For my project, I have started the process of writing a feature length screenplay. The project is titled, ‘The Open Canvas’, and is a modern take on the classic Western genre, which will mix modern dramatic writing with older, Western themes. The story will follow Samuel Crocktor, an art collector who travels to the West for a new addition to his collection. When the painting he purchased was stolen, he partners with a lone gunslinger to chase the painting’s bandit. Throughout his journey, Samuel transforms from a posh, self-centered critic into a more understanding person of the world around him. 

The message of the film would revolve around seeing things in their entire state. Whether you can relate that to a personal situation, or a grander situation that happens across a large number of people, the story of The Open Canvas focuses on the idea of self-growth and learning to understand the situations of the people around you. In other words, the story is centered around the idea of stepping outside of what you know in order to help others. 

In my time, I have begun to study writing techniques and the process of structuring screenplays. To understand these, I have started studying books such as 'Save the Cat' by Blake Snyder, and 'The Art of Dramatic Writing' by Lajos Egri. I set aside time each week, where I work to complete a set number of pages that I can receive feedback on.