People

So, I've been trying to complete some sort of screenplay for the last few weeks (I've got four different projects I am working on). I really want to shoot something before the Pixar lighting internship submissions are due. However, I feel like I'm kind of in a rut. I can't tell if it is just me being unmotivated, or if I've just grown tired of writing about the topics that seem most pressing on my mind.

Often times, my protagonists are running from something. They've done something they consider irredeemable, and they seek redemption, although I often don't feel like I want to give it to them.

On the other hand, I also use protagonists who come to some sort of realization that the rest of their world doesn't. This results in loneliness. When they take action to correct the loneliness, it backfires on them and everyone else. Just about everything I write turns out to be some sort of tragedy.

I also have a lot of trouble writing any sort of sympathetic supporting characters. In all three of my previous screenplays, every single one of my supporting players were completely irredeemable. They were hopelessly prejudiced in some way that is meant to cause the audience to reject them.

I also have trouble seeing any of my characters as likable. I don't love them, which I've been told is essential for someone writing a script. I relate to them, but I don't want them to succeed. If they succeed, that would hint that I believe there is success in following similar actions. Only their worst actions succeed, as that actually constitutes a failure. I almost want to punish them for being the way they are.

It's kind of odd. I wonder if perhaps I'm meant to get one, really good script out of this sentiment before I move on, or if this is going to be a running motif for the immediate future, or if I just need to try to break through the wall of my current emotions and write something super-light and fluffy. Not sure.