Script-of-the-week: Rear Window

by John Michael Hayes (based on the short by Cornell Woolrich)

This script is a massive 161 page turner that Hitchcock followed quite closely. Following are some main points of note:

1. The script is very long - new slug lines for each camera angle, followed by gigantic page-long descriptions.
   
2. Although long, the writing is quite tight.  Fairly accurate descriptions can be found in the movies action.
   
3. The script is a good character study - characters are complex and developed.
   
4. Good plotting - the script moves quickly and effectively conveys a lot in a short time.
   
5. It’s too long - today this script would need to be much and could streamlined accordingly.
   

All in all it was an enjoyable read even if I did skim large parts of it.

I would recommend this script for writers who want to improve their pacing and character development.

script-of-the-week: Young Frankenstein

For self-study I have decided to start writing notes about all the scripts I read.

This week will be Young Frankenstein by Gene Wilder.

I want to focus on specific points but I have not yet determined what the criteria will be. I don't want to spend too much time but I want it to be useful for me.

Although parts of this script were different from the film, the script was very similar to the movie. In fact I found myself laughing several times during the read.

Things of note:

1. The pacing is good. Wilder keeps the audience engaged with fairly fast moving scenes.
2. The characters come alive. Each character is distinct and recognizable from the others.
3. The jokes, even though silly, are funny. Wilder pokes fun at common dialect.
4. Vivid description. Scenes, locations are described well with specifics.

I would recommend this script for anyone looking to improve their comedic writing and site gag writing.

My Life, cont'd

So I've been laboring over my script for months now -- not laboring on paper but laboring in my mind.  Pencil to paper is never as easy as it seems.  I get a good idea only to be distracted by something else.  It's procrastination in it's purest form.

I realize the true reason for this is a lack of motivation.  Not that I don't want to write the script -- I really do -- but rather because I am missing the right keys for the locks I have built.  For now this is okay, because I know the answers are out there but I have to focus my energy towards those answers with great intensity.  I have to spend more time on a regular basis to achieve the goal of completion that I desire.  I know I can do it, I just have to do it.

Now that I am doodling my thoughts into the ether, it is time for me to set some hard and fast goals:

1) I know what I want to achieve with this script -- something funny but dramatic that appeals to all ages.  A vehicle for Jack Black, Ben Stiller or Adam Sandler.

2)I will work diligently on what I already know and complete the tasks that I have been putting off for too long.  Bring to fruition the ideas that have been floating around my head.

3) I believe I should write this quicker and work out small problems later.  I have been thinking about it long enough and I have discussed it with enough people to know there is not a lot of opposition to my plans.  People believe in me so I should be a stronger believer in myself.

4)Every day I write I feel better about myself.  This gets my creative juices flowing and allows me to continue with my writing.  It also is a factor in promoting a healthy lifestyle for me and encourages me to stay fit and engage in daily tasks that I often neglect.

5) I am committed to completing this script and selling it for $500 000.00 US.  It is called Monkey of the Year and will be the picture of the year.

Thank you to everyone who is behind me and welcome to anyone who wants to join in my success.