Post script

Today is Saturday. Saturday means weekly sales closing. This week's sales closing is much more difficult than any other week. This week we have to climb a mountain. We are still in the middle of the ascent. As usual, I choose to read a lot today. Read in all possible breaks. I start reading as soon as one tempestuous call is over. I greedily read one last line while another irate caller is flashing on my mobile screen. I chance upon the blog post by Vikas Chandra who attended a scriptwriting workshop and was mentored by Shekhar Kapoor, Gullermo Arriaga (Author of Amores Perros & Babel, among others), Howard Rodman and others. I love the brilliantly simple suggestion given by Rodman:

As a writer, I often get stuck after a scene wondering what scene to conjure up next. Is there a formula that can help you decide that?

Rodman let out a secret that was shared with him by the creators of South Park – In every screenplay, there are only three bridges that connect the scenes.

Therefore.

But.

And then.

Sc 1. Therefore. Sc 2. But. Sc 3. And then. Sc 4. Therefore…

If you find that there are more “And then” in your screenplay than “Therefore” and “Buts”, you know your pace is sagging.

Elementary, I now say! (Read full post here)

I know I am in a vocation of my own choosing. Beyond certain moments of chagrin, I still like my job. But it is in posts like these that I still see an alternative universe, a place that appeals to me like nothing else does. But I'd let that pass for now. Now I'm getting a call from my distributor. "Sir, I won't be able to do my numbers!" I listen to him attentively. He continues, " The stocks are already pushed to the maximum extent. (and then) My outstanding is very huge. (and then) We are not getting some crucial SKU. (and then) ...." I can already see why Rodman is so right. His story is not interesting me at all. I switch off from his rant. Once his pace slows down, I interrupt him, "I know about all these problems. (But) As a distributor you are supposed to manage these micro-issues and not let the larger target suffer. (Therefore) Push to the maximum and deliver your numbers." All he manages to say is that he will try his best. 

I realize that I can be a scriptwriter whatever the sales numbers are. These are the small instances of utter absurdity that keep me happy in the short run. I am completely ready for the next stinker round of discussion with another partner.