I've dabbled a little bit in the whole process of screenwriting back when I was in college and it's difficult. Trying to conjure something out of nothing can garner great frustrations, but it can also be quite rewarding when you've delighted your instructor on a great original idea or being able to properly execute the visual artform. I've come to the conclusion that I support the writer's strike. Even if it means that I'll be up to my ears in reality shows by February sweeps of next year, so be it.
I predict that we're in for the long haul, and even though it may mean that I'll have to wait forever for the series finale of Scrubs, I personally don't care. I've come across some good articles and blogs that express the concern of the writer's strike. Most give merit to their cause, and even though I'm not a huge fan of unions in general, I can completely understand and identify with their frustrations with the AMPTP.
The first is from John August's personal website. John August is a screenwriter who's penned such films as Big Fish, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory and Go. I personally don't care for everything that would be on his resumé, but I appreciate his perspective on the situation given here.
The other article is on the eminent death of television. It's written by Damon Lindelof, the co-creator and head writer for the television series Lost. I don't personally care for Lost, but his comments on where our future is headed in regards to how we, as a general public, will receive our entertainment, is expressed here.
(My sincerest apologies in advance for any link that I post which will eventually be unavailable. Newspaper and magazine websites are notorious for removing archived data and links after a certain period of time. I've saved the article for future reference in PDF format, in case this happens.)
For some highly amusing anecdotes, I highly recommend you check out:
LateShowWritersOnStrike.com
I recommend the story involving the "Hulk Woman."
Lastly, I post a video entitled "A World Without Writer." I'd comment more, but it speaks for itself and the importance of their creativity and input in the entertainment juggernaut that is Hollywood.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Fantasy Moguls!
I've started this new online game where you pick up to eight films for your virtual studio and see how they perform at the box office. Of course, you're only give a set budget of $100 to spend for your films, so you have to be aware that bigger budgeted films will cost more. Smaller independent films will cost less and could end up being a marathon runner at the box office.
It's a huge risk, I know... but I'm willing to sacrifice the virtual $100. You can visit the website here, if you have more inquiries than I'm unable to answer. The first of the four films that my studio is promoting will be American Gangster. Please take the time to admire the shameless promoting below:
It's very difficult to pass up the combination for director Ridley Scott with the possible knockout acting combo of Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe.
The other three films are as follows:
No Country for Old Men (11/9 Release date)
I would find it a complete contradiction of my true film geek nature not to back the Coen Brothers (Joel & Ethan) and quite possibly their next masterpiece of cinematic goodness.
I Am Legend (12/14 Release Date)
Even Will Smith's track record is almost completely idiot proof.
There Will Be Blood (12/26 Release Date)
Paul Thomas Anderson might be a bit of a long shot since he hasn't had a decent reception of his films since Magnolia. However, I still see him as a modern Robert Altman and his track record with critics is usually on par with many top ten lists by the end of the year. Besides, Daniel Day-Lewis only comes out from hiding to do a film once every 3-5 years, and he chose this script to grace us with his presence.
I hope none of you have a stomach ache from eating too much junk food last night. If you do, I hope a bottle of Pepto-Bismol is within your reach.
Until next time, dear readers.
It's a huge risk, I know... but I'm willing to sacrifice the virtual $100. You can visit the website here, if you have more inquiries than I'm unable to answer. The first of the four films that my studio is promoting will be American Gangster. Please take the time to admire the shameless promoting below:
It's very difficult to pass up the combination for director Ridley Scott with the possible knockout acting combo of Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe.
The other three films are as follows:
No Country for Old Men (11/9 Release date)
I would find it a complete contradiction of my true film geek nature not to back the Coen Brothers (Joel & Ethan) and quite possibly their next masterpiece of cinematic goodness.
I Am Legend (12/14 Release Date)
Even Will Smith's track record is almost completely idiot proof.
There Will Be Blood (12/26 Release Date)
Paul Thomas Anderson might be a bit of a long shot since he hasn't had a decent reception of his films since Magnolia. However, I still see him as a modern Robert Altman and his track record with critics is usually on par with many top ten lists by the end of the year. Besides, Daniel Day-Lewis only comes out from hiding to do a film once every 3-5 years, and he chose this script to grace us with his presence.
I hope none of you have a stomach ache from eating too much junk food last night. If you do, I hope a bottle of Pepto-Bismol is within your reach.
Until next time, dear readers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)