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Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Volunteers?

For a class I'm in called Philosophy and Literature (a bit of a misnomer) we've been writing a script. It's tough work! It's been a good experience, though. I really enjoy it. Two of the greatest challenges:

(1) The script is based off someone else's book. This is good because we have material to start with. It's a challenge because the text actually serves as a distraction. I have to remind myself that it is more important for the story we're writing to be consistent than it is to be consistent to the book. I understand a lot of people have strong feelings about movies staying true to the books they are based on. Let me say, I have a lot more sympathy for the script writers now. I don't like it when movies stray very far from the book (saying the movie I, Robot was based on Asimov's short stories is a joke), but it's important to realize that the movie is a new work of art. It has to have it's own consistency and the fact is, books translated to movies must change. Two hours of largely visual material by necessity will be different from hundreds of pages in which an author can focus on all kinds of details difficult to portray in film.

(2) Working in a group. Producing a script in one semester is a lot of work and no undergrad with no creative writing experience would be able to do a good job. So, we're placed in groups. This is a big challenge, because we each have a different vision of how it should turn out. It's definitely a lesson in humility.

The challenges are big, but I think we're doing well. For anyone who may actually read this, I have a request: I need readers for the script. Anyone willing to audience test it? I've tried e-mailing friends and family, but only a few respond (thanks to those who have and to those who haven't, I know you're busy!). So, volunteers who have the time would be appreciated. Let me know ASAP. Thanks!

Sunday, March 06, 2011

My favorite scripture

Joshua 1:9
I love this scripture. It gives me strength in times of weakness, confidence in times of fear, comfort
in times of pain.