Venting Frustrations – 12/28
Today was an odd day.
On the one hand, I wrote the entire script for Just Leasing, and was extremely pleased with the result. I was able to seamlessly thread some common themes throughout, and a few gags repeated themselves with good comedic timing. I gave Kourtney’s character a plot – she is determined to make my character (her ex) jealous.
Though this would be a weak plot for any novel or work in the suspense or mystery variety, I’m beginning to realize high-stakes plots do not contribute to our enjoyment of comedy. We enjoy comedies that make us laugh. It’s as simple as that.
What frustrates me is that after I finished the script, I emailed it to Catrina and contacted her friend. I haven’t heard from them for a few days, and fully understand how busy people get around Christmas time.
What isn’t fine is their decision not to get back to me. They called me to meet with them, and it was Catrina’s ideas which inspired most of the episode.
It’s a bad feeling when you’re trying so hard to put something together and aren’t even sure if your formerly enthusiastic participants are still going to show up. I don’t have any problem arguing, dealing with scheduling conflicts, or reaching out to find new actors. I have a HUGE problem with people who volunteer for something with one foot in the door.
I don’t understand why anyone would decide to embark on a journey toward a near-impossible career with even the slightest of hesitations. Do things smart, work hard, and anything is possible.
Another one of my acting friends, a guy, admitted to me that he has a fear of success that prevents him from auditioning to his fullest potential.
Fear of success?? I’m sorry, but I can’t help but feel that is a subtle way of saying “Life’s too good for me to actually try at anything.”
Fear of success? Nah, I don’t have a fear of success. I am petrified that my dreams won’t be realized, and that drives me to write, network, and self-promote like my life depends on it. Reap your rewards – don’t sleep until they fall on you, because they never will.
Thomas M. Watt
