Script Post-Mordem…

As I stated in a previous entry, my script is finished. In the end, it’s 84 full pages long, and one of the best works I’ve managed to compose, ever. I had a bit of trouble over the last few months working on the final scenes trying to make what I considered a good finish, and in the end I’m quite happy with what I came up with and it looks good. It’s a script for a major motion picture, and while I know the odds of getting produced are slim, it’s still nice to know that it’s done and all I have to do is a little editing and minor revisions before submitting it to the Writer’s Guild… which was the plan from the beginning. Now with the actual script out of the way, I’m eager to get the work out there and get a little feedback. And no notes asking for details about plot and story, I’m actually going to keep that a secret until the script is registered. Sorry, but I’m a little protective of my work. All I can tell you is that it’s a paranormal suspense kind of story. Think 6th Sense kind of script…

I can’t begin to describe how good it felt to actually type down the words “THE END” when finishing off my script last week. While it was only the first draft, it still felt good to get it done. I sat there in my chair and just stared at the words for a few minutes, in awe of what I had completed. I felt a surge of pride that I had finally finished what took over a year and half of on and off writing to complete. It’s hard to work on something like this when taking care of the kids and working a full time 40 hr per week job all at the same time. Yet the journey was worth it, as I have something to show for my work. I’m dying to register this thing with the Writer’s Guild and actually put it out there for anyone to see. I realize that my script will be one of thousands that register every week, but there’s nothing wrong with sticking your work out there for all to see. I’m proud of my work and can’t wait to show people what I’ve come up with. I’ve decided to mail it to a friend or two or print up a few copies and letting them pick at it a bit. I could use a little feedback, but I have to pick from people who I want to target with this specific genre.

At this point, no one has seen or read a single line of the script. Not a single person. I’m the only person who has seen or read any of it so far. I’ve pretty much kept the project to myself, and while I offered to let Leah have a peek… she’s not a big reader and has declined to have a look. What I’ve actually done is given an oral synopsis to friends and family members to test what they thought of the story. From the positive feedback I’ve received from them about my summary of the storyline, I’m eager to see what kind of review the actual script gets now that it’s on paper. My older brother is a die hard movie freak, even more than I am which is saying something. He’s always been my sounding board for ideas and stories so I am going to give him first peek at the script. I trust him completely to give an honest review and scold me only where necessary. After I give him a read, I’m also going to forward the script to a few friends who’s opinions on movies I also trust. After letting these people read the script, I’ll make the necessary revisions before submitting to the guild.

The registration fee to submit a script is not as much as I thought it would be, so raising the money to post it isn’t going to take as much effort. I realize in a previous entry, I hinted about trying another novel, but I might take a stab at another script I had started before this one. It’s about fifty pages already, and I got stuck at one spot. Rather than stay stuck, I put the script on a shelf and started over again. Now that I’ve got a little more confidence, I might dust this one of and give it another crack before going trying the novel again. You never know, I might have two scripts to submit later this year. For now I’m going to head for work and take things easy. But I feel super great for actually finishing something, a buzz I’m sure will last for a few days at least.

Hopefully, everyone is having a good weekend. I know I am… and I’ll try to leave a few notes if I have time to at work. Until then, everyone take care and have a good Sunday!

Peter