Intro to Screenwriting Week 12: Short Film Presentations

This week we shared our short film first drafts, and were tasked with reading Raising Arizona. 

Short Films 

Going into our presentations of our short film scripts, I was pretty nervous. I was happy with how it turned out, but it is always scary to put your writing out there. 

As a reminder of my script: 

When her anxiety gets out of control, Addie grapples with how she changes as her new medication kicks in, whether for better or worse.

My biggest concern was my portrayal of my main character, Addie, and her struggle. Luckily we were able to talk through it and plan how I could up the impact of it, especially in her final conversation with her best friend, Meg. 

I got some other great feedback though, namely that my opening scene was really great! I am super proud of that part, so I am glad it got a shoutout. 

One option a classmate offered up was showing Addie at a new job or in a new position to show her growth at the end. I did consider this when working on my rewrite, but I like how it starts with her at her desk, and we see that same change in how she approaches her medication back at her desk. 

Revision

I spent a lot of time on the final conversation between Addie and Meg, trying to capture more of how Addie feels about everything. 

I workshopped some dialogue in my notes app and spent a while writing and rewriting. Eventually I landed on a few good lines and integrated them into the lines and action I already had.

I ended up really liking how it came out! I think there is much more depth and emotion there. Check it out!

Screening

This week we read the Coen Brothers’ screenplay for the 1987 film, Raising Arizona. 

After being unable to get pregnant, Hi must find a way to get his wife the baby she’s always wanted while resisting his old life of crime. 

Everyone has heard my rant about the Coen Brother’s and my dislike for their male gaze writing; Raising Arizona is no different. 

I felt like as I read, there were so many unnecessary action scenes that seemed added just to add. 

The story at least is original and often quite funny, it just isn’t my kind of movie. I’m sure it has its place with someone though. 

Conclusion

Revisions of our first draft are due next week and I am excited to see where that takes me! We are wrapping up the semester and I am thrilled with all of the knowledge I am taking away into future pieces of writing and classes!

Check out last week’s post, and stick around for more!