Blog #13

Script Frenzy Project Reflection Paper
Trevor Canham

            Recently in Creative Writing class, my peers and I recently underwent the challenge of Script Frenzy. This is a 30 day challenge in which we were to plan out and write a script that was long enough to meet or exceed a page count that we set in the beginning of the year.
            When we first discussed the project I thought it was going to be an interesting and exciting concept and I was looking forward to beginning the process. I was interested in the thought of writing out a script and it seemed as though the possibilities were endless, being allowed to write almost any type of script on almost any topic that we could possibly think of. It was exciting to think of how the final project was going to turn out. Now that the project is over, I still feel that it was an interesting project, I just wish it focused more on the content of the project rather than the page count. I often found myself putting the length of the script over the overall quality of it and would sometimes sacrifice that to add length to the piece.
            In the beginning of the project we were given a planning workbook which outlined the elements of a script including dialogue, formatting and the workbook gave us a template in which to write our script by and required us to outline our script. The parts of the workbook that were the most helpful to me were the parts which showed us what to include in an outline of the script and how to outline characters. These parts really helped me with the script because they allowed me to plan out the script before writing it, which I am quite glad I did, rather than just bombing into the script with no sense of direction. The parts of the packet that I found the least helpful were the outlines that showed us where we should include each and every milestone in our script. I believe that these parts were a little too rigid for a project with such a wide variety of options and I did not find them to be particularly helpful.
           When given projects of great magnitude, one usually finds out a thing or two about themselves as a worker, writer, or whatever depending on what the project entails. At least to me, an 80 page script is a fairly large task and I believe I learned a few things about myself while writing it. One of the biggest things that I learned about myself was that I need to learn how to plan things out more before I start doing them. In this project, I had a beginning plan, but all of the details of it seemed very hazy to me and it made it extremely hard to write out the middle parts of the script when I didn't really know where I was going with it exactly. Also, my partner and I didn't really stick to the plan that we had created and I believe that also added to the trouble that we had with our script.
            Our final script ended up being about 25 pages, which was just over 25% of our final goal which was 80 pages. I believe that I handled time management in this project very badly. During the beginning of the project I don't think I really realized the amount of work that would have to be done everyday in order to complete the project, and it was during this beginning period that I most definitely did not handle the project very well. Although I started off pretty badly in the area of time management, I spent the last few weeks of doing the project trying to get as much done as I possibly could, which was probably a result of my slacking during the first part of the project.
            Upon completing the script, I cannot say that I am really happy with it, being that it is unfinished and I never really thought there was a lot that was very strong about it in the first place. Nonetheless, there are still some things about my script that I do consider strong and that I am proud of. One of these things is in some parts of the script, I liked the way I was able to show how I wanted the characters to think or feel in my head through their dialogue or actions. That was one thing that I had no idea how I was going to be able to do in the beginning of the process and I was proud that I was somewhat able to accomplish. Another part of my script that I was proud of were some of scenes in which I was able to accomplish the goal of communicating a plot element that I wanted to include in my script.
           With my strengths said, I believe that my script contained many weaknesses. One of the biggest weaknesses that I believe my script contained was interesting or realistic dialogue. In some of the scenes, I was not able to create dialogue that would be realistic or interesting or I just didn't feel like I had time to think about it. Another weakness  that I think I had in my script was the ability to create an emotionally moving scene. During some of the more emotional scenes I thought they would be way more intense and sad than they really were, and upon re-reading them, I realized that they weren't very moving at all they were just really dramatic. Finally, I think our biggest problem in the script was not being able to realize exactly where we were going with each scene, which created the product of scenes that may be completely pointless and that did not go anywhere. For all of these reasons, I would need much more time for editing and improvement.
            If I were to have more time to work on my script I would most definitely restart it completely. I would try to plan it out more adequately and I would possibly change the subject matter of the script to something that I could better relate too or picture in my head. I believe that when we first started the planning process of the script we just chose an idea that was really sort of complex and we would have needed to put a lot more thought and time into the project to complete it to our satisfaction.
            Overall, I honestly found this project very rewarding and challenging. I just wish, now that I look back at it, that I took it a little bit more seriously and put a bit more time and effort into the project and I really could have created a piece that I was really proud of and that I enjoyed. I am honestly glad that we were given a chance to work on such a large project with the freedom that we were allowed and I really learned a lot about script writing from it. Although I didn't quite finish mine I can at least say I attempted to write a screenplay, and someday I hope that I will be able to complete one.
             On a side note, I truly enjoyed taking part in a creative writing class and I really learned a lot from the class, and not just about writing but I have found that some of the concepts that we were taught were useful in other creative processes such as music composition. I am glad that I was able to take something from the class and I hope I can take a class as rewarding as this one in the future.

