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Leegion
Posted: January 21st, 2015, 9:37pm Report to Moderator
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So I'm having a little trouble, which isn't anything new.

Quite recently, I wrote a first draft for a producer.  A zombie feature.  The producer loved what I created from her treatment and sent me her notes, only a few changes were needed in order for it to function.

Then the second draft comes along... and this is where I ALWAYS get lost.

I can't do it.

Simple as that really.  I cannot write the second draft.  It's not that I "can't" write it, it's that I CANNOT write it.  If that makes sense.  I want to, I know how it works, I understand everything about it, but I cannot do it.  

The producer is offering me money, as most do, but that doesn't change the fact that when push comes to shove and it's my time to jump off the board, I always freeze up and end up clinging to the rail.

Basically, I freeze whenever I get an opportunity.  It's happened many times before.  

It's happening now.  

So what I need, really, is for someone to take this off my hands.  It's a zombie script contained within a school.  I have the first draft, the producer's notes and treatment to hand, and her email address for PM replies.

Anyone interested?

EDIT: Oh, and to be clear, I haven't received payment yet so you'll take what she's offering me.
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Heretic
Posted: January 21st, 2015, 9:43pm Report to Moderator
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Heya Lee,

Not interested in that offer, but if I can contribute notes/suggestions/anything that'll help you get it done and get paid, I'd be happy to do so.

There's a first time for everything. I know the feeling of "CANNOT" but I bet there's a way that the good people at Simply can help you get it done! You seem super hard-working and you deserve to capitalize on the opportunities you've made.
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spesh2k
Posted: January 21st, 2015, 9:48pm Report to Moderator
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How much is she offering?

I say suck it up and bang out that 2nd draft, get your money. Unless you don't believe the money she's offering is worth the trouble. But you already invested time into a first draft. You drop out now, that first draft turns out to be a complete waste of time. At least get paid, dude.

-- Michael


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Grandma Bear
Posted: January 21st, 2015, 9:53pm Report to Moderator
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Hit Janet up! She's good at rewriting.  


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LC
Posted: January 21st, 2015, 10:18pm Report to Moderator
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Someone here may well want to collaborate on it with you. Don't just give your idea away at this point with all the work you've already put into it. Plus, looks like she wants to hire you primarily.


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Don
Posted: January 21st, 2015, 11:06pm Report to Moderator
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So, what are you writing?

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Lee,

Suck it up and knock out the 2nd draft.  

Don


Visit SimplyScripts.com for what is new on the site.

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rendevous
Posted: January 22nd, 2015, 2:09am Report to Moderator
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Seconded. Wot Don Said. You're not making a speech, Lee. Keep working on it til you get it right. It's better than digging holes in the road or stacking shelves for corporate wankoes.

R


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DustinBowcot
Posted: January 22nd, 2015, 2:57am Report to Moderator
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Writing is rewriting. Get used to it.
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Mr.Ripley
Posted: January 22nd, 2015, 5:07am Report to Moderator
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Dude, write the damn thing. Lol. You've done it plenty of times before. Just imagine your writing for yourself.

Hell, if u need a fresh pair of eyes to read what u got, I'll do it. you can do it.

Gabe


Just Murdered by Sean Elwood (Zombie Sean) and Gabriel Moronta (Mr. Ripley) - (Dark Comedy, Horror) All is fair in love and war. A hopeless romantic gay man resorts to bloodshed to win the coveted position of Bridesmaid. 99 pages.
https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-comedy/m-1624410571/
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JonnyBoy
Posted: January 22nd, 2015, 9:01am Report to Moderator
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You CAN do it. You got this far.

Don't let someone take it off your hands. Finish the job. What's the worst that can happen?


Guess who's back? Back again?
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Demento
Posted: January 22nd, 2015, 9:27am Report to Moderator
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DS
Posted: January 22nd, 2015, 10:17am Report to Moderator
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Don't give up now. Forget the script for a few days, do something enjoyable, clear your head and then get back to it. You can do it!
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Mr.Ripley
Posted: January 22nd, 2015, 11:27am Report to Moderator
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I'm curious if he's reading these?

Hoping he's writing.


Just Murdered by Sean Elwood (Zombie Sean) and Gabriel Moronta (Mr. Ripley) - (Dark Comedy, Horror) All is fair in love and war. A hopeless romantic gay man resorts to bloodshed to win the coveted position of Bridesmaid. 99 pages.
https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-comedy/m-1624410571/
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DustinBowcot
Posted: January 22nd, 2015, 11:36am Report to Moderator
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This is Lee's hurdle... he writes, but never rewrites. Only half the job. It's hard to come up with  an entire first draft... but what's even harder are the rewrites. A lot of writers go down with just story by credits as their work is rewritten by people that can do it. It's like falling at the final hurdle, from an assured first place to maybe being out of the race altogether.

