Write That Shit Down

Ben and Dan continue to work through the first draft. This episode they talk about Sarah and Peter agreeing to work with James Boyd and how to pump up the drama in future re-writes. Then they talk about the 2003 Christmas comedy, Elf written by David Berenbaum. Turns out they both think it is ok.

Ben and Dan discuss more pages of their second act of the first draft. Now at 75 out of 140 pages. They touch on the elephant in the room, the tech that holds everything together. Then they discuss the 1990 Christmas classic, Home Alone, expertly written by John Hughes. The family movie with out the family.

Ben and Dan talk through the next 20 pages of their screenplay. In order to keep with the 02/21 deadline they need to write 2 pages a day. They talk about some pivotal scenes and dialogue that needs to still be flushed out. Then they pivot to discuss the 1999 cult classic The Boondock Saints written and directed by Troy Duffy.

Ben and Dan continue to discuss their film. They have 40 pages completed which ultimately will be parsed down to 10 or 15. There is a ton of filler and Ben thinks it is becoming boring to even write it out. First draft is always junk. The boys set a deadline to complete the first draft by the end of February 2021. Then the boys pivot and discuss the 2003 Christmas comedy, Love Actually written and directed by Richard Curtis.

Ben and Dan continue with writing the first act of their movie. The protagonist, Peter, is sent to a boarding school after a horrific accident. He needs to find his way and get the spark to continue studying. They discuss the importance of getting things on paper and revising later. Then they discuss the 1999 cult comedy film, Office Space. This films is brilliantly written and directed by Mike Judge.

In this episode the boys talk about the tragic car crash that kills two of the friends. This first draft version will no doubt be re-written. This sets the stage for Peter's journey through academia as he is then sent to boarding school. From there to MIT to meet Sarah, the love of his life. Then the boys pivot to discuss the 1997 hit movie Good Will Hunting written by and starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. This is an amazing movie that stands the test of time.

Ben and Dan discuss more pages they have written of their movie, Hinterlands. They touch on the timeline paradox and a potential way to address it. Then they talk about the 1995 movie Heat, written and directed by Michael Mann. This crime thriller stars Robert De Nero, Al Pacino, and Val Kilmer.

Ben and Dan continue working through their screenplay. This episode they focus on the second seven pages. They realize the the pacing is lagging and the dialogue seems forced. In the future during revisions they will be able to tighten things up. Then they discuss the 2003 comedy movie, Old School written by Todd Phillips and Scot Armstrong.  A classic movie that the boys quote all the time. 

Ben and Dan discuss the first seven pages of their screenplay. They discuss the pacing and the future revisions and the importance of setting up a routine to write. Then they discuss the 1994 action film True Lies, written by James Cameron. Top five movie of all time for both of them. 

Ben and Dan spend a bit of time talking about the second half of the second act, Act 2.5 and then Act 3 scenes. They discuss the tech challenge with explaining the critical point of their movie. Moving forward they will start the actual writing process, which they have put off for over 4 months. Then they discuss the 2001 movie Joe Dirt, written by David Spade and Fred Wolf. This ridiculous comedy is a classic and one the boys quote often.