I just came back from an intense long weekend in London. I was up there attending John Truby's 22-steps story workshop.
Now, perhaps naiively, I thought I understoood screenplay structure. I've been writing them for a while now, and though, while not anything close to a master, I knew what I was doing.
I now see that my knowledge, while a good foundation, could be taken to the next level.
I didn't leave the weekend feeling defeated (like some of my fellow attendees) but exhilirated. I found that a lot of what I knew was right, not much was wrong, and a lot can be taken on to greater heights.
Truby must have spent a good deal of his life in front of the tv, analysing story structure. His insights to character progression are something else. His ability to tie in character and plot devlopment, and to illustrate they are really the same thing can only make a writer understand on a deeper level the interplay in what he writes.
If you are a screenwriter, take this course. It is that simple.
Now, the caveats. If you are a beginning screenwriter DON'T take the course. Lots of people left with a headache. There was too much information (I came away with more than 50 pages of notes) for someone to comprehend who wasn't a little up on their structure already.
Also, if you are not interesting in self-development, don't take it. As writers we have to understand human needs, desires and drive - not just in our characters, but in ourselves. I meet a lot of writers that don't seem to understand that you can't write if you don't know yourself. It just doesn't work.
A lot of what Truby says could have been lifted from self-developmnt gurus and for good reason. In recent months I too have been looking at this connection and seeing the direct applicability of Tony Robbins onto my characters. Hey, if it works for me (which I feel it does) it can work for understanding them too.
As I gear up to teaching MY first screenwriting class I learned a lot from Truby, and just in the nick of time. I have 3 months to assimilate it and get it back out to my students.
Of course now I am having to re-write at least 2 feature scripts and 2 shorts to take into account this knew found 'structure vision'. Thanks a lot John!
Wednesday 29 March 2006
Runway 2006 - the night
Last night I had the opportunity to be a judge at Runway 2006, a modeling competition of sorts in Gibraltar.
It was a fascinating experience. The crowd was incredible - the show was sold out (Gibraltarians have big families!) - and noisy! Wow. You would have thought that some superstar was onstage by the reactions these wanna be models got. Silly in one way, but I guess you have to give credit to their level of support.
There were 26 contestants, though one, for whatever reason, was a no-show.
Walking in the door I really had no idea about what I was supposed to do. What I was judging on. I was to find out!
There were 6 judges in total. One was a Gibraltarian male model - off to NYC in a couple weeks (!), one a travel agent, one an account, one an artist, one I am sorry to say I can't remember...and me, a humble screenwriter guy. All the other judges were Gibraltarian. Some knew some of the contestants, which surely compromised their objectivity!
We were told what to judge on, and one criteria was 'age-appropriateness'. The show was for kids 13-17. Now, part of the problem I saw was that some of the judges obviously had no idea what 13-17 year olds really get up to as words like 'sweet' and 'innocent' were passed around as opposed to 'drunken' and 'horny'. With a soaring teen pregnacy rate I failed to see how forcing these kids to represent something that few of them probably were seemed a bit perverse.
Anyway, on with the show.
Let's face it, its a small town and therefore you are not going to be blessed with a wide catch of hopefuls. Of the 26 I could say right away that there were maybe 10 that I thought had something that could be molded into a person I would want to see in print and on the catwalk. Some were down right dreadful. The word 'Elephant' actually passed my lips.
I had my favourites. But sadly I was shouted down in the voting process. So, the people who won were not my choices. I was an outsider and I guess my background has led me to see people differently. I still think I judged well, in the cold light of what I saw on the night.
So, perhaps in violation of my judges agreement, I will say I thought the best were (photo links I hope):
Male:
[img=images/run13.jpg popup=true]
* Andrew Jefferies - this guy's presence onstage was palpable! He commanded the stage. He got in 2nd on the night and started to cry which did kind of damage his bad boy image. But still - he was great.
[img=images/run8.jpg popup=true]
* Adnan Laudy - again, someone who commanded attention. He was goofy, but oozed charisma. You could not help but look at this guy.
Female:
[img=images/run10.jpg popup=true]
* Tiffany Dalmedo - this chick kicked ass! Absolute confidence. Kind of frightening. The other judges found her too mature for her age. One actually said that she doesn't dress like a 17 year old. Guess what? She IS 17, ergo however she dresses is how a 17 year old dresses. Duh?!