Sincerely,
Trevor Canham

           

Blog #12

Scene Reflection:

             After having peers review one of the scenes from the script that my partner and I wrote, I was able to take a deeper look into my scene writing and the aspects of the scene. After looking through my scene I found some things that I was definitely proud of and that I believed were the strengths of the scene, but I also found some things that were clear weaknesses in the scene. Although there were aspects of the scene that I believe  we excelled in, I also believe that there were a few things that we could improve on if we had the time to re-write it.
             I believe that the scene my partner and I wrote contained several elements that were strengths and created a positive effect in our script. One strength of the scene was characterization of the teacher character in the scene, through his actions. In the scene, the teacher embarrasses Baxter in front of his classmates without thinking about it. Another strength that I believe our scene had were the elements that progress the plot of the story. In the scene a series of bad things happen to Baxter which convince him that he needs the make a change in his life. I also believe that we created understandable dialogue in our scene.
            Although there were some strengths in our scene, I also believe that our scene had some clear weaknesses. One of these weaknesses was the excitement of the scene which, after reading David's scene, proved to be truly lacking. Also, I believe that we could have wrote more interesting and clever dialogue. Finally, I believe the aspect that our scene was the most lacking was scene description. I believe that we should have included more description of the school, the room, and most importantly, the characters.
            If we were to have more time to re-write our script, there would be some changes and additions that I would definitely like to see. First off, I would like to add more description to our scene. I would try to better describe the setting and various characters in the scene. This would allow the reader to better visualize the scene while reading. Second, I would like to spice up the dialogue with some more exciting dialogue. I believe the dialogue in the scene is a little dry and a little bit of pizzazz wouldn't hurt. Finally, if I could rewrite the scene,  I would try to make more interesting characters.

-Trevor Canham

Blog #11

Caroline Hess and Trevor Canham

BLOG #11

INT. WILMONT HIGH SCHOOL – HIGH SCHOOL – DAYTIME

It is a Monday morning, and everyone is bustling to get to their next class. BAXTER is walking alone in the halls, face down, until KENNETH comes running toward him. They stop at BAXTER’S locker to have a quick chat.

KENNETH

Baxter! Before the bell rings I need to show you the tickets my dad bought me and him for the concert next Saturday! I can’t believe they already came! I mean, my dad just ordered them and they’re already here! I’m so excited!

KENNETH pulls two TICKETS out of his backpack.

BAXTER

Oh, wow. That sounds really fun.

KENNETH

(Not noticing the change in his friend’s behavior) I’m so excited…I wish we could take you but it’s more of a son- father bonding thing, you know how those things go. Shoot, I think I forgot a book in my locker. I’ll see you later on the bus!

BAXTER

Oh…alright, I might see you later I have some things to do after school

 Baxter is in a daze the whole day. His teachers call on him and he does not know what they are discussing. Finally the last bell rings and Baxter gets on the bus. When he gets home he opens his garage. He sees two fishing poles and shows a look of determination. He grabs the poles and leaves the garage.

Blog #10

Caroline Hess and Trevor Canham

Blog #10

KENNETH

Baxter! Before the bell rings I need to show you the tickets my dad bought me and him for the concert next Saturday! I can’t believe they already came! I mean, my dad just ordered them and they’re already here! I’m so excited!

BAXTER

Oh, wow. That sounds really fun.

KENNETH

(Not noticing the change in his friend’s behavior) I’m so excited…I wish we could take you but it’s more of a son- father bonding thing, you know how those things go. Shoot, I think I forgot a book in my locker. I’ll see you on the bus!

BAXTER

Oh…alright, I might see you later I have some things to do after school

Baxter then goes home on the bus. He opens his garage to let himself in the house. Two fishing poles catch his eye. He remembers being like Kenneth, his father’s only son and proud of it. Now he realizes he wishes his dad had not left without even a real goodbye. He drops his bag and grabs the fishing pole and heads to the pond.

BLOG #9

Caroline Hess and Trevor Canham

Blog #9

JANICE

(sigh) Baxter, what do you want for breakfast? I have to get going soon and I am already rushing.

