deep and crisp and even

Ok not deep at all, not very crisp and certainly not even but... overnight it SNOWED!!! My digital camera has died but as soon as I can borrow one, I'll have proof, although what crunchy white stuff there is, has started to melt away now the sun has come out.

Is it snowing where you are?

(pic added)

Wishing

(an original promo poster for 'Black Narcissus' from foreign lands, featuring Jean Simmons as Kanchi)

Popped along to the Filmhouse on Thursday to celebrate the MA graduating class of the Screen Academy, and in particular the Screenwriters. Was lovely to see everyone suited and booted, and swishing about proud of their scrolls. It was quite moving talking to people as they looked forward to adventures still to come - I had wondered if it might be a little maudlin, but thankfully it seemed hopeful and sort of shiny. Wonder what it will feel like when I'm in the same position (fingers crossed) next year - I hope to be of a positive frame of mind, and looking forward.

On another note, I've put it off for years so as not to spoil the experience, but am finally reading the novel version of 'Black Narcissus' by Rumer Godden, probably my most favourite film ever. It's so far not disappointing, and is surprisingly similar to the film, yet I'm picturing the characters entirely differently, but not in a ruinous way - it's just... different. I'm enjoying it. I suppose part of me wondered if it would dull my experience of the film or change it in some way, but not at all. I think by now, just about every image and word from the film is imprinted on me - I've seen it so many times, and it never gets old. I'm still surprised how few people I meet have seen it - and of those who have, how few love it passionately. I've met 1 person so far who calls it a 'favourite' - there must be more!

The film's title comes from the name of a scent that one of the characters wears. A part of me wishes that you could actually buy perfume called 'Black Narcissus' as it sounds so gorgeous, exotic, and evokes mysticism and forever. Which is strange, as it's a film ostensibly about nuns struggling in a difficult environment but of course is about a lot more than that... and I won't spoil it for you by writing details. Go and watch it - it might just make you wish for something you didn't know you wanted.

Time after time

Reflecting today, and looking over what I need to get finished writing-wise over the next few weeks before Santa thuds down the chimney. October was spent pretty-much getting into the jist of my new course at the Screen Academy. I've gone from 1 day a week to now 3 days, and whilst I'm loving it, it's a LOT more work. Sure things will settle in soon though as I get used to the new regime.

We have a budget for the production of a short film as part of the course, so I'm already starting to work out how far it's going to stretch. We have good quality camera, sound, lighting and post-production equipment available from the Uni, so the budget will stretch that much further. The first draft's done and seems to be getting there - few issues resolved, a few redrafts, and a bit of work on the beginning, and I think it's on its way. I have to pitch it to a panel in early December, hopefully with my Producer, to actually get hold of the budget, but hopefully that will be more of a rubber-stamp as long as we've done all the preparatory work. The finished short will almost certainly be screened at a showcase next year, so no pressure there then - eek - but it IS exciting! Next step after redraft - confirm Producer, discuss Directors (have a few ideas and had a few approaches), and start scheduling/budget. Work-shopped that script last week, and it got largely positive responses. Learnt one valuable lesson - NEVER wave your hands around too much when discussing a sex scene, you're just asking for trouble (note to self - sit on hands next time).

Construct an entertaining (!) 10-15 minute pitch for an event in November.

Work up a treatment for a short, possibly for a TV thing involving other writers.

Redraft my drama/thriller feature for an interested party.

Also need to finish and redraft an experimental short horror I'm writing, which is entirely without dialogue. Seems to be working, but need to get through to the end and then start rejigging it about before I have to discuss it critically at my next presentation, again in December.

Have to come up with some ideas for a short placement that will benefit me, to happen in 2009 - thinking of getting some insight into script development/reading/editing - have to allocate some decent time for looking into this.

Need to confirm some interviews I've lined up for a case study - I'm hoping to talk to a range of working screenwriters. Have so far had a 'yes' from a couple, and need to put aside a block of time to do this properly. Last thing I want to do is waste the time of busy people who are doing me a favour! Anyone out there in blog-land who wouldn't mind being quizzed about their intimate (screenwriting) details, please let me know.

Plan to put together a short theatre piece around 4 mins for a performance opportunity in December. Need to get that tied up in 2 weeks. Am thinking a 2-hander with minimum props or stage direction.

Need to make a living - ah that old chestnut.....

And of course. Sleep. Eat. That kind of stuff.

My MA class graduate today - I feel a little pang that I'm not there with them - but hopefully next year, it'll be me getting a terrible photograph taken as I clutch a scroll. Hope you all have a blast! xx

Days Like This

At the last moment, on the last day (today), I submitted to 'Days Like This' at The Scottish Book Trust. I wasn't going to put anything in, then I read this post which inspired me to write about something that matters. So I did. Thanks Potdoll.