End of the Line

It's funny. A couple of things routinely happen around week ten of the term. I could set my watch by them, that's how regular these events are.

First, blog entries trickle down to zero. Just because I and your individual instructors aren't entering comments every week does not mean we aren't reading. For some of you, it seems to have slipped your mind that the blog counts for part of your grade in this class. Please re-read the syllabus, then get back to entertaining us all with your entries. Remember, the blog does not have to be 100% about the script. That's not the point. The point is to keep you writing and you can use that space for anything in addition to keeping us posted about your script.

Second, attention drifts away from your script to other projects. As the term ends and other deadlines approach, you ease the hammer back on your script as you scramble to finish your other classes. You can't afford to let your attention wander, you're on the clock and every page you put off writing now is a page you're behind in writing for that first draft which is due sooner than you think.

Third, you stop communicating with your professors, because you think the ostriches might just have something and if you put your head far enough in the sand, we'll forget you're there. That's wishful thinking on your part, and totally wrong. Keeping open lines of communication is critical, and it's one of the first steps to becoming a professional. If you're having some kind of problem, the sooner we know about it, the quicker we can - perhaps - help you with it.

Finally, you panic. You're supposed to have half a script completed by Friday. No one writes well when they're freaking out, so just relax, sit down, and write.

You may be surprised at how accurate some of these things are, but remember, I've seen this go down many times, and I know what to look out for. Remember to keep your eye on the first draft: that's your primary goal. Once you have that in the bag, we can fix anything. But without that draft, you're sunk.

In that line, do not consider making revisions, yet. I know I said this previously, but I know everyone ignores that advice. The thing about the comments we send you is that they apply only to what we've read so far. Some of the comments may prove to be worthless once the complete draft is done. I throw questions into the script that very well may be answered in the very next section you hand in, so don't get hung up on comments at this point, just keep writing forward.

ADMINISTRATIVE STUFF:

You need to register for the second half of your class, either Workshop II or Senior Project II. You will need to fill out an over-ride in the Cinema & TV offices. If you're gone on Co-op, e-mail Sharon Walker and request an over-ride.

We will have a group meeting during the first week of the fall term, so we can discuss progress, hear pitches from the new people coming in, and generally go over marching orders for the fall. You can be prepared to meet as a group at least once a month when we're back in session. I'll try to work out a time that's convenient for everyone.