"If you ask me what I came into this world to do, I will tell you I came to live out loud." - Emile Zola
Living out loud' has been my modus operandi for as far back as I can remember and it is an essential element to keep in mind when you're writing screenplays. I mean, what's the point if your Characters don't express themselves in ways that really connect with movie audiences? And I'm not just talking about verbal or physical gymnastics, as many times I find that 'less is more' when trying to portray a characters' feelings. I'm referring to the challenging task of writing scenarios and dialogue that bring your story to life in a vibrant and often passionate way that resonates throughout the movie. This, I believe, is especially important when you're creating musical-dramas.
Making the decision to continue the Story of Beautiful Noise with a prequel and then to resolve the Trilogy in a sequel was easy, 'cause I have a lot more to say about the themes of Life that were touched on in this first installment - and because I know my Characters better now thanks to the wonderful portrayals Jay and Danielle and Kimber & King and the rest of the Company delivered. The tough part is sticking to a dedicated writing schedule while I'm editing all night and developing the film festival marketing plan for the current film most of the day. But that's the Key. Writing each and every day, and at the same time of day, is the only way for me to stay sharp and take advantage of the raging flood of ideas and subplots that dance in my head.
Holed up with my editor, Marc Alford, to edit Beautiful Noise is a great experience as the film seems to be cutting itself effortlessly. We're agreeing on almost every take to use in the final cut and we can plainly see that something special is unfolding on the screen. It's a helluva rush to see Danielle's amazing acting ability infuse such life into the movie and to see Jay play off her lead and react so convincingly to where her 'Dez' wants to take his 'Noah'. And then to watch Kimber, a complete newcomer to film acting, play her role like her life depended on it - well, suffice it to say that no director was ever more eager than this one to get to the editing suite every night to watch his tremendous performers create such memorable Characters.
So it's a whirlwind schedule of Edit...Write...Edit...Sleep...Edit...Write...and so on. And I'm lovin' every minute of it.
The prequel is already outlined and carries the Title of: Beautiful Noise 2 - "Serenade". I'll have the first draft completed within a coupla weeks as Inspiration has once again taken hold of my senses. And I expect the first rough cut of the current film to be ready by Thanksgiving. And then, of course, there's the business of mixing, mastering and marketing the hit Soundtrack we have on our hands...
It 's simply amazing what an indie filmmaker can accomplish when you banish all doubt and elect to "Live Out Loud".
Steve