BAXTER

(shrugs) Do you really care...? I’ll just make something for myself after I pack my bag.

JANICE

Baxter, you cannot just shut me out like that…I’m trying my best to provide for you and if you don’t like that then I’m sorry! Now go upstairs and get ready for school. We’re leaving in ten minutes.

BAXTER

Just forget it, I’m not even hungry anyways.

 

Blog #8

Three important facts about dialogue:
1. Dialogue can be a good way and is what is usually used to show what characters are like in a script.

2. Dialogue should reveal character's relationships to one another, and/or move the story forward

3. Dialogue  should be eventful and entertaining

Blog #7

Caroline Hess and Trevor Canham Blog #7

Opening Scene: There is a road heading towards a sunrise with peacefully swaying grass beside it. This setting is calm and a small bug flutters by. A man and his young son stand hand in hand looking ahead at the horizon. Although they say nothing, the man looks at his son and begins to run away from the boy. Looking scared and confused, the boy chases after him but goes nowhere. The man runs out of sight and is gone. The young boy looks hopelessly at the sky as it begins to turn a misty gray. This picture fades out and now is focused on the same boy, only now he is in his bed. The audience now realizes what happened previously to this boy was a dream. The boy sighs, turns off his blaring alarm clock, and stumbles out of bed.

Setting Up The Story: Because Baxter’s father abandoned the family he feels lonely and insecure as well as hopeless because he has given up on the fact that he will ever return. Baxter’s Mom is very busy with work, mostly to keep her mind off her failed marriage. During Baxter’s time at school he avoids confrontation with other people except for his friend Kenneth.

Inciting Incident: One day Baxter is in school on a particularly bad day and is contemplating his life and the situation he is in. He thinks about all of his problems and he decides that the most prominent one is the guilt that he feels for his father leaving and his family breaking apart. He goes home after school and goes through his garage and finds his old fishing pole that he used to use with his dad when he was still around and he decides that he’s going to take it out and go fishing at the old pond that his father and he used to go to. Baxter heads down to the dock and sits on the edge and casts out his line. He waits awhile but he suddenly notices that a huge fish is near his line and he leans over to take a look. The fish quickly grabs his line and Baxter, being as light as he is falls into the water. He falls headfirst and hits a rock and is immediately knocked out. Luckily a passerby saw the event and jumped in and saved Baxter but unfortunately Baxter was without oxygen for too long and went into a coma. He is brought to the Hospital and his mother and grandfather stay with him there.

Blog #6

Caroline Hess and Trevor Canham

 Script Frenzy Blog #6

1.  Set-Up  Baxter Goodman lives at home with his single mom, although sometimes he feels as though he is alone. His Mother’s extremely busy work schedule rarely ever leaves time for a cooked meal or a night for them to discuss each of their days. His father left the family years ago, so at this stage in Baxter’s teenage life he definitely feels abandoned and hopeless. The scene opens up with a man and his son standing on a road. The boy calls for his dad however he will not respond. The man starts running, leaving the boy behind. The son begins to cry as the man disappears out of sight. Baxter then wakes up, realizing he has just dreamt this. Many nights a week he has vivid dreams and they always relate to his absent father. Baxter is bullied at his school and not very well-liked. He has one friend, Kenneth, who is one year younger than Baxter. Kenneth and Baxter do not really discuss Baxter’s home life problems but Kenneth does know what he is going through. Baxter’s main internal conflict is the guilt he feels because he believes as though he drove his father away.

2.  Inciting Incident   One day at school Baxter is sitting at his desk and thinking about his life. He realizes how depressed he has become and he starts to think of some way to turn his life around. He thinks about all of the problems he is dealing with at home as well as at school. He realizes that the bullying and the loneliness that he feels do not compare to the guilt he carries for his father leaving.  Later on as Baxter is walking into his garage after school and sees the fishing pole he and his dad used to use. Years have passed since he has gone out on the water and for some reason today he decides to because he needs time to think about his life. He goes down to the dock at the local fishing pond and just sits there and casts out his line. After waiting for a while he sees an unusually large fish in the water near where his hook is, he leans over to take a look and sees that the fish had taken his bait. The fish jerks forward and due to the slipperiness of the Baxter slips in and hits his head and is knocked unconscious. Luckily, a small boy and his dad were approaching the pond and saw this all happen, and when the father saw that Baxter had fallen in and was not coming up he immediately ran to save him. The man successfully saves Baxter from the water and calls an ambulance.  He is taken to the hospital and the doctors tell his mother and grandmother that he is in a coma.

