Notes on the creative process

Wednesday, 02 February 2011 23:46

When I started rendering the first two episodes shortly before release of the first episode into the script format, I used more conventional format of the script, with camera work being present in more detail than in the current scripts' incarnation. I decided to cut it down some to emphasize the story, rather than the cinematography. I left these devices where warranted, as I need them every now and then to create a specific impression, but otherwise, it is perhaps better to let readers to use their imagination.

Of course, the first script was a bit of an experiment in the software I was using, so it did not came out quite... right. After some suggestions from CJ, I re-adjusted the formatting a bit and have taken some suggestions to heart--he is after all an old hand in scripting business. I decided to use more of a hybrid format, though, so the sake of reader's accessibility, trying to preserve fluidity of the story vs more adherence to industry standard. The more "scripty" versions of the episodes would be generated, but put away in a "drawer" for an unlikely case that my story would pique interest of some industry fat cat.

Reminder to myself... I know one personally, though haven't been in touch with him for years. We had a common interest unrelated to a film industry, and about 15 years ago were in touch fairly often. He is possibly retired, but I have no doubts he has his connections within industry intact. You'll never know if something would work out, unless you try. This is not only a result of the life lesson, but coincidentally also a leitmotif of the story. Applies to nearly everything, with an exception--if you try one thing and fail, repeating the same thing with a hope of success produces an unending chain of failures. I know--sounds so simple, but human behavior is a slave of patterns, inherited or learned. One may be surprised how often people are not even aware of digging the same hole.

Back to the story...

One thing I would like to emphasize. Almost all technical props are taken from the current state of science. Some in their embryonic form, true, but they do exist. I do project their possible future development to get to the point where they are useful for my story. But nothing beyond the confines of present formulations of laws of physics. If anything, a solid schooling in basic science grounds me, to prevent my imagination running too wild. I regularly peruse scientific and technical magazines, and it is interesting to see how some ideas of mine are serendipitously confirmed all the time. Brings kind of warm, fuzzy feeling. Though technology does play a substantial role in the story, it is not the main focus. The thrust of the story, I hope, is in the space that is not yet explored by science in depth. It is more of a metaphysical, existential landscape.  I also hope that I'll be able to convey this particular aspect of the story with a success.