Elia Kazan…

I take acting classes at Playhouse West. It’s the same place where James Franco and Scott Caan both teach. I like the program not only for the class itself, but also for the reading materials they recommend. As a writer, reading is extremely important to me. It feeds my mind, so I’m always looking for good books to read other than my many resource materials. There are several books on the list they gave out, one of which is “A Life” by Elia Kazan, the director of On The Waterfront, All My Sons, A Streetcar Names Desire, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and many others. I am already hooked to his writing style. It’s a very interesting read.

I’m also reading a book detailing a true story that occurred in the 1950s. It has to do with people’s fear of homosexuals, and how it drove this specific town to do horrific things that were terribly inhumane. It’s a difficult one to read for me since I love the gay community so much. Thinking of everything they have gone through breaks my heart. I’m highlighting as I go and making notes inside for future use for a script I plan to write based on these true events or a story loosely inspired by them.

I have three features I am juggling at the moment. The one romantic comedy inspired by a true story, the injustice one in a small town, and the rewrite on “Greg” which is going really well. This is in addition to the many features and shorts that pop up in my mind. Sometimes I just write the idea down, but other times I have to write it out. Tonight I wrote one about a little girl who is playing with her rainbow teddy bear and unicorn when a bowman accidentally shoots her with an arrow. It’s sad but has a happy time travel ending.

I have so much material now that I will need to start archiving my scripts on a separate hard drive soon to clear off my computer. It’s pretty incredible how much I’ve written. I wish I could produce it all, but I have to think about cost. I’m saving for my feature. I’m not sure which one I’m making yet. It depends on several factors. I want my film to leave a positive mark on everyone who sees it. Whether it’s through historical facts or hilarious comical situations, my hope is to have teachable moments that are entertaining as well.

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