3.    Rising Action:

·        Baxter is in the hospital and has a coma, his mother and grandpa stand by his bedside

 

·        Baxter “wakes up” in his mind in his bedroom, he remembers his “dream” about him falling in water

·        He sets off for the quest to find his dad, bringing along his good friend Kenneth, who surprisingly complies with the idea of going on this quest.

·        They find out where Baxter’s dad is now and go to find him.

·        Baxter’s dad finds out he is in a coma and goes to the hospital

4.    The Big Descision: Baxter’s mom is confused when his dad shows up in the hospital and is still spiteful because he left. She does not let him back into the family. Baxter dreams of finding his dad and realizes he does not need him anymore. The reason he left was because he was an unfit parent and Baxter and Kenneth leave together.

5.  After three weeks Baxter wakes up finally from his coma. He realizes that finding his dad was just a dream and he wakes up to the cruel world he left. Baxter and his mom talk about how his dad came back. Although Baxter did not reconnect with his dad in reality, him and his mom have bonded as well as his grandpa.

6.   Resolution: Baxter’s dad is still out of his life but Baxter has changed drastically and built a relationship with his mom and has developed more friends because he has become less shy. His grandpa has become a strong male figure in his family and Baxter is content with his life.

Revised Logline for Script Frenzy

After a father leaves his family without a word, his weak and troubled only son takes it upon himself to find him, or he will live with the guilt of his idleness forever.

Script Frenzy Logline (First Draft)

When a family breaks apart and the father leaves without a word, the only child, a weak and sickly teenage boy takes it upon himself to bring back his dad, or he will live with the guilt of his inactivity forever.

6-Word Memoirs that I like

"Laptop and I have staring competitions."
This one really spoke to me because I could relate to the feeling and the idea of just sitting down and mindlessley staring at the computer screen after being on the computer for hours just sifting through pointless videos, pictures, etc. Also I found this memoir to be really funny because of the fact he spoke of his labtop like it was a separate being.

"I wish people had mute buttons."
I liked this one because I have felt like this at times too. Sometimes there is just too much going on at one time and you get stressed out and your brain feels like it's going to explode and you just want to silence everyone else. I found this one really easy to relate to and thats what drew me to it.

"Mortality wasted while worrying about immortality."
When I read this memoir I found it to have a lot of truth to it. I also enjoyed it because it was so ironic, and it showed how people sometimes waste the time that they have thinking about how to make it last longer rather than just accepting how impossible it is to change fate and just making the best of the time they have.

"When Dad says, "No", ask Mom."
Although this one is a little cliche I still liked it because I have found myself in this same situation many times or just the opposite. This really brought back a lot of childhood memories about asking for candy or pointless cheap toys things at the store.

"My path unknown. my eyes open."
I really liked this one because it reminds me of how uncertain the future is. Especially when you've come to the point in your life that I'm at where you have to start thinking about the future, and everything just seems very undefined at this point. You just have to keep your eyes open and see how everything works out, or doesn't work out.

Goals For the Year

In my writing, there are a couple of areas that I want to work on this year that will help me improve my creative writing. One of these areas is the variety of my writing. I want to expand my writing to include different tones and experiment with new things. I also want to incorporate more literary devices into my writing such as more similes and metaphors so that I can better describe things that are in my writing like the settings and characters. Another area that I would definitely like to pursue in my writing is my thoughtfulness. I want to look into the topics that I write about further so that I can add more details into my writing and make it more in depth and interesting. I also want to exhibit my voice as a writer more into my pieces. Finally, most of all, I want my writing to make the reader feel a certain way and make them feel as if they are in the story. I want my writing to inspire curiosity in the reader, as to make them wonder about what happens next in the story. That is my overall goal for this year.   

Walcome to my Blag!

Hello, and welcome to my blog! My name is Trevor and at the moment I am a student at Penfield High School. I have labored over the creation of this blog for a Creative Writing class that I am currently in. I decided to take this class because I really enjoy writing short stories and other creative pieces. So, you can expect to see many different posts of that sort in the future. I also really enjoy writing music, have already fully created several musical peices and I hope that someday I will be able to Incorporate my writing into my music. It is also possible that posts of that like may also be found on this blog someday. In this class and on this blog, I hope to greatly improve my writing technique and ability to  mature as a writer. I hope you all really enjoy reading the posts that come from my blog in the future.