Why a 2nd draft is so hard!

Ryan and I have embarked on a mission to write a successful short film script. Ryan gave me the concept and I went away and wrote the script. I sent it on to Ryan who had heaps of changes and ideas and we persisted with this system for about 8 emails each. Once we were both happy with the story etc I did my best to get a producer to read it. I was very lucky last year to have one of my script mades into a quality short which has put me on IMDB and given me some credability as a credited writer. This has given us the 'foot in the door' for producers to actually open my emails and a few producers have said when they have an open window they would be interested in talking to us about a deal.

Two producers have expressed a little more interest with Alex Hartwin from Dark Geometry stating that he is booked up for the next 6 months but if the script is still on the table would be interested in a deal.

Also 2 producing partners in Brisbane, Angela Faria and Sonia Armstrong are interested in seeing a 2nd draft and generating government funding (meaning I will get paid for this one!) and making a real go on the Festival circuit.

To hark back to the title of the blog, I am finding it very hard to produce a 'real' 2nd draft. Why? Because Ryan and I were relatively happy with the first draft and seeing where the changes were needed is much harder. Hence I need an honest appraisement of what works and more importantly what does not work. That way I would be able to focus on a particular character, scene or overall story arc. Anyone interested in giving their honest appraisal can contact me on jlind78@gmail.com

Although Ryan I have come up with a different spin and will do up a version 2 and send it on to you!

On another note Annaliese is 20 weeks pregnant (halfway) and doing very well!!

Until then hail to Big Daddy!

Top Ten - The Fives

I'm staring down the barrel of a 4 day weekend! Gotta love teaching!! I get the usual two days off plus Monday for Labor Day and Tuesday is our 18 week scan including a 3D picture of my little bambino. We're also having a 15 month old girl staying with us (including parents) so that will definately go some way to preparing us for what is ahead. But for now we'll have to settle for the top 5!

Top Ten - The Fives

Movies

Good Will Hunting – Gotta Go See About a girl

This is the script I wish I had written. There’s very little I question about this movie. At one point this my #1 on my list but fortunately I’m a much happier person.

Although Ben and Matt probably peaked at the start they have both continued to have quality careers.

This movie is built around an amazing script and layered with an eminent cast and director. And sprinkled with quotes and one-liners like double burger and step forth silent rogue and receive thy prize, not to mention a couple of stirring monologues.

Songs

Angel – Jack Johnson

I've got an angel
She doesn't wear any wings
She wears a heart that can melt my own
She wears a smile that can make me wanna sing
She gives me presents
With her presence alone
She gives me everything I could wish for
She gives me kisses on the lips just for coming home
She could make angels
I've seen it with my own eyes
You gotta be careful when you've got good love
Cause the angels will just keep on multiplying
But you're so busy changing the world
Just one smile and you can change all of mine
We share the same soul Oh oh oh oh oh ohhh
We Share the same soul Oh oh oh oh oh ohhh

We Share the same soul Oh oh oh oh oh ohhh
Oh oh oh oh oh ohhh Umm umm umm uhhhhhhmm

Obviously at this minute I’m very aware of my place in world and what is important to me. This is why this song is in my #5. I knew I would have a Jack Johnson song and there were a few options, Banana Pancakes, Better Together but this earned the right to be here! Just a lovely song to listen to alone and close my eyes. Soft maybe, but I don’t care!

T.V. Series

Arrested development - Never Nude

I know I said the true test of a great series was longevity but 3 seasons of this is better than 50 seasons of Will and Grace. There are heaps of textured characters and tasty scenarios. Between Tobias and all his foibles and George the Magician I can’t pick my favourites. Although I’m looking forward to the movie it’s only if they do it right, otherwise leave it to be the cult it already is! Every episode is tighter than an Eli Manning spiral. Blueman! haha

Books

I am Legend – Richard Mathieson

I grew up as a Lindsay boy and that meant a few things. One of them is an eerily similar taste in movies. Omega Man was one of them. Charlton Heston rocked the shit in it, he even was the first to hook up in an interracial ‘love’ scene on celluloid. Then I found out about 15-20 years ago it was based on a novel. I tracked the novel down and this is it!

I bought it, read it and loved it. I dug the atmosphere and loved the shit out of the ending. It was one of the few times when I read the last line and went ‘oh’. It really made me think!! And NO it did not have the syrupy, Hollywood ending of the Will Smith 3star ending. I am Legend means much more in the book as it should. I have a feeling my venerated brother will write a tome one day that has the same reaction. At least I hope so!



Well I hope that didn't disappoint!

Until then I AM going to see about my girl!

The Carport's up baby!

