For any writers among you, you will know the fear of the big share!
The moment those words are watermarked and you hit ‘Send’. As if that doesn't hit the anxiety button hard enough, then twist it a bit, there's feedback - difficult questions, honest conversations and the big ‘now what?’. Can it ever be good enough?
I'm a practical person. Words on the page excite me but the big question for me is how does it read? Will anyone care about my story, and the people within it? Why have I invested so much time and energy and love? Will it matter?
What will the actors make of my words? Moreover what will anyone care about my world? How will the story, with all it’s complex issues, play out?
Can we believe in the magic?
So some generous actors agree to participate, and we meet. We read.
The session is longer than I had anticipated. My estimated 90 mins screen time is closer to 110, less the exposition that isn't working, I'll hopefully be back at 90.
It ain’t perfect but I have notes now, and a script report that I know I can trust, so I must go back to the page.
Those actors were a gift! Thank you to you all - Leo, Jarlan, Ellie-Mae, Stella, Aggi, Andy, Madi, Kris and Hollie.
Where it works it works! I shall be back soon with changes!
A great big thank you too to my script editor, who has, I firmly believe, set me on the right road less travelled.