Chasing Dreams: The Journey of a Screenwriter
Introduction to the Journey
Welcome to this incredible journey! We’re diving into a story that’s so remarkable, it’s almost hard to believe. Our interviewee shares a background filled with unexpected twists and turns, setting the stage for a theme that resonates with anyone daring to chase their dreams.
Even my story now is somewhat so unbelievable that I don’t even share it with certain people.
In this introduction, we’ll touch on the pursuit of dreams and the fascinating connection to the Hollywood movie ‘Chasing Three Thousand.’ Get ready to be inspired by a tale that defies the ordinary.
The Catalyst for Change
In this section, we explore the pivotal moments that led to a significant career shift. The interviewee, originally an attorney by profession, faced a profound personal loss with the passing of his mother after a brief illness. This event served as a catalyst for reevaluating life choices and pursuing a long-held desire to write.
“I thought, what if half of my life is over? What did I want really wanna do? I wanted to write.”
The transition from a legal background to the creative world of writing highlights the impact of personal experiences on career paths.
Breaking into Hollywood
Breaking into Hollywood can be a daunting task, but it often starts with taking those initial steps and meeting the right people. In this section, we explore how one individual began their journey into the film industry.
After a personal wake-up call, the desire to write became a driving force. A connection at Disney, Rick Haskins, opened doors by introducing him to industry professionals, including producer Barry Bernardi. This meeting highlighted the importance of relationships in Hollywood.
“He said, well, Bill, there’s two ways to get in the business. Start as a gopher and, you know, work your way up.”
Faced with the reality of supporting a family, the prospect of starting at the bottom wasn’t appealing. Fortunately, the industry recognized his potential and offered a more promising path.
Crafting the Story
Crafting a story can be a deeply personal journey, and for this filmmaker, it began with a unique relationship with his brother. He pondered what he had that no one else did and decided to write about it. Despite having no prior experience, he dove into screenwriting by purchasing books and penning an autobiographical piece titled “The First Step.” Though initially rough and unpolished, the screenplay garnered some attention and almost became an after-school special, which fueled his passion to continue writing.
“I wrote a very autobiographical story. I think it was called The First Step.”
As he honed his skills through writing several more screenplays, he revisited his original story. With improved craftsmanship, he added a compelling hook involving a journey to witness Roberto Clemente’s historic three-thousandth hit, transforming it into “Chasing Three Thousand.” The first draft of this evolved screenplay was completed around 1999.
Feedback and Revisions
Feedback is a crucial part of the writing process, and it often leads to significant revisions. In this section, the importance of collaborating with others to enhance a story is highlighted. The feedback received suggested that the story was “too small,” meaning it was too intimate and needed to appeal to a broader audience.
“The feedback I was getting is that the story was too small.”
To address this, the writer teamed up with a young actor and writer, Chris D’Unzio. Together, they spent a weekend on the Warner Brothers lot, expanding the screenplay to make it more engaging. This involved transforming the narrative into a larger, more adventurous three-day trip, which added depth and appeal to the story.
The Sacrifices of a Filmmaker
Being a filmmaker often requires juggling multiple responsibilities and making significant sacrifices. For many, like the speaker, this means balancing a full-time job with the passion for writing and filmmaking.
“If you wanna write and you wanna be a filmmaker, you have to make sacrifices.”
The speaker shares their experience of working as a practicing attorney while trying to carve out time for writing during weekends and evenings. This often involves a delicate balance, ensuring that family time is not compromised while pursuing creative endeavors.
The challenges of time management are evident, as the speaker describes the need to “steal time” to work on their projects. This dedication highlights the commitment required to succeed in the film industry, where personal stories are often fictionalized to create compelling narratives.
Reactions from Peers
The journey into filmmaking often comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it involves balancing a full-time job and a passion project. The filmmaker shared that he kept his Hollywood aspirations mostly under wraps, revealing them only to close family and friends.
“I didn’t share it with a lot of people, but I shared it with, you know, family members and friends.”
Initially, there was a stigma attached to pursuing such an unconventional career path, especially in a conservative environment. The fear of being perceived as “crazy” for writing screenplays while living in Cincinnati kept him from widely sharing his ambitions.
However, once the project gained traction and funding, the secret was out. Taking significant time off work to focus on the film made it clear to colleagues that this “wild, crazy thing” was becoming a reality. This revelation was reminiscent of stories like John DeLorean’s, where unexpected career shifts surprised peers.
Conclusion and Reflections
Reflecting on this incredible journey, it’s clear that the path from a small Midwestern town to the bustling world of Hollywood is nothing short of remarkable. The story is so extraordinary that it often feels unbelievable, even to those who lived it.
“Even my story now is somewhat so unbelievable that I don’t even share it with certain people.”
The impact of storytelling is profound, not just in the films created but in the personal experiences and transformations it brings. Shooting in places like Pittsburgh and Los Angeles, and drawing from personal roots in Steubenville, Ohio, highlights the blend of personal history and creative ambition.
While the journey may not have turned everyone into a celebrity overnight, it certainly stands as a testament to what can be achieved with determination and creativity. It’s a reminder that pursuing one’s dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem, is always worth the effort.
For anyone out there with a dream, let this be encouragement to chase it. The journey might be tough, but the stories you create along the way are invaluable.