Most scripts take several rewrites. If you don't nail it exactly the first time, keep working it till you do.

I know you don't plan your scripts... but you should plan them after the first draft is done. Lay out your script in a treatment, even write down the points from each scene and flip them around, add and take away. Lay them all out on a table, or the floor if you have to, and you will see what you need to do. Ideas will come to you.
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Grandma Bear
Posted: January 22nd, 2015, 11:52am Report to Moderator
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Just finished the 10th or so draft of Scarred. They're starting to shoot in March, I believe, so we're close. I talked to the lead yesterday and it looks like I will do a minor rewrite again before the shoot. I'm one of those who HATES rewrites, but I know now that they are necessary evils. Maybe eventually, I even learn to embrace them.

Stick with it. You can do it. Ask for input from others. That will help spur ideas and help you see the script clearly.


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DarrenJamesSeeley
Posted: January 22nd, 2015, 1:39pm Report to Moderator
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Even if the film is made for peanuts, and you expect little, if any, compensation...

Cowboy up and rewrite. If they don't like the way things are going, let THEM replace you, Lee. It not only looks better, sounds better...it IS better. Think about it. They are going by your talents, they are rolling the dice on you.  If you say "I quit" (which is exactly what is inferred here)  it  puts a burden on them to find a new writer and/or rewriting themselves, and it will come across as unprofessional.  Yes, maybe the production maynot seem that important, but there's a difference in turning in a draft they don't like then not turning in a draft at all. Yes, if you hand in a draft they don't care for but gave it a decent effoirt, they will seek a replacement for you. But at least you don't give an impression of being lazy, y' follow me?

Are the "notes" something you disagree with? Can you make the suggestions work? You can make a case why they should not be in the script? Maybe there's a good reason for the alterations (budget, locations etc) at the end of the day, it's what 'they' want. Rewrite the script where needed.

But don't just 'walk away' if you agreed to work with them. Some folks want to break into the biz so bad, but when it comes to do the work and they fizzle out? What does that tell you?


"I know you want to work for Mo Fuzz. And Mo Fuzz wants you to. But first, I'm going to need to you do something for me... on spec." - Mo Fuzz, Tapeheads, 1988
my scripts on ss : http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?m-1095531482/s-45/#num48
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Leegion
Posted: January 22nd, 2015, 3:54pm Report to Moderator
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I am reading these.  Taking into consideration what everyone is saying.

I can rewrite stuff.  I've rewritten Age of Shadows over a dozen times and I'm doing it again soon.  Fracture had 3.  That "Maverick" script went through 4 drafts until I said "screw it".  Hell, I rewrote Shadow Games as Vendetta the second I finished it for the 1+6WC.

Guess I'm just worried I'll screw something up.  Nerves get the better of me a lot, lol.
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Leegion
Posted: January 23rd, 2015, 12:08am Report to Moderator
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I like that quote, Dustin "out of the race altogether", because that's exactly what I am now.  I'm not even on the starting grid anymore.  Hell, I'm nowhere near the stadium.

I made the decision earlier tonight.  The script is going to be handled by a new pair of writers who can bring something to the story I couldn't.  The producer was a little disappointed by my stepping down, but I explained to her why it had to be done.

It's best for everyone involved if I'm not involved.  And now I'm not.
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Scoob
Posted: January 23rd, 2015, 12:42am Report to Moderator
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Lee...

You do what you feel is best to do, but take this as a lesson. Rewriting is part of the job.
If you ain't up for that, and I know it is hard, you really need to consider if you are just wasting your time.

It's maybe first time nerves. So let's hope you put this down as an experience you will grow from.

You have to re-write. It's essential. I said it ages ago, stop writing so much. Concentrate on one thing. Make that great. Then move on.

You've gotta hone your skills and ideas into one thing at a time. There is no point writing 50 scripts a year if you can't get one produced.

Calm down.



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Leegion
Posted: January 23rd, 2015, 12:59am Report to Moderator
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I understand what you're saying, Scoob.

It's not first time nerves though.  I've had 8 chances in the last year and with every chance, I've either purposely written poorly to get out of it, stopped contact with the producer/company that was interested in my work, or found someone else to take it on.

Or frozen... and I always freeze up at crunch time.  

