Outtakes 46

Picture This

I love writing. Putting words on paper is a joy and a frustration. When the words come, it’s a joy; but when I stare at a blank screen and nothing comes, it’s horrible. But beyond that, I enjoy the variety of writing genres. I never thought I could write a screenplay until I typed “Fade Out” on the last page. It’s a rough first effort, but maybe I can polish it and find some enterprising soul to produce it. Thing is, the screenplay, commercial, or picture book requires more than polished words on paper. The whole project hinges on the visions of producers, directors, cinematographers, photographers, and artists. The trick is finding folks you can trust to bring their special talents to the project and incorporate the written words to create something special.

I am fortunate to have worked with such a person. In my broadcasting career I’ve had the opportunity to write commercials and even documentaries. It’s always frightening to hand the script over to someone and hope it works. But whenever I’ve given Kris Matejko a script, I knew he’d take my words and my video suggestions and come up with something I never imagined. I’ve never been disappointed.

Kris has produced PSA’s for Frontiers in Writing on several occasions. Our budget is never very large, and we have to cut corners to bring the project in within budget. Kris is a genius. He can take nothing and make something really good that sells the product.

I had trouble coming up with a script idea and supporting video for this year’s PSA. Kris didn’t need my video. He had ideas that he could marry to my words. I think our 2012 FiW PSA is an excellent example of words mated with pictures. I hope you’ll check it out on the Panhandle Professional Writers website panhandleprowriters.org. While you are visiting the website, check out the FiW conference scheduled for June 28-30 on the Amarillo College Washington Street campus in Amarillo, Texas.  We look forward to meeting you.

Cait Collins