[img=images/run17.jpg popup=true]
* Kirsty Cornelio - she's wierd looking...which is a good thing! Don't anyone tell you otherwise! A real sparkle. Her outfits (the kids chose their own) were something. Personally I actually found her in a completely different league as far as looks and style went. With some attention this girl could really do something, if she wanted. I got a little bit of an impression that she wasn't into it.
[img=images/run18.jpg popup=true]
* Genyka Celecia - has to be an actress or a model - just look at the wacky name! I have to say her photo wasn't that great, but in person I thought she was stunning.
I want to write a film using the above-mentioned kids. I wonder if any of them can act? Or even speak?
So, I have purged my heavy sarcasm from this post (I saved that for the version I told my friends), but, it was a good night.
The 5 I mention above had something we should have been told to mark on - confidence. Most people - not me - HATE going on stage. If you can't get on stage how can you pursue something that is in front of the public?
My fear is that these 5 will fall prey to the negative 'realistic' people who will tell them that pursuing such a life choice is silly. Become a banker or something else instead. Screw them. Don't listen to them! Do something you want to do - you dream of doing. Don't listen to your school's guidance counsellor! Why should you go into a job for life just because you MIGHT show a minor aptitude at it when you are 16?!?
Anyway. over and out!
It was a fascinating experience. The crowd was incredible - the show was sold out (Gibraltarians have big families!) - and noisy! Wow. You would have thought that some superstar was onstage by the reactions these wanna be models got. Silly in one way, but I guess you have to give credit to their level of support.
There were 26 contestants, though one, for whatever reason, was a no-show.
Walking in the door I really had no idea about what I was supposed to do. What I was judging on. I was to find out!
There were 6 judges in total. One was a Gibraltarian male model - off to NYC in a couple weeks (!), one a travel agent, one an account, one an artist, one I am sorry to say I can't remember...and me, a humble screenwriter guy. All the other judges were Gibraltarian. Some knew some of the contestants, which surely compromised their objectivity!
We were told what to judge on, and one criteria was 'age-appropriateness'. The show was for kids 13-17. Now, part of the problem I saw was that some of the judges obviously had no idea what 13-17 year olds really get up to as words like 'sweet' and 'innocent' were passed around as opposed to 'drunken' and 'horny'. With a soaring teen pregnacy rate I failed to see how forcing these kids to represent something that few of them probably were seemed a bit perverse.
Anyway, on with the show.
Let's face it, its a small town and therefore you are not going to be blessed with a wide catch of hopefuls. Of the 26 I could say right away that there were maybe 10 that I thought had something that could be molded into a person I would want to see in print and on the catwalk. Some were down right dreadful. The word 'Elephant' actually passed my lips.
I had my favourites. But sadly I was shouted down in the voting process. So, the people who won were not my choices. I was an outsider and I guess my background has led me to see people differently. I still think I judged well, in the cold light of what I saw on the night.
So, perhaps in violation of my judges agreement, I will say I thought the best were (photo links I hope):
Male:
[img=images/run13.jpg popup=true]
* Andrew Jefferies - this guy's presence onstage was palpable! He commanded the stage. He got in 2nd on the night and started to cry which did kind of damage his bad boy image. But still - he was great.
[img=images/run8.jpg popup=true]
* Adnan Laudy - again, someone who commanded attention. He was goofy, but oozed charisma. You could not help but look at this guy.
Female:
[img=images/run10.jpg popup=true]
* Tiffany Dalmedo - this chick kicked ass! Absolute confidence. Kind of frightening. The other judges found her too mature for her age. One actually said that she doesn't dress like a 17 year old. Guess what? She IS 17, ergo however she dresses is how a 17 year old dresses. Duh?!
[img=images/run17.jpg popup=true]
* Kirsty Cornelio - she's wierd looking...which is a good thing! Don't anyone tell you otherwise! A real sparkle. Her outfits (the kids chose their own) were something. Personally I actually found her in a completely different league as far as looks and style went. With some attention this girl could really do something, if she wanted. I got a little bit of an impression that she wasn't into it.
[img=images/run18.jpg popup=true]
* Genyka Celecia - has to be an actress or a model - just look at the wacky name! I have to say her photo wasn't that great, but in person I thought she was stunning.
I want to write a film using the above-mentioned kids. I wonder if any of them can act? Or even speak?
So, I have purged my heavy sarcasm from this post (I saved that for the version I told my friends), but, it was a good night.
The 5 I mention above had something we should have been told to mark on - confidence. Most people - not me - HATE going on stage. If you can't get on stage how can you pursue something that is in front of the public?