I have finally done it!!! With some help obviously!! I've laid a slab and now erected the carport. Here are some pics (proof) of my achievement! On a side note Annaliese is 17 weeks pregnant tomorrow, hurray to me!! oh and her!

Top Ten - The Sixes

It's been two weeks and this count down isn't getting any easier! However in the last two weeks I've finished the first term for the year, seen my mum for her 60th brithday and travelled to Melbourne with my pregnant wife to see my beloved Kangaroos lose to the Hawks at Etihad Stadium and caught with up my only/best mate from down south Leroy. Okay okay no more delay here are the sixes!!

Top Ten - The Sixes

Movies

Lantana

As someone who has officially called script writing a hobby, this is a script I would have loved to write. It’s a great character study about normal people with normal problems. Cheatings on our partners, being cheated on by our partners, making mistakes and even just to be tempted by mistakes. The casting is sublime, even Glenn Robbins manages to fit in. Vince Colomoso is MY stand out as the every day husband/father who becomes a suspect to murder. If there is any hope for the Aussie Film industry this is it!

Songs

Glory Days – Bruce Springsteen

Well there's a girl that lives up the block
back in school she could turn all the boy's heads
Sometimes on a Friday I'll stop by
and have a few drinks after she put her kids to bed
Her and her husband Bobby well they split up
I guess it's two years gone by now
We just sit around talking about the old times,
she says when she feels like crying
she starts laughing thinking about

I have always been a huge fan of this song and as every year passes and I get older and more nostalgic it becomes more pertinent. It has a kick ass beat and lyrics that I have learnt mostly over the years. I have very fond memories of playing this in the lounge room with my dad and brothers really enjoying the moment man!

T.V Series

My wife and kids

5 seasons of solid funny! Damon Wayans is great as the father Michael Kyle and he is supported by an able cast. However this show like ‘Earl’ wouldn’t be the same without the lead creative, Damon. While it was airing I wouldn’t miss an episode and WILL buy the seasons when it’s for sale. I won’t go on too much but suffice to say this ickled my funny bone.

Books

The Wanderers – Richard Price

Yes sure this is one of the few occasions where I saw the movie first but both are fantastic and as far as books go there are only 5 others I rate higher than this one! One thing that I particularly liked about this book was that it wasn’t a novalisation of the movie. There are sub plots not touched on in the movie that are very interesting including a very nasty scene about pre tweens pushing a kid off a roof and Eugene the conquerer nailing a deaf girl that my younger bro and I found very funny.

In other news I am still waiting to hear back from a producer in Brisbane.

I finished reading a novel written by my younger bro Ryan and I loved it. Sure we have the same humour but I truely believe this is a publishable manuscript and would be so happy for him if he lives the dream and makes it a reality.

I have had a breakthrough on my feature length script, it's still a little tighter!

My amazing wife is 16 weeks and 4 days pregnant.

I am also close to completing the carport, finally.

Until then my boys can swim!

Top Ten - The Sevens

Sorting out the sevens from sixes and fives is hard. Yes I will change my mind as time goes by but these are my picks for the Sevens at the moment!

Top Ten - The Sevens

Movies

Fight Club - How much can you know about yourself if you've never been in a fight?

To be honest I wasn’t sure about this movie when I first saw it. Didn’t get it at all. Then the second time I thought it was very good and now it's my lucky SEVEN and the rest is history. Two of the best actors of their generation at the top of their game, directed by one of the best directors in anyones generation at the top of his game was always going to be good. This has it all, stylish, clever and ballsy. It also spurned one of the world’s most powerful publishing houses, see Stinkbrown.

Songs

Question – Rhett Miller

Someday somebody's gonna ask you
A question that you should say yes to
Once in your life
Maybe tonight
I've got a question for you
She'd had no idea
Started to cry
She said in a good way
He took her by the hand
Walked her back home
They took the long way

This is on the Scrubs Season 2 soundtrack. I fell for this track straight away. The melody is sweet and message sweeter. As a happily married man with a baby on the way this is just the song for me at the moment.

T.V. Series

My Name is Earl - Hey crab man!!

Jason Lee, Jason Lee and Jason Lee. Anyone who has known me for the last 10 years knows Jason has been my favourite actor. I’m aware he doesn’t chew up the scenery in a Brad Pitt way but he does command attention. This show was always going to be on my radar and it hasn’t disappointed. Add Ethan Suplee and a well cast ensemble and this show is guaranteed laughs in my book. Another stable for a good T.V Series is the cameos and this show does not disappoint.

