Dispatch From The Quest: Miranda Sajdak
Over the course of the 24 weeks I am working with the writers in The Quest, each will write a weekly dispatch to share with the GITS community. There are several reasons for doing this, the main one educational: Hopefully you will learn something of value for your own understanding of the craft from the experiences of the Questers. I should also add they are a great group of people, so I expect you will enjoy getting to know them.
Today: Miranda shares how she and writing partner Sandy are researching their story:
This week in The Quest, we’re analyzing concept. Starting from square one really does mean beginning with the basics, and it’s nice to feel like we’re going to be able to move forward with a strong foundation. Sandra and I have been spending some really intense time researching films that are similar to our idea, and it’s been a joy to get to revisit some classic movies that truly inspire us (full disclosure: we have also seen some movies that really depressed us). This week’s readings were focused on coming up with a new take on our logline, and knowing what’s really at the core of the concept that will (hopefully) excite readers and audiences.
To a large extent, week 2 has helped build my confidence in our project. While Sandra and I have a combined 20 years in the business, we haven’t ever delved specifically into writing together before, so there have certainly been challenges. That said, our background in film and television has really helped me feel like I have entered week 2 with a solid beginning on which to build.
One of the best elements of this intensive, aside from the lectures and the research, has really been the opportunity to work more closely with Sandra on expanding our concept. We’ve had a number of discussions apart from our weekly teleconferences, and, each time, I feel like we get closer and closer to what our final idea will be. Even if it’s just a quick email about a line of dialogue that we think might work, or a full-blown debate over character motivation, we’ve really begun to peel the layers away from our core concept. This week has truly helped bring that to light even more, and I’m left feeling motivated by our journey so far. Lao-tzu once said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” I’m entering our third week feeling like we’re already a dozen steps in, and the journey ahead seems more exciting with every step.
The Questers are doing some research during the Core part of the process, including watching movies and reading scripts that are in the vein of their stories. There are several good reasons to do this:
* To know what has come before: Everything from overall plot to character iterations down to specific set pieces and story beats. This is important to avoid duplication.
* To get a sense of tone: One way to help a writer determine the tone they want to give their story is to watch movies or read scripts in the same genre and get a sense of their tone, a way of calibrating one’s sensibilities.
* To see what works and doesn’t work: To avoid missteps and aim for narrative elements that can succeed, see what has risen or fallen in previous films.
And, of course, inspiration!
One important note: In my view, while it may be helpful to watch movies and read scripts of movies in the same genre of the project you are writing, that’s only the case during the research phase. Once the Questers move into prep, I have told them in the strongest terms possible not to watch similar movies or read similar scripts. Why? They need to write their own story. Moreover once they start crafting their story in earnest, I don’t want them to run the risk being influenced by this or that film project which can lead to confusion and second-guessing.
All of this is advice I would give you as well.
If you have any questions for Miranda or thoughts on how to research a story, head to comments to share your observations.
Tomorrow: Another Dispatch From The Quest.
About Miranda: New Englander turned Angeleno by way of New York. Enjoys: high-powered action films, dark dramas, and ’90s legal thrillers. Does not enjoy: the dentist. Mushrooms. @ScriptChix.
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