The Script: Trapped by Indecision
2010 February 13
Pen and paper is my method of choice when beginning a script. More sensual than a keyboard, it’s tactile and fleshy. The distinct smell of ink engages me as the pen manifests my mood physically. The mind and body work together, ebb and flow.
The main character of my film is conceived on the page below. She is given life through a series of questions and answers. This is just the beginning – the tip of a very complex iceberg.
Handwritten notes by Christopher J. Boghosian, December 2009.
These early sights of the story are always so interesting. From these small, early decisions, you begin to envision the piece that lies behind the marble slab, and as more and more of these choices accumulate, you arrive at something much bigger than you could have imagined at the outset. Very cool.
absolutely LOVE the blog. I hope supporting you helps keep you inspired, but I’ve gotta tell ya, you also GREATLY inspire ME!
(win/win!)
who would have thought: two cousins, on opposite coasts, making movies! :)
Dear Chris — I’m not the tech enthusiast, but the things you do are definitely opening my eyes and heart! This is a superb idea. I look forward to watching your progress. Baby steps! It’s a petty claim-to-fame as such things go, but I have finished, turned in, and seen produced over 400 scripts, so I’m gonna declare myself an expert in the field of “finishing.” Here’s my encouragement to you: the difference between the amateur and the professional is that the professional has finished projects to show. So do that: Baby steps to the finish line! Like Nehemiah in the bible, be alert to distractions, give them to your Lord to deal with, then you get back to finishing what you’re doing! And again, love this use of blog! — Shelly Moore
“You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins.”
Indecision…something that has drove me into madness. Always looking for external evidence to help me make a good decision, but no such evidence will ever arrive because we create our own evidence.
There is method to my madness…
I’m giddy with anticipation,…let the clouds part, and the sun shine down, and “AHHHHHHHHHH”
I love your process, Chris. I too use pen and paper… several pens, and lots of paper. Don’t forget, the physical action of writing takes more time (usually) than typing on a keyboard… time to think, reflect, and consider.
And definitely, get to know your characters. In depth, and at length. And on paper, because paper doesn’t forget.
Keep it up… looking forward to the next posting!
David
I agree with the whole pen and paper thing. Writing can be very sensual, and it is usually a process of discovery and allowance of flow. Less writing, more receiving. That is how I see it. There is something about a pen and a paper that makes that reception of flow more organic in my opinion.
DJ
Thank you so much for the incredible comments so far. I really feel encouraged and appreciated. Every one of your words will remain with me for a long time!!!
I agree with everyone, this is just excellent. Very insightful and also sensual, in an artistic, provocative way. This will be terrific to follow.