This topic was inspired by a real term used in self-care, Psychology, and mental health called self-authorship. It is surprisingly insightful to think of our lives as a film, and then look at how films are constructed. Just like our lives, movie production is very complicated with lots of people involved. Filmmakers are happy to choose some talented people to be part of their projects, but others are not so welcomed and are necessary irritants. Such is life. People have to work together despite differences. This activity/worksheet will provide perspective on how much control we have as we live our lives.
Let’s think about three different, very important roles people assume in order to complete a movie.
Aproducer is in charge of every aspect of the film’s production. This person helps secure a budget and can sometimes decide if a movie is made, or not. He or she is responsible for basically everything that makes a difference to the final product and is supposed to ensure the film is finished on time, on budget, and on target as to the vision and purpose of the project. A producer is often less hands-on than the other people part of the process, but his ranking among all is very high.
A director has often been called the author, or auteur, of movies. He or she helps determine the content of every scene and shapes the performances of the actors. Some directors leave more of an imprint on a movie than others. A director’s style and personality can make a movie set fun and inspiring or tyrannical and full of dread. This person has the most control over when a scene begins, ends, and if the performers need to film another version of the scene.
It could be argued that an actor is the truest creative force, or artist, involved in the film industry. Actors convey emotions and intentions of all those behind the scenes — in front of the camera. Individual acting choices can make or break the quality of any movie. An actor has great influence due to being the person the audience actually sees. Despite the power of the producer and director, all the themes and purposes of a movie must finally be filtered and expressed through the bodies and words of actors—for better or for worse.
DIRECTIONS:
Think about an episode from your life you want to revisit and change. You now have the opportunity to perfect something in life that went wrong and “reshoot” the scene as if part of a film. Tell us a little about the drama/comedy, the characters, setting, and action, and then let us know what you would like to change. Is there a big cast? What challenges might be present for the filmmakers? Are we talking about something intimate in close quarters or a wide camera shot of some complexity? You can add more or less, because these questions are simply meant to get your mind working.
Maybe it is a decision that you regret. Perhaps you wish you had said or done something different. Then, this is the most important part: Again, thinking in terms of a scene and making a movie, had you rather be an actor, director, or producer,in order to ensure that the scene turns out exactly how you want it? Please select one and give your reasons why. Remember, capturing something from our minds, on film, is very complicated. As a hint, I will say one answer is better than two others. Discuss below.
I want to preface this by saying that there's not much in life that I would change at all because it would alter other things that happens. But for this experiment, I'll give it a go. Is this what you're looking for?...
Revisiting 1998, this is how I’d reshoot a pivotal scene from my life:
Picture this: A lively friendsgiving evening filled with laughter, delicious food, and great company. The setting is a cozy, warmly lit home kitchen where the real magic of friendship is taking place. But instead of extending this joyous night, I head to a bar where I meet my now ex—a plot twist that I’d rather skip.
Characters: My close-knit circle of friends along with friends I’ve never met before, each contributing to the vibrant atmosphere, and my ex, who enters the scene as an unexpected, unwelcome guest.
Action: The original plan was to bask in the afterglow of a perfect evening. Instead, I make the fateful decision to leave, altering the trajectory of my life.
Changes: I’d rewrite the script to have me stay with my friends longer, immersing in the warmth of genuine connections and avoiding the drama that followed.
Challenges: Capturing the essence of that perfect night—intimate close-ups on laughter, and the warmth of the setting—while avoiding the bar's chaotic and unpredictable plot twist.
The result? A scene filled with the right kind of drama and comedy, minus the complications that came with it. The challenge would be ensuring that the charm of the friendsgiving scene shines through, making the choice to stay feel like the most natural and fulfilling decision.
This is great. Thanks so much for taking the time. This covers so much ground I could not ask for anything more. Like I said, I think, this could be fun and a learning experience. As the director, you have some challenges. The imaginary producer just called and recommended that we keep the bar scene in for the drama. In fact he’s excited that it may lead to some thrilling moments that the audience will want to see more than the usual chit-chat over food. One of the imaginary actors also talked with some people and feels her character is not having a good time. She wants to kind of bring things down a bit. As a neutral observer, I must say that staying longer at the dinner might lead to boredom. You might find out you don’t like each other as much as you thought. You might have left at just the right time to have this great memory that remains pure in your mind. Remember, we are having fun, your reply is awesome, and director makes sense to choose.
