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East of Constantinople, West of Shanghai


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Werner Herzog’s Rules

By a film-maker for film-makers, but also valid for writers and thegeneral public at large

  1. Always take the initiative.
  2. There is nothing wrong with spending a night in jail if it means getting the shot you need.
  3. Send out all your dogs and one might return with prey.
  4. Never wallow in your troubles; despair must be kept private and brief.
  5. Learn to live with your mistakes.
  6. Expand your knowledge and understanding of music and literature, old and modern.
  7. That roll of unexposed celluloid you have in your hand might be the last in existence, so do something impressive with it.
  8. There is never an excuse not to finish a film.
  9. Carry bolt cutters everywhere.
  10. Thwart institutional cowardice.
  11. Ask for forgiveness, not permission.
  12. Take your fate into your own hands.
  13. Learn to read the inner essence of a landscape.
  14. Ignite the fire within and explore unknown territory.
  15. Walk straight ahead, never detour.
  16. Manoeuvre and mislead, but always deliver.
  17. Don’t be fearful of rejection.
  18. Develop your own voice.
  19. Day one is the point of no return.
  20. A badge of honor is to fail a film theory class.
  21. Chance is the lifeblood of cinema.
  22. Guerrilla tactics are best.
  23. Take revenge if need be.
  24. Get used to the bear behind you.

(source, OpenCulture)


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Werner Herzog, film-making and writing

It’s Sunday, so a media-related post, but different.
I