It started with the thought that I can come up with a story better than what I saw in the theater. I was watching X-Men: The Last Stand, and like the movies before it, I said to myself..."I can write a story better than this." After a while, I got tired of complaining and boasting. I sat down and began to write my own version of the X-Men story in February 2009. In July 2009, the first draft was finished, 125 pages.
I had no idea how much more I needed to do to perfect this script. But I continued through the long process of formatting, proof reading, editing the story time and again. At last, December 5, 2009 I registered the finished script with the Writers Guild of America, West. 192 pages. Of course, I cannot copyright Marvel characters, but I wanted to make sure the idea stays with me. The last step is the toughest yet, getting the opportunity to present my work to Marvel Studios. All the material is printed including the script, the treatment, the outline, the main character list, and the tagline. I put so much into this project, I really want to see it used in some way by the Studio.
Out of this long process I realize that I love to write screenplays. Although it involves long hours of staring at a computer screen, I get caught up in the story and want others to see the story on the big screen. So, I started my next screenplay, my first original script.
This time, I want to move away from comic book characters and deal with real life. Also, this is a Christian film, involving Christian families, facing real life situations. Once this script is finished, I plan to copyright it and register it with the WGA. As I write, I already have some of the people in mind who I want to play the parts. I know I have to go through this long process again, but I think it's easier this time because I've learned so much from the first experience.
The third screenplay is on the table, in the beginning stages. An original, Christian script, but it's not as grounded in reality. I'm looking at this flowing over to a comic book series and graphic novel. I'm still developing the characters and the story. But I like the idea though.
There is a fourth screenplay, original, Christian theme...but it will have to wait for now, unless I get an amazing breakthrough idea on how to make the story work.
The Christian films that I do write, I want them to challenge the Body of Christ, not only those who aren't saved. I want to pull the audience into the characters' lives and make the story exciting as well as relevant. I'm looking for a Literary Agency in Southern CA. right now who will give me a chance to say what I want to say.
I'm not familiar with Christian production companies, but my screenplays are on such a large scale, I'm targeting secular Studios to accept my work and the budget it takes to make these scripts into live action films.
I'm excited, I'm nervous, I have a lot of questions. I'm asking myself, could I be the director for these films and do I really want to direct them? The thing is, these scripts, these ideas are my babies. I know it will be hard for me to give them to someone who hasn't put as much time in them as I have.
I'll see where and how the Lord leads me.
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