http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/writersroom/2008/10/montage.shtml en-gb 30 Mon 28 Dec 2009 06:34:11 GMT+1 A feed of user comments from the page found at http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/writersroom/2008/10/montage.shtml http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/writersroom/2008/10/montage.shtml?page=16#comment4 PS: Best montage ever - without a doubt "Team America: World Police"; best smudge ever - Van Damme's "finding himself" in "Bloodsport"...a horrific, cowardly celebration of one writer's attempt to justify retribution... Tue 28 Oct 2008 11:39:08 GMT+1 http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/writersroom/2008/10/montage.shtml?page=12#comment3 Hey Abi,Got to love the montage. But can I suggest you split the category down into two: whilst a good montage is priceless (I totally agree with you that they're killer when you've got to cover a large narrative distance in a very short amount of time), all too often I fear I'm cheating whenever I use one (either because I don't quite understand the intricacy of a surgical procedure, for example; or because I'm not confident enough with the character I'm writing). In those situations I propose you reclassify the montage as a smudge (remember when you were in art class and you couldn't get the grading right between colours, so you used your thumb to smudge it all together - it's messy but effective and you end up getting pastels all over your clothes...? I do). I guess smudges are the quickest ways to polish over narrative chasms you can't quite get right, and in doing so convince your audience it's a justifiable fix so long as you cover it with a little Moonlight Sonata.Looking over the Holby I've just delivered, I hope the two montages (at the beginning and middle) aren't smudges...I guess I'll wait and see...Al Tue 28 Oct 2008 11:32:06 GMT+1 http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/writersroom/2008/10/montage.shtml?page=8#comment2 Hi, I've been following your blog with interest as I've just started the new OU Advanced Creative Writing course and we're about to start looking at screenwriting. This is something I've always fancied but never had the confidence to try. After all scriptwriters are thought of as 'glamorous' and 'out there' Your blog helps me realise that you are just ordinary, albeit hard working and talented people, just like the rest of us.Though I agree creative writing can't be taught, a good course can nurture what's there and involve you with other writers. Feeling part of a community helps.As for Donnie Darko. I have to agree with you. I sobbed bucketloads. Looking forward to your next instalment. Mon 27 Oct 2008 21:13:32 GMT+1 http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/writersroom/2008/10/montage.shtml?page=4#comment1 Hi,I'm working on a Holby episode at the moment (as a supporting artist - i have to make some money somehow) and we just filmed three montages for one episode. So made me laugh to read your blog! Sun 26 Oct 2008 23:10:15 GMT+1 http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/writersroom/2008/10/montage.shtml?page=0#comment0 Hi Abi,Well done on Holby episode. The story threads on Holby are brilliant. I like montages if there done well. Adds progression and emotion, especially with the right song/music. Good montage in Full Monty, intercuts of rehearsals/dancing and supermarket security guy. Sun 26 Oct 2008 14:00:18 GMT+1