Well, it's hard to believe it is already February. Time flies when you're having fun, right?! January saw my original screenplay of Bipolar get before the eyes of two film industry professionals who gave honest and constructive feedback. The final determination is that it needed some rewrites and revision, so back to the drawing board I went.
I am currently in those revisions and really like what it is becoming.
Whenever you have a project of your own, you are always bias as to the quality and promise for your screenplay and film, but you have to be open to the reality that others may not share your same thoughts and opinions...and that's okay. I think it is very important to 'agree to disagree'.
The film industry, business is highly layered in rejection and the competition is fierce in all aspects. Nonetheless, another reality is that the film industry is also one which is very subjective, which in turn brings back the optimism that one person's likes or dislikes of a film, project or screenplay, doesn't necessarily reflect on everyone else's opinion of that same project. You have to stay positive, stay focused and believe that what you are doing is going to appeal to many and will be successful.
I was a little saddened at first when I saw Silver Linings Playbook in theaters. It was based upon an individual with Bipolar Disorder and how his life and those around him, was affected by the illness. In essence, it was the storyline I have been trying to write and make into a film for the last twelve years. My first draft of my screenplay entitled Bipolar, was first written back in 2002 and has seen many revisions in those years. I had always hoped to be the first to bring that kind of story to a larger audience, in a theatrical release. With that said, I was absolutely blown away at the quality of the story and the performances of the actors as they did an incredible job to show the illness in an enlightening and entertaining fashion.
Which brings me back to my own screenplay, Bipolar and its future. I have every intention of finishing the screenplay revision and bringing a 'different', but enlightening story to the big screen as well. There is always a story to tell and if you look at the history of movies, there are always new ways to tell a story and make it unique. So stay tuned...it's coming!
That brings me to my second project in the tale of two movies. I am currently working on a second project that is very different than the drama of Bipolar. It is a suspense, thriller that I am very excited about. I am in the final stages of the screenplay and early preproduction. Less is more right now, so I will keep you up to date as things progress.
Financing will continue for both films and will be ongoing. Financing in and of itself, is a long and arduous process, but done the right way has long standing benefits for a film project. Seeking investors is always a challenge, but there are people out there who are looking to be a part of something creative and it is possible.
In the meantime, my independent film and commercial acting continues and each new day is a new adventure. I've always liked the quote from Tom Hanks in the movie Castaway, "Tomorrow the sun will rise, and who knows what the tide will bring in." Stay positive. Stay optimistic. Always!
