Your Stage : I have written many scripts over the past 45 years. by Don Patterson

Don Patterson

I have written many scripts over the past 45 years.

Am I a serious film-maker? I have written many scripts over the past 45 years. Never pitched one because I have no interest in pitching. My procedure was that I would first write the outline, then the script (following McKee's 'rules' -- 3 act play/plot points/character arcs, etc.). Set the script aside to collect dust for several months, then start my first rewrite -- with a cleared mind (e.g. 2 older scripts are located on my personal Stage 32 site for your perusal -- and they have been there for many years). I have a love for all faucets of film-making. The 39 scripts written since 1975, were movies I wanted to make. I utilized the writing 'tricks', from ending page one with a question to writing as if you were watching the movie -- avoiding too much description or pointless dialogue. I would host fun, read-throughs with friends as cast. Have librarians read and let me know on story originality, grammar and story-believability. Then I would go out and make trailer(s) for those script(s) using no name actors (e.g. see my site on stage 32). I have also made several short, indie and low-budget narratives and documentaries. Latest at https://youtu.be/GcItmnv_SS8. I never did this for profit or fame, but for the love of "creating something from nothing". Script to scream. I try to do it all, lighting, audio, directing, acting, cinematography, editing -- because I love the 'doing' -- the story telling. Always working to be a true 'solo' film-maker. Even made my own soundtracks (do a search on One St. Stephen). Learning to become better with every project for self-satisfaction and the challenge. Does this make me a serious film-maker? My lack of seeking profit -- does that make my words on paper, stories I have created on film -- 8mm, 16mm (1960 -- 70s), VHS, Hi-8, DVcam, HD and 4K ((1980 - 2020) less acceptable to others? Because I never sought a profit? My goal was never to be rich or famous. I sought merely to "make something from nothing". Comments (see e.g. on my STAGE 32 site)? Love to hear from anyone. Did I waste my 70 years (having a blast while never making a dime profit)?

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