I've just returned from Block Island, Rhode Island, home of the 2023 Block Island Film Festival. My reason for attending was in support of my third "Best Screenplay" nomination in a row (having won The Lighthouse Award in 2021 for my supernatural thriller, THE DRESS.). Screenwriting Finalists are invited to share their thoughts with the fest audience as part of a Q & A forum (see photo. I'm seated far right.), which brings me to this point: I've created a character in my latest script who pretty much mirrors what I have done-- Attend a festival and offer unique perspectives to the general public. And yet, we DO have stark differences: He's an actor and I'm a screenwriter. He murders people and I don't.
Question: What experiences have you had that reflect a character you have created?
BONUS EXPERIENCE: Shortly after writing THE DRESS, which concludes at The HOLLYWOOD sign, a friend and I flew out to Los Angeles for a sight-seeing vacation, where we took a guided hiking tour to the world-famous landmark. When we finally reached our destination, I experienced something very surreal--- witnessing the back of the sign. The same view my protagonist has. I was seeing, for the first time, what he sees.
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Bill Brock There's been times when I was writing and the scene, action, etc. reminded me of something I did in real life. It's a shock every time it happens. I think writers write about their experiences whether they know they're doing it or not.
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That must have been surreal! He beat you to it! Let's hope you don't keep following in his footsteps, eh?
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I wrote a screenplay about a passionate activist trying to save the planet. Then I stopped screenplay writing and focused on being an activist trying to save the planet.
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Sarah Gabrielle Baron HA! Sarah! Good call! I promise not to murder anyone..... until I get to the set. ; ) Oh, and GREAT example about saving the planet. Why write it when you can DO it? : )
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Maurice Vaughan Agreed, Maurice. Shock is right! I wanted to make the hike and the script was the furthest thing from my mind during the journey up the mountain. I had no idea we were going to end BEHIND the sign, so when we stood there and looked out over the city--- THAT'S when it hit me! OMG! I'm seeing what my character, Steve Harp, sees!!! : ) I'll NEVER forget it.
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Ty Strange HA! I got one better, Ty-- BROCK ISLAND!!! I kept pushing that saying the whole time I was there! You definitely have a wonderful writing process, Ty. Not recreating the experience, but attaching its essence. BRAVO! I may have to give that one a try! : )
Sounds like it was a pretty cool experience, Bill Brock. How big is the Hollywood sign in real life?
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Maurice Vaughan Good question, Maurice. Each letter is 30 feet wide and 50 feet high. Photo taken the day of my "discovery." : )
50 feet x 30 feet is pretty big, Bill Brock. Look at that view!
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Maurice Vaughan Definitely! Put this one on your bucket list! Spectacular!!
It's on my bucket list now, Bill Brock. That reminds me of the movie "The Bucket List" with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman.