follow the flow
written by sara tump
Images by Karina Mae Photography
2 years ago I never dreamed and even pre-empted the position of where I am now, and where it’s taking me as an emerging screenwriter. Call it divine intervention but, I was accepted into university even though I only completed year 10. My entry to study was granted solely on my past experiences, matching the curriculum. What intrigued me about my degree, Bachelor of Communications (Media Studies) was the diversity in what I could learn, not necessarily the job waiting for me at the end. Sure, I knew that my degree would qualify me for that which I loved (something writing based), yet it took such a left of centre twist that I never even saw it coming.
Reflecting on my career and all the various writing gigs I had done, copywriter, business owner, website content, author etc., one writing opportunity that I never explored was screenwriting. Naturally, I am creative, dramatic and view life through a kaleidoscope of lenses. However, it wasn’t until a few teaching periods ago that my love for film and screenwriting was thrust into my world. We covered film studies where I was required to break down films into genres, where we also not only viewed the film but participated in how the director created his vision. From there I studied screen franchises. 3 assignments for this subject were to adapt a poem I found online into a screenplay. I was required to produce and interpret the poem, applying the theories from the given literature. From these 3 adaptations and having no prior experience, my first script received a distinction. The 2 grades that followed received high distinctions. These grades were the signposts I had been waiting for.
Excelling at screenwriting came as a shock, yet it felt so natural, as if I were FINALLY home. I never enjoyed editing books, or writing websites, I did love writing radio ads, but screen, well, that melted my heart.
I recall being in my early 20’s when I worked at Bundaberg Broadcasters where I saw an advert for film and radio school. As I didn’t want to pursue film or television I fobbed it off. Funny how over 20 years ago (I am 41 now) I was being guided to where I am today.
However, I was not ready. For film is far greater a responsibility (in my eyes) than any book I may have written. Film is watched, it is felt, it creates memories and triggers the heart and soul with an immersion of heightened senses.
The reason I wasn’t resonating with film back then was because my soul was too immature and naïve. I had to experience life and live and learn from all of my mistakes. And my films are set around these past experiences and how I understand life, perceiving it as I evolve. My films now tell stories with passion and depth, expressing true human connection in them. And this would not have been possible if it wasn’t for every little f up that pulled me down, then raised me up. Once where I judged myself for all of my mistakes, only recently I realised that each mistake was setting me up for far more blessings that I can imagine. The victim in me HAD to happen so I could put that drama onto the screen, creating stories that are not only true, but fantastical and entertaining.
My past does not define me, but, it has taught me and set me up to be in a position to hopefully empower and inspire others to evolve and heal. My films will have deep spiritual messages, offering hope, knowing that with faith all things are possible.
So to anyone that is doubting their path and judging their past, know this – there is a reason you are being dragged through the mud. Your pain is going to be turned into victories so sweet that it will blow your mind. Just keep on moving with the flow and one day you will find YOUR home.
Watch my Facebook page for my first film, Bones of Women.
Love Sarah xo