So... I've optioned two feature scripts so far this year. Both of those are stuck in development hell, but hey, that's just a part of the game. I still count 'em, because they still count.
But about a month ago, I wrote what I think is the best script I've ever written. It is the most personal story I've ever told (even though BlackBird is my ACTUAL life, this feels closer!)
Normally, with all my other scripts (almost 20, count 'em), they are not my babies. They are my products. I created them in order to sell them. I love them, don't get me wrong, they are carefully crafted pieces of art. I worked hard on them, I love them, but they are not mine to tell. They are for someone else to take on and create something with.
And then, It Was You strolled into my brain, fully formed. I wrote it in 13 hours.
And when I typed The End, I felt my heart break, because I KNEW, immediately that this was the one story I could not bear to give away. I could not bear to not be involved in its completion, in its inception. I had to carry THIS baby to term, and raise it, and send it off to college.
24 hours after I finished it, I had a director attached (which later fell apart, but it's okay, it all comes up roses). I put a casting call out, and within 8 MINUTES I had the roles filled with EXACTLY the people I had written it for (I didn't even need to audition them, because the characters had literally been created for these specific actors).
A week after that, we'd the table read done.
Two weeks after that, our director shifted into the producer role, which means we have a tremendous avenue towards funding.
On the 26th ov November, we're shooting a proof of concept with one of the brightest and best DOPs in the country.
How tf...
I never intended to be a producer. Now I am one, coordinating schedules, securing funding, working through insurance, and accounting, and staffing line producers, hiring PAs, securing catering deals.
I always just wanted to be a writer, and I was SO vocal about that.
But look what happened... I morphed, and as I morphed, I learned. And now that I've started learning, I never, ever, ever want to stop learning more.
I cannot WAIT to share It Was You with you.
It's my baby!!!
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Congrats on the success, Ronika. Looking forward to hearing more as the project goes along.
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Very funny. They're not my babies... and suddenly you stand there with a great DOP.
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Amazing Ronika, what an incredible story. It's amazing how our roles change (and grow!) on projects we invest in emotionally. Can't wait to see your proof of concept.
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I think this is wonderful and very inspiring. Congratulations.
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Congratulations! Excellent that you allowed the path to rollout into new opportunities. Keep it going!
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Honestly incredible, Ronika. Best of luck to you going forward!
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Congratulations! You’re in the middle of making magic happen! Keep going!