It’s widely accepted that screenwriters shouldn’t use clichés. But “give and you shall receive” is a proverb and therefore exempt. So I hope I’ll get away with using it. This concept is a very pervasive influence in my life, particularly now. It all started with a script critique…
In 2005, I took superb online screenwriting training “The Professional Screenwriting Series”. Having undertaken extensive directing training, I wanted to elevate my screenwriting skills to the same level. It was an exceptional course during which I wrote my first feature-length screenplay Cracks In The Ice, which subsequently won acclaim from prolific screen professionals. But that wasn’t all. Something else happened during that training. I met (online) a very talented writer and absolute gentleman named John David Mann (www.johndavidmann.com). He gave me a very insightful script critique and we became great friends. Since then, we have kept in touch via e-communications, written in Shakespearean English. Makes me feel more literate 🙂
I had always hoped to collaborate with John someday, and that opportunity fortuitously presented itself within the past couple of weeks. Through John (and Twitter), I have also become great friends with Bob Burg, author and inspirational public speaker (www.burg.com). Together, Bob and John wrote a highly-acclaimed book called The Go-Giver. Based on the premise that giving is the key to stratospheric success, the book became a Wall Street Journal and BusinessWeek bestseller. In these difficult times, when every one of us is under economic pressure, this book has even more resonance today than when it was written.
Anyway, the three of us were tossing around ideas about how it could work as a movie when we suddenly considered the possibility of locating such a project in Ireland. The Emerald Isle has a lot to offer in terms of tax incentives and co-production funding. Not to mention the beautiful landscapes, friendly people and traditional pubs. And with the Galway Film Fleadh – the biggest annual Irish film industry event, which includes a pitchfest – taking place in mid-July, all signs were pointing to a trans-Atlantic collaboration. Amid dreams of a green field shoot followed by a red carpet premiere, the deal was done!
I will forever be indebted to John and Bob for trusting me to bring the essence of this inspirational book The Go-Giver to the big screen. Their positivity and generosity of spirit are a daily source of joy.
The value of “give and you shall receive” is not subverted if applied to oneself. It’s important that we all to do something nice for ourselves every day. So for those of you who haven’t read the book, please treat yourself to it. You’ll be amazed at the pleasure you receive from it. And it won’t spoil your enjoyment of the movie, because there will be plenty of surprises in the film!
I look forward to bringing you on the main character’s dramatic journey, peppered with highs and lows. Myself, John and Bob would like the process of making the movie to be very interactive, so please become a fan of ‘The Go-Giver’: The Movie on Facebook to be a part of this gratifying movie experience with us.
