Day 12

Hello Fam,
I know it's been a while since my last post. I had writer's block so I took a break from the screenplay to get a fresh perspective. I'm enrolled in six month course at Screenwriter's U, where I will have a structured environment in which to work on the screenplay. We had our first teleconference today. I learned two very important things: it is important to develop disciple to write every day, and giving feedback using the instructor's Mastery Skills Checklist is more valuable than receiving feedback. Today is the first day of an intensive six month course. The teacher says that a lot of his students either have scripts optioned or sold by the time they finish the course and become a part of the Alumni Series. We shall see what the future holds. With God, all things are possible.

Day 11
Hello Family,
I'm still working on ACT 1 of the screenplay.
In the first ten pages, I must:
Introduce the main characters.
Establish the main environment.
Establish the time period.
Describe the routine, day to day way of life.
Provide important, relevant backstory.
Introduce the antagonist.

The catalyst or inciting incident marks the movie's first turning point. It takes the story from complacency to combat, the point of no return. It answers: What does the main character (M.C.) want, and what might prevent him from getting it?

These two questions make up the film's premise, describing what the story is about.

Only after these two questions have been answered can I pose the central question: Will my protagonist succeed at (describe his desire here).

That's all for now.
I've got to get back to work.

God bless,
Felicia

Hello Family,
This week's project is intense. I'm working on the first 10 pages of the script. It is very important that I get this right because script readers often determine whether or not they will consider producing the script based on the first ten pages. I am getting feedback from the instructor and class mates of my online writing class.
Best to all,
Felicia

Do We Truly Love Jesus?

Day 9 0f 365
A friend shared a very profound statement which really caused me to think. It was this.
Think of the person you like the least. That is the most that you truly love Jesus.

I'm reworking the screenplay. The structure is the same basically---just adding a deeper dimension to it. There are a few values that I wish to express in an entertaining way. Also,
I' m writing a character analysis for each of the main characters to further develop their story.

Be blessed.
Felicia

Answer to Quiz Question

DAY 8 OF 365
Hello Family;

BIBLE VERSE
Joshua 1:8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Want to know the answer to the quiz question: name the 3 recent Academy Award Winners For Best Screenplay?
Simon Beaufoy for Slumdog Millionaire(2008)
Joel and Ethan Coen for No Country For Old Men(2007)
William Monahan, Siu Fai Mak, and Felix Chong for The Departed(2006)

I've been busy editing and re-writing the second draft of the screenplay. I've asked a co-worker to read the screenplay and I am eagerly waiting for her feedback. I have also asked a good friend, great director/editor named Shereen Collington for her feedback and help with the dialogue. Dialogue is not my area of strength. Shout out to my co-worker and to Shereen!
Until next time, keep writing.
Sincerely,
Joy

Day 7 of 365 Days

It's just the beginning of the journey, really. Yet, I'm excited about the idea of sharing the details in an online journal. Today I've been studying the process of the proper pitch. I learned that we should practice our pitching techniques until we are able to present the 2-minute pitch (sometimes called the teaser pitch) flawlessly. We should introduce our main character, the conflicts he/she will encounter, and details concerning what's at risk for the main character.
The logline and query letter are also very valuable tools. I will explore each in greater detail at another time.
Quiz time. Can you name 3 recent Academy Award winners for Best Screenplay?
God bless.
Joy

Day 6 of 365,
Words of wisdom: Always maintain creative control and ownership of the final product.
Heroes have flaws. Tony, our main character, is no exception. His flaw is that he finds it very hard to say the words "I love you" to his wife. I'm trying to figure out the backstory to explain why he finds its so difficult to express that one emotion. Any suggestions?
God bless,
Joy