I'm Baaacckk!

I'm baaacckk! I've been working on my outline for Madness lately. I should be done with it soon and be able to move on to the pilot script. FINALLY!

I've also started working on outlines for both Silent Partner and Relation. I'm considering a third draft of Wonderful Life and working on corrections in preparation for a fourth draft of Curse the Sea. Aaanndd, I got some new ideas to map out too. Sooo, busy.

I'm finishing up on one internship and got a new job, which will hopefully help me get a new, more affordable apartment. I'm still trying to find the an assistant job at a Literary Agency, so if anybody's hiring...

But, I'd like to get back into this blog. I work at a theater now, so I get to watch a lot of movies for free. I'd like to tell people about the best films out there so they don't spend their money on crap.

Also, as you know, I love TV. We're closing in on the end of premiere season, and while it's a little late, I want to talk about some of the new shows on TV.

So be on the look out for some good stuff soon.

Backlog of Reviews

I know it has been quite a while. I'm so sorry.
%=T_T

I've been having a hell of a time at work. There's been no time for writing or, well, really anything actually. My boss up and left without notice, AFTER he chased off half our staff. Then the company drug their feet for 2 months before promoting my AGM and me. We couldn't hire anyone, even though it was our busiest time of the year. So, everyone's been working overtime. Not that any of you actually care, but anyway.

Finally, things are starting to slow down, and just in time for the TV premiere season.
^-^=+

But first, I have a backlog of movies that I'll be posting over the next week or so, probably interspersed with some TV premieres.

So Stay Tuned!!

Breakout Kings

So, I might be getting a higher position at work, and that's good...I suppose. Though, I hope I can get along with my boss. AKA, I hope he doesn't make me want to quit because he's fickle and can be an ass.

Today I'm looking at Breakout Kings, which in my opinion didn't get the advertising it deserved. I didn't even know it was coming on. I just happened to see the preview for it one night and thought it looked interesting. So, when I had nothing to watch because everything good was in hiatus, I found it On Demand and decided to check it out. I really enjoyed it.

This show has a lot of promise as a unique procedural and a boasts a terrific cast, even down to it's guest stars. A&E (ignoring it's reality shows) has begun - like many of the other cable networks - to beef up it's primetime line up with quality tv series. I look forward to the return of The Glades as well as the introduction of more high caliber series.

To see this review, go to the TV Tab.

Being Human

Well, I had intended to post this entry over 3 months ago. It's been sitting here half done with about 5 others that long, and it looks like things are only going to get busier. (Le Sigh) I've said it before and I'll say it again. 2011 is not starting out to be a very good year...though I did lose about 10 lbs. So I guess that's something to celebrate.

As far as Madness goes, well, it doesn't. Though I was recently bite by the writing bug, so it might get going again soon. I have a new angle on the title to explore, so we'll see where that goes.

Today we're looking into the American remake of a British hit. Usually, those don't go well. I loved Life on Mars. The American remake, however, was...(shiver). But, I'm happy to say that Being Human, while not amazing, is not cringe-worthy. I've seen most of the first season of both and can say with certainty that I am proud of my man Jeremy Carver...and his wife.

I'm also proud of SYFY. While we are not seeing the Golden age of Stargate and Battlestar, we are seeing what I would label as the Bronze age of Warehouse 13, Haven, and (of course) Being Human.

To see this review, go to the TV Tab.

Moving Forward Little by Little

I got a lot done with the first half of Madness yesterday. I made it all the way to the midpoint, YAY!!

I'd been debating for a while if I should have the entire thing take place in the Asylum or only half of the 2-hour pilot. If not, then what half shouldn't and what would be that half's main focus. I decided I'd lead into the Asylum, since that's supposed to be the main part of the story, though I'm not sure exactly what's going to happen in the second half yet. Just that they meet Ash and Emily dies, putting them at odds with Governor Kane (named for Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks).

I'm gonna have this all planned out soon. I will!!

Sleep Deprivation = Creativity

I'm really beginning to think that I should write only when I've had less than 5 hours of sleep and way too much caffeine/sugar.

I've been feeling there's something missing in my story lately, and I had begun to realize it was because I needed another character. One to replace MAX, because he was suddenly no longer filling the role I had originally designed. So, I needed a new character. But, if I created a new character, how was he going to fit into the group and where would that leave MAX, since I didn't want to completely get rid of him? I didn't know until today.

I went shopping after work at the mall, which essentially meant I was awake for a whole 24 hours in the end. Right now, I'm working, but I get off tomorrow--which equals sleep, more shopping, and cookie baking. Anyway, sitting here in the super quiet, trying not to fall asleep at my desk, I suddenly realized in the middle of counting money what to do. One of those "AH! HA!" moments, which I haven't had in a while.

Looking at a number of established group dynamics on TV (Firefly, Buffy, Angel, Dexter, Outlaw Star, Leverage, Chuck, etc.), I've come to this conclusion. There are two categories for characters: function and personality. And most groups have this kind of a set up.

Function
Main Character

Brains
(Willow)

Muscle
(Adam Baldwin)

Mechanic
(not sure what to call this but it's basically Parker or Kylee or Jim)

Femme Fatal
(Inara, Sophie)

Wise One
(Shepherd, Loren)

Character that Drives the Story
(usually, but not always the main character - ex. River in Firefly)


Personality
Leader
Naive
Nag
Wild Card/Anger Management
Comedic Element
Confidant
Romantic Interest

As I was trying to go further in the story, I realized I needed a mechanic character. So, I created Luca and used him to fulfill MAX's original role. So, where does that leave MAX, in the much needed role as the Wise One and Confidant, of course. How else are you going to pursue your Plot Point 1 and Plot Point 3?

Anyway, I'm excited to get back to the story now, after a little creative lull. Plus, I have a new character to fill out. Finally, my sister seems to have corrupted me, because I've decided to name most my characters in Madness after hockey players.

Hawaii Five-0

So, I really wanted to do a Thanksgiving post, but of course that didn't happen. Plus, I'm having writer's block again. Ugh!!

Well, we're halfway through the 2010-2011 TV season. A lot of shows are getting to go on hiatus. And surprisingly, most of the shows have made it through fall, save Lonestar, The Undercovers, Outlaw, and The Whole Truth. (I'm leaving out My Generation and a few others because I'm only dealing with fall premiered shows that lasted less than a season.) And, considering only two of those were axed in less than 10 episodes, I'd say it was a good year in television.

Anyway, on to the main course, this post is going to be about my second favorite premiere this season, Hawaii Five-0. Okay, so unlike The Defenders, I really thought this show would die off after six episodes, at most. However, I have a secret love for Alex O'Loughlin, so I decided to watch anyway, and I have to say I was unexpectedly impressed.

This is the fifth in a series of posts on this year's new shows; stay tuned for a few more. To see this review, go to the TV Tab.

Simplify...Don't Think Too Much

I'm beginning to think part of the problem with TV and Movies today is that they try too hard. They go for these big, elaborate plots that go nowhere, don't make any sense, and throw the character completely out of whack so that we say "WTF are they doing?!".

Break it down to the basics. Many times the simplest ideas work the best.

This has become my mantra lately. I've had a ton of writer's block while working on Madness. I've gone back and forth, doubting my plot points, rearranging them, trying to come up with better ones, and I've come to the conclusion that the best way to fix this is to quit thinking so damn hard!

Often times my biggest problem is that I'm thinking too much. Or maybe I should say I'm thinking too much in the wrong direction. Instead of flitting around, trying to come up with a good idea to fix this and realizing it contradicts that, I decided to just dive right into the story.

By placing myself inside my character's mind, I can calm down and think rationally. What would they do given this situation? What resources do they have available? If they needed to do this, what options are available?

Hopefully, with my new bit of realization, I can finally finish up the plot points problems and get to writing the script.

Lonestar

Went on vacation for a few days in Philly. Got to visit some friends, go shopping, catch a show, and all around have a good time. Now, that I'm back, I'm gonna try to work hard on my screenwriting.

Plus, I need to reread HP7 before the next movie. Simply because there's so much stuff that happens in that book. I know I don't remember even a fraction of it all, so I may be totally lost during the movie (which sometimes happens anyway due to directors "taking liberties").

Anyways, here is a review (such as it is) on the-now defunct-show, Lonestar. This is the third in a series of posts on this year's new shows, stay tuned for No Ordinary Family, $#*! My Dad Says, Undercovers, Hawaii 5-0 and more.

To see this review, go to the TV Tab.

Second Pinch/Reversal

I've been working on beats these past couple weeks for the first half of my 2-hour pilot, Madness, and it's been proven yet again that for me the second Pinch/Reversal is the hardest. Most other plot points fall into place, and even though some may need some work, they're pretty solid. I can fill out every other main beat and tons of smaller ones while staring at the blank space where the second Pinch/Reversal goes, wishing it would just write itself.

I think it's hardest for me because of the emotional component behind it. While there are other plot points with emotional components, they're usually more potent. The second reversal is powerful, but subtle. A major complication in the story that just seems to sneak up and bit you, like a snake poisoning the story.

On a somewhat happier note, I added another character to the pilot. Her name's Emily. I want to make her a character that people will like, but I think I'm gonna kill her and use it to screw over the group for most of the season. It'll be like the last episode I saw of No Ordinary Family where they killed off the police woman. I was upset to see her leave the show after only 2 episodes. I blame them for my desire to kill Emily.

Laziness (and Bleach) Provides

I've been a bit lazy lately. Spent yesterday and today watching tv and reading manga. Sounds a pointless way to whittle away one's time. Usually it is, however, I find that if I let my mind wander for a while I often discover the answers to some of my writing blocks.

During the planning stages before I write a script, which for me clearly maps out the character's voice and personality, I will usually find a character or two in another work (written or visual) who resembles my character. It helps me define them and gage their reactions to situations. After writing the script, that resemblance fades as the character grows into their own person, and I'm left with my own character, not defined as a carbon copy of someone else's work.

So, for a while now I've been having trouble defining one of my main characters in a pilot I'm working on. The others are pretty much pinned down, but every time I think I have him, he slips out of my grasp. Anyway, point being, as I was watching Bleach yesterday, I realized Uryuu Ishida was about the closest thing to a role model for Ash as I have been able to get. So, under the guise of doing research, I am going to continue my Bleach obsession for a few more days.

To see a review on Bleach, go to the Books and Manga Tab.

Past, Present, and Future

Well, I'll start out by telling you right now I've been a bit lax on my writing this year. After college I was burnt out and didn't want to touch anything. Plus, there was a death in my family and an almost death. So, I chilled for a few months. I got a job, which had hectic hours at first. When things finally settled down about the beginning of the year, I did some script analysis for a friend, which prompted me to go back to my own work.

Right now I'm in the planning process for about five television series, three movies, and waiting for some coverage on a couple of second drafts. On top of that, I've been applying to jobs in LA and NY. Ad agencies, productions companies, networks, publishing houses, etc.

So, I'm doing better, and I have a plan to finish the first draft of my post-apocalyptic series by New Year's. Things are looking up. Lets hope they continue to stay that way.