Research

I don't know about you, but when I am researching a script I am convinced that I am still "writing".  I believe I am always writing, but, actually, I tend to watch movies, rewatch TV episodes and rewrite Scene 1 - Act 1 of my script.  Yes, it is true, only a fool does the same thing and somehow expect for the script to miraculously complete itself.  The same is true with exercise.

I have written the same script at least a thousand times.  The script is fully completed in the spiritual realm, now all I've got to do is bring it to Final Draft.  My problem is that I am always re-researching and rewriting Scene 1.  This is insanity.

Realizing I'm insane I do the fourth thing on my mental "do" list, I turn to one of my favorite books, Screenwriting for Dummies, look up research take the suggestions:

*Immerse yourself in the time frame (CHECK!)
*Return to other visual mediums (CHECK!)
*Visit appropriate locations (OK...CHECK!)
*Observe Human Behavior (CHECK!)
*See lots and lots of films (CHECK!)
*Read books on the craft (or re-read them) (CHECK!)

The thing I realized today is, like our scripts, for each of these tasks there are different levels and because I keep striving for my best, I have to dig deeper, try harder and stand taller!

Happy New Year!