I'll get it right eventually.  I think, 10 years from now, I'll be ready to take that dive.  
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Scoob
Posted: January 23rd, 2015, 1:39am Report to Moderator
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The plus side is you got producers' attention so you don't need to worry about how you write, haha.
You can tell all critics on here to get stuffed.

It's just a shame you got so far, to that point, and then bottled it. Ahhg, just feel for you in some ways but feel so annoyed you never took the plunge. I've been there myself, I know, it's horrible. I've fuckd it up more times than anything but you have to take it on... to gain the experience if anything. It's a nothing to lose situation.

Hey, well done for getting that far, Lee. I think we're all just so disappointed you didn't make it to the finishing line.  Not disappointed in you, but just that you've come so far and fricking cut the line before you even saw it.

A bright future awaits. Live and learn!





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Mr.Ripley
Posted: January 23rd, 2015, 4:54am Report to Moderator
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Tragedy.


Just Murdered by Sean Elwood (Zombie Sean) and Gabriel Moronta (Mr. Ripley) - (Dark Comedy, Horror) All is fair in love and war. A hopeless romantic gay man resorts to bloodshed to win the coveted position of Bridesmaid. 99 pages.
https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-comedy/m-1624410571/
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LC
Posted: January 23rd, 2015, 5:37am Report to Moderator
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A tragedy is when someone dies.

It's a missed opportunity.  Hopefully there'll be another and he'll grab it.


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Demento
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Quoted from Leegion
I like that quote, Dustin "out of the race altogether", because that's exactly what I am now.  I'm not even on the starting grid anymore.  Hell, I'm nowhere near the stadium.

I made the decision earlier tonight.  The script is going to be handled by a new pair of writers who can bring something to the story I couldn't.  The producer was a little disappointed by my stepping down, but I explained to her why it had to be done.

It's best for everyone involved if I'm not involved.  And now I'm not.


Lee, you seem like a nice guy but from reading your posts in other threads you seem like someone that gets very easily discouraged.

I've also noticed in some threads about your scripts someone will post criticism about your work and you instantly agree with them and say that you'll rework that in the future.

If someone contacted you about your work and was willing to pay money for you to write something that says a lot. It means someone recognized something in it. You need to harness that positivity and let it drive you. I understand that you might feel pressure, but you can't buckle under it and give up. There might not be a another opportunity for a very long time... if ever. You don't know what's going to happen. IMO you need to push through and just write, take a break, come back to it... but don't quit.

You're very prolific, but you can't let yourself freeze up at roadblocks that appear. Everyone hits those. You have to try and power through even when you think you can't. Like someone else said in this thread, "let them fire you", because sometimes you might be your own harshest critic and not be able to judge your work accordingly. In the end, in business, everyone is trying to get something out of everyone else. In competitive fields you can't let opportunities slip by.

Good luck.
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Leegion
Posted: January 23rd, 2015, 1:39pm Report to Moderator
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There likely will be another chance somewhere down the line.  I'm still relatively new to this, and I couldn't take the risk in screwing this up.  The concept is great, but all I could give was mediocre.

I've mentioned this to the two new writers.  Danielle was originally going to produce a short of mine, but due to time constraints, optioned this idea to me and I said "yes".  It really could've been anyone that got the chance, so she wasn't headhunting me as a writer, I was just available at the time of her query.

@Demento

Easily discouraged is me in a nutshell, mate.  

Mentioning that I agree with the critics is also something I have to get over.  I've noticed this too, and it's annoying.  It's my script, right?  I put it together.  I created it.  Why am I agreeing with someone who says "this doesn't work"?  Hell if I know.  

Opportunities are scarce in this field, but... if you give an opportunity that was presented to you to another, then maybe they'll remember and throw your name around at a convention or festival.  

I often like to think by giving people a chance I'm opening more doors than I'm closing.
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DustinBowcot
Posted: January 23rd, 2015, 2:05pm Report to Moderator
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I did the same thing Lee... I didn't have the guts ten years ago to try and make it as a writer either. I didn't feel ready. Being a good writer takes time. Mainly because we need to gain life experience to truly understand other people.

I'm sure it's not the end... I just said that to try and encourage you.
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CameronD
Posted: January 25th, 2015, 10:35am Report to Moderator
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Crap! I'll do it! lol


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Leegion
Posted: January 29th, 2015, 1:05pm Report to Moderator
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@Dustin

Yeah, the timing's off is all it is.  I'm not ready yet.  

I would like to thank those that tried encouraging me though.  I just need a little more time is all.  
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MarkRenshaw
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I know this thread is from a few months ago but I just came across it and it struck a nerve. I really identified with this.

As a wise Yoda once said, fear is the path to the dark side. Fear used to keep me isolated and alone with my writing.

