November 5, 2002

       Before we can film, before we can design the website, before we can even get together- there's got to be a script.  Jamie's Way was created originally- because I wanted to see my scripts come to life- I wanted to see my characters come to life on tape.  So I wrote a simple- but fun little script (Episode One- The King Of Yang) hoping to make it into a short film.   I was also hoping to test this new technology- the internet - and create my version of a TV show on the web!  And now- finally- we're working on our fifth episode!   This is so amazing!!   It's taken a long time to get to this point.  Getting funding has been quite a struggle, therefore- making Jamie's Way more of a hobby.    We're always hoping that one day that could change- but until then- we take things one step at a time.
       So how do I start writing the scripts?  First of all- I use a fantastic screen writing program- Movie Magic- Screenwriter 2000.  I love this program- because it puts my scripts into the proper format as I write, and even memorizes the names of my characters, scene headings, etc.    I used to format on my own- as I typed- using the tab buttons, and the space bars over and over again.  But now that I discovered Screenwriter 2000-  I'll never go back to that again.  I do have to thank Matt McClain (Toby) for this discovery.  He lent me a copy of Script Monster after our 2nd episode.    It was such a great program that I couldn't stop using it.  And it turns out that Screenwriter 2000 is the updated version of Script Monster.  Matt wrote our third episode, Tyler's Way, and will be writing more episodes in the future.  He is also working on a film of his own.
       When I first start a script, I usually already have the plot ideas, and title in my head.  I spend hours thinking about the scripts before I actually start to write.  I even walk around talking out scenes with myself.  I also talk to my actors- Kristin, Matt, the King of Yang, etc.  We spend hours discussing plots, scenes, etc.

       Once I know the basic plot, and title- I start with scene one.  And I usually just let my mind wonder.  I write, as I think, as I hear the charaters in my mind, etc.  I sit in front of my computer for hours- typing, retyping, planning, writing until I can finally write an "End of Script" at the bottom.  It usally doesn't matter how long the script is- though with Jamie's Way episodes, the scripts usually are from 20-50 pages long.  We try to keep them under 30 pages since it is usually assumed that one page equals one minute on film. 
       Right now- I am on page 15 of Aunt Victoria's Secet.  So while I'm creating this whole "Beind-The-Scenes" section of the making of episode five- I've barely even completed the script.  The Reason?  I wanted the audience to really follow along with us this time as we create this episode.    I hope to complete this episode within the next week or so and let my cast read it over before we meet.  That way they can form their own ideas about the script, and be compfortable with some of the lines as we rehearse.     In the meantime- I will be spending hours upon hours trying to perfect this episode.    I hope you like it!!!   EM