Books

Dr No – Ian Fleming

I’ve read most of the Bonds and while they are all quality this is by far the best. First of all the baddie Dr. No is original and unique. Very much like the 1st Bond movie. However the kicker (spoiler alert!!!) is that Bond does him in by using Guano. Yep, a huge steaming pile of crap!!! But not before Bond is put through the toughest obstacle course committed to paper. If you read, action, adventure or thriller makes this the Bond for you!!


That's it for the Sevens, next up six (sux for my Kiwi fans). In other news:

I have managed to get a couple of producers to read Ryan and my script Soap. Fingers crossed.

I'm editing Wet Sand my feature length script and hoping to chisel out something resembling a shootable movie. Hallmark movie channel here I come!

I've left the best til last!!! My beautiful wife is 14 and a 1/2 weeks pregnant and I'll take a healthy baby over any of the above!!!

Keep an eye out for the Sixes!!!!

Until then don't drop the soap!

Top Ten - The Eights

I didn't realise how hard this process was going to be until I brought it up with my wife and she asked about the movies she knows I love. So now she has opened a can of worms and after The Ones I might have call and apologise to some people. I will be more frequent with my entries but for now here are the eights.

Top Ten - The Eights

Movies
Shawshank redemption Do you trust your wife?

This is a case of an exceptional novella being adapted into an exceptional script and filmed by exceptional cast and crew. I saw this at the cinemas in 1995 with two close friends and we were the only people in the cinema. After word of mouth reserved for movie experiences like Sixth Sense and Sideways a few more people saw it at the cinemas however not enough. Then it was nominated for 7 oscars and people started to take notice. After building up steam people started to hire the movie out and the rest as we say in the biz is history. #1 movie of all-time in many lists including www.imdb.com and Empire.

Sure this movie is better than most of my movies in the top 7 but I’m a sucker for mass acceptance and more of a fan of lesser known pieces of art. Silly but it’s me!

Song
Twilight time - Platters
Heavenly shades of night are falling /It's twilight time / Out of the mist your voice is calling / It's twilight time /When purple colored curtains/ Mark the end of the day / I hear you my dear at twilight time

If you have ever been in love, and I’ve been lucky enough to feel it once, then you WILL understand this song. Sure you wouldn’t want to mosh to it but you need a repertoire of songs for ALL of the different emotions and situations you might find yourself on. This is my sitting at home having a candle lit dinner with my wife song, and I love it!

It also doesn’t hurt that I’m a big fan of the Platters, this is another hark back to my childhood and the music my parents listened to.

In a nut shell this song is cooler than the other side of a pillow.

T.V Series
Ned and Stacey - Smoke up the house Ezy-E

This breaks the rule of longevity but not through the fault of Ned Dorsey (Thomas Haden Church) and his crazy antics. Not only did he have to put up with Stacey Colbert (Debra Messing) he also got to play with partner in crime Rico (Greg Germann). Every episode is tried and tested and Ned does NOT come up wanting!

This had to be in my top ten however longevity and other quality shows has it representing the Eight.

Book
Phantom Tollbooth - The Demon of Insincerity

With out a doubt one of the ‘wittiest’ books I have ever read. Short of writing a 1500 word thesis I’ll try to pay tribute and spell it out for you.
Milo finds a package in his bedroom containing a miniature purple tollbooth and a map of the Kingdom of Wisdom. He drives in his toy car, and is instantly transported to Wisdom. Enjoying the ride, he pays no attention to his route and soon becomes lost in the Doldrums, a colorless place where thinking and laughing are not allowed. However, he is found there and rescued by Tock, a watchdog with the body of an alarm clock, who joins him on his journey.
First stop is Dictionopolis, one of two capital cities of Wisdom. They visit the word marketplace, where all the world's words are bought and sold. After an altercation between the Spelling Bee and the blustering Humbug, Milo and Tock are imprisoned by the very short Officer Shrift. In the prison, Milo learns the history of Wisdom. Its two rulers, King Azaz the Unabridged and the Mathemagician, had two adopted younger sisters, Rhyme and Reason, who had settled all disputes in the kingdom. Everyone lived in harmony until the rulers disagreed with the princesses' decision that letters and numbers were equally important. They banished the princesses to the Castle in the Air, and since then, the kingdom has been plagued with discord and disharmony.
Milo and Tock leave the dungeon and attend a banquet given by King Azaz, where the participants literally eat their words. King Azaz allows Milo and the Humbug to talk themselves into a quest to rescue the princesses. Azaz appoints the Humbug as a guide, and he, Milo and Tock set off for the Mathemagician's capital of Digitopolis to get his approval for their quest.
Along the way they meet fantastic characters like Alec Bings, a little boy who sees through things and grows until he reaches the ground, and have adventures like watching Chroma conduct his orchestra in playing the colors of the sunset.
In Digitopolis, their first stop is the mine where numbers are dug out and precious stones are thrown away. They eat subtraction stew, which makes the diner hungrier. The Mathemagician erases the mine with his magic pencil eraser, he and Milo discuss Infinity, and Milo proves to the Mathemagician that he must allow them to rescue the princesses.
In the Mountains of Ignorance, the three intrepid journeyers contend with lurking, obstructionist demons like the Terrible Trivium and the Senses Taker. Milo thwarts them from stopping his quest by using gifts he has received in Wisdom. After overcoming all obstacles and their own fears, the questers reach the Castle in the Air. The two princesses welcome Milo and agree to return to Wisdom. When the group leaves, Tock carries them through the sky, because, after all, time flies. The armies of Wisdom welcome the princesses home, King Azaz and the Mathemagician are reconciled, and all enjoy a three-day celebration of the return of Rhyme and Reason.
This is something I wish I had the talent to write!!

