Interview: Listening Raven - Screenwriter of "REZ" (Question 5)

ROFFEKE: Advise to upcoming screenwriters and those in underrepresented communities?

LISTENING RAVEN:
Keep writing and never give up the fight. If you choose to write just for the fun of it, thats great. If you write because the concept of not writing is worse than an early grave, that is your blessing. That is your curse.

The voice inside will guide you.

If you're in a society or around people that won't let you do your thing, use that as motivation. They are the joke. They are wrong. They are the antagonist in your screenplay of life.

Don't be afraid to make the attempt to get inside their heads, no matter how wrong they are. Take the time to ask them, Why do you feel that way? Why do you see me the way you do?  

It will disarm them. Maybe even make them think. It will also make you a better writer and the better person. You have the guts to ask them an honest question. They don't.

Can you imagine in the movie Star Wars if Luke asked Darth Vadar, Hey, why are you so pissed off? Is this who you wanted to be as a little kid before you got so consumed with hate and bigotry?

Darth Vadar's head would have exploded.

Then look him straight in the eye and ask him what's up with the crazy outfit and funny helmet.

What do you do when it's summer, Darth? Does that getup come with an optional tee-shirt and short pants?  

Evil hates being called out. It also hates humor. Good people like to laugh. Before you know it Darth's stormtroopers are cracking up and demanding they get a less formal uniform and more vacation time.

Bringing down the unjust and oppressive can be achieved with humor and sarcasm. Don't let those filled with anger take away your right to laugh and enjoy the beauty around you.

And keep writing no matter what. Every oppressed people know their own version of the dark side.

Don't let Darth Vader win. He's just a sad and tired old man under the mask.  

(November 2024).