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My POV
Brian A. Wilson
Words into Pictures, part 2: Pearls of Wisdom
One of the best of many pleasant aspects of the WGA Foundation's Words Into Pictures events was hearing directly from the superstars of our profession.
Actors and directors tend to be the camera and microphone hogs in this business, pushing the writers back in the shadows. This, in my humble opinion, is a cryin' shame.
Screenwriters provide superb and enjoyable insight into not only the story told on screen, but the story of how the project was brought from their subconscious, onto paper, then onto the screen.
My notebook is crammed with pearls of wisdom from the generous panelists at the WIP event. Their insights into the craft of writing may well help you be a better writer.
In addition, they provide wonderful touchstones for those of us bouncing around this insane town; one quickly came to realize that, though they may be better paid and more in demand that those of us further down the pecking order, these writers are nonetheless as haunted by demons questioning their devotion, talent, endurance and creativity.
As it turns out, they're not so very different from you and I, after all.
I hope you'll find these extracted quotes helpful as you pen your next screenplay.
The best screenplay is written in a white-hot frenzy. It's like a souffl?-wait too long and it falls. -Leslie Dixon and Robert Towne.
Work your hardest, really concentrate with all your brain cells firing., and you'll be lucky if (the screenplay) doesn't suck. It's really hard to do. -Leslie Dixon
You want to be done with a script. When you're not, you're a little more resistant and defensive [about getting what may be good notes on it]. -Steve Zaillian
The best [meaning the worst] note I ever got: "Write better." --Phil Alden Robinson
Be honest and critical with yourself; both need to be encouraged. Find a way to tell the truth to yourself. You'll never get better unless you can take an honest look at what you've done. -Marshall Herskovitz
Have a few really good actors as friends. They'll read it out loud and might event end up doing it. -Robert Towne
Go through the door [of opportunity] the only way possible: The crack at the bottom. You have to be humble enough to go that low down. -Bruce Joel Rubin
This is a people helping people business. If people like you, they help you. Get into the business and network. -Lucy Stille, agent
If you get stuck [in writing your script], it's always a character flaw, not a plot problem. -Scott Frank
What makes a great character is mystery. -Nicholas Kazan
There's more opportunity for your film to be seen than your script to be read. Make it yourself-it's almost free these days. -Steve Zaillian
Don't "want" to sell your script, or "wish" to sell your script. Get into "need" to sell your script. This is the creative essence of you. Your life is based on communicating this to the world in two hours. You will address people in a different way. When you "need" to, you'll sell it. -Bruce Joel Rubin
More next week!
Keep writing.
BW
LA
transtexan@hotmail.com
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