My fear is that these 5 will fall prey to the negative 'realistic' people who will tell them that pursuing such a life choice is silly. Become a banker or something else instead. Screw them. Don't listen to them! Do something you want to do - you dream of doing. Don't listen to your school's guidance counsellor! Why should you go into a job for life just because you MIGHT show a minor aptitude at it when you are 16?!?
Anyway. over and out!
Thursday 9 March 2006
Runway 2006
Someone, who obviously doesn't know me very well, has asked me to be a judge at Runway 2006. I have included the press release for this below.
I will do my honest best at this. It is great to be recognized enough to be asked to do such a thing. I was going to offer the winner a part in my next film but...
Well, it will be great blog-fodder.
Press Release:
Runway 2006, organised by Mount Productions, will be held on 17th March at the John Mackintosh Hall Theatre. A total of twenty six young people are taking part in the contest and rehearsals are now well underway.
Aimed at young people interested in fashion, who want to experience both runway and photographic modelling, the teenagers are given an opportunity to learn about photographic skills, presentation, grooming and posture. The photographic sessions also seek to develop an awareness of visual impact, the importance of expression and communication in relation to image and product and the ability to relax and be natural in age appropriate ways.
The winners will take part in a photographic shoot on site in Spain but there is a possibility that it could take place in the Algarve in Portugal and they will become the faces promoting the summer season Protest collection at Hangloose. Other prizes include Most Photogenic, Most Dynamic and Best Personality recognising skills identified by the organisers and the panel of judges.
The contest is divided into four sections. The photographic part of the contest is prejudged and involves participants choosing three different looks and developing a presentation style with a team of professional make up artists and hairdressers. In preparation for this the models took part in a photography workshop where they experienced what it was like to be at both ends of the camera.
A second section involves models developing a look around a theme which was given to them last week. This could involve being told to combine three colours, a specific garment, or to combine items from different traditions or decades. Last year they were asked to work around the theme of 'Sport'.
The third section involves a style chosen by the organising team and requiring interpretation by the young models.
Finally the participants are allowed to choose clothing with which they identify, and would be pleased to associate themselves with, developing their own runway routine.
"The young people have responded extremely well in a very short space of time. They form a very diverse group from different backgrounds and they are full of energy, enthusiasm and good ideas.The end product is no doubt set to be just as successful and enjoyable as last year but it is clear that the process and the developmental activities involved have been important and very fulfilling," said Charlene Figueras.
Tickets will be on sale at the John Mackintosh Hall Theatre from 14th March from 6-8pm and they are priced at £10.
I will do my honest best at this. It is great to be recognized enough to be asked to do such a thing. I was going to offer the winner a part in my next film but...
Well, it will be great blog-fodder.
Press Release:
Runway 2006, organised by Mount Productions, will be held on 17th March at the John Mackintosh Hall Theatre. A total of twenty six young people are taking part in the contest and rehearsals are now well underway.
Aimed at young people interested in fashion, who want to experience both runway and photographic modelling, the teenagers are given an opportunity to learn about photographic skills, presentation, grooming and posture. The photographic sessions also seek to develop an awareness of visual impact, the importance of expression and communication in relation to image and product and the ability to relax and be natural in age appropriate ways.
The winners will take part in a photographic shoot on site in Spain but there is a possibility that it could take place in the Algarve in Portugal and they will become the faces promoting the summer season Protest collection at Hangloose. Other prizes include Most Photogenic, Most Dynamic and Best Personality recognising skills identified by the organisers and the panel of judges.
The contest is divided into four sections. The photographic part of the contest is prejudged and involves participants choosing three different looks and developing a presentation style with a team of professional make up artists and hairdressers. In preparation for this the models took part in a photography workshop where they experienced what it was like to be at both ends of the camera.
A second section involves models developing a look around a theme which was given to them last week. This could involve being told to combine three colours, a specific garment, or to combine items from different traditions or decades. Last year they were asked to work around the theme of 'Sport'.
The third section involves a style chosen by the organising team and requiring interpretation by the young models.
Finally the participants are allowed to choose clothing with which they identify, and would be pleased to associate themselves with, developing their own runway routine.
"The young people have responded extremely well in a very short space of time. They form a very diverse group from different backgrounds and they are full of energy, enthusiasm and good ideas.The end product is no doubt set to be just as successful and enjoyable as last year but it is clear that the process and the developmental activities involved have been important and very fulfilling," said Charlene Figueras.
Tickets will be on sale at the John Mackintosh Hall Theatre from 14th March from 6-8pm and they are priced at £10.
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