Questions make people apprehensive. I think it takes practice to be good at asking questions. I usually like to start with something so left field that people end up feeling comfortable in a hopelessly pointless conversation.
1. If you could be a number?
2. What is your favorite capital city?
3. If you were in an alternate universe where spinach people ruled the world, what social class would you be in?
4. How many shoes can you tie in a minute?
5. Do you like pancake batter?
6. If you were a piece of silverware what would you be?
6. Have you ever wanted to live in the jungle?
7. If you lived in the jungle with only one shoe, which shoe would you prefer: the left or the right?
8. Does the smell of gasoline upset you?
9. If you actually saw Big Foot would you tell anyone?
10. What's your favorite shade of blue?
11. What's your favorite kitchen appliance?
12. If you had a squirrel, what would you name it?
13. What's your favorite letter of the alphabet.
That will do.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Quilts
Waiting. Waiting. Waiting.
Thoughts for today: way unmotivated.
Not sure what to do with myself. I tend to find a little snippet of peace after dowsing writing from my fingertips. Wow. Way to be a dork.
I highly advise never burning anything to blu ray, especially with special features because you're going to be in for a looooooooooooooooo--ng ride.
So lets see, maybe it's just me but there's a few things that should be somewhat of annoyance for a twenty-two year old female. I usually don't feel safe to spiel about what ticks me off about the modern life and all its step-child cousins, but to be honest I have this pair of rose colored sunglasses super glued to my eyes and so I have been cursed to my own little world... to which contains about that much limit to its pissed off expletives. I think everyone is in their own little world though, I mean you only get to live as one being, please tell me that's true...
Lets get this straight -- because I do have a good life lesson here for anyone who has stumbled upon this haphazard -- just because someone is crabby, crabby pants, or crabby pants deluxe, don't let that bring you down. I've been down for about a week and I've been neglecting those who actually care about me. So, just because someone doesn't see you eye to eye or have a keen understanding of who you are, don't bother with them. They're too wrapped up into their own egotistical game and you know what, you're a whole lot more interesting than they give you credit, so keep your charms.
I'm tired of the scoffers. The selfish people. Those who think they own something. We are but only dust, and we will become dust yet once more. Say goodbye to the physical, pretty sure there's something beyond the happy little sky and all its friends, but just as it is something for my mind to tackle and appreciate, it's much more difficult for me to put into perspective. Maybe if I sponge up my mind and quit trying to rationalize with my own pithy words, my actual beliefs will come out rather than be squelched.
I forgot how much I love writing, even when all I throw out is trite. I feel bad for those who get in the way of my scrambling for words, I usually mean it quite sincerely, I think though that getting my thoughts onto something I can read back is far more medicinal than anything else.
Recognize, what a weird command. I hope you recognize... reckoner? Why am I listening to this song? Eh. Why not... just gimme gees an we be clubbin' now.
Why hello Mr. Dashing, have you seen Mrs. Apostrophing?
Thoughts for today: way unmotivated.
Not sure what to do with myself. I tend to find a little snippet of peace after dowsing writing from my fingertips. Wow. Way to be a dork.
I highly advise never burning anything to blu ray, especially with special features because you're going to be in for a looooooooooooooooo--ng ride.
So lets see, maybe it's just me but there's a few things that should be somewhat of annoyance for a twenty-two year old female. I usually don't feel safe to spiel about what ticks me off about the modern life and all its step-child cousins, but to be honest I have this pair of rose colored sunglasses super glued to my eyes and so I have been cursed to my own little world... to which contains about that much limit to its pissed off expletives. I think everyone is in their own little world though, I mean you only get to live as one being, please tell me that's true...
Lets get this straight -- because I do have a good life lesson here for anyone who has stumbled upon this haphazard -- just because someone is crabby, crabby pants, or crabby pants deluxe, don't let that bring you down. I've been down for about a week and I've been neglecting those who actually care about me. So, just because someone doesn't see you eye to eye or have a keen understanding of who you are, don't bother with them. They're too wrapped up into their own egotistical game and you know what, you're a whole lot more interesting than they give you credit, so keep your charms.
