Today I attended a class called "Hollywood Storytellers," taught by a couple from L.A. The guy is a writer and producer, selling 14 screenplays. I don't want to go into their credentials, suffice it to say that the class was an eye-opener on the collaboration process (most of which is compromising) of getting a story sold. I already knew most of it, but hearing their first hand accounts gave new insight. And...I learned why there are so many crummy movies produced.
As I've read numerous scripts in screenwriting class, many of which are fantastic, knock your socks off, blow your mind type stories, I have often wondered why--when there are so many good stories out there--why is there so much garbage on the screen. Now I know why. They start out as good stories but all the fingers in the pies during the creative and production processes can turn them to junk.
So, as I drove home tonight feeling overwhelmed by all the information crammed at me in that 5 hour class, and feeling overwhelmed with all the homework still staring me in the face, I wondered if it is all worth it.
Then, I arrived home, picked up the mail, and found a DVD of a comedy film a writer/director in New York sent for me to see. I worked for him as a PA (Production Assistant) on another film awhile back. He called me on Sunday to check on how I was doing...had I graduated...what are my future plans...and asked me if I would like a copy of his latest film. I told him, "YES!" And it arrived today. With my mind so caught up in studies this week, I had forgotten about his call.
Seeing that DVD in the mail made me realize, YES, it is worth it. There's something about creating a story, and helping others create theirs, that gives me satisfaction. So, for tonight I will kick back with a frozen pizza, watch the Olympics with my husband, and let go of studies while I watch the athletes soar, following their dreams. Then tomorrow, I will continue to follow mine.
Hey, good for you Trudy. It is gratifying to get what makes you happy. I was sitting today, feeling sorry for myself over 17 hour days, speaking all over East Tennessee at night, having to do idiotic training, marathon meetings with my boss, being so tired, etc. Then this little voice I've heard a million times, said in my head, "I can fix it so you don't have such long day but you losing your job today. And I can take care of you being so tired, by making it so you can't walk any more." So now I am happy to have a job I like, and pretty good health! And that pesky voice is gone. For now.
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