Confederama

The Sweet Hereafter

2006-07-17T08:07:00.000-07:00

I hate my friend Greg.

Actually, that isn’t true. Greg is my industry version of an older brother (he really is older, and I do consider him a brother.) And like all brothers, you don’t really hate them; you hate the fact that you love them.

Why?

Greg pushes me. He makes me think about things that I would rather not think about. He asks me to explore things that I would rather not explore. He challenges me to do things that I wouldn’t naturally do. And at the end of the day, I owe him gratitude that I don’t want to give. All of which reminds me just how depraved I am.

To make matters worse, Greg knows all of this about me. He’ll throw a thematic grenade out there, watch me jump on it – knowing full well that I will, shoot me full of metaphorical morphine, help me recover, encourage me to get back in the fight, and then throw another grenade. He believes it makes me stronger. He may be right.

I would rather do anything else. In fact, I was so glad that I had some personal tragedies to write about last week because I didn’t have to come up with any on my own. Then I remembered a film I saw with Greg in Los Angeles many years ago… “The Sweet Hereafter.”

I mentioned the film to Greg, and he immediately mentioned the tragic bus crash. I, however, remembered the near tragic spider bite that almost took the life of Ian Holmes’ child. Both are very horrific scenes with tragic implications.

There was another death of an infant left its car seat recently. What a senseless, horrible tragedy! It was so bad that the police weren’t even bothering to make a charge. The woman was so devastated that no one knew what to do or say. She made a simple mistake that led to the death of her child. She will never recover.

The final scene with Tim Robbins in “Mystic River.” Sean Penn is convinced that Tim Robbins is guilty of murdering his daughter. He holds trial and executes Tim Robbins unjustly. Tim Robbins character’s life was nothing but tragic injustice.

Ultimately, all tragedy or catastrophic scenes come down to an injustice… or how we define injustice.

Perhaps when I pull the shrapnel from my side, I’ll be able to define injustice a little more and have more tragic offerings for my heroic big brother…

Mr. Bootles

Notes & Personal Tragedy

2006-07-11T07:15:00.000-07:00

Got the notes off the Ryan. I don't think I was very clear, but I was writing at about 2am last night. My hope is that the general ideas were clear. Everything else is subject to further discussion.

Next, personal tragedy.

I was on the phone with Greg the other day talking about our new idea. We had made a breakthrough and he was giving me some additional thoughts. "The main thing now, is to come up with compelling tragic events..." Can I tell you, this is really difficult when sitting on an empty beach in NC soaking up beauty.

Well, it was difficult. Then the rip current arrived. Four of us adults and two kids (my youngest included) got caught in a rip current. Granted, it only felt serious for about 30-40 seconds. Melinda and her Uncle were really shaken. Then it hit me, what if I had been passed out on the beach as my wife and youngest son, along with uncle, brother-in-law, and nephew had all been swept out to sea.

You are never too far from tragedy. I spent the rest of the afternoon very cold. Not from the event, but from this grim reminder and the further thoughts in that general direction. There is this real palpable horror to events that change in a second. From being completely wrapped up in one way of thinking and then being shaken radically by coming face to face with death. Much like the DC metro.

I would write more, but I don't want to get sun screen on my keyboard.

Peace,

Mr. Bootles

I've been gearing up for the big vacation

2006-07-10T05:27:00.001-07:00

Most people work really hard and then take a vacation to recover from said work. I, however, am a revolutionary. In the face of tons of fast approaching deadlines, personal projects, and outstanding promises, I am ditching them all for a quick trip down to Topsail, NC.

The good news is that I will still be able to post. Still be able to work on at least two of my big projects... and still get my notes off to Ryan.

On another note, I saw Pirates of the Carribean 2. While not stellar, I really enjoyed the film. It had great sequences, developing characters, and it was just fun. Tons better than Superman Returns. I expect it to make even more huge dollars. I am certain it won't launch any philosopical discussions (at least directly,) but it certainly is the first true blockbuster of the summer. And who doesn't enjoy a good blockbuster now and again?

Peace,

Mr. Bootles

I've been gearing up for the big vacation

2006-07-10T05:27:00.000-07:00

Feeling Better

2006-07-07T12:41:00.000-07:00

Wow! I am truly humbled by the response to my return to the blog. It is good to be back. Now, a few administrative items….

To Japhy99*,

Just after posting yesterday, I panicked. I decided to verify that profanity had been included in the responses. On first pass, I couldn’t find it. Then I really panicked. As fate would have it, I found it on a second pass. Nestled in one of Punky Jam Jam’s first replies. The big F dash, dash, dash**. Which brings me to my next admin item….

To Punky Jam Jams,

Good to hear from you as well. Glad to see that you found out who was impersonating you and making comments in your name. Thanks for the kind words.

Also, to Greg,

Thanks for redefining a very bad picture. You helped me shake the dust off my boots and get me the heck out of Lazy Town once and for all. BTW, the magic isn’t panera. It is the amazing combination of your honesty and patience, both of which I appreciate so much.

Now, what next?

My first goal is to get back to helping some others. Ryan in particular. He sent me a new script a few weeks back. I printed it out today (prefer to read hard copies) and hope to give him some good feedback.

Second, make good on the good seeds planted last night at panera bread. After doing everything but what we should have been doing, Greg and I did make some good progress on our latest story.

Third, and perhaps most dear to me… return to Petersburg, VA circa 1981. Finish “Confederama” and truly become comfortable with a Union victory and equality for all. Then and only then can I face the denizens of the DC Metro with the love of Christ.

Mr. Bootles
* Heathen? What? Like compared to Greg? I don’t think so.

** Fear again. I almost couldn’t find it again today. The truth is, a pathetic moralist like myself will stoop to almost any level to justify inaction. Even peg the one and only Punky Jam Jams with excessive profanity over one word. Punky Jam Jams, I owe you an apology. Please forgive me.

I'm Back... but Troubled

2006-07-06T11:20:00.000-07:00

In the last two days two of my friends have mentioned that they still checked my blog on a regular basis and that they were disappointed that I haven’t been keeping up with the writing.

I am without excuse.

In an effort to divert my falling short, I mentioned to one friend in particular that I was disturbed by what I considered inappropriate use of profanity* in his previous responses to my post. That was a mistake. The short story is that I am branded a Pharisee.

Now I am not only unable to discipline myself and write regularly, but I also am an arrogant moralist… and a hypocrite because on occasion I have uttered profane words.

And even my personal anecdotes missed the mark. Last week I truly believe I was nearly assaulted by a self proclaimed “negro Diablo” in the DC Metro. As I recounted the harrowing event, the only response was that even my personal stories have third act troubles.

So, now what am I going to do?

I made a veiled threat to up date my blog regularly.

I am still working on “Confederama,” but I ask you… how can I truly address structural problems in my script, when even the simplest of personal anecdotes is poorly structured?

I guess we will see, but don’t expect anything.

Mr. Bootles

* I realize that this may tempt you, the reader, to unleash a tirade of unspeakable profanity in the response area. I probably deserve it. But I ask you, please refrain. May I recommend visiting another blog… ‘a web of lies and deceit.’ I know the author, and he said that he welcomes profanity. In fact, he embraces it.

Thank you,

Mr. Bootles

Getting back to basics

2006-04-22T13:01:00.000-07:00

Found this great picture on the web.

I used to drive by this building on a regular basis when I was in college many years ago. I never went inside. I had heard many rumors about the place and what went on behind those hallowed doors, but I stayed away.

As it turns out, it doesn't exist any more. It has been replaced by a more suitable museum (Battle of Chattanooga Museum - or something like it.)

Though my screenplay has nothing to do with an old out of place old museum called "Confederama." It does have to do with things old and out of place. Today, I am returning to the scene of the screenplay - Petersburg, VA. It is always difficult to return to a place that has served as such an inspiration.

Will reality undermine the bizarre and funny events that surround Nostalgiafest and the dubious activity of the Confederate 132nd? Time will tell.

Must get going. I'll post some pictures of the trip after I return.

M. Bootles.

Say what you want about hymns...

2006-04-16T16:03:00.000-07:00

Say what you want about hymns, but I challenge anyone to call a hymn like this one, old, out of date, or irrelevant.

While I enjoy praise music as much as anyone, there is a distinct and beautiful narrative to this hymn that is sorely lacking in many of our contemporary tunes. So, for your enjoyment… the lyrics of one of my favorite hymns.

Happy Easter.

And can it be that I should gain An interest in the Savior's blood!
Died he for me? who caused his pain! For me? who him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

'Tis mystery all: th' Immortal dies! Who can explore his strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries to sound the depths of love divine.
‘Tis mercy all! Let earth adore; let angel minds inquire no more.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore; let angel minds inquire no more.

He left his Father's throne above (so free, so infinite his grace!),
emptied himself of all but love, and bled for Adam's helpless race.
'Tis mercy all, immense and free, for O my God, it found out me!
'Tis mercy all, immense and free, for O my God, it found out me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay, fast bound in sin and nature's night;
thine eye diffused a quickening ray; I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
my chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed thee.

No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in him, is mine;
alive in him, my living Head, and clothed in righteousness divine,
bold I approach th' eternal throne, and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th' eternal throne, and claim the crown, through Christ my own.

M Bootles

2006-04-14T10:23:00.000-07:00

In a little less than 11 hours, the deadline for Scriptapalooza will pass. Despite all of my worst efforts, I have come up short. I am only 25 pages into my second draft of “Confederama.”

Unfortunately, this is in the face of some very helpful insight and suggestions from valued friends and colleagues.

I take full responsibility and will discipline myself very severely (ok, you’ll have to trust me on this one. But know this, I have suffered enough already.) I am just a poor planner who lacks discipline. Is that so bad?

So… what’s next? I guess I still need to finish the script.

Interestingly enough, Greg’s daily blog described the process of getting a film made as a marathon and not a sprint. He has had one of his screenplay’s optioned and on the brink of production. So, it is easy for him to say.

In fact, if he is right and this whole process is like a marathon, then I am the guy who in an act of perfect preparation went out and bought some nice new shoes, reflective safety wear, an iPod, went running for twenty minutes and desperately collapsed very fashionably on the side of the road.

Weeks later, I am now twenty pounds heavier, in poorer shape, discouraged about preparing for a marathon, and guilty for spending all of this money on gear that is now nothing more than a collective symbol of my failure.

I have always hated running. Runners irk me too. They think they’re better than those of us who prefer atrophy. But I digress.

I am not really that discouraged. Maybe I should be. Regardless, I am moving ahead with my script. I’ll continue to work through this next draft… hopefully wiser.

Bear with me, please. It is spring. Running has to get easier. I ran a 10k in the spring once… long ago. That is another story all together…

And incidentally, 1042 hours till submissions for the Virginia Governor’s Screenwriter’s Competition is due.

I think I have some old running gear around here somewhere.

oops

2006-04-05T12:02:00.000-07:00

This is a repost of a response that posted out of sequencial order...

Lest anyone be confused... The picture that I posted earlier was attached to the story from the Sun Herald. I DO NOT think it is a real picture, but from what I can tell, the story is real. I didn't expect to get into this too much, but I guess I'll do some more research on Mr. Hervey.

For the record, I discovered it by googling "Confederates" on google images.

At the time, I was simply looking for an intimate pictures of some Civil War soldiers to create the mood for the post. As it turns out, I discovered the pic posted earlier.

Sometimes, truth is stranger than fiction.

M Bootles

Back on the writing bandwagon

2006-04-05T09:48:00.000-07:00

It doesn't take much to get back on track.

Between concise, clear recommendations and a quick kick in the behind, I am forging ahead through Confederama.

A friend of a friend (we've never actually met) sent some great notes to me yesterday. I persused them quickly before heading out to work. The notes weren't ground shaking for the narrative - which means I'm not dealing with rewriting the thing from top to bottom. They did, however, articulate very well how the main characters need to develop. I was thrilled, and was able to dig in a little late, late last night.

Hopefully, this will translate into some new scenes and new pages very quickly. I would hate to loose the opportunity to submit to Scriptapalooza because I was getting lazy.

On a different note, I came across this picture....

The picture was attached to an article in the Sun Herald, a newspaper in Mississippi.

The story is about a black guy who discovered that his grandfather fought for the Confederacy during the Civil Way.

He is lobbying for the creation of a memorial for blacks who fought and died for the cause of the Confederacy, and understandibly getting a lot of flack for his trouble.

His name is Hervey, and he believes in a cause... no matter how unpopular amoung his peers.

Maybe he has some things in common with Duval.

M Bootles.

Definition of Picture

2006-04-05T08:53:00.000-07:00

Lest anyone be confused... The picture that I posted earlier was attached to the story from the Sun Herald. I DO NOT think it is a real picture, but from what I can tell, the story is real. I didn't expect to get into this too much, but I guess I'll do some more research on Mr. Hervey.

For the record, I discovered it by googling "Confederates" on google images.

At the time, I was simply looking for an intimate pictures of some Civil War soldiers to create the mood for the post. As it turns out, I discovered the pic posted earlier.

Sometimes, truth is stranger than fiction.

M Bootles

Deja Vu

2006-04-02T18:21:00.000-07:00

I noticed something very interesting while watching Lost the other day.

I have about as much a chance to finish my screenplay in time for Scriptapalooza as most Lost viewers have of making sense of the image above.

I also recognizes too much of myself in Lock's eyes as he stared at the image.

While I realize that the first immediate cry from my caring friends is that I need to spend less time watching Lost and more time working on my rewrites, I must say that even when writing full tilt, one must make time to watch an occassional show or film.

But I am really not writing to justify my actions. It is actually a cry for help.

Ryan - who happened to send some helpful criticism of my first draft - even cranked out a third draft of his first film. I am floundering on the second.

It all goes back to something my friend Greg told me about Hollywood. It is much easier and more preferable to sell an idea than it is to sell a completed screenplay. Maybe it is the producer in me, but I am struggling because by not defining or redefining the characters of my story, no one can claim that they don't work (current draft may never be seen in Hollywood.) The more I try and define my characters the more I dislike them.

I lie awake at night and wonder... am I just afraid to fail or succeed. Perhaps if I were a good writer I would have a drinking problem. As it is, I don't even drink - or not enough anyway. (binging on Diet Dr. Pepper has no artistic value whatsover from what I can tell.)

If I wake up tonight, I will try and read Ryan's 3rd draft and send some encouraging words. If his writing is anything like his criticism, I expect he will do well. I just wish I could take the wisdom I have received, the words that I know are true and apply them to the mess that has become my screenplay.

The image above is what I see when I think about my story. I hope that by the next time I am up to blogging about my progress that I will have something meaningful to say.

For now, I've got to find a way off the island.

M Bootles.

Scriptapalooza in 18 days.

2006-03-27T03:55:00.000-08:00

First, thanks to everyone for all of the encouragment... even Punky Jam Jams. It is very helpful to be sure.

Greg sent me another unique form of encouragment the other day; a brief announcement for Scriptapalooze 2006. I could say a lot about the competition, however, there is only one meaningful piece of information to share... April 14th, 2006, the deadline for submissions.

In roughly 432 hours, I need to work through the 157 page clusterfest and develop the characters, provide narrative focus, tie in the subplots, make it funnier, and basically knock one out of the ballpark. And I thought getting my first draft was going to be an accomplishment.

The plan is to drop by the blog at various stages in the rewrite and blow off a little creative frustration. It is hard to articulate in terms of a page count, but I will try and keep everyone posted as to how I am coming along. All with the hope of delivering a final draft in time to send it off to Scriptapalooza.

I have no idea where Scriptapalooza falls in the pantheon of script competition, but my feeling is that Greg doesn't either. He's just smart enough to know I need a swift kick in the pants to get this thing done. Nothing does it better than a deadline. After all, I am much better at manufactured or manipulated discipline than I am at just disiplining myself.

Again, many thanks.

M Bootles.

No Shelby Foote

2006-03-24T17:20:00.000-08:00

Shelby Foote was famous for not using a computer or typewriter to compose his works. It has been said that he would mull over every word of every sentence and make sure he knew exactly what he wanted to write before putting pen to page. Speaking of pen to page... he alse didn't simply use an ink pen. He used a fountain pen. He believed that the discipline of writing this way was extremely important and helpful for the writer.

With the encouragment of another writer, I have had one disciplined period in my life. It lasted from December 12th to January 9th. The result - 5 pages a day and a 157 page rough draft of my first screenplay. While my ratio of good stuff on the printed page is apalling, it is a beginning. One that I am eternally grateful for. I am sure that when Mr. Foote put his pen down each day, there was a certain feeling of accomplishment. For me, converting the days work to pdf and sending it away in an e-mail to the one person who pushed me everyday, was an essential element to discovering discipline.

My current dilema is even more daunting. Pouring over the 157 pages to discover what little there is to work with, and shaping into something that will make people laugh a little has almost paralyzed my creativity. But the encouragement still comes and keeps me going. For that, I am extremely thankful.

Tomorrow, perhaps more about the story. For now, be encouraged or call someone struggling with an idea and encourage them. Writing is too difficult to do on your own, and no one worth his salt couldn't use a little bit of extra motivation.

Afterall, Shelby Foote had Walker Percy.