Going into the Deep

May 12th, 2010 - Screenwriting - Fabrice Renucci
Tags: 1st draft, Spain -

Fabrice spent two weeks in April completing the first draft of I the
Experiment, but to say that the first draft brings you anywhere close
to the final product is sadly not true. But, many elements of both the
story and the screenwriting process are now sharper, clearer, more
defined, and certainly the boys are great steps ahead in the journey
towards shooting.

Certain aspects of the screenwriting process have had a profound
effect and influence on Fabrice. He was shocked to find how deeply
immersed in writing one must go to achieve results. He claims that the
weeks in Spain were a sort of religious experience, locking oneself
away from humanity and mankind, an experiement in cloistered living in
order to get in touch with the voices, stories and ideas swimming
around in his head. Early mornings and evenings were the aim of the
game, along with solitude, locking himself away for hours at a time in
darkened rooms for maximum concentration.

On the other hand, Radek was outside, getting in touch with the
natural world. Long afternoons were spent trying to fine environments
that best reflected moments in the screenplay, as well as literal
attempts to walk in the various characters’ shoes. This is his way to
best in touch with these characters’ emotions and motivations. The
rolling hills, stark landscapes and beating sun all helped to evoke
these feelings.

While their methods may differ, both agree on one thing: the
importance of self-introspection. Tom Tykwer perhaps says it best when
talking about his first successful film. He was given the advice that
there is no point in trying to write stories about things one doesn’t
know about: simply put, write about things that happen in your life,
that you have experienced, that you can relate to. Events or feelings
that you have a strong visceral relationship to. In order to get in
touch with this space, it requires one to “re-imagine” the events of
one’s life, something both Fabrice and Radek are now doing to inform
their screenplay.

Check back next week for the materials, influences, and inspiration
the two co-writers are surrounding themselves with to take them to the
next step!