I recently did a long and comprehensive interview with Scott Myers at GoIntoTheStory. We hit a lot of big points. I think you will dig it.
Tag: process
Guest post by “Douchebag” writer/director Drake Doremus.
We actually shot “Douchebag” in two separate sessions over the course of a year and a half. The first time we went out we had a very specific outline from which the actors improvised from and the second time we had a loose script with lines actually written.
The first scene in the film for instance where Sam is laying in bed with Steph was mostly written and shot during the second session when we knew exactly how to set up the film. A lot of the rambling lecture scenes — like the scene on the beach about kites, the credit card fiscal responsibility scene, and the scene about our hands not being designed to tear flesh — were all shot the first time out when we had more character than story.
It wasn’t until after editing the first session’s material that I knew the exact pieces we needed to finish the story. The filmmaking process was very exciting and challenging for me but also very creatively freeing because I could keep writing and coming up with ideas after I’d shot, the film kept evolving that way and there was always a way to make things better. It’s really the only way I would work now I think. I learned so much.
Back at the end of August, we posted about the How We Work site that showed various writers’ rituals and methods. Last month, Scott Macaulley hipped us to Daily Routines on “how writers, artists, and other interesting people organize their day”. From filmmakers, to drinkers & drug takers, to Ben Franklin, this one hits on many of our heroes. After all the journey is the destination, and getting lost is half the fun.
And if you are into this sort of thing, don’t forget to check out the NYTimes’ Writers On Writing.
