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| Cast and crew (and author Craig Russell) on the set of "Brother Grimm" |
Above are just some of the people involved in making "Brother Grimm" (aka "Wolfsfährte", a serial killer thriller based on the novel by Craig Russell). The film was shot in 2009 in Germany and premiered in 2010 on Germany's main broadcaster network to excellent ratings (almost six million viewers). Reviews were strong and and one critic wrote about his hope that the broadcaster would have the guts to follow this up with more such thrillers. Luckily, they were eager to continue - and the next film, "Blood Eagle", is currently shooting in Hamburg.
We, the screenwriters, we pour our passion into our stories. We deliver a blueprint that'll make it possible for others to build a film. Those others are, in the case of the above mentioned films, easily in the hundreds. Hundreds of people directly impacted ... think about it ... hundreds of people who make a living and support their families because you did a top job putting your thoughts to paper. I don't take this lightly. It helps to keep my ego in check. It helps to occasionally remind me that the story I'm staring at goes far beyond me. Other people depend on me to give my best, to deliver well and deliver on time. It isn't just about money, it's about livelihoods, it's about people.
If you think this is the kind of pressure you don't want to heave onto your back while you have a rough enough time giving your very best to the story - well, think again. This is the business you're in. The moment you step in, you should leave your ego at the door, smile, shake hands, make friends - then roll up your sleeves and help the others in building that film.
PS: If you see your work as far more important than any other element - well then you're probably an auteur, an artist. Some great films have been made by such artists. Best shot at success here is to become a writer/director. As for me, I love being a writer - and as such I see myself as a craftsman, not an artist. The reality is, it's a people business - the collaborative craftsman writer will get more of the work. The artist will struggle far more for the obvious reasons. Me? I like living - writing scripts is tough enough!
PS: If you see your work as far more important than any other element - well then you're probably an auteur, an artist. Some great films have been made by such artists. Best shot at success here is to become a writer/director. As for me, I love being a writer - and as such I see myself as a craftsman, not an artist. The reality is, it's a people business - the collaborative craftsman writer will get more of the work. The artist will struggle far more for the obvious reasons. Me? I like living - writing scripts is tough enough!
1 comment:
Like I always say it's show BUSINESS. The sooner people accept this, the better off and more successful they become. Nice article. P.S.: Unk posted this, that's how I found it. Just thought you'd like to know.
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