I'm tired of the scoffers. The selfish people. Those who think they own something. We are but only dust, and we will become dust yet once more. Say goodbye to the physical, pretty sure there's something beyond the happy little sky and all its friends, but just as it is something for my mind to tackle and appreciate, it's much more difficult for me to put into perspective. Maybe if I sponge up my mind and quit trying to rationalize with my own pithy words, my actual beliefs will come out rather than be squelched.
I forgot how much I love writing, even when all I throw out is trite. I feel bad for those who get in the way of my scrambling for words, I usually mean it quite sincerely, I think though that getting my thoughts onto something I can read back is far more medicinal than anything else.
Recognize, what a weird command. I hope you recognize... reckoner? Why am I listening to this song? Eh. Why not... just gimme gees an we be clubbin' now.
Why hello Mr. Dashing, have you seen Mrs. Apostrophing?
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Hello Again
I just realized it was a much deeper thorn burrowing in me than I was admitting. About two months ago, I stopped caring. I stopped caring about a lot of things and I'm aware of what triggered it. I for one was trying to carry too much weight and my spirit was broken. I'd gotten tired of waiting and my mind started slipping into all kinds of things. I haven't been myself; I haven't liked this new weird person I've been. I was letting walls fall, I was giving myself permission into things that really -- were falsehoods. It is so easy to get discouraged, to feel alone, or even to shatter. I didn't handle it well even if not another soul around me was feeling it. I ignored God. I told him to be quiet while I let my mind go back to things I once had overcome. I was even getting snuffy to what I know is true and what I've felt. Mad at the way Christians live and that I've done hardly anything to help those in need.
It's really sad that I've spent so much time in front of a computer screen. I think there's a lot of world that I'm not seeing, and that I daydream about constantly. I want to go, but I'm being a chicken.
I want to apologize for being something I'm not. For thinking that my mind is okay with certain things and that it doesn't do damage to anchor it to greeds, prides, and lusts. I should be fighting for my innocence and not being so discouraged that I no longer have hope. I have hope in the larger scheme of things, but when it comes to my daily life I can see I'm not so honest or trusting.
I'd like to have hope in the smaller aspects of my life that I face every day. I want hope in myself, not faith (I think I've got that covered, actually), but hope. When you have faith, you keep moving and going toward the goal. When you have hope, you know that the pieces along the way to your goal will also be in place. That not only will you meet your goal, but the road will also work.
A small but significant difference.
It's really sad that I've spent so much time in front of a computer screen. I think there's a lot of world that I'm not seeing, and that I daydream about constantly. I want to go, but I'm being a chicken.
I want to apologize for being something I'm not. For thinking that my mind is okay with certain things and that it doesn't do damage to anchor it to greeds, prides, and lusts. I should be fighting for my innocence and not being so discouraged that I no longer have hope. I have hope in the larger scheme of things, but when it comes to my daily life I can see I'm not so honest or trusting.
I'd like to have hope in the smaller aspects of my life that I face every day. I want hope in myself, not faith (I think I've got that covered, actually), but hope. When you have faith, you keep moving and going toward the goal. When you have hope, you know that the pieces along the way to your goal will also be in place. That not only will you meet your goal, but the road will also work.
A small but significant difference.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
7 Minutes: Free Write
Already thinking of film. Figured I should just scratch out some thoughts and see what happens. I'm in a bit of a strange transition. Just graduated. Not sure exactly of what I should be doing. Glad I'm going to graduate school and there's writing to be done. Could go to Latin America if I came up with a research majig on Latin America -- sounds kind of cool. Not sure I would ever do that, just thinking about that because that's what was entailed in my e-mail.
Film is kind of ridiculous. Spent the past four years studying it and after throwing myself into it this past semester, just really unsure. I mean, all that work and I feel like a crazy person even if people do say I was strangely calm and patient -- whatever. I haven't seen how this is worthwhile yet so maybe I should give it another chance, but seriously I just got my mind beat up. Guess I'll keep going because I have nothing else really to do. It's interesting to see what I can create in this little gap of time and see where it leads. These are pretty boring thoughts. I did just wake up so maybe my mind hasn't found any sugary awesomness yet.
