Chapter 2: An Introduction Continued...

Hello readers,
Hope you have all had a fantabulous week! So in last weeks blog, I gave you all a brief run down (rant) about what my dreams and hopes are and where I would like to go... But basically, at my scary age of 25, I need to get my ass into gear!

I never told you that I have started writing a script... It's a Television Drama based around four men and their struggles with relationships/lack of. It's a working progress, but I am steadily getting there and coming to grips with the characters and where I would like them to go.
I have sooo many ideas I would love to get writing about, but after this script I would definitely like to start writing a film script... I have strong ideas for it so far, however it will be a complete u-turn from the TV Drama I am currently writing. This is the thing, I know it will be completely different, but I don't want to be known as someone who sticks to one genre and one audience and I think that is the main problem with writers these days... Films today are not like they were back in the day. Nowadays, the film industry seems to be focusing a lot on remakes and sequels. It's quite clever actually, because in doing this, people who have seen the originals will be intrigued to know what the remakes are like and those who loved the first film are going to want to see the second or third - even though a lot of the time, they disappoint... agreed?
When I have these ideas, I already have an idea of who I would like to act out the characters. At the moment I am finding it easy to write about men and relationships, because I mainly hung out with lads growing up in school (for all the lads reading this, DON'T WORRY! I'm not ACTUALLY writing about you :)).


Last week my friend replied to my last blog on here and attached an inspiring video about a woman named, Kandee Johnson. In the video she talks about her struggles to make her dreams come true - click the link here to hear her story. Her story has moved me so much... she is so positive and strong and a great role model to anyone who ever doubts themselves and their abilities. I showed my Mammy the other day and she was nodding her head throughout. She said,"This is exactly what I tell you all the time!" It's true, she really does! :)
In last weeks blog I also mentioned about how I would like to try out acting. "Has she ever acted", I hear you say? Yes I have. The first play I ever auditioned for was, Oliver. I was 11, VERY scared and got the role of an random boy that was of no real significance in the play (or so I thought at the time). I told my Dad I got this part and expressed how disheartened I was... He came back at me saying, "You know Liam Neeson's first role at school was a woman?" I was like, "The man from Star Wars with the long hair?" At the time I wasn't aware of how famous he was, but he grew up in the same town as my Dad. When he told me this, he proceeded to tell me that even though he had the role of a woman, he stuck with it... and look at him now?!

I lost interest after a while because I was quite a shy person in school, but I thought if anything can help me get over this, surely taking drama classes would? So that's what I did. I went to classes at the Custard Factory in Birmingham. The first play was Romeo & Juliet (I know what you're thinking, how predictable) and I got the part of Lady Capulet which I didn't think was a bad start at the time. However I dropped out of the play because again, I lost interest (I was 15, don't judge). I later had a reality check... I thought if I was to take this seriously, I will look at applying to take Theatre Studies at A-Level (even though I never took it at GCSE). Luckily I was allowed to to take the class - there was only six of us, two boys and four girls - but the fact it was a small group made it that bit more intimidating. As time went on it became more fun and we got to take workshops with other drama groups from the years above and below. I went to after school drama as well and the Wizard of Oz was going to be performed in the Summer of that year. So I auditioned for a part and got the role of "Third Witch" ... for anyone who has seen the Wizard of Oz, this was NOT one of the main Witches (Glinda the Good, the Wicked Witch of the East and the Wicked Witch of the West). No. I was cast as one of the Wicked Witch's "mates". Queue laughter...
After this, the actors cast as the Tin Man, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion dropped out, which meant there was room for another audition. I clearly got the role of the Cowardly Lion by default due to the fact that I am ginger... and I guess cowardly as well! But I have to say, it was one of the best experiences I have had and I won't ever forget it.
I think at the moment I am going through another, "I'll get back into it eventually" stages. Truth be told, I have wanted to join another amateur dramatics group but haven't for the following reasons:
1. I don't know which one is good in Birmingham.
2. I am shit scared.


So if anyone knows of any good drama classes I could attend in Birmingham, that would be great, because I would like to get back into it. You know what they say, you should do something once a day that frightens you, and this definitely would! Even though it frightens me, I love the feeling of people being able to relate to a character, because we all find that. Whether it be at the Theatre, or on TV, Cinema or even in a song...
Mammy sent me a link last week which I hope you all find as fascinating as I did. It is written by a 90 year old woman called Regina Brett; she makes 42 points about life and it's lessons. Every single point is so true, but the one I feel is quite relevant to what I have written above (and to my personality in general) is:
"Don't take yourself so seriously; no one else does..."
I hope you read it because ever since I have, I have tried to revert back to some of the points she makes and all seems fine after.

Until next week ladies and gents... that's if I haven't bored you all to tears.
Here's a wee song, just to remind you not to forget who you are; thanks Miles Kane.
T.