Thursday, December 29, 2005

Attainable Screenwriting Goals

Just finished reading a blog that discusses setting attainable goals as opposed to setting yourself up for failure. It mentions a few writers' goals that are not achievable or are only achievable at the will of someone else. Specifically, this blogger states that setting a goal to win the Nicholl in a given year is unreasonable because it is not within the sole power of the writer to achieve. While I don't categorically disagree with this statement, I do think it merits deeper exploration.

Let's use the three points cited with regard to establishing goals. Goals should be: (1) achievable, (2) within your own power and (3) measurable. Okie doke. Now, let's use those criteria against the goal: Winning the Nicholl in 2006.

Okay, first, is it achievable? Somebody wins it every year so apparently so. Second, is it within my own power? Hmm. Well, yes and no. I have the ability to write a great script but judges make the final decision. Third, is it measurable? I have the "regretfully" letters from Greg Beal to prove it.

So based on the three criteria, because subjective judges are involved, nobody should ever set winning a Nicholl Fellowship as their goal.

Although I agree, in theory, with these three criteria for setting goals, every person who has ever won the Nicholl wanted to win it and probably set it as their goal.

Could we, instead, set a goal of "entering" the Nicholl? That's insane. Any moron can enter.

Could we, intead, set a goal of "advancing" in the Nicholl? Well, sure, but again, the goal is not within our sole power. Readers decide who advances.

It's paradoxical.

So, what are we to do about it? Not dream big? Not aim high? Poppycock. Nothing about making films, not even writing one, is within anyone's sole power and films are only made when somebody dreams big, reaches seemingly impossible goals, and crashes through boundaries. Proof? Just try to get a film financed. Ask any producer if he didn't reach an impossible goal. Follow a director around a set for a few days and you'll wonder why his insides haven't exploded.

Verdict? Sure, set reasonable and attainable screenwriting goals, improve steadily and measure your progress. That's important. But set a few grandiose goals as well. Without them, you'll never leave Idaho.

(http://museinks.blogspot.com/2005/12/first-goal-post.html)

5 comments:

Tim said...

If I were from Idaho, I'd be offended.

Good post, though...

Anonymous said...

rofl @ Green

I'm sure the director of Memento and Batman Begins had lofty goals to begin with.

Perhaps realistic goals? Meaning..if you wanted to do X, then u plan what to do in order to obtain it. See the end first then chart ur course.

Following a logical timeline, you'd see (in theory) if it were possible..in several years or a whole lifetime.

Adam Renfro said...

My new motto:

Low my standards and ACHIEVE!

MaryAn Batchellor said...

Logical time line sounds like a twelve step program! Works for me, though.

Anonymous said...

placing in the top 10 of Nicholl is an attainable goal of mine, especially considering they handed out six fellowships last year and that someone who placed in the Top 10 got calls from Hollywood to submit his scripts... it is a viable foot in the door