Oh good, wasn’t sure if I was following directions or not here. Lol
I can see where the bar scene could bring some interesting flavor to the movie if that’s where we go, it will be where I went so I could give some good insight on the bar scene and how my character met her now ex maybe the signs of him being a toxic person that were there that wasn’t picked up on in a bar. I was going to have the now ex join the ending of the party, but we can try the bar.
As far as the girl not having fun, we could kick it up a notch and offer her some psychedelic mushroom tea to jazz things up for her.
I like your imagination. I will go ahead and spill some of the beans. This little exercise is about control and how little we have of it. Even in a powerful position as director, a person cannot dictate exactly what she wants all the time. As you already know, life is full of main characters, extras, surprises, and competing values and intentions. We already have three versions of your scene between us and there could be many more. So, we have little control in life. Do you or anyone else agree or disagree? There still, however, is one answer that is better than the others.
Personally I would want someone like Tom Hanks to play me. Although I am slightly younger, so perhaps he could be de-aged a bit (Who am I kidding?). He has a geeky quality that sums me up. I would change my life a lot, travelling more and brushing people out of my life who caused me aggravation.
Well, think about what you would like to change and how you would go about doing it, in terms of the context of a movie and movie roles (If you wish). I certainly have plenty I would change. I think life is very comparative to a big budget film, because there are so many variables going on all at once. Life is complex and full of characters. It is also full of barriers in terms of making life go how we want it. There is no magic wand in life or on a movie set.
Strawbridge, actually, you have struck upon why I spend so much time writing. I look back on my thoughts, words, and actions, and realize that they were not "wrong." They were used as the best I could do, given my birth conditions, parenting, economical circumstances and how I saw them, and my view given the aforementioned. The key is that they were not wrong, and I needed the experiences to become the Me that I am today. If I had turned left or right, would I be here now, learning from you on Substack? Maybe.
Yes thinking back can be so hard and regrets are one of the worst things people experience. I have them and struggle. You have the attitude I must remember. I think we just react the best we can moving forward with acquired wisdom. Thanks so much for commenting and sharing your wisdom.
Well all answers are valid, and all contestants are big winners. I hope we have more discussion from many others, and I can slowly leak out the big reveal. Because there is something to be learned here. Director makes sense.
This is truly thought-provoking. There have been many moments in my life that I’ve wanted to rewrite but maybe they happened for the sake of the journey. If it weren’t for those experiences, I wouldn’t be where I am today. What about you?
Thanks for your comments. This is true. And you are thinking partly how I was in making this little activity. There is something of value here I hope we can get to by means of discussion.
I would not be here at all if not for terrible things that were life-changing. I would not be talking about mental health.
So, there is an answer that is semi-correct. We can only be actors, which is the same as saying agents or reactors. I asked how you would control a "scene" from your life, but you cannot. We do not have that much control. So, directors and producers must fail in this scenario. We can always react to what someone says, does, or something that occurs in life. We can control the reaction. So, we want to be actors but with the knowledge that there is no such thing as controlling a "scene."
I want to preface this by saying that there's not much in life that I would change at all because it would alter other things that happens. But for this experiment, I'll give it a go. Is this what you're looking for?...
Revisiting 1998, this is how I’d reshoot a pivotal scene from my life:
Picture this: A lively friendsgiving evening filled with laughter, delicious food, and great company. The setting is a cozy, warmly lit home kitchen where the real magic of friendship is taking place. But instead of extending this joyous night, I head to a bar where I meet my now ex—a plot twist that I’d rather skip.
Characters: My close-knit circle of friends along with friends I’ve never met before, each contributing to the vibrant atmosphere, and my ex, who enters the scene as an unexpected, unwelcome guest.
Action: The original plan was to bask in the afterglow of a perfect evening. Instead, I make the fateful decision to leave, altering the trajectory of my life.
Changes: I’d rewrite the script to have me stay with my friends longer, immersing in the warmth of genuine connections and avoiding the drama that followed.
Challenges: Capturing the essence of that perfect night—intimate close-ups on laughter, and the warmth of the setting—while avoiding the bar's chaotic and unpredictable plot twist.
The result? A scene filled with the right kind of drama and comedy, minus the complications that came with it. The challenge would be ensuring that the charm of the friendsgiving scene shines through, making the choice to stay feel like the most natural and fulfilling decision.
