I'm happy to share a valuable article from 2-time Oscar nominee, Director (and dear friend) Dean DeBlois. His insight on how to mold structure to work for you (and yes, it sometimes involves the use of Save the Cat) without letting it ruin your work as a creative. http://tmblr.co/ZDMMCk20ZMNP3
Screenwriting : A rare insight on formula by Laurie Ashbourne
WRITER-PRODUCER at https://www.lastorystudio.com ♦ Screenwriter, Producer, Author
9 years ago
A rare insight on formula
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This was very insightful. Thanks for posting this Laurie. I've been struggling with the structure vs. creativity battle a lot recently and I think this helps clarify some of my thinking.
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Really great read. Actually helped me with a story problem I've been struggling with in my most recent script, so I'm really glad I gave it a read!
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I'm so glad this resonates with you all. Dean will be happy to hear it, he is a very humble person. Both he and Chris (mentioned in the article) are two of the most wildly creative people I know, and the least likely to ever succumb to formula.
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Good read, Laurie. I'm still so jealous of other people who've 'made it' and they make it sound so easy. I mean, he gets to hang out in a room with other people, the movie idea is already paid for, they just get to hash it out together? Knowing that they're getting paid to play? Seriously. Ah well. I do love my lonely little struggle in many ways. Everything happens when it's supposed to.
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thx for sharing, Laurie! how oddly encouraging to hear that such a talented and successful writer still finds loglines a bit daunting...
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Hey Sarah, take comfort in knowing the experience you are describing is anything but easy. Yes, the creative flow of ideas is inspiring, and yes there is a weekly paycheck tied to it, but in many respects it's like the devil's crossroads; where you give up a ton of personal and creative freedom for at times, 16-hour days. And even in this 'paid for' environment, the rug can and will get pulled out from at any time. Literally tossing your blood, sweat and time into the trash. It's the old adage, the higher you climb the farther you fall. Cherish your lonely struggle, at least you can say it's yours and you can control it.