Opportunities have come and gone and I've wasted most of them because every time this happened I deliberately sabotaged it in some way. I was full of fear. Fear of rejection, fear my work would be stolen, fear of success and what that could possibly entail, plus a hundred different forms of fear in-between. Every time anything happened I would imagine all the potential negative outcomes to the Nth degree until I was too frightened to even try.

I was so fearful that they would somehow discover I had no talent, that I was a fake and I had been deluding myself my whole life and my dreams were over. So to stop that from happening I'd avoided developing my potential. I'd do anything but write properly. I'd play games, watch TV or if I did write, I'd write badly on purpose or come with some reason, ANY reason to abandon it part way through.

Needless to say I finally reached a rock bottom and said enough is enough, I'd had it with this fear and I've not looked back since. You will have to go through your own rock bottom but when you've had enough misery, you'll be ready.

I'd like to say the fear does go away but it doesn't, not completely but it lessens and becomes easier to deal with.  Experience has shown me every time I run away from something, try to hand it over to someone else or taken a easier, quicker route, the fear has become worse and comes back stronger next time I'm faced with a similar situation.

When I've faced it head on and done the right thing the right way despite not wanting to, it has been an amazing feeling of satisfaction (when it's over lol) and the fear diminishes.

Screenwriting means multiple drafts, it means notes from directors, producers and even actors. It means trying to accommodate and say yes as much as possible but knowing when to stand your ground and protect the story. If the spine, the core of the story remains intact you can be flexible on everything else.

I have found, to my surprise, that notes and collaboration in the end make for a much better, more rounded end product. This does not mean I don't get anxious and fearful when someone sends me notes on a script I'm completely 100% happy with. It doesn't mean I don't get filled with dread when I know I'm going to have to change it. I don't want to. I just want them to take my script, not change a thing and transform it seamlessly into a brilliant movie but that is not reality.

Even when you do bend over backwards and write 30 drafts, the project could be yanked at any moment. Out of 20 opportunities one MAY end up getting through to the end. That's the bad news. The good news is no effort, no writing is ever wasted. Place each draft on file, you never know when you'll need a scene or even some dialogue from a previous script. Learn the lessons of each script, every production and move on to the next.

But face that fear, don't run away from it, don't ever let fear win!

I hope my ramblings help.

-Mark


For more of my scripts, stories, produced movies and the ocassional blog, check out my new website. CLICK

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eldave1
Posted: April 8th, 2015, 10:45am Report to Moderator
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I wanted to be a writer. I did not become one. Instead, I spent 35 years of my life as a government administrator. The only writing I did was memos and reports. Sounds exciting - I know - However, what I did learn in that mundane work was that what I thought was great, some people thought was shit. What I thought was shit, some folks thought was great. i.e., Different visions of a work product is not unique to writing and "re-writes" in some form or another are common to all work that involves more than one person.  

So from my perspective, if you want to be a writer as a career. a prerequisite must be that you are going to be a re-writer as well. There is always going to be a gap between what you write and what they can sell. A gap between what you write and what they can afford to produce. A gap between your vision and their vision, etc.

As example, one of my favorite movies is "A FEW GOOD MEN." - great script!. However, It could have been that a producer wanted a script with a strong female lead and therefore wanted the script to be re-written so that the Tom Cruise character was female. Or maybe someone wanted the Jack Nicholson character to be gay. Sure - that would change the story - but it would not necessarily be a worse one than the original. The art of the re-write is to make the changes requested while still keeping a solid story.  Long winded, I know - but I think to be a successful writer you must (1) accept that what you have written will always be subject to change and (2) rather than being a burden, it's a privilege that you get to make those changes rather than someone else.  






My Scripts can all be seen here:

http://dlambertson.wix.com/scripts

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Leegion
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I'm glad you folks resurrected it, because I'm back on track with a new project that is quite fresh.  Same production company, same producer, new premise.  

I'm 25 now, officially 1/4 century old.  Time to start making grownup decisions... which is what I should've been doing since 2008.  Hey, better late than never, right?  HA!
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MarkRenshaw
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Quoted from Leegion
I'm glad you folks resurrected it, because I'm back on track with a new project that is quite fresh.  Same production company, same producer, new premise.  

I'm 25 now, officially 1/4 century old.  Time to start making grownup decisions... which is what I should've been doing since 2008.  Hey, better late than never, right?  HA!


Happy to help out a fellow Brit Hope my words made sense.

Glad you are back on track.


For more of my scripts, stories, produced movies and the ocassional blog, check out my new website. CLICK
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