This is great. Thanks so much for taking the time. This covers so much ground I could not ask for anything more. Like I said, I think, this could be fun and a learning experience. As the director, you have some challenges. The imaginary producer just called and recommended that we keep the bar scene in for the drama. In fact he’s excited that it may lead to some thrilling moments that the audience will want to see more than the usual chit-chat over food. One of the imaginary actors also talked with some people and feels her character is not having a good time. She wants to kind of bring things down a bit. As a neutral observer, I must say that staying longer at the dinner might lead to boredom. You might find out you don’t like each other as much as you thought. You might have left at just the right time to have this great memory that remains pure in your mind. Remember, we are having fun, your reply is awesome, and director makes sense to choose.
Oh good, wasn’t sure if I was following directions or not here. Lol
I can see where the bar scene could bring some interesting flavor to the movie if that’s where we go, it will be where I went so I could give some good insight on the bar scene and how my character met her now ex maybe the signs of him being a toxic person that were there that wasn’t picked up on in a bar. I was going to have the now ex join the ending of the party, but we can try the bar.
As far as the girl not having fun, we could kick it up a notch and offer her some psychedelic mushroom tea to jazz things up for her.
I look forward to it.
I like your imagination. I will go ahead and spill some of the beans. This little exercise is about control and how little we have of it. Even in a powerful position as director, a person cannot dictate exactly what she wants all the time. As you already know, life is full of main characters, extras, surprises, and competing values and intentions. We already have three versions of your scene between us and there could be many more. So, we have little control in life. Do you or anyone else agree or disagree? There still, however, is one answer that is better than the others.
I agree there’s not much in our control and the answer lies within. I have a post coming about control soon. 🙌
First, you're a natural storyteller. Second, thanks for sharing that story - pretty powerful and vulnerable.
Thank you so much! It was a crazy time in my life that I’ll probably write about eventually.
Personally I would want someone like Tom Hanks to play me. Although I am slightly younger, so perhaps he could be de-aged a bit (Who am I kidding?). He has a geeky quality that sums me up. I would change my life a lot, travelling more and brushing people out of my life who caused me aggravation.
Well, think about what you would like to change and how you would go about doing it, in terms of the context of a movie and movie roles (If you wish). I certainly have plenty I would change. I think life is very comparative to a big budget film, because there are so many variables going on all at once. Life is complex and full of characters. It is also full of barriers in terms of making life go how we want it. There is no magic wand in life or on a movie set.
Strawbridge, actually, you have struck upon why I spend so much time writing. I look back on my thoughts, words, and actions, and realize that they were not "wrong." They were used as the best I could do, given my birth conditions, parenting, economical circumstances and how I saw them, and my view given the aforementioned. The key is that they were not wrong, and I needed the experiences to become the Me that I am today. If I had turned left or right, would I be here now, learning from you on Substack? Maybe.
Yes thinking back can be so hard and regrets are one of the worst things people experience. I have them and struggle. You have the attitude I must remember. I think we just react the best we can moving forward with acquired wisdom. Thanks so much for commenting and sharing your wisdom.
This is fun! I would definitely want to be the director if that means I get to tell my story of how I wished it had played out.
I used to say this a lot… Plot Twist: Life is just a Movie. Lol
Well all answers are valid, and all contestants are big winners. I hope we have more discussion from many others, and I can slowly leak out the big reveal. Because there is something to be learned here. Director makes sense.
Congratulations big winner!
This is truly thought-provoking. There have been many moments in my life that I’ve wanted to rewrite but maybe they happened for the sake of the journey. If it weren’t for those experiences, I wouldn’t be where I am today. What about you?
Thanks for your comments. This is true. And you are thinking partly how I was in making this little activity. There is something of value here I hope we can get to by means of discussion.
I would not be here at all if not for terrible things that were life-changing. I would not be talking about mental health.
Exactly what I wanted to say! I don't think we should be changing anything from our past :)
So, there is an answer that is semi-correct. We can only be actors, which is the same as saying agents or reactors. I asked how you would control a "scene" from your life, but you cannot. We do not have that much control. So, directors and producers must fail in this scenario. We can always react to what someone says, does, or something that occurs in life. We can control the reaction. So, we want to be actors but with the knowledge that there is no such thing as controlling a "scene."