Korero

2008-04-11T13:57:00.001-07:00

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?...

2008-04-05T11:41:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-20T13:19:00.001-07:00

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!

2008-03-13T19:40:00.001-07:00

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

2008-02-22T11:32:00.000-08:00

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?

2008-02-15T10:38:00.001-08:00

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.

2008-02-09T15:34:00.000-08:00

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.

Creative Process

2008-02-02T12:02:00.001-08:00

As I was trying to formulate ideas for this week's commercial assignment, I felt that something was missing. I couldn't conceive practical or functional ideas easily, and with the few ideas that I managed to whip up, I could barely progress. After reviewing my work and talking to my brother, a graphic designer, I realised that my creative process was lacking. Somehow, I was not creating a positive environment, and I wasn't constructing my ideas positively either.

I wonder if any of you have had the same troubles. Here are some online resources that give tips in creative writing:

The Chief Happiness Officer has 10 tips for a productive and fun writing process.

This one is related to creative blogging.

Specifically for commercial radio writing- radiosnack

Spiritual Scriptwriting

2008-01-26T14:38:00.000-08:00

A viewing of The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) this week has prompted me to consider the treatment of spirituality in scriptwriting. You might have seen this film. There was considerable media attention for this film because of its spiritual focus on true events and it was a big draw for conservative Christian audiences. If you haven't seen it, here's a review and some background on the story.

I won't attempt to cover arguments over spiritual truths presented in film and the correctness of Hollywood's method. Reactions I found to the film varied depending on perspective. This catholic review praised the film for accurately portraying catholic theology and true happenings. But this reviewer in Prague had a negative reaction to the "medieval" views in the film. I also found a review that felt the scriptwriters did not delve deeply enough into the dark spirituality around the story. Of course, although a distinct answer to spiritual issues wasn't given, good won in the end. This can be expected from Hollywood films that attempt to draw different kinds of people, but is that always the approach scriptwriters should take?

My purpose here is to simply draw attention to the presence and treatment of spirituality in not only specific screenplays but in media scriptwriting generally. I will continue to present other examples that I find. What do you think?

-Aaron

A Revelation

2008-01-18T10:54:00.000-08:00

Well, it's nearly been a week and I've actually been putting off the required post until nearly the last minute. Now I must be honest: I haven't enjoyed it.

Just by glancing through the rss reader at the posts from our class, it's easy that you've caught onto blogging. But I've been resisting because I felt like I didn't really understand what or how to blog. What's the idea? Why does everyone sound so opinionated or argumentative? Of course you would support writing with links to research, but where do you begin?

So I gave in to my curiousity and searched. I am embarrassed by how quickly I was able to find a few answers to my questions on a few weblogs. (Is it any surprise to find answers there?)

I found ten simple writing tips that helped explain both the purpose and process to blogging. The first helped me immediately. People read blogs because they want to listen and communicate with people. What? People want to hear my opinion? Yes, what's more they read because they want to be connected to a network that is informational and social. I've come to realise that blogging is much more social than I ever thought. Blogging allows the individual to tap into the ocean of information on the internet, connect the resource with their ideas and opinions, and contribute to a social community built on conversation.

In light of this revelation, I've come to appreciate this medium of writing and what it has to offer. It is a valuable tool to connect to people. I hope to refine my way of thinking and writing by using my blog, after all, what's it for?

Wider effects of the Writer Strike

2008-01-10T19:42:00.000-08:00

For some around the country, the scriptwriter's strike in Los Angeles has had little influence but for the canceling of a TV show. Yet for many in loss Angeles the strike is a pressing issue because of it's economic effects. Take for example the recent cancellation of the Golden Globe Awards which was estimated to generate over $70 million for the local economy. The consequences of this loss and others created by the strike are felt mainly by local businesses, and there are predictions that some may have to close up for lack of business normally provided by productions. Estimates of the financial losses have been made based on the 1988 strike that had similar effects.

The economic ramifications may be centered in Los Angeles, but the WGA strike also has a hand in the organization of labor unions and the relations between unions and corporations. The history of multiple union formations and corporate negotiations within hollywood, such as the screen writers guild strike in the 40's, has become somewhat of a model for labor unionization in the United States and elsewhere. This journal here discusses the complexities of the history and it's significance on today's events.

It will be interesting to witness the effects that this strike has on the endurance of local LA businesses. Depending on the duration of the strike, it could also have a significant influence on the method of labor unionization and the relationships between unions and corporations throughout the country.

2008-01-09T14:48:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone and Kia ora koutou.

I'm excited to have you share my first weblog. Although I've established this for class purposes I would also like to post personal writings and reflections.

Please feel free to comment on anything and provide any feedback.