With dread in my heart, I approach now, the writing of the next project…

And I take the first step…

While I can write, I find it very hard. Much harder than I think many other writers do. I find it extremely draining, emotionally and physically. And there is a maximum of about three to five hours a day I can write creatively.

I have three main projects on which I am working.

First and foremost is of course Rocketboy. While the script is in very good shape, it does need a massive overhaul to tackle some tonal issues, to reduce the length, and add a few more character and plot ‘things’. It’s about saying more with less.

Second is the horror movie Transplant, which is still at a very detailed treatment stage. I suspect I will spend two days or so on this, getting it into much better shape. Again, shorter, sweeter, tighter. Everything about the story is working well, it’s just baggy. Once this is done, it’s ready to go out as a detailed treatment.

Finally, there is my undisclosed Hollywood blockbuster. This is a very high concept childrens film, and without doubt, it’s the film that pitches the best. I can’t say any more as it’s under wraps. All will be revealed in due course.

So I am going to start this new journey by enrolling myself, as it were, on Jeff Kitchens one say screenwriting seminar. I sold this course last year on DVD, and now it’s my turn to have a day long session with Jeff. Eddie Hamilton just read his book, and gave it a thumbs up, so I am looking forward to this.

I use DVD seminars and audio courses to get myself into the zone. Most of the time I feel myself nodding in agreement with what I am hearing or watching, and for me, the DVD’s and audio courses are like going to have coffee with an old writing friend and script guru. It fires me up. It reminds me of what I know, and blows away the cobwebs.

There are also some movie soundtracks that I listen to ONLY when working on a script. This music can then have a Pavlovian effect on me, getting me juiced up in moments. It’s actually a really powerful tool that I use regularly. You have to be quite disciplined though, and only listen to that specific music when writing or brainstorming a specific project. For Transplant it is ‘The Exorcism of Emily Rose’ and ‘Seven’. For Rocketboy it’s ‘Braveheart’ and the three ‘Free Willy’ films.

Onwards and upwards!

Chris Jones
My movies www.LivingSpiritGroup.com
My Facebook www.Facebook.com/ChrisJonesFilmmaker
My Twitter @LivingSpiritPix