What’s YOUR Story?
What is the story that YOU want to write? Not the story that you think Hollywood wants. What is important to YOU?
For each of the original feature screenplays I have written (four to date, ALL finalists, some multiple times), I did not start out by saying, “I wonder if this will go over in Hollywood?” I just wrote them because I felt there was something intriguing about them. If I had stopped to wonder if it was “castable” or “diverse enough” or any of the other things that screenwriters are supposed to “take into consideration,” I may not have written anything, because I would have been too worried, thinking whether I was hitting all my “marks.”
I am a human being who has been around the block several times. I have seen just about everything there is to see and experienced a lot of happiness, a lot of tragedy. In other words, I have life experiences to draw from. I feel this is the reason my scripts have resonated. I feel confident that one day an original script of mine will be selected for production. I would like to believe that it’s because the story comes from a place of truth and authenticity.
The point is: write what is important to you. Say what you need to say. Create characters that incorporate all the levels, shadows, nooks and crannies of your imagination — and then let them speak to you. You will be surprised how they take hold and demand to say things that only they would say. Coupled with vibrant characters and a story that makes people think, pause, cry or laugh in a genuine way — these are the type of stories I find most compelling.
Question less; write more. My bit o’ wisdom from my magical little office in the heart of Tokyo.
Hi David! I’m so impressed with your determination and all that you have achieved. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I am also a screenwriter who is at the beginning of that road and I do it because I love it and it speaks to me. I appreciate your advice to write about what moves you instead of trying to figure out what Hollywood wants. It’s advice I will take to heart. I look forward to reading your work and seeing your films! Wishing you the best in 2020. (By the way, my sister just moved to Tokyo – maybe there will be a chance to connect if I get around to visiting her!) Best, Doug