I don't want to force it, maybe's there's times when forcing things is right. I usually don't think that way... forcing usually seems like you're trying too hard to make something seem right when I think things should naturally fall into place. Maybe this is some sort of sick philosophy I'm living by that could be destructive, or I don't want to be a control freak... maybe I've been studying literature too long and have found that I kind of like the idea that a character shouldn't die until necessary, or shouldn't be in a relationship till necessary, or that grapes are actually kind of tasty. There we go. That's more like a free write. I stay pretty focused and linear at times so this doesn't really work, but I'm an outlier in that my weird linear thoughts are typically on another plane altogether. Man, I sound pretentious. Need to do something about that. Probably get off my butt and do something.
There's so many problems in the world. It's so easy to be a naive little American girl who becomes all too altruistic. Not sure how I can really help out, if at all. I think I just need to tell stories whether or not they really make sense. Something like that. Birds.
Film is kind of ridiculous. Spent the past four years studying it and after throwing myself into it this past semester, just really unsure. I mean, all that work and I feel like a crazy person even if people do say I was strangely calm and patient -- whatever. I haven't seen how this is worthwhile yet so maybe I should give it another chance, but seriously I just got my mind beat up. Guess I'll keep going because I have nothing else really to do. It's interesting to see what I can create in this little gap of time and see where it leads. These are pretty boring thoughts. I did just wake up so maybe my mind hasn't found any sugary awesomness yet.
I don't want to force it, maybe's there's times when forcing things is right. I usually don't think that way... forcing usually seems like you're trying too hard to make something seem right when I think things should naturally fall into place. Maybe this is some sort of sick philosophy I'm living by that could be destructive, or I don't want to be a control freak... maybe I've been studying literature too long and have found that I kind of like the idea that a character shouldn't die until necessary, or shouldn't be in a relationship till necessary, or that grapes are actually kind of tasty. There we go. That's more like a free write. I stay pretty focused and linear at times so this doesn't really work, but I'm an outlier in that my weird linear thoughts are typically on another plane altogether. Man, I sound pretentious. Need to do something about that. Probably get off my butt and do something.
There's so many problems in the world. It's so easy to be a naive little American girl who becomes all too altruistic. Not sure how I can really help out, if at all. I think I just need to tell stories whether or not they really make sense. Something like that. Birds.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Directing
I really should have been using this resource more throughout the semester. I'm at work and it's one of the more slow days.
This has been -- a life. I don't know, but I know I've thrown myself into film this semester and have been able to face my own strengths and weaknesses. There's a whole universe I've learned this semester, and I don't think that will stop if I continue to pursue film -- although, I like to say I'm pursuing creativity. Film is one thing, but I've found that I start to crave music or a good book -- or a really stupid sitcom.
I'm glad. A little confused, but glad. I could probably afford to be more honest, humble, and -- I guess patient? Apparently, that's been working in my favor. I've taken a lot of time to be disciplined in what I know to be true and to practice it. I don't just mean in art, but real subsistence. There's wisdom out there, saintly knowledge, and somehow I'm getting it. I don't know how, but it's honestly what is centering me and creating all these swirls of intelligence. And... I didn't know this would be happening in my twenties so I'm really surprised and not sure what to do with my mind; I guess just let it be. But I'm surprised, I didn't perceive that I would be thinking the way I am today.
It's a mess of a world. I happen to be extremely blessed in my undertaking of life. I think the real reason why I want to go into film is because I want people to find new perspectives. It's as simple as that, but so I'm not being such a cheat I'll expand on it.
There's so much suffering, enslavement, destruction, and just all around hell on this spinning globe that I want people to be aware, to start thinking in new ways, and to be touched in their minds and hearts. I want to inspire people to take on challenging tasks and to go and help those who are -- completely screwed by the systems we've created. But it's not just the suffering, I want people to know the truth, real joys, and actual solid peace, not some sort of fabricated false peace, real peace. I want the world to know that there are people in Africa who are -- happy. That they have a unique perspective and that we shouldn't limit our understanding to just what our society tells us, but we should go out and explore the world, be affected, and to conquer prejudices we may have built to protect ourseleves.
