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So long for being in a Jude Law State of Mind - Case of the Never Ending Screenplay, Part 3 #indiefilm #amwriting
Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 9:43PM 
What follows is the third and final installment in a series of Jude Law quotes that I’ve kept in mind while trying to find the right motivations for getting to the final draft stage of a short screenplay that has often been a pain in my rear, for several weeks. The first (Part 1) and second (Part 2) posts containing my script writing notes may be of interest those of you who missed them.
“I don't want to do anything that I'm not passionate about.” - Jude Law
All I could think when reading this is that it applies to so many aspects of life, not just filmmaking. In fact, this particular Jude Law quote reminds me of my blog post about Russian Roulette and how we gamble with our lives in some respects but avoid taking chances at all costs when it comes to other areas of our existence that really matter the most. Bottom line: Put your energy into the activities, objects, subjects, people, places, experiences, etc. that you care about and let the rest move over to the sidelines.
In the case of my script, I suppose I need to hone in on what I’m really trying to say with this particular short story -- what is the message? Why do I care about it? How can I make the characters convey this message? These are the questions that I should really have an answer to before calling “Action!” or else it will turn into another project that I look at and think “Eh! I finished it *Shrugs shoulders* so, what’s next?” -- and I surely don’t want any parts of that.
Since January, I’ve had moments where I felt like I just wanted to shoot the darn thing and get it over with so I could move on to the next project. That is NOT the best kind of motivation that should make anyone do anything, no matter if it involves making films, babysitting someone’s kid, attending a family reunion, buying a house, going to work at a job you hate or whatever the case may be. If we’re already looking for the exit door or closing performance before we enter a room, then maybe that’s a sign that we shouldn’t be there in the first place.
In the case of this short film script that I’m trying not to fling out of the window, the final draft hasn’t even been completed yet and I’ve already started hearing the fat lady sing. So, I’m hoping that this newfound enthusiasm for the third storyline that I’m embarking on remains all the way through the entire screenwriting process. Or else, it may be time for me to just put this thing on the shelf and go forward with the feature film that sparked my paranoia for the habitual film industry dream crusher that is 10-year development.
Reader Comments (4)
Aw yeah, let's hear it for the 10-year project! I firmly believe in the 20-year timeline. Can't afford to rush perfection, you know? ;-)
So true. It is best to go forth with our tasks with a mind wanting to do it, not just getting it done or out of the way. I hope things continue well with the short film script currently in question.
I'm working on those "I should". As in, I should go to that party to show my respect, but what's the point? Is it respectful when I don't want to be there? A friend in therapy told me that we have permission to do our "I want to" provided we have the energy to do that, and then skip the "I should" unless they turn into "I want." I think that applies to your dilemma here.
Tina @ Life is Good, AKA: The Alphabet Wizard
Herman,
You're right on target! Nothing beats a 20-year plan, where perfection is concerned. It might be just the thing that leads to us going "shoulda, coulda, woulda...." when we're like eighty years old. Ha! ;)
Angela,
It's no fun and there is no use in doing something if you're just going through the motions. Thanks for the hopeful wishes :)
Tina,
I think you're (and your therapy friend) onto something there...giving into the "I Should" results in staring at the clock while at the party, yet, there are other options for putting energy into those "wants," if we allow ourselves to re-channel that energy in the direction that feeds our soul.