The recent cool event was that writer Jason Webster visited from Spain for a few days, to do a talk for his new book Sacred Sierra. Before we met this time we had already made plans over email to talk ideas and brainstorm/workshop some scripts, but when we got going I think we covered more ground than expected – almost too much.
While walking and talking, sometimes at the same time – talking that is (in a sober state we’re usually both individually able to walk and talk at the same time, if you see what I mean… anyway, moving on), we had soon covered 4 markets in the East End, even before early afternoon; Columbia Rd Mkt, Brick Lane Mkt, Spitalfields and Petticoat Lane.
I live in this part of town, but rarely leave the flat during the day, even for just a stroll around the area (apart from going to the office). My excuse is that I need to work and any time walking around aimlessly is wasted time… no doubt I’m terribly wrong. There is nothing so inspiring as to be overwhelmed by all the people, stalls, shops and hidden away streets and corners, that one finds in East London. I know I’m not the first person to say this, but since I’ve actually just recently discovered this, this info can’t be completely superfluous. I do obviously venture out for a drink from time to time, but then it’s under the cloak of darkness and I admittedly usually don’t remember much when I, in the small hours, return to the flat.
Moving on… What I wanted to talk about in t his post is about how interesting and illuminating it is to discuss film script ideas with other writers and in this specific case, a person who is more used to the format of novels and books. In my opinion it takes much more effort to structure a story on 400 pages than one of 90 pages (90 very sparse pages comparatively), so I start this off feeling hugely intimidated by the prospect of speaking to someone who actually knows how to write and how to write a lot. The second hugely intimidating factor is sharing one’s ideas. I find myself twisting and bending parts of the story we’re supposed to work on together, to somehow disguise it and make it general so that it couldn’t be pinned down. This is ridiculous and I discover this myself after a while. Then I struggle with myself, hard, to let go and really tell the detailed plot I’m thinking of.. surprise(!), this is when my friend begins coming up with the really great and useful ideas and we start getting new inspiration going.
Anyway, after a few hours of juggling ideas about and some early afternoon beers, Jason and I agreed to start a collaboration on an idea that I’ve worked on myself for a while. The idea will need a lot of research and delving into quirky areas of English history – not to mention weaving together a few bits that might not necessarily be obviously connected to begin with. Isn’t that the case many times in film though?
My morals (i have no hopes you’ll intend to follow them, but this is what i’ve come up with): Be open with our ideas, at least with friends you trust creatively and who do similar work as yourself. Put energy into telling them your ideas, what you’re doing and want to do. The feedback is always well worth the risk of loosing the grip of your precious idea. Second; Get inspiration. Get away from the desk. Don’t waste time, but don’t be afraid to go out and get some impressions. Every time I do it I suffer more thinking of the times I didn’t do it, rather than loosing a few hours desk-time right now.
There was some other point I wanted to mention, but I can’t remember it right now, so it’s going to have to wait… I’ve got some script writing to tend to now. See you later.