I'm against hatred of all forms. And maybe it's a little nuts to have someone directing films with these kind of thoughts floating around in their minds, but seriously, this is how I want to be innovative with film. It's only a blueprint. But I don't think I can do anything to change those in power; but I can help influence individuals and communities with their own perspectives. And, coming from someone who basically gets story telling, I think this is -- what I'm gifted in doing. So yeah -- I think my creative mind wants to be set free to start affecting people through film in a positive way rather than some of the infamous foils of artisans.
I can't believe how well this semester has gone. This project instantly had momentum and things fell into place magically at times. I don't understand it. I know it wasn't all me, it was an effort by many people, positive attitudes, a blending of geniuses.
There's only a handful of days before the showing, and maybe I'll write on here a little more -- doubtful, but a nice thought.
I hope that you find -- truth.
This has been -- a life. I don't know, but I know I've thrown myself into film this semester and have been able to face my own strengths and weaknesses. There's a whole universe I've learned this semester, and I don't think that will stop if I continue to pursue film -- although, I like to say I'm pursuing creativity. Film is one thing, but I've found that I start to crave music or a good book -- or a really stupid sitcom.
I'm glad. A little confused, but glad. I could probably afford to be more honest, humble, and -- I guess patient? Apparently, that's been working in my favor. I've taken a lot of time to be disciplined in what I know to be true and to practice it. I don't just mean in art, but real subsistence. There's wisdom out there, saintly knowledge, and somehow I'm getting it. I don't know how, but it's honestly what is centering me and creating all these swirls of intelligence. And... I didn't know this would be happening in my twenties so I'm really surprised and not sure what to do with my mind; I guess just let it be. But I'm surprised, I didn't perceive that I would be thinking the way I am today.
It's a mess of a world. I happen to be extremely blessed in my undertaking of life. I think the real reason why I want to go into film is because I want people to find new perspectives. It's as simple as that, but so I'm not being such a cheat I'll expand on it.
There's so much suffering, enslavement, destruction, and just all around hell on this spinning globe that I want people to be aware, to start thinking in new ways, and to be touched in their minds and hearts. I want to inspire people to take on challenging tasks and to go and help those who are -- completely screwed by the systems we've created. But it's not just the suffering, I want people to know the truth, real joys, and actual solid peace, not some sort of fabricated false peace, real peace. I want the world to know that there are people in Africa who are -- happy. That they have a unique perspective and that we shouldn't limit our understanding to just what our society tells us, but we should go out and explore the world, be affected, and to conquer prejudices we may have built to protect ourseleves.
I'm against hatred of all forms. And maybe it's a little nuts to have someone directing films with these kind of thoughts floating around in their minds, but seriously, this is how I want to be innovative with film. It's only a blueprint. But I don't think I can do anything to change those in power; but I can help influence individuals and communities with their own perspectives. And, coming from someone who basically gets story telling, I think this is -- what I'm gifted in doing. So yeah -- I think my creative mind wants to be set free to start affecting people through film in a positive way rather than some of the infamous foils of artisans.
I can't believe how well this semester has gone. This project instantly had momentum and things fell into place magically at times. I don't understand it. I know it wasn't all me, it was an effort by many people, positive attitudes, a blending of geniuses.
There's only a handful of days before the showing, and maybe I'll write on here a little more -- doubtful, but a nice thought.
I hope that you find -- truth.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
New Script Results
I was in the top 10% in the last competition. My feedback was awesome and now between school and all the other assortment of things, I'm planning how I'll come up with a rewrite to... ultimately have this script sold. :)
So, I'm going to take a couple of minutes here before preparing a shot list, and write out a few notes for the student short. The more familiar I become with these thoughts, the more prepared I'll be when taking a knife to a piece that's in need of a little more carving.
