Yes, this past week another opportunity dropped onto my desk - this one big. Really big (and not at all writing related). The fact it showed up unexpectedly -- kind of awesome.
Now, truth be told -- this opportunity is totally coming to me at the wrong time. It's not really something I should even be contemplating...but it's just too neat not to try. Sure, the chances are pretty minuscule -- but the opportunity is too awesome for me not to give it a shot.
Anyways, I've sent off what I need to send off. I don't expect to hear more, but hey -- I've given it a good go.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
When did I open the floodgates?
Still waiting to get comments on the pilot back.
Interestingly, finishing the draft of the pilot appears to mean that I have now opened the floodgates to all the other ideas I have had in the last couple of years.
The one yesterday? An anthology pitch.
I've had an idea for another anthology since not long after editing UNDER COVER. I haven't gotten around to writing it up, because I wasn't sure of the angle I wanted to take. Well, that and I had no time to even breathe, much less think about editing.
Yesterday? Well, I got the first draft of the pitch down.
Funny how life works. I do nothing last year...and am now well on the way toward making up for it!
Jana
Interestingly, finishing the draft of the pilot appears to mean that I have now opened the floodgates to all the other ideas I have had in the last couple of years.
The one yesterday? An anthology pitch.
I've had an idea for another anthology since not long after editing UNDER COVER. I haven't gotten around to writing it up, because I wasn't sure of the angle I wanted to take. Well, that and I had no time to even breathe, much less think about editing.
Yesterday? Well, I got the first draft of the pitch down.
Funny how life works. I do nothing last year...and am now well on the way toward making up for it!
Jana
Monday, March 7, 2011
Does it ever get easier?
I mean, seriously. The sheer terror I get when I have to show something I’ve written to another person – it’s kind of crazy. Multiply that panic by a thousand... and that’s the feeling I get when I am writing something entirely new – no matter how much I want to write it.
Take yesterday. I finished my first set of edits on my pilot script.
Brief Aside
One of the outcomes of my three forays at pitching a television show – was the realization that many production companies have no clue what they want. Better to just show them something and let them make a decision based on an actual example (i.e., proof of concept) rather than a pitch. Yes, you need the pitch to get in the door – but offering an example provides a better “visual”.
At the same time, by writing the pilot – I create an example of my own television writing. This gives me more credibility (assuming it’s not awful). So, all in all, a good decision all around.
End Aside
So, back to the pilot. It’s finished and I am now showing it to someone. Fortunately for me, I have a perfect first reader in my brother. He’s been working for a development company for several years. Their current show just got renewed for a second season. He knows what the market wants.
He can give me real feedback on whether it’s any good – and strategic thoughts on how to make it better (assuming it’s not truly awful).
So, why am I nervous?
I wish I knew.
Take yesterday. I finished my first set of edits on my pilot script.
Brief Aside
One of the outcomes of my three forays at pitching a television show – was the realization that many production companies have no clue what they want. Better to just show them something and let them make a decision based on an actual example (i.e., proof of concept) rather than a pitch. Yes, you need the pitch to get in the door – but offering an example provides a better “visual”.
At the same time, by writing the pilot – I create an example of my own television writing. This gives me more credibility (assuming it’s not awful). So, all in all, a good decision all around.
End Aside
So, back to the pilot. It’s finished and I am now showing it to someone. Fortunately for me, I have a perfect first reader in my brother. He’s been working for a development company for several years. Their current show just got renewed for a second season. He knows what the market wants.
He can give me real feedback on whether it’s any good – and strategic thoughts on how to make it better (assuming it’s not truly awful).
So, why am I nervous?
I wish I knew.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Off it goes...
I finished the first draft edits of my TV series pilot episode tonight.
I feel pretty good about it. I am sure it's going to need a ton of work (assuming it's not awful) -- but I think it's a pretty respectable first draft. Final page count was 56.
We'll see what my brother thinks.
As to what it's about...well, I am still not ready to say what the premise is. But I can give you a hint...
To a degree, this story is my take on the secret societies theme of UNDER COVER OF DARKNESS, although the series (in the very unlikely event it ever actually got made) would be purely mainstream.
I'll let you know what my brother's verdict is.
I feel pretty good about it. I am sure it's going to need a ton of work (assuming it's not awful) -- but I think it's a pretty respectable first draft. Final page count was 56.
We'll see what my brother thinks.
As to what it's about...well, I am still not ready to say what the premise is. But I can give you a hint...
To a degree, this story is my take on the secret societies theme of UNDER COVER OF DARKNESS, although the series (in the very unlikely event it ever actually got made) would be purely mainstream.
I'll let you know what my brother's verdict is.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
The first 10 pages
A cold kicked me in the butt this weekend. Despite that, I wanted to keep the momentum going so managed a bit of work.
