James Burrough: 2013

Sunday, 24 February 2013

Challenge 25

This month has been extremely productive. I started production on my graphic novel, which is looking great. We've decided to release the entire graphic novel for free online. The artist is extremely talented, so I hope that my script will do his drawings justice. I've also been asked to edit the behind-the-scenes documentary for the feature I was an assistant editor on, which will be an amazing experience.

I recently wrote a script for the "2 Days Laughter" short film competition, which was noticed by a successful online editor, who decided to produce it as his directorial debut. I'm really happy with how it turned out.

This is my first produced script, so it was an extremely exciting experience. I'm really looking forward to working with this team again on the "48 Hour Sci-Fi Challenge" in April.

Here's my script:

And here's the completed film:

Since tonight is Oscars night, I thought I'd also share my personal preferences:

Best Film: Zero Dark Thirty

Best Director: Stephen Spielberg (Lincoln)

Best Original Screenplay: Mark Boal (Zero Dark Thirty)

Best Adapted Screenplay: Chris Terrio (Argo)

Monday, 4 February 2013

Scene Experiment

While my graphic novel is in development, I've decided to revisit The Major and the Beetle, to try and complete the first draft. My main problem with the script was the beginning, which needed to establish the historical setting, without feeling too contrived or melodramatic. Unfortunately, I couldn't avoid the glossy Hollywood style opening, which was inappropriate for the material.

My attempted solution is a short prologue, similar to the opening scene of Argo, using stock footage and narration to establish the setting. I would love some feedback on this scene, so that I can decide whether it works, or whether I should experiment with alternative methods to set up the story.

Feel free to comment on this post, or contact me on twitter (@100_Day_SP) with your thoughts.

Saturday, 12 January 2013

Top 10 films of 2012

I was unable to consider Berberian Sound Studio, Beasts of the Southern Wild, The Master, Rust and Bone, The Hunt and Silver Linings Playbook, as I didn't have time to see them.

10. Jeff, Who Lives at Home

Country: USA

Directors: Jay Duplass & Mark Duplass

Writers: Jay Duplass & Mark Duplass