1. I just realized finally how to make Bradley, one of my favorite characters, a more valid part of the story. And also, to get rid of a part that I thought was too long anyway. Time and time again I've been told his story doesn't quite work, but yet he's so enjoyable and I've trusted myself this far to see him through. I think in the next rewrite, he will be the plot that gives it validity, explains the whole Shirston deal, and also why he's so fascinated by MI5 and Aryanna. I don't want to give it away just yet. It'll be a fairly large change. The key with Bradley: how does his plot line affect the outcome of the story.
2. The Unicorn and the statue. I need to explain this baby out as well. I think I'll have Bradley explore the unicorn while Aryanna carries on her role in the mansion. She obviously needs some boosting in the first two acts and I'm not entirely sure how to raise her protagonist arc. Daniel connects with the audience more. I think I just need to hand more of the pie to Aryanna and show that even though her conflict is that she's restrained by society, she has some wiggle room to make decisions.
In the main dialogue with her and Daniel, it should be clear that she is the stronger of the two personalities.
3. Overt dialogue. I've been working on this heavily and from feedback to feedback, I can tell I've improved. I added a few scenes in the end of the script, and I think now is the time to go back through and cut some of it while adding more visually stunning sequences.
4. The ANGEL character will be cut. The list of exiled characters continues.
5. The TEEN scene with Rufin needs to be moved up higher in the script. This may help to signal ACT II. I personally thought the dream sequence and Daniel and Aryanna's banter was a clear enough signal, but I'm evidently wrong. I'll think of a clever way to pull this off.
6. The percentage of flashbacks needs to come down. With adjusting the end, this may be accomplished.
7. Not sure why demons turn people into statues... they're evil. So I need to work on this minor plot thread as well.
8. Why is Aryanna an angel that was cast out?
These are the major goals for the next lining.
Let's take a look here for a second at the major and minor plotlines:
A.] Aryanna: young woman who grows up with impulses that allow her to read others minds. Does not know past because she erases it. Orphan.
Aryanna needs to become more active in her role.
B.] Rufin: MI5 agent, head of paranormal research, Aryanna's adoptive father, has a certain memory that demons want in order to flesh out their goal: world domination.
The percentage of Rufin may need to be increased.
C.] Daniel: love interest of Aryanna, helps pilot her through her own rescue, a major decision for Aryanna in facing her life.
D.] Bradley and his friends: connected through accounts in Shirston, the media that follows in this world. The obsession.
Needs to be more vital in the outcome of the story.
E.] MI5 vs. Demons (Abinadi and Papra): government agency based on maintaining order vs. demonic presence that wants to maintain control. Wants to have Aryanna on their side for her weapon like powers.
Needs statue and unicorn explanation.
Okay, as repetitive as all that may sound to the reader, this is going to help me immensely.
So, I'm going to take a couple of minutes here before preparing a shot list, and write out a few notes for the student short. The more familiar I become with these thoughts, the more prepared I'll be when taking a knife to a piece that's in need of a little more carving.
1. I just realized finally how to make Bradley, one of my favorite characters, a more valid part of the story. And also, to get rid of a part that I thought was too long anyway. Time and time again I've been told his story doesn't quite work, but yet he's so enjoyable and I've trusted myself this far to see him through. I think in the next rewrite, he will be the plot that gives it validity, explains the whole Shirston deal, and also why he's so fascinated by MI5 and Aryanna. I don't want to give it away just yet. It'll be a fairly large change. The key with Bradley: how does his plot line affect the outcome of the story.
2. The Unicorn and the statue. I need to explain this baby out as well. I think I'll have Bradley explore the unicorn while Aryanna carries on her role in the mansion. She obviously needs some boosting in the first two acts and I'm not entirely sure how to raise her protagonist arc. Daniel connects with the audience more. I think I just need to hand more of the pie to Aryanna and show that even though her conflict is that she's restrained by society, she has some wiggle room to make decisions.
In the main dialogue with her and Daniel, it should be clear that she is the stronger of the two personalities.
3. Overt dialogue. I've been working on this heavily and from feedback to feedback, I can tell I've improved. I added a few scenes in the end of the script, and I think now is the time to go back through and cut some of it while adding more visually stunning sequences.
