Subscribe To This Site
Jammy Yoon's Blog
|
|
|
I recently abandoned the screenplay idea that I was working on for the past eight months...for now. The last draft that I actually did complete was in December of 2006, it was the third draft. I went up to the 40th page of the fourth draft before calling it quits, mostly for emotional reasons. I wasn't as invested as I wanted to be, and the aspect of it being a crime genre kept getting deeper as I wrote and would discover the world. It didn't put me in the best of moods to be honest, given the obvious nature of what I wanted to say. In order for me to get out what I wanted to say about the specific story (irresponsibility = chaos), I had to literally suffer with my characters for a while to get to where it needed to go. With the structure being far from perfect, I kind of lost faith in the project, and put it on the shelf with my other filled notebooks. I outlined the script for many months probably more than five times, as most of the writing on the crime pic was on nailing the structure. I don't even think I found a satisfying climax.
Jammy Yoon's new screenplay
With all this said, I started a script for fun a few weeks ago that I'm having a great time developing. It's a drama, dealing with the themes of belief and doubt (in the context of an engaged couple).
Jammy Yoon's new writing method
What's different about this story is that I'm not outlining at all. I've realized that I like this method way better than the actual index card method because it leaves me interested every day when I sit down to work on the next scene. I don't know how it's going to end, other than a faint idea about how it could end. I've realized that I must be emotionally invested in what I'm trying to say. This script, hidden behind a masked plot of supernatural questions, is more personal than the crime spec. I'm writing as I go, and the sequences almost feels like journal entries. As Kubrick said, films should be progressions of moods and feelings. I think I'm doing that on a healthy/fun level.
Jammy Yoon on future filmmaking plans
I applied to USC's screenwriting program in December for a hopeful start in the fall of 2007. Being accepted would be a great step up and advantage for my future career in film, because we all know of the prestige that's involved in that school. My grades however are low, and for some reason I can't help but doubt my academic records. I wonder if my writing samples will blow them away. Doubt it.
I also applied (albeit late) to Chapman University in Orange, CA for their film production program in directing for an MFA. They seem to have a solid focus on what they want to achieve in their students, even though I've grown weary of film schools and their expensive rates. Chapman has a May 1st 'regular' deadline policy which will disqualify me for any scholarships. Way to procrastinate.
|
|
I haven't made a movie in a year. To not be on a set with other collaborators has been a little tough to get used to, considering my experience at school for four years. I think that I'm just starting to find a balance in life these days between the practical and the ideal, which for a while, has always seemed like a leap to take. Reason being because the natural side of me always felt compelled to nurture the creative side of things. I realize that this is an inadequate way to live. Because if it's based on that sole purpose alone, the art actually suffers. An unlived life is not worth examining. So even though I miss the tortures of production, I'm comfortable with my current state. I believe this patience will help me in the future.
Jammy Yoon on hobby vs career
There's always that fear that the passion that I have for film and storytelling will come up futile. If you look at the odds, passion seems irrelevant
Film, or the art of it though will never leave my subconscious. At least I don't think it will. I'll always be interested in the good stuff, the emotion that can be achieved and expressed to audience members. But even though I said that identity was a struggle that I dealt with in filmmaking, (because it was all I was for a long time) I don't fear it affecting me that much in the future. Life IS more than movies. I know that. Although I love it as a gift from God, and am fascinated in the possibilities of 'reforming' Hollywood...I guess I'm not as freaked out as I used to be (which was ironically a week ago).I don't know if this is fickle mood swings or what, but I do trust that God will not leave me in the dark in regards to the future. It ain't over till it's over. I don't plan on giving up any time soon.
Jammy Yoon - show me the money
In terms of money however, being a paid screenwriter is lucrative although seemingly unpredictable. That would be a very good thing, a dream really to get paid to do it. One reason is because I don't want to do anything else, and I really don't want to do anything else. It's not narrow minded, it's just truth. I can't expect this to come to pass because I can't see into the future, but I do trust in my abilities. As I grow personally, my awareness also grows in the craft. I believe that I'm a quick learner and can adapt...I also believe that I can make it in the industry. I just wish I were friends with an agent at CAA or Endeavor. Good friends.
Do you have questions or comments about what you've read in Jammy Yoon's blog, or on the rest of the site? Then click here to send us your thoughts, ideas for content or any other feedback. We'd love to hear from you!
Return from Jammy Yoon's Blog February 16th 2007 to the Jammy Blog Archive
Return from Jammy Yoon's Blog February 16th 2007 to the WILDsound Filmmaking Feedback Events home page