I hope you enjoyed the list! I certainly did!

Until then leanr to use soap!

Top Ten - The Nines

Alrighty then, I sense the Nines coming up. Before I start however I would like to issue a disclaimer. MY top ten is based on my tastes and preferences not what high flying literati deem worthy. My books WON’T include the complete collection of Shakespeare and the bible. My movies WON’T include Citizen Kane (although it’s an awesome movie) or Blue Velvet (another good movie). My songs WON’T include Beethoven’s 9th or Celine Dion. My T.V. series WON’T include documentaries about Hitler or Alzheimer’s Disease. They WILL include entries that have touched and inspired me. Anyway here we go!

Top Ten – The Nines

Movie
El Mariachi - Bucho

This is almost the single biggest force in inspiring me to write for the screen. Robert Rodriguez is a film making tour du force and epitomizes everything I love about the film creation process. Technically El is not Rodriguez’s best outing but for ME watching this (particularly with the audio commentary on) makes me want to grab a camera and shoot!

Song
Killer Queen – Queen - Caviar and cigarettes Well versed in etiquette Extraordinarily nice

Queen had to be in my top ten. The only question was where. As a little boy I would hold a figurine of my mothers and mouth the words as Freddie belted out the words. My dad was a huge fan, my brothers are huge fans and damn it so am I!!! Forget Harvey Milk I’d be more interested in seeing a Mercury movie extravaganza. While living in England when my lovely wife game me the chace to pick a ‘show’to see, we saw We Will Rock You. Front Row centre seat and I was in Queen heaven. Tell me you don't read the above lyrics you don’t start singing the song. Sure there are many other songs by Queen that could have made this list but I had to stick by one and although it changed 5 times, this is it, just finished listening to the Live Killers version and it ROCKS!!!!

T.V. Series
The Twilght Zone - This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call the Twilight Zone.

I’m talking about the Rod Serling series that started in ’59 and lasted 5 seasons. Although I thoroughly enjoyed the ‘80’s series and the movie. Rod Serling’s opening monologue precludes to strange happenings about to be fed into my Gulliver. One of the great things to come out of doing my own top tens (and I recommend you all try for yourself) is the soul searching and surprises that come out of it. This was one of those surprises, I knew I liked The Twilight Zone but how much wasn’t prevalent until I had to place it within a hierarchy.

Book
The Great and Secret Show – Clive Barker – Seth and Owen.

My esteemed brother would be proud that the Liverpoolian homosexual is included here. Ryan got me onto this author and overall I am impressed. TGSS is the epic of epics. So many subplots spin and revolve on a pin head in this strange story, too many for me to blog on about but I will say the characters are rich, plot think and prose silky smooth.

That’s all for the Nines!

Hope you’ve enjoyed it. If not comment! If so comment!

Until then hail to the king baby!

Paper Street Publishing teams up with Tight Spot Productions

I haven't been as excited about a script since the good gentlemen at Lav Productions took on one of my shorts. In a first for me I'm collaborating, although it's with my brother and we have been talking movies since Kurt Russell was rocking out the beard and fighting aliens.

Having written many scripts that have started out well but puttered to a smokey demise, I can sense that this script is polishing up nicely and has already taken on a life and identity. All I will say is that it's titled 'SOAP' and it's NOT an homage to American History X. Watch this space.


I would also like to welcome a very good mate of mine to the real world. AKA share accommodation. He's bought a Wii so I don't think his housemates will kick him out just yet. All hail Roweyboy!!!


As for literature the next post WILL be the nines but I would like to share that I've just started reading Needful Things - Stephen King and there are few authors who can consistently make me excited to delve into the depths of a story.

Until then go Rooboys!!!