4. The ANGEL character will be cut. The list of exiled characters continues.
5. The TEEN scene with Rufin needs to be moved up higher in the script. This may help to signal ACT II. I personally thought the dream sequence and Daniel and Aryanna's banter was a clear enough signal, but I'm evidently wrong. I'll think of a clever way to pull this off.
6. The percentage of flashbacks needs to come down. With adjusting the end, this may be accomplished.
7. Not sure why demons turn people into statues... they're evil. So I need to work on this minor plot thread as well.
8. Why is Aryanna an angel that was cast out?
These are the major goals for the next lining.
Let's take a look here for a second at the major and minor plotlines:
A.] Aryanna: young woman who grows up with impulses that allow her to read others minds. Does not know past because she erases it. Orphan.
Aryanna needs to become more active in her role.
B.] Rufin: MI5 agent, head of paranormal research, Aryanna's adoptive father, has a certain memory that demons want in order to flesh out their goal: world domination.
The percentage of Rufin may need to be increased.
C.] Daniel: love interest of Aryanna, helps pilot her through her own rescue, a major decision for Aryanna in facing her life.
D.] Bradley and his friends: connected through accounts in Shirston, the media that follows in this world. The obsession.
Needs to be more vital in the outcome of the story.
E.] MI5 vs. Demons (Abinadi and Papra): government agency based on maintaining order vs. demonic presence that wants to maintain control. Wants to have Aryanna on their side for her weapon like powers.
Needs statue and unicorn explanation.
Okay, as repetitive as all that may sound to the reader, this is going to help me immensely.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Directing?
Hey, right now I'm taking a short break from polishing my screenplay. Over the past few months I killed 20 pages. A lot of writers say killing darlings is terrible -- but I rather enjoyed getting rid of the crap in my writing. It was exciting to see it improve. Like trimming off fat and scrapping it into a waste bin. I just sent it to be analyzed again and see where it needs improvement.
Last round, I killed about 4 characters to never come into fruition, deleted whole sequences (one's that have been there since the beginning), and added more on the Abinadi character. Apparently, I have an amazing antagonist and my critiques were wondering why I didn't integrate him more into the story. Simple: I was basing my antagonist after the best video games of all time, where the villain doesn't actually come till the end. You never see his face, until you must. Oh well. This is film -- not my mind.
I'm curious to see what the results are on it. I've become rather attached to Aryanna, and Daniel even though I only see his character arc for this project.
Anyway, I'm taking a break. Graduation is looming, Sydney's wedding is coming up, and I'm directing one of the student films, which is an interesting role. I hope that I can do it with humility and respect along with all the communication and technical applications that obviously must be there. I have a strong team so I hope we can carry this all through into completion. All I know is there is no better way to graduate from college than making your own student film that technically should be worth 25,000 dollars. Come on, would you rather do this or take some math exam? Yes, it's exciting. Difficult, I must attest to.
But more than worthwhile.
--Loving my breaks
Last round, I killed about 4 characters to never come into fruition, deleted whole sequences (one's that have been there since the beginning), and added more on the Abinadi character. Apparently, I have an amazing antagonist and my critiques were wondering why I didn't integrate him more into the story. Simple: I was basing my antagonist after the best video games of all time, where the villain doesn't actually come till the end. You never see his face, until you must. Oh well. This is film -- not my mind.
I'm curious to see what the results are on it. I've become rather attached to Aryanna, and Daniel even though I only see his character arc for this project.
Anyway, I'm taking a break. Graduation is looming, Sydney's wedding is coming up, and I'm directing one of the student films, which is an interesting role. I hope that I can do it with humility and respect along with all the communication and technical applications that obviously must be there. I have a strong team so I hope we can carry this all through into completion. All I know is there is no better way to graduate from college than making your own student film that technically should be worth 25,000 dollars. Come on, would you rather do this or take some math exam? Yes, it's exciting. Difficult, I must attest to.
But more than worthwhile.
--Loving my breaks
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