ANDRE BEGIN

In my journey as a writer, writing articles and blog posts of around 1000 words was definitely a sweet spot for me to be able to tell stories in my spare time around my work schedule. The feedback and comments I received along the way helped me to find my voice as a budding creative writer and to refine my style.

At the same time, deep down I had another dream: screenwriting. When the career years were behind me, with more free time on my hands, it was time to take action.

I started by reading several books about screenwriting which were most valuable in validating what I already suspected based on my own observations of TV and cinema. The authors, backed by industry experience, were instrumental in helping me to realize that there was a name for all of the techniques I observed and how to leverage them when building a script.

My first undertaking, to prove to myself that I could, was to write for TV. This seemed to be a very natural first step for me as over the years as I wasn’t just watching TV, I was studying TV.

My first project was a little ambitious. I wanted to write an entire series that had been percolating in my head for quite some time. I was able to complete a first draft in a few months, while at the same time still keeping the blog fresh with one new article each week.

To me, the next logical challenge was a movie script.

Having been a fan of Christmas movies to kick back and relax during the rush of preparations for the holidays, I always found them as a soothing antidote to a busy life as I’m certain is also the case for many people.

I had an idea for a Christmas story loosely based on some of my own experiences which I could weave into an original movie that was timely, relevant and to which many could likely identify.

I got to work on my first draft, which, to my great surprise I was able to produce 50 pages of the script rather easily. Even though the story was a fusion of experience and imagination, the main beats driving the story were rock solid in my mind, which made writing the first draft fairly straightforward. Beginner’s luck?

And then the writers’ strike happened.

Out of solidarity to my fellow writers on the picket line, I decided to put down the pen on my Christmas movie. My rationale was that if I stood to gain from the benefits that they achieved, it only made sense for me to stop working on the script, even if I wasn’t a union member. I decided to shift my focus exclusively to the blog.

When the strike was over, I kept saying to myself I would get back to it, but I was deeply into a long overdue clean-up of the blog, polishing older pieces that didn’t reflect my current style.

After a metaphoric kick in the pants from my writing group, I made the time and headspace to arrange my schedule to make room for both projects.
Once I did, despite the time and distance I had from my characters, a gentle exercise in reading and editing was all I needed to get re-situated and to remember where I left off.

When I did get back to writing in earnest to finish what I started, it was a delightful reunion, reconnecting with these characters who waited so patiently for me to return.

I believe that one of the reasons why I enjoy the movie script format so much is because it offers the writer between approximately 90 to 100 pages to tell a story. It’s more than a single episode of a TV show, but not as much as a series to fully flesh out characters and storylines.

A movie script is a great balance between the two because the writer needs to be vigilant in carefully choosing and using elements that will drive the story forward. In that short time, there is no room for throwaway statements or actions. Every element needs to serve a purpose.

Another part I enjoy is the need to ensure that each character, action and line of dialogue maintains its consistency to the story’s history and trajectory to ensure continuity every step of the way.

Also, there is the matter of having each character living in their own little orbit, at their own speed, but gravitating toward a common convergence point at the climax of the story.

I like to think that all of these little puzzles help keep the brain sharp.

In having recently put the finishing touches on the script, I am beyond delighted and proud at how this project came together and for which I am very proud of the result.

The next movie project will likely be a sequel to the story, taking the same characters to a point in time one year later, dealing with another challenge that forms the spine of the story.

From there, I will have to return to my notes to determine which story will be out of the gate as the next project to build up my portfolio. With a number of plots and characters that have been in my subconscious for 10 to 15 years it’s not for a lack of ideas, it’s a question of which one calls to me the strongest.

Either way, I am most delighted to have the time, the headspace and the voracious appetite for creativity to be able to throw myself at these projects and to enjoy them to the extent that I have.

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Sincere thanks for reading!
Have a great day,
André