Conjuring up that 'Good Idea' for a film script

I’ve been trying to think of a “good idea’ to make a real impression. A subject that is worthwhile spending time, money and all this equipment on. There is no problem when it comes to making a video record of my holidays, a private party or how I spent Christmas. But these are just records of private events, and of little interest to the world at large. Make a good wedding video, but no matter how well made it is, it is still only a record and of personal interest only.

Often a friend will say, “what are you working on at the moment?”

“Oh, busy editing my holiday video,” you may answer.

“Have you a stunning idea for a film?.
“Well no; I haven’t a clue!”

After all, it is only a hobby, and for most of us, that is the way it remains. Youngsters now can go to college and become movie graduates. But that only puts them on the road to becoming
 

 part of the great media image. Certainly very few will make a name for themselves and become recognised throughout the cultured world. But we know that quite a few amateurs have achieved this notoriety. So how do they do it? I think the simple answer is; “they have something to say, a message for all!”

So, the answer to success in making a movie of distinction, whether it be a drama, comedy, documentary or a way out abstract idea, the solution is the same; what does it mean? Does it make you think? Was it good entertainment? Or was it boring.

Most of us have strong feelings about something. It is easier to think about how strongly you feel about a situation, happenings, personal or the world in general. But it is hard enough to write about, let alone put it into a movie that will capture the interest of a large number of people. I certainly don’t find it easy to convert into a length of film or tape.

Years ago I made a film called “Then and Now,” to show visually how the area around the Thames from Putney to Hampton Court
had changed dramatically and mostly sad to say, for the worst. And that was almost 30 years ago, I was worrying about the traffic build up and bad architecture as long ago as that. though we generally see better buildings now. That film did win some prizes. Though one judge remarked that it was a pity it was not in colour.

I have come to the conclusion that there are three main reasons for indulging in this movie making lark:

1. We just want to record happenings.
2To make a serious point of interest.
3. Commissioned to make a documentary.

Think about it!

Jon Woolmer