Just in case you thought I am going through this whole make-a-film-process with 2 fingers in my nose having nothing to worry about – it is not like that. It’s tough, it’s difficult, it’s hard work and some days I want to give up. Today is one of those days.
Did I write that my script was ready to shoot yesterday? I take that back.
OK, this is how it normally goes (simplified).
1. Writer writes script
2. Producer reads it, if producer likes it he/she decides to produce it
3. Producer talks with writer about the changes he/she wants to have made to the script
Bugger if you happen to be the writer.
After a more serious talk about the script, some weak spots got pointed out to me – and well those need to be fixed. I can see them now and they annoy me, fixing them will make the story better.
I think my producer is very eager to make this film the best possible which means it needs the best possible script.
Which means I need to spend my weekend in a cafe trying to make it better.
Questions and thoughts that go through my head:
- Will this film in fact ever be shot?
- Why am I doing this?
- Am I a good enough writer to fix those things in the script?
- This is what writers normally have to do when they sell a script and it gets made into a film. If I want to be a serious writer, this is part of it. Is this something I could get used to?
- Am I stepping too far out my league trying to do a project like this?
- I have to be careful that the story remains my story and that it does not get changed too much just for the sake of pleasing other people.
- I could do with a holiday …
I am sure it will all work out, one way or another. Tomorrow is a new day and there will be ups and downs all the way. Me? I am fine. I just watched Dan in Real Life for the 15th time. Persistence, focus and determination are key.
You’ve just had a holiday!! (I haven’t had one for four years!!)
Keep at it, the harder it is the better you’ll feel when it all comes right (or something!)
Hey cheer up!
You are going to be so happy when its over! Cuz its going to be great! Remember sometimes things start to be complicated when we are about to triumph.
Hey, it`s your first film, I know in the end it will be a great story, just calm down, and everything will be alright, have a little bit of faith in yourself ;o-)
This always happens, it’s normal and ok and you can do it. And it will make you a better writer. Be very thankful you like the people making your film!
Will this film in fact ever be shot?
– Definitely !
Why am I doing this?
– Because you can !
Am I a good enough writer to fix those things in the script?
– I know (for a fact) that you are !
This is what writers normally have to do when they sell a script and it gets made into a film. If I want to be a serious writer, this is part of it. Is this something I could get used to?
– You’ll have to !
Am I stepping too far out my league trying to do a project like this?
– No. You’re not the first and surely not the last one to take such a step !
I could do with a holiday.
– Think happy thoughts. Seagulls en dogs, for example.
Have faith. I know you can do it.
Remember, you went through one or the other crisis with your first two films. And you didn’t give up. Now, this is a bigger project, there have to be bigger crises. And, again, you won’t give up.
Imagine the film being finally shown at one of the major film festivals and your name will be in the main title and end title credits. You will be so proud.
Another experience before you shoot your feature film.
I agree with Miek and Pedro: Have faith. You can do it!
Thank you all you lovely people. I am not giving up. I took a day off from thinking about my film and will use my weekend to fix stuff in the script.
This whole project has just turned into something way more professional than I thought it could be. Which is a good thing – but it means things have to be tip top. So that’s a weekend in the cafe writing. I might actually enjoy that. And Billy Mac (book) can’t wait to get out of the house :)