JohnDoe
Bryn
Brenton
Tales From The Script (2009) - Trailer Included
The Fear and Loathing in Scriptland
Tales From The Script - The Book and The DVD available now
Writer/Director: Peter Hanson and Paul Robert Hermann
Starring: Shane Black, John Carpenter, Paul Schrader, William Goldman, Frank Darabont, Mark Fergus, John August, Allison Anders, Larry Cohen, John D. Brancato, Steven E. de Souza, Mick Garris, Guinevere Turner
Most of us film geeks at one stage or another have toyed with the idea of writing a movie all our own, but what does it really take to succeed in the industry? How does one go from sitting in their decrepit little cave punching away on the keyboard to seeing their words transmogrified onto cinema screens. Well, the beginnings of answer are found here in this book come interview footage documentary.
Initially released in paperback, Tales From the Script is a frank attempt at revealing the inner machinations of navigating the dream factory. Ranging from the obscure to the legends of the business this talking heads piece discusses the practicalities and brutal realities of a career in screenwriter.
Paul Schrader's desperate voice of reason.
Anecdotal and also personal, a cavalcade of script architects offer insight into achieving the impossible within an industry that according to William Goldman, “no one knows anything”.
Just to give you an idea, some of the names that share their experiences breaking in, revelations on the system and daily work habits include:
Shane Black (Lethal Weapon, Kiss Kiss Bang, Bang)
John Carpenter (Halloween, Escape From New York)
Paul Schrader (Taxi Driver, Raging Bull)
William Goldman (All The Presidents Men, The Princess Bride)
Frank Darabont (The Mist, The Shawshank Redemption)
Mark Fergus (Children of Men, Iron Man)
John August (Go, Big Fish)
Allison Anders (Gas Food Lodging)
Larry Cohen (It’s Alive)
Guinevere Turner (American Psycho)
John Carpenter converses on the horror of the industry
John Doe says:
Invigorating, insightful and totally disturbing in equal measures Tales From The Script is a treat for wannabes like John Doe. The raw and unguarded quips are not laced for PR purposes instead we are faced with the cold truth about the savage and misguided state of play.
At times whimsical, occasionally profound but consistently informative there is entertainment to be found in these yarns too. Obviously those not harboring an obsession with Motion Pictures may find it hard to appreciate how unique it is to get first hand, unfiltered advice on this misunderstood and undervalued craft. But, for eager scribes this is the foundation for comprehending the road ahead.
Abundant in highlights you have responses that range from John Carpenter’s “deal with it” approach to the exorcism of demons as Guinevere Turner shares her tragic Uwe Boll journey on Bloodrayne.
William Goldman serves as sage.
Paul Schrader amongst other things discusses the ever shifting nature of the game and how creative studio heads were replaced by a corporate mentality.
Shane Black reveals the costly price of financial recognition and handling mindless suggestions from hungry producers.
Frank Darabont converses on the delicate art of rationalizing rejection.
One thing that is made abundantly clear, if you have any other profession you can explore then do it instead. This is a job that can only be artistically satisfying through blind passion, healthy ego and balanced faith. Talent plays very little role in eventual success. Wild determination, blissful ignorance and slave driven productivity seals fates...oh, and knowing the right person can be the deciding factor.
For John Doe there was hope shimmering on the edges of these tutorial conversations. For all the misguided and uninformed dolts in charge. For all the obstacles that need to be overcome. The chance that your minds eye imagination could change lives, open minds or provide catharsis means this is a shining beacon that JD will forever pursue....Now back to writing that treatment!.
Watch the trailer for Tales From The Script.
A 10 minute collection of deleted scenes from the film that offers some honest advice in a more positive way.
Horrorphile
Screen Adventure
I love how you've written this as well
20/20 Filmsight
Screen Fanatic
Film & TV on DVD
Thanks Matt,
I imagine for those not into writing, this would be a very dull interview film...for fans like us we are blessed to be audience to those who create.
Film & TV on DVD
Thanks Bryn. Have you read it or seen the doco?
Film & TV on DVD
I love how you've written this as well
Lots to ponder here Shaun,
There really is a rawness to the advice in the doco where nothing is sugar coated....very much just interview footage telling it like it is from several perspectives.
You can follow the link in the body of the post to buy a copy of either the film or the book.
Film & TV on DVD
Glad to bring it to your attention David...don't expect much prowess from the doco, just raw interview footage that cuts deep into our plotting and planning of a film career.
You can follow the link in the body of the post to buy a copy of either the film or the book.
Thoughts from a Cinephile
Thoughts from a TV Watcher
Film & TV on DVD
I actually watched this one on Netflix instant view too.
Thanks for the recommendation "Screenplays: How 25 Scripts Made it to a Theater - For Better or Worse by David S. Cohen", will have to seek that one out.