Just a quick post about a running epiphany.
I’ve taken to running–okay, jogging–for 40 to 60 minutes in the morning. And just about every time, ideas for my screenplay start flowing. It usually happens during the latter half of my run (jog), when I’m warmed up and in the groove. How cool is that?
Today, somewhere between strides, I figured out how my movie will begin. The opening scene revealed itself in all its glory; I saw it almost as if it were already on screen! And I LOVE it because the scene depicts how the main character feels about her life at the time without her having to say too much, it’s darn funny, and it introduces several characters and their relationships to the main character. This is key because Syd Field and others taught me that I have ten minutes in which to convince the audience that they’ll enjoy the film.
In thinking about my opening scene, with its touch of physical comedy and fish-out-of-water scenario, I realized that Ugly Betty is a real influence for me. While unique, with different priorities and at a different place in her life, my main character has some key characteristics in common with Betty. I find that exciting as well as marketable–which I hate to admit, but it’s really a side benefit to something that evolved organically.
Until a little while ago, I had a downtown work meeting planned for tomorrow. But it was postponed, so I plan to spend the vast majority of Friday working on my screenplay. A couple of copywriting projects kick off next week so I want to make the most of my open day tomorrow. I hope to draft this scene in its entirety and flesh out the greater storyline. Can’t wait to get it all down on digital paper.
The plan for Friday night is happy hour with my husband followed by screening #3, on which I’ll report soon.
