Wow, I have a whole new respect for scriptwriters:

Thanks to Dr.King I got to watch "Citizen Kane" with a few other students last night.  I loved it and it was really fun to watch it through a writing perspective.

I also finished the draft for my final script just a few minutes ago and it was tough.

Simply refining the story itself was a challenge.  Then the characters had to be created, and no matter what people say, it is difficult to write believable characters on a page.  On top of that, I added the challenge of trying to make the script into a comedy. I doubt it's funny.  Oh bother...

But that's what a draft is for right?  I've also gained a new appreciation for drafting.  Having multiple drafts allows you refine the details later.  After all, even great films like "Citizen Kane" have to go through drafts. 

Now I just want to rewrite my story....but maybe after I take a break...

Aaron

a visual future?...

As I was searching for resources on visual writing this week, I stumbled upon a fascinating article on a developing method of visual or iconic writing. There are different theories of visual writing that I've heard about recently, but this article by James E Richardson on the Visual Dimenson of writing is interestingly focused on clarifying communication by integrating shapes and text. In this system developed by an Italian professor of linguistics, certain shapes have inherent meaning which both classify the text, such as an experience or story, and relate the text to the meaning of the message. Check out the article for yourself.

So what does this have to do with scriptwriting? Well...I find it interesting to think of different ways that our ways of thinking and writing will be changed in the future. If a visual dimension becomes a part of textual communication, then the way we produce media will not be the same, especially for visual mediums. Perhaps it means that graphic design will be an equally important concern as character development.

Just thought I'd share.

Character Development

Like everyone else, I'm excited for an extended Easter weekend. But forgive me for casting a shadow on your happy holiday; our final project proposals are looming.
I've just been searching online for some help on developing good characters, and there is a lot out of good information out there. You might find a lot from the novel or play writing perspective, but many ideas you find in that area are transferable.

storymind.com has compiled tips on writing characters that you'll find useful. One here is about developing characters through conflict, a relevant topic since prof. Edwards emphasized the necessity of conflict in scriptwriting. Interestingly, this writer warns us that only using conflict can actually limit character development, and that relationships between characters are the most effective ways of revealing character. Essentially, there are four kinds of relationships that can be used: dynamic, companion, dependent, and associative.

I just thought I'd share that bit of information with you. A quick google search will bring up a lot more that you can use. Good luck and Happy Easter!

Here's an interviewer's worst nightmare: Icelandic band Sigur Ros are interviewed for an NPR radio show. The interaction is so awkward that it becomes humorous. A lot can be learned about conducting an interview by learning from this example. You might blame Sigur Ros for being a little uncooperative, but the interviewer also conducts the interaction a little unprofessionally. Personally, I wonder if the lack of response led him to lose his head a little.

Keeping your head while interviewing is an important skill. In scriptwriting class we talked a bit about the timing of when to ask questions and when to be silent, and so searching for timing wisdom, I've found another university course that gives specific tips on what kinds of questions to ask and when. There's a good tip here on knowing when to ask the important "why" questions. Sometimes the "why" question isn't the right direction to take because it promotes a defensive response, or there might not even be an answer to "why".

I found another resource related to podcasting that gives similar advice. An interesting tip I found here was tip number 5; "Don't be afraid to ask tough questions." While interviewing requires grace, there is a time to be a little hard-nosed and ask the questions that probe deeper. The most interesting and entertaining interviews that you see on 20/20 for instance, usually involve asking the subject some personal or revealing questions.

Search these sites and learn a few tips. Then when you conduct an interview, you'll know how to prevent an embarrassing example like the one above.

Telesale Experience

The last night of Telesale 2008 is tonight, and for me it has been a great learning experience.  Being a part of the producing team has been a privilege and something I'll never forget. 

I was excited, and flattered really, when I was asked if I was interested in being a part of the team.  But my excitement also turned into nervousness earlier this week when I realised that I would actually help to write something for live television.  The thought of someone reading my words over the air was kind of intimidating. 

But there were two things that I learned: 

First, understanding how writing integrates with the technical aspect of the production has enormous benefits with any writing you do.  If you are separated from the physical reality of production then your writing will be deficient.  A lot of different elements go into making a good script sound natural and entertaining while operating within time limits in a practical way.

Second, challenges can increase your writing skills.  I don't want to sound pretentious and say that my skills are tremendously better because of Telesale, but I've definitely noticed a difference in the time it takes me to write and a more accurate ability to find a voice.

So don't be afraid to push yourself.  Find challenges that will force you to explore new ways of thinking and writing.  

What's the connection?

I realise that some news stories are published because they offer entertainment.  But I just can't get over how this story about Mao Zedong's offer of 10 million women to Henry Kissinger is a popular story on CNN.com.  

As you can see, there's really nothing wrong with the style of the writing, it's clear and concise.  But it has absolutely no connection to current events or people today.  The story happened thirty-five years ago and isn't linked to any kind of current event.  Sure I think the story is interesting and funny.  But without any connection, it's just a bit of history trivia.  

Broadcast writing has been an interesting challenge this week.  It seems to me that the key is finding the intricate balance between entertainment and truth, and projecting from that balance with the right timing to sustain interest.  

This is an effective way to write for any kind of broadcasting, but I've been struck recently by what pod-casting means for this way of writing.  Technology has made it possible for individuals to make their own broadcasts to virtually any niche on any subject.  So while pod-casts are being used by news broadcasters as a marketable medium, many people are using it unprofessionally as a tool for expression or community building.  Check the description on this page for example.

I've noticed that pod-casting seems to be even more informal than even what you might expect from the radio.  I find it interesting also that this new medium has a way of building community and integrating with other media that seems to be better than traditional radio.