When I started this blog, some of it was because it seemed to be an interesting outlet for people like my friend Alex. I thought that it might give me a chance to sharpen my procrastination to at least some worthwhile pursuit.
But in the back of my mind there was another reason. I was inspired first by some of the bigger screenwriter blogs I'd found, such as Artful Writer or Rogers or John August. But as much as they were saying things that really helped, I was more interested in some of the few UK screenwriter blogs. Because there were people struggling with a more anemic industry. Something closer to my own experience in Canada.
It's easy to feel isolated in Canada. Not just because it's cold and sparsely populated. (It's not quie so fun as they made it out to be in that hilarious "Let's Go To The Mall" Alanis-takeoff on How I Met Your Mother on Monday.) It's easy to feel isolated because people are naturally more guarded, and less forthcoming. "Nice" does not mean "Friendly" and "Open." In fact, "Nice" can sometimes be used to keep you at more of a distance.
The industry up here also conspires to keep creative people apart. Networks don't want to meet with writers too much. Agents don't really look for new clients. There aren't any writing rooms. Development stretches on forever.
I wanted to hear from some of the people I knew were out there, who had more experience than I did, as a mid-level wrier still building their career.
Well, that part of this has turned out to be a resounding success. Since I started this up, I've met and chatted either virtually or in person with a number of Canadian writers who I've heard of, and admired, and never met. I've also finally started hearing stories from the trenches from people who have a lot more in this industry than I do.
Jim Henshaw's one of those people. I met him at the Film Centre Barbecue last year. He's now blogging. Get enough of us going and by God, we'll turn this boat around.
Go read him smack down Alan Smithee, and share a story that makes me curl my toes with happy "you're not alone" recognition; meanwhile, I gotta go hit a story room. Ah, the glamor.
The Legion of Decency, Jim's Blog, is here.
2 comments:
Hey Denis,
Thanks so much for the kind words and the link. And like so much of what you write here, it's right to the point. The problems we all face in this industry are easy to solve. It just requires putting our sacred cows out to pasture and honestly discussing alternatives. Somebody once asked Ernest Hemingway the best advice he could give struggling writers. He shrugged and said, "Stop struggling." I'm up for that ice cream thing anytime. keep doing what you're doing.
Best,
Jim Henshaw
Hi Denis,
While you may have been interested in sparking discussions with writers who have more experience than you do as a "mid-level writer still building their career", as an emerging-level writer with barely a career, I'd like to thank you for sharing your experiences to begin with.
Cheers,
Marilyn (a frequent lurker 'round these parts)
Post a Comment