There are constant drips and trickles of life that goes into one's awareness and consciousness of things. -- film director, Mike Leigh
This exercise is an invitation to move from thinking like a director to an actor, and then to a writer.
LISTEN: Podcast - Who Am I This Time? With Eddie Marsan hosted by David Morrissey.
This conversation describes the minutia of the director and actor relationship.
WRITE: In the interview with David Morrissey, you heard Eddie Marsan talk about many of Mike Leigh’s techniques to create Vera Drake’s storyline. One of his methods is to make a list of 150 people the actor has come across in his lifetime and start to whittle this list down to 2 - 5 characters on which Marsan can base his character in the film.
Step one: Write down the names of 25 people you’ve come in contact with over your life. They can be family, friends, acquaintances, and strangers. Try not to overthink this part. Write down names or descriptions as they come into your conscience.
Step two: Whittle it down to the five most distinct people -- those with characteristics and personalities that pop in your memory.
Step three: Now, create two characters that possess the qualities of these five people. Try not to let them share qualities. The more different they are, the better.
Step four: Write a conversation between these two people about a book one has and the other wants.
I hope you find Two For The Book a compelling At Home Art Date.
I curate provocative art dates for you to enjoy solo or with others in your own home. Many of these art dates have online elements combined with supplemental reading, listening, and a variety of activities you can do at home to enhance how you express and experience art. Feel free to forward these art dates to others. Remember to check out the bonus material below.
These art dates are free of charge. However, they do take time, energy, and a lifetime of artistic experience to put together. If you’d like to buy me a cup of tea as a bit of thanks, I’d appreciate your generosity.
Yours,
Pattie
Bonus Material: