I went to a David Freeman workshop this weekend. It's called Beyond Structure, and my word, it was brilliant. David is from LA. Just having an American give the course was exciting for me!
So
many script writing courses are solely about structure. Now I'm a big fan of structure and I believe
it's tremendously important. But, it's
not all there is. In fact, it's just the
beginning.
I've
longed for somebody who could help me better understand what makes dynamics
richer. David did for me. He made the point that great writers do this
stuff intuitively, but not everybody is that kind of writer.
Some
have to have a more analytical approach and be conscious of what others do
intuitively. The course has given me fantastic, practical tools to create depth
and to check up on myself. Is what I've
written the best it can be?
It's
made a huge difference to how much I can appreicate good movies too, and now
I'm more aware of what makes a great writer.
So I'm pretty excited. This isn't
about a formula. You still have to be
original and work hard. The course just
shows you where and how to work effectively.
When
I heard about it I knew I had to do it.
I couldn't afford to though. Crisis! So I asked the organisers if I could do
some work in exchange for paying. They
said sure, find a certain amount of sponsorship for others and we'll give you a
place.
I
attacked that task with much optimism. I
emailed a gazillion people and Cape Town production houses, spoke to the
Minister of Arts and Culture, and visited the Cape Film Commission. I was so sure somebody would offer to sponsor
something.
Nada. Saddened, I reported my failure. On the eve of the course I got a phone call
"do you still want to attend?"
They gave me a place because I'd tried!
How about that.
So
many people say success and opportunity are just about luck, but I don't
believe it. I know it's true that some
people are born into supportive environments.
But if you aren't, I think what opens doors is when you don't accept the
idea that you've run out of options. And
when you open your heart and do your best.
