Bad Writing Reflection~

A couple of days ago, I watched a documentary called 'Bad Writing'. These are a few extra thoughts on the film, aka my reflection.

What do you think the filmmaker was trying to communicate to the audience with this documentary? Did he have definite point of view?

I think the filmmaker was just trying to say that writing can be taught, but in a way that you have to bring it. He thought he was a big shot, and was put down by important, famous writers, so he realized that you are not what you think you are. It always good to have a little more insight, besides what your own teacher tells you. And that he learned the mistake he made, and making mistakes makes a better writer out of you. I didn’t quite get his point of view exactly, but he seemed to get what everyone was trying to tell him about the makings of a good writer.

What were the most important things you learned about writing from watching this film?

I learned that you can’t be taught good writing, but you sure can learn how to write well. Also that good writing comes from the heart, and not that whiny heart that know one cares about; I’m talking about the deep, harsh, tear-filled emotions you have bottled out, that you just need to let loose. I think I found a new way of expressing myself, without the anger. Someone had said that humor is a good way to start, and I disagree. I think true writing is in the sadness, and depression. That’s what really gets to people. Also I learned that just because you think it’s awesome, doesn’t mean it is – ‘Kill your babies’.

How can you take those learning’s and apply them to the practice of writing advertising campaigns?

Since emotions are where you build up a story, it’s important to start there. You have to try to feel what it is your advertising, and once you have that mood and audience; you should be able to go off from that. For example, in my “don’t text and drive” campaign, I decided to go with something gruesome, because texting while driving could kill you, and showing a beat up old car is telling indirectly what will happen to you. I tried a more direct approach, and I think with the headline and art direction, it just said it. All in all, emotions are a powerful thing, and should be used well.