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Day 2: What I learned rewriting my scene/character…?
What I learned rewriting my scene/character…?
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7 Replies
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What I learned: Invest in each character, regardless of how minor the role.
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I have only rethunk two scenes, but it is a hunk of a rethunk. I do have two scenes in mind, in which I have F2Fs between opponents and allies respectively. By nature of their roles there are a few dimensions of difference between the opponents, and barely two in the allies scene. And definitely not five, and definitely not that stark. Thing is, the fact that I could write out five dimensions I would have sworn I didn’t notice, is rattling. But I was glued to the tiny screen, no denying it’s power — means the audience may register all this at some level. Task is clear. I have to fictionalize attributes into these characters to make them story worthy. My problem is I don’t feel confident I can do that one chisel at a time. This is major re-sculpting. How do you all pull it off one at a time?
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Hal suggests that you isolate and do it one at a time. And I’m quoting him here…
1) “Get clarity on your purpose” (in this instance – pick just one thing you want to elevate)
2) “Brainstorm possible solutions”
3) rinse and repeat as needed. (I made that part up – but you see what I mean?)
“You are going to succeed. Keep at it.”
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thanks Deb, you are right, and maybe I am just being lazy. i actually do understand what he says re rewrites, this is even more refined. it is possible I took a harder problem. if i had totally made up the story maybe I would have less trouble visualizing one change at a time. and i had missed the “brainstorming” bit thanks, i will go back and find the opening lecture. i will give rewrites a shot this weekend.
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A scene where my mismatched allies are forced together in Act 1.
Not only do I now understand that this is necessary, but it will also be fun to watch.
In my screenplay, five very different tweens must unite to defeat the villain. I decided to give them a scene where, in music class, they are assigned a song they must sing as a quintet.
This builds on the “belonging together” scenes that I wrote where they all listen to the same song.
In this “mismatched allies” scene, all their personal dynamics will be on display and show how they will live into their future.
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What I learned from doing this assignment–Tombstone: I thought it was a wonderful way to match wits and personalities. The display of Johnny Ringo and his ability to handle a six-shooter was masterful, but not to be wasted on Doc with his abilities to manipulate a liquor tin matching Ringo’s antics. In another scenario, they could’ve been friends and not competitors.
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What I learned from doing this assignment: These characters were beautifully written with wonderful range and room for their journey and growth. It is not only about two men traveling together, but the realities of the 1962 world in which they lived.
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