finishing another first draft
It always feels good, because it’s always an accomplishment. Writing a full-length script is many things, but what it is never is easy. So reaching the FADE OUT that screenwriters typically write at the end of their scripts is always a really good feeling, a long exhalation.
Yet, it’s strange because it’s becoming old hat to me. In the past 6 weeks, I’ve reached 3 FADE OUTs, and I don’t even feel like I’ve been working as hard as I could have been because of a number of personal things going on in my life and the lives of those I love.
I remember when I finished my first screenplay, I thought to myself, wow, I finished a WHOLE screenplay. As if I’d swam across the Atlantic or hiked the whole Appalachian Trail. And now these moments come and go and I quietly celebrate them. Now, don’t read me wrong, I’m not pining for the days when it seemed like such a huge deal. It seemed like such a huge deal because I hadn’t slipped into the disciplined rhythm of simply writing regardless of heavy inspiration or great ideas or even any ideas at all. It’s amazing the amount of drafts that can pile up when you’re committed to at least 5 pages a day – and how much of that material ends up being pretty great.
So here we are. This one needs significant work in subsequent drafts. It’s a big story, kind of unwieldy in places because it’s a strange wacky world I tried to create. It’s a relief to have this first draft done, because now I feel I have the raw materials to really find the final story.
But it definitely does need at least one pass through before let important people read it. There are definite flaws. For instance, I had a fairly major character end up in a prison cell, and then when all these characters were busted out of that prison cell, I kind of forgot to invite him along for the party. So he doesn’t show up for the rest of the script. That doesn’t seem right.
And of course, because I wrote it, there’s too much description AND too much dialogue. My characters like to talk a lot, and they also seem to enjoy a heavy dose of prose along with their lines. That’ll have to be neatened up a bit.
And the structure is not quite right. I know it. People who will read this draft will know it. But I had to get to the end and figure it out from there. It’ll be okay.
But still, it’s always an accomplishment.
Now I can get to my other two features, my comedy pilot, my next hour long pilot, my iphone app business, my taxes, and so on and so forth….
Congratulations. Always a wonderful glow when it’s time for those magic words “FADE OUT.”So, now you are officially a MASTER OF FINE ARTS in screenwriting. Doesn’t that sound impressive? It does to me! Well done! Can’t wait to read the latest and greatest from the imagination of JSL!!!
I have to admit – an MFA DOES sound impressive to me. Kind of surreal to have one already, it’s flown by.
Oh I’ll need you to read this, it definitely needs some notes.
Congratulations on the “FADE OUT”, Jase! I am sure you will get everything “neatened” up…you’re a pretty thorough guy (watch your spelling and “darn typos” ;-]).
By the way, I am really working on the whole discipline thing (always a struggle for me…it seems I am a creature of habit…but, mostly, they’re bad ones). Subsequently, I have been writing more…and more often.
kathie–congrats on writing more lately, that’s so great!!
“My characters like to talk a lot, and they also seem to enjoy a heavy dose of prose …”
um, are your characters Latshaws?
I think I’d like them just fine…:)
and way to go on another fade out–can’t wait to see one of your fade outs on the silver screen (and everything that happens before the fade out, too, of course!).
Well, they aren’t Latshaws, but they are born of Latshaw.
Can’t wait to see them there, too!!!
Jason- I am so impressed. Really. Your discipline inspires and frustrates me at the same time. Maybe its having a new baby at home, or maybe it is the weight of life at times—but lately I’ve struggled to be disciplined to do any work at night! I want to finish Mandy’s book, start my own second book, do my taxes, etc etc etc
Well, thanks… it’s been a long time coming to get to the point where I can just write. And it’s still never easy. But I have figured out how to get to the place where I keep plugging away.
Congratulations on your MFA, Jase—-sounds so much more impressive than an MC!
Congratulations on your MFA, Jase—-sounds so much more impressive than an MC!
No, I think anyone would be impressed to hear you’re a Master of Ceremonies, mom!
Actually, I think MC is just as impressive as an MFA – especially because in order to counsel professional you need an MC, but to be a professional artist you don’t need an MFA.