I didn't do much -- but I did print out the pilot and read/edit the first 10 pages. Doesn't sound like a lot, but hey -- it's one-fifth of the entire show (doesn't that sound better?).
I fully expect the cold to be gone within the next few days, so will hopefully get the rest done next weekend!
I didn't do much -- but I did print out the pilot and read/edit the first 10 pages. Doesn't sound like a lot, but hey -- it's one-fifth of the entire show (doesn't that sound better?).
I fully expect the cold to be gone within the next few days, so will hopefully get the rest done next weekend!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Done the First Draft of the Pilot!
Done!
I feel like I’ve said nothing of importance for months on here ... oh, right – I haven’t.
But, after several weeks of settling into the new job, I’ve finally started to pick up the pieces of my creativity – and to get back to work on projects that matter! And I’m starting off with a bang.
In two weeks, I’ve:
Now, I have a life again – which is a good thing. After all, it means this weekend I will be able to write again. Gad, three weekends in a row. What a crazy thought!
So, what’s on the plate for this weekend? Well, my brother is itching to read the pilot -- so I plan to print it out and make any immediate edits that come to mind.
Top of the list is a minor fix of sub way station names (Castle Frank -- not Donlands).
Second is consolidating a couple of minor characters to reduce the number of people in the episode. Originally, I kept adding new people – but in hind-sight, several could actually be the same.
Third is to fix any other bits and pieces – general editing of scenes, etc.
Finally, I’ll check the act breaks to make sure they work with my brother’s comments/suggestions.
Once that’s done, I’ll send my brother the first draft. This first pass is just to see if it’s not awful.
Assuming that to be the case, he’ll give it a good review and start making comments. At the same time, I’ll work on the rest of the package (i.e., series outline, character sketches, etc.).
We’ll trade off until everything is good – then he’ll get me feedback from a couple of industry folks. I’ll then do another pass at everything.
From there – well, who knows? I’ll worry about that once I know whether it’s not awful!
Jana
I feel like I’ve said nothing of importance for months on here ... oh, right – I haven’t.
But, after several weeks of settling into the new job, I’ve finally started to pick up the pieces of my creativity – and to get back to work on projects that matter! And I’m starting off with a bang.
In two weeks, I’ve:
- Finished the weird Toronto Story (first envisioned several years ago). Currently, the title is “The Everlasting”. It’s a disturbing little thing that gives me the willies just thinking about it.
- Finished the first draft of the pilot episode of my television show. It’s a serial drama with a fair bit of action set in modern day Toronto.
Now, I have a life again – which is a good thing. After all, it means this weekend I will be able to write again. Gad, three weekends in a row. What a crazy thought!
So, what’s on the plate for this weekend? Well, my brother is itching to read the pilot -- so I plan to print it out and make any immediate edits that come to mind.
Top of the list is a minor fix of sub way station names (Castle Frank -- not Donlands).
Second is consolidating a couple of minor characters to reduce the number of people in the episode. Originally, I kept adding new people – but in hind-sight, several could actually be the same.
Third is to fix any other bits and pieces – general editing of scenes, etc.
Finally, I’ll check the act breaks to make sure they work with my brother’s comments/suggestions.
Once that’s done, I’ll send my brother the first draft. This first pass is just to see if it’s not awful.
Assuming that to be the case, he’ll give it a good review and start making comments. At the same time, I’ll work on the rest of the package (i.e., series outline, character sketches, etc.).
We’ll trade off until everything is good – then he’ll get me feedback from a couple of industry folks. I’ll then do another pass at everything.
From there – well, who knows? I’ll worry about that once I know whether it’s not awful!
Jana
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
New Job
I did say that the Year of Reinvention has started with a bang. The bang being a completely new job.
I love consulting, but when the opportunity for a role in our communications group came up -- I couldn't say no. This position will give me the chance to take all the stuff I like about consulting and apply them in an area where I can do good for the entire firm, working to ensure communications and marketing are responsive to client needs. At the same time I hope to have a more balanced life.
My role will be Manager - Client Communications and Marketing.
It should be a lot of fun -- a new challenge, and one that leverages my existing experience and my interest in writing. I think this could be a very good opportunity for me.
Wish me luck!
I love consulting, but when the opportunity for a role in our communications group came up -- I couldn't say no. This position will give me the chance to take all the stuff I like about consulting and apply them in an area where I can do good for the entire firm, working to ensure communications and marketing are responsive to client needs. At the same time I hope to have a more balanced life.
My role will be Manager - Client Communications and Marketing.
It should be a lot of fun -- a new challenge, and one that leverages my existing experience and my interest in writing. I think this could be a very good opportunity for me.
Wish me luck!
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