a good night. Hopefully we’ll get a distribution deal out of it. I’ll keep ya posted.
Quickie script update…
Last Sunday I started writing a psychological thriller. As of last night I’m on page 13 of a 28-page outline and I’ve completed 43 handwritten pages (legal-size). By the end of today, I’ll have at least five more pages written. My target for the completed script is 95 pages. Based on the knowledge that one of my handwritten pages equals approximately 7/8th of a typed script page, it looks like I’ll come up a tad bit short on that “final” page-count. But I already knew this going in. I also knew that I’d discover additional dialogue and scene embellishments as I worked my way through the script…things I never would have discovered during the outlining phase. It still always thrills me when characters come to life and fully dictate what they do or say in any given scene. They do something or say something…and that sparks an idea, making the scene more interesting, or more vibrant, or perhaps clarifies something elsewhere in the story. All I have to do is write it down!
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