My name is Michelle. I joined Stage 32 in January this year. I took Ana Henry's, "Television Pilot Story Structure" webinar on Stage 32 which was amazing.
Eventually I set out to write my first pilot screenplay. It is based on a short film I wrote and directed for a 72-hour film challenge called, "Festivus for the Rest of Us". Yup, a Sci-Fi comic adventure, why not. It was ambitious, slightly ridiculous to say the least, BUT we finished on time. Despite its warts it had loads of heart because of the lovely people I worked with. I was lucky. I learned a ton, and I wanted to develop it, see where it would take me. Fast forward to now.
I entered my first screenwriting competition for a pilot. 1. I love deadlines. 2. I wanted and need feedback.
It's great to be here will all of you.
I just noticed Eyo Obot's response to someone on here. Eyo writes, "One thing with "story" is that as you work on it it gives birth to more ideas that will add depth to your original idea." So true! For me writing is forever journey.
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Welcome!
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Glad to meet you, Michelle Frey. I've heard of 48-hour film challenges, but I'm not sure if I've heard of 72-hour film challenges. I was thinking of writing a script for a film challenge, then finding a team to film it. I still might do it. Are any of your experimental films online to watch?
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Hi Maurice, great to meet you. The 72-hour film jam was an event organized by Cinevic, an artist run group for independent filmmakers and media artists. I do these things for the challenge of it and once it has shown I move on to the next thing. But I should start uploading/archiving more of my work.
I do have a film, "The Bellman's Map" on Vimeo. It was for a One Take Super 8 challenge I did a few years ago. https://vimeo.com/333228716. I had a couple of months to do it, but the whole thing had to be filmed, from start to finish, in sequential order. And you wouldn’t know if, or how your film turned out until screening day.
The 72-hour challenge was an incredible experience. It was shown live in a theatre and then tucked away.
I am still very new at this. Perhaps the more experienced you are the easier it will be, maybe? I think having a good team of people to work with is key. For me there was little or no sleep, lots of laughter and tons of support from the people who worked with me. Any angst I may have felt was kept locked up tight. The ups and downs, emotions, head butting, challenges, and surprises that can happen making a film on a longer timeline are squished into a very short (intense) period. In the end I learned a lot about myself.
I would love to see your film.
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Michelle Frey when I went to add your request to join, it was inadvertently deleted. Please resubmit. Thank you in advance.
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Done, thank you Tasha.
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Let me know if you need help again!
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I really like "The Bellman's Map," Michelle Frey. Very unique film and entertaining. It has the look of those old, no-dialogue movies. Great job.
I think the more films you make, the easier it'll get. At least that's the way it is with writing scripts.
If I end up putting together a team for a 72-hour film challenge, I'll let you know and post the video on here.
I followed your Vimeo channel. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing more of your work.
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Thank you, Maurice. You've given me a little spark, a definite nudge :)
Yes, I think the more we do something the more we learn, if willing.
I find this to be the case with my sound design work. I can figure out problems and come up with ideas quickly, almost intuitively. It feels magical, but really it's because I've been doing it for a long, long time, and had a variety experiences too. That's not to say there aren't challenges, though. That's what keeps things sparky! and fun!
Scope is important too. Last year I did another super8 challenge. My first idea was big, and I wanted stop motion to be a part of it...yikes! Luckily, I like to have a plan, and a shooting schedule (probably a good thing, right?). So, (though I did pout a bit) I tossed away that idea and did something else, quite different.
I look forward to seeing your films.2 people like this
Welcome, Michelle! Nice to meet you. Glad you're here. I'm glad to be on the same journey as you are!
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You're welcome, Michelle Frey. Glad I was able to give you a little spark and nudge. You said, "My first idea was big, and I wanted stop motion to be a part of it." Was it an Animation project?
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Yes, I wanted to incorporate stop motion animation in some way. I am inspired by the work of the visual artist/animator/interdisciplinary performance artist... William Kentridge.
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Great, Michelle! Stop-motion Animation is my favorite. I haven't heard of William Kentridge, but I looked him up. He has some great artwork.
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Hi Michelle Frey - so nice to meet you! Congratulations on completing your first screenplay!
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Thank you, Shellie. Great to meet you.
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Congrats! I love writing for television