You can teach an old dog new tricks. I'm taking a series of online classes through the University of Cambridge called Writing For Performance and the Entertainment Industries. It's covered everything from plays, screenplays, sitcoms, performance art, standup, and even poetry slams.
I'm 64 years old and have two degrees in broadcasting but have been amazed at how much I didn't know. That isn't a slam on my earlier education. Back then I assumed I knew pretty much all there was to know. I was so wrong. I see now that I missed a lot by not being the info sponge I've become.
After these classes I've seen a major shift in my creative process. This has given much more confidence in my creations, something I've always lacked. One side effect of this is my current major work in progress. It started as a 1,000 word story that just keeps growing. The current estimate is 5,000 words, but it may be more. Much more.
On the other hand, the class on the business of screenwriting has taught me that I will never be, and could never have been, a professional screenwriter. Not that I'm not capable of the writing, but seeing the true day-to-day of it, I would not enjoy it. If it doesn't make you happy, why do it?
The only downside is that I'm almost done with the series of classes. It's like coming to the end of a really good book. You're glad the hero has triumphed, but you don't want it to be over. I guess I'll just have to start looking for the next class.
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Talk to me dude