Here is a great meme sent to me by my good friend Joe Sparrow. As you all know I am developing a film dealing with this subject. Please post this where you can, Twitter, Facebook and please repost.
Hey all, I hope you are well. I slugging away on the research on my feature. There is so much reading involved. Dear lord. But you know you need to research the subjects you’re writing about. Yes, it takes time but you will write a better screenplay, book, or article. Also you are less likely to get called out for getting it wrong. And for me that would be the worst thing that would be said about my work.
So I would say that bringing awareness to the subjects of the sex slave trade and combat veteran’s issues is my main goal with my film. I was talking to a guy the other night and I told him that the average age that a prostitutes enter the business in 13. He was shocked. With my film I want to educate Americans of a horrible truth. The more awareness on this subject the better.
So I realized I do not write enough. I really need to delicate more time to it. I have 3 blogs: this one, my personal blog and a social and political one. I have lots to say and enjoy doing them. I also think that I can contribute to the filmmaking and art community.
I was the twitter today and came across a Film Courage tweet about new videos that they put up, so I began to watch an interview with Vicki Peterson, Barbara Nicolosi about what mistakes screenwriters make with their first screenplay. The big thing I took from the interview was that not all screenwriters are suited for all types of screenplays. Now there are a lot of factors as to why this is, but if you are a producer you need to know this so that you can hire the right screenwriter for your story. You don’t want to waste your time on a screenwriter that isn’t suited to deliver the screenplay you need. I never considered that, but it makes perfect sense.
I will be writing my first screenplay here soon and I think I can pull it off, but I must be aware and honest with myself that if I find myself not being the right kind writer for my screenplay then I need to go find one who is.
Also, Barbra and Vicki wrote a book that just came out that you will want to check out called “Notes to Screenwriters” which you can find on Amazon.
Here is the video from Film Courage I was taking about. It is about six minutes but well worth the watch.
From the founder of Seed&Spark CEO Emily Best Via Film Courage.
Hey, a very good site to go to concerning screenwriting is TheScriptlab.com
Here is their twitter https://twitter.com/TheScriptLab
Also here is a free PDF from them The Encyclopedia Of Screenwriting. Screen Writing
Back to the grid. I am doing my research for my film that I have written about on here. It gets hard sometime. I am a vet. I know a lot of my brothers and sisters suffer. Especially those who did directly or indirectly do the killing. It can be a motherfucker. Plain and simple. And it hurts. The film I am doing is a lot about pain and painful things; however, they things that need to be discussed. We as a country tend ignore issues like combat vets issues and the sex trade. It makes people uncomfortable when we talk about them. Well guess what America, that is America, regardless if you choose to except it or not. And trust me, these things will fester and grow. And there will be a point where we will have to pay more than we had too.
What kind of filmmaker do you want to be? You can be a fluffy filmmaker that doesn’t take on any real subject. Tampa is full of them. We are the city of fluff. If you are into one dimensional film, Tampa is where you want to be. But then there are a few people who are trying to say something and using film as a medium to say it. I have a lot to say and find I have many tools of saying them, whether it be film, a series, a painting, theater or whatever is at my disposal . But I’m out there using them, and so should you.
What kind of filmmaker or artist, do you want to be? Do you have things you want to say and discuss. For me, art, film, and whatnot is just tools for me to communicate things I want to talk about. The series I am developing is about topics I want dive into and explore subjects that I find interesting and relative, and also showcase good music and talented artist. Go do the same. There are so many ways to express yourself and so many ways to get it out there in front of people. that you really have no excuse not be working on something. I know I have don’t.
Hey people, how are you doing? men
I have started to read Sebastian Junger’s book called War. It was an accompanying book to the documentary Restrepo; a documentary I strongly suggest you watch. It is about an airborne infantry platoon in a remote base camp in the Korengal Valley in Afghanistan. What amazes me about the book is how accurately he describes life of an airborne infantry platoon; something I have found hard to describe it, yet Sebastian does an amazing job at it. I can say this because I am a retired United States paratrooper who served in the 82nd Airborne Division as an airborne infantry team leader.
I am reading this for my film on combat veteran issues and the sex trade. I also reading many articles on the sex trade which for me brings me great anger. My hope is that my film will shed light onto these two topics and bring change and a national conversation about these two issues. I know it is a big goal, but I think in big terms and have big goals. I will be writing more about in my blog Notes From Outpost 187
So guys, please spread the word about my blogs. Also if you have any questions please write me.
I am sure you have heard that saying that you have to be able walk and chew gum at the same time, and it is true. Right now I am doing research for my film on the sex trade and combat vet issues. Now, for a split second I fooled myself to believe that I would have the luxury of just doing that, but then came the email from my cousin with regarding the production company. And just like that I am back to multitasking and thinking about planning the future of the company. And that is how you have to be. Constantly thinking about a multitude of things all at once.
Now that being said, I realized something, I DO NOT WORK EFFICIENTLY. Seriously,I try to do everything all at once, and it doesn’t work, at least not for me. So I putting the series on the back burner and just focusing on the feature. I am taking about a month to a month and half researching the feature and then character development. I am also reading on screenwriting as well. Yes I have to crash course myself in that and thankful I know really smart people that can edit and give me notes so that the script doesn’t turn into a complete disaster. As my friend Billy said, “You have a great story but it has to be strong.” And he is right. Semone Fournillier, who was my writing partner, has been off writing a series that she is going to pitch and Pitch fest. Let’s wish her luck. Hopefully she be able to help when she is done. Then again, maybe she can start a different project I have in mind.
It also occurred to me the propose of this blog: when I stated it, it was suppose to be about journey into film, and instead I think I got away from that. Now it is true, that I am adding all my other artistic ventures, which is great, I don’t need more blogs. Which reminds that I have to start painting a photographing again. I have 2 pieces that I need to finish. I want to have them done in a month. Painting can be a great form meditation and self reflection. I love the internal conversation I have when I paint. I work through a lot stuff and is great therapy. Too bad I don’t drink anymore. I love drinking wine, listening to indie hip hop while painting. Well, one out of the two ain’t bad.
Ok, here’s what’s on my agenda for film this week: write 5 post here, dive into my screenplay books, start reading My War by Colby Buzzell, something I think you all should read. Work on the outline for the feature I am working dealing with the sex trade and veteran issues, and do character development on characters for the series and finally work on the business plan with my cousin for my production company. 6 things.
I have slacked on my all the stuff for way to long, and that is unexceptionable. Right now I am in a transformational stage in my life, and I want to be successful and help others. I challenge you all to pick threes things that you want to do creatively and do them. If you have suggestion on something you want me to write about, let me know, for I would love to take on subjects that you are interested in. And please, keep me honest and hold me accountable for these goals. I need to be pushed.
And finally, may you all have a productive week.
My journey into film 