James Temple, an independent writer, director, and producer, explores the art of making a DIY Christmas movie.
James is a DIY Christmas movie writer, producer, director. He emphasizes the balance between meeting genre expectations and introducing fresh storytelling elements. James advocates for maintaining control over his projects by self-financing and leveraging connections to secure locations.
Takeaways
Expectations in a DIY Christmas Movie
James discussed the challenges of balancing audience expectations while staying fresh and not predictable in Christmas movies. He emphasized the importance of understanding and respecting genre payoffs and exploring unique character arcs, such as not forcing the protagonist to choose between a career and a small town life.
DIY Christmas Movie: Production Process
James shared that he retains ownership of his work and finances his own movies, often securing locations just before shooting. He emphasized the importance of connections in securing locations and noted that he tries to write around what they can realistically obtain.
DIY Christmas Movie: Beware of Ghosts
There are several romantic comedies that use friendly ghosts in the plot. James found out the hard way this is not a big seller if you are marketing to Evangelicals. Who would have guessed. I mention this because I in the past when I wrote Chinese co-productions – you could never add ghosts or the script wouldn’t don’t pass censorship. Funny that James and I have that in common. The lesson is know your buyer.
DIY Christmas Movie: Two Paths
One path to making Christmas movies is the DIY method. You can go the conventional route or the writer / director producer making your own stuff route. Both are great. You just have to decide what works for you. If you go the independent writer / director / producer route – speak your truth. Recognize the world is not a stereotype and not limiting you. Tropes are tools. You’re not limited by them.
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The Christmas Movie Screenwriter Podcast – Episode 15
James Temple, Writer, Director, Producer
Show Notes
HOST: Caryn McCann
Website: https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasMovieScreenwriter
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MerryScriptmas
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryn-mccann-5718058/
GUEST: James Temple