The Fall Of The DSLR

Photo by @pokeworksco.

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Hey Jules, recently my schooling situation has changed and I can no longer attend school (I’m last year of high school) and I’ve just got so much time that I don’t know what to do with. I know I need to use it to write films and film them, build a portfolio etc, but I can’t seem to think of any original ideas at all and I don’t want to copy anything. Have you got any advice on coming up with original ideas and then motivating yourself to write/film/edit them without school deadlines??

Hey Anon,

I’m sorry to hear about your school situation, but it’s awesome you are continuing to create and learn on your own!

It’s great you are conscious about not copying other people’s ideas, but I also don’t want you to think your ideas can’t be similar to other works. There is a difference between copying and inspiration. Don’t think you can’t write something because the concept has been done before. Everything has been done before. As long as you make it your own, there is nothing wrong with being similar to other works  For instance, I am writing what I refer to as a modern-day Breakfast Club. I refer to it as such because it’s a bunch of high school students stuck in one location and has a similar comedic tone. But instead of exploring high school cliches, it explores family dynamics and suburban life. Similar, but different.

I’ve made some pretty extensive brainstorming posts that I think will help you come up with some ideas:

Brainstorming techniques

Finding inspiration

Character brainstorming

As for deadlines, I recommend setting a schedule for yourself. Every week, complete a certain amount of pages, create a character biography, create a scene-by-scene, or whatever works for you. Aline Brosh McKenna (The Devil Wears Prada, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) uses a 6-month template to write features:

Month 1: Prep

Months 2-5: Write a page a day (120 pgs)

Month 6: Rewrite

You can also apply to writing competitions that will give you a real deadline to work against. This blog also has an annual screenwriting challenge for short films. I leave the posts up even when the challenge is closed so people can use them as a template for their own self-imposed deadlines.

However, if there’s no one to answer to, it can be hard to follow through with self-imposed deadlines. I recommend grabbing a friend and asking them to hold you accountable. Once a week (or whatever timeline works best for you) have your friend check up on you and see if you have made your goal. Physically turn something in to them if that helps. They don’t have to read it or anything, but having another person who knows (and cares) about your deadline will make it easier to meet it. (I am also willing to be that person who checks up on you/holds you accountable. Just message me!)

I hope these help!

Keep writing,

Jules

Narai - Kiso Valley, Japan

Top Camera Shops In Singapore

As a tourist in Singapore, if you make any purchase of more than S$100 (including GST) at participating shops, you may claim a refund on the 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) paid on your purchases. You are entitled up to 3 same-day receipts/invoices from shops bearing the same GST registration number to meet this minimum purchase amount of S$100. To know whether a shop is participating in the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS), look for a “Tax Free” shopping logo or sign displayed at the shop. You can then claim your refund later when departing Singapore at Changi Airport.

Typically speaking, any electronics purchased in Singapore will have a warranty that is only valid for there. A number of manufacturers, however, have a system known as TLW (Tourist Limited Warranty). The TLW is a warranty that is issued to customers at the point of purchase, so be sure to inquire about it whenever purchasing brand new equipment. The terms of this warranty differ from brand to brand so it will be something that needs proper researching.

P&G photographic and Benphoto

Riceball

SG Camera Store

Alex Photo

Song Brothers

Naturally, there are many more shops dotted around Singapore, but really there is little need to run around when these two locations have all your needs covered under one roof (or two as is the case with Peninsula Plaza/Centre).

In terms of other large retailers, there are a few more stores in shopping malls such as Plaza Singapora & Marina Square. Namely stores like TKfoto on the 4th floor of Plaza Singapora.

TKfoto is a well respected name amongst local photographers. They are also one of the few stores with a hands on area so you can test out the latest models of Sony, Canon & Nikon cameras. In addition to this, there is a small drone test pilot area if you fancy having a play with the latest tech from DJI.

In my opinion, if you are looking to buy something of low value, most shops are doing around the same prices, so just get the one closest to you and don’t waste too much precious time shopping around, the savings may outweigh the costs in time.

Credit — Peter Stewart

Chen Linong x Lin Yanjun - 180406 Idol Producer Finale

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