Script Review
Over the past couple of weeks, the other participants in the Stanford Filmmakers’ Workshop have had their scripts critiqued by the rest of us.
Today it’s my turn.
I’ve struggled with creating a story that can fit into the requisite 5 pages, the general rule-of-thumb being one page in screenplay format equals approximately one minute of screen time. The couple of ideas I originally brought with me to the workshop have turned out to be too complicated to be done in only 5 minutes/pages.
A few days ago, at a loss after consuming uncounted hours and cups of tea trying to force these ideas into a 5-minute form, I landed upon the idea for Closing Moves, and the creative spigot opened. After an afternoon the first draft was complete, and I felt for the first time moved by a story I had written. Since then, I’ve vetted the script to friends made while producing The Write Stuff, the winning entry into the 2005 San Francisco 48 Hour Film Project, and have received some good, positive feedback.
This evening I sit quietly as classmates take parts and read the script out loud. As usual, after the reading, the author must remain silent while the others discuss the script. I listen as a surprisingly lively discussion takes place. The characters have clearly grabbed their imaginations. Yes, the script is slightly too melodramatic. No, the dialogue does not seem too expositional. Yes, the ending is ambiguous, but not too ambiguous. Maybe the switching from color to black and white footage will work. Yes, it is too long at seven pages. Overall, a very satisfying reception with some very good suggestions made.
Now back home for the night, I fire up the burner and fill up the tea kettle. Time to start the first rewrite.
Wednesday, November 2, 2005
