Unsolicited Scripts Only, Please!

Process This!

One of the first projects assigned to me and my classmates in film school was to make a “process” film. A short film that clearly depicts a process completely from beginning to end. Little did I know how important an assignment this was. At the time I was too stunned by the wide range of “processes” to appreciate the valuable lesson my (undoubtedly sick and tired) instructor tried to impress upon us. Students submitted films, leaving nothing for the imagination. For example, the process of how a cow grazing upon a grassy field makes its way to your grocery store shelf. Don’t we all wish we could have an uncle who owns a slaughterhouse? On a much lower budget, one student shot the process of taking a shit. Yup, food went in, and eventually, food came out! Simple, yet memorable.

Years later, after working on several problematic feature films, I take great comfort in my ability to recognize process. Everything that “is” has a process that defines it. A process that, no matter how terrible or wonderful, will inevitably conclude. Writing a screenplay is a process; there is a beginning, a middle, and an end. The process from beginning to end is as unique of an experience as the stories themselves – I am so grateful for the process.

— Written by Jennifer Leo