Lessons learned…
2 Jun
I saw a movie last night (which shall go unnamed for now, as to not spoil anyone) that reminded me of how easy it is to lose track of a story, and forget what’s important. It reminded me of how critical it is to edit well (cutting out scenes and characters who don’t matter), how vital chemistry is — and how, when you promise romance in your set-up, you better deliver, and deliver well (or have a darn good reason for not doing so).
There were so many lost opportunities last night, which could have turned a mediocre movie into something spectacular. But that shouldn’t come as a surprise, really. As artists and human beings, we are good at creating our own lost opportunities.
There’s nothing easier, when you get wrapped up in a story — in some cool element that you think is vital, outrageous, a 10-plus “wow” on the scale of “wowsy” — only to realize later that all that “coolness” didn’t progress the story or the characters. It was just there because it was pretty.
I’ve done that time and time again. I’ve written characters who didn’t need to exist, who served nothing in the way of the story — I’ve written scenes of mayhem that I loved, but had to delete (like those characters) because there was no point to them. And it’s not bad that I wrote them. It was good for me. It was good for the book. You have to throw this stuff out there to see what sticks and develops. You have to let your creative spirit run free when you’re writing. It’s just that in the aftermath, you also need to know when to let go, and slash, and burn. And re-build from the lesson learned.
Every movement, brushstroke and note; each word and scene, and character. If it doesn’t need to be there, don’t use it. Or find a way to make it matter.
A pyrokinetic and former car thief, Eddie cannot refuse an assignment to cross the continent in order to rescue an extraordinary woman in peril…even though he fears losing control of the destructive power of flame at his fingertips.
The last of her shape-shifting kind, Lyssa hides in the abandoned tunnels beneath Manhattan. Like Eddie, fire is her weapon, her destiny…and her curse. For beneath Lyssa’s extraordinary beauty are dangerous secrets…and even darker, nearly irresistible urges... (November 2011)
When the bond Maxine Kiss shares with Zee and the boys-the demons tattooed on her skin-is deliberately severed, the hunter is left vulnerable and unprotected. For the first time in ten thousand years, the boys have a taste of freedom-without Maxine’s guiding influence.
As they grow more violent and unpredictable, Maxine starts to fear the little demons will lose their minds without their attachment to her. But reuniting won’t be easy, as a great temptation waits for her little demons : a chance to return to their lives….and unleash hell on earth. (December 2011)
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Excellent advice!
I think that I saw the movie you are talking about and I absolutely agree with your thoughts. It was a shame because the concept was promising. I am sure you could have written a better film and added some decent romance.
I know what movie you are talking about. I was disappointed about undeveloped plot points but I was still entertained. The creepy factor was great…
but i agree it sucks so much when you see the potential that just a little bit of tweaking could have made an amazing film