Daily Archives: March 10, 2013

The 12 Steps of Improvisational Screenplay Writing

by

0

Step 1. Write “FADE IN”

Step 2. Write a location, starting with “INT.” or “EXT.”

Step 3. Write a time of day after your location

Step 4. In two lines, write a description of that location as you see it in your mind’s eye

Step 5. Write down the name of a character.

Step 6. In a line, write a description of that character.

Step 7. In a line or two, write a description of what that character is doing at the location.

Step 8. Write the name of something with which that character is interacting, be it a person, object or something more ephemeral.

Step 9. In a line, write a description of that thing with which the character is interacting.

Step 10. In the middle of the page, write the name of your first character.

Step 11. Below that name, write an emotionally charged statement that this character says about the thing with which he or she is interacting, the nature of the interaction, or a total non-sequitur to confuse the hell out of people.

Step 12. In writing, rationalize these choices for the next 95 pages.

(I never said I’d help you make a movie, just a screenplay)

BC creep crawlies – Chilliwack area

by

0

As you’ll eventually learn, I have a special place in my heart for critters and particularly creepy crawlies, photographing them every chance I get. Again, going to have to learn how to use a macro lens.

The photos that follow are from a couple days with family in the Chilliwack area of British Columbia, which much like Volcan Arenal has been amazingly dormant for years.

The contrasting textures were too much to pass on when I saw this little guy in my mother’s back yard.

Image

 

Sequestered in the bottom of a terrace lamp, this scary looking guy would descend in the evening to catch prey attracted to the light (or anyone foolish enough to bump into him).

Image

 

It wasn’t until I started playing with the image that I saw the ant and decided he had to be included in the cropping.

Image

 

Yes, I believe they are doing what you think they’re doing. What really attracted me though–aside from insect porn–was the way the light shone through their wings, colouring the rocks below.

Image

 

I was so happy that one of these frames was actually usable as I must have taken a dozen shots of this guy.

Image

 

This one and the next one were taken in a park and the biggest challenge I faced was the wind blowing the spider in and out of focus. I’m never quite organized enough to set up a wind break.

Image

 

Regardless of what you may personally think about spiders, you have to admit his colours are amazing (or you don’t).

Image

 

Butterflies and moths fascinate me. They always look like they will disintegrate into a fine powder on the next strong breeze.

Image

Birds of Costa Rica – Volcan Arenal

by

0

On a recent trip to Costa Rica, I had the pleasure of spending time with some avian friends who seemed quite relaxed about having their photos taken. The results make me crave a decent telephoto lens.

The photos that follow were from a couple of days in the area of Volcan Arenal, which had annoying gone dormant a year before my arrival.

This little guy seemed a bit distracted, so I had more time to take his picture.

Image

 

Every time this fellow tried to make any headway at a feeding station, he was chased off by the whack-jobs known as the Montezuma Oropendula.

Image

 

Patience is a virtue and he was extremely patient with me.

Image

 

The whack jobs themselves. I am still working on capturing movement.

Image

 

Vultures are everywhere down there. I liked the contrast against the cloud. There’s something both ominous and majestic to me about these birds.

Image

 

I wish I’d gotten a better shot of this fellow–his plummage was gorgeous–but he was not very patient, spent a lot of time moving through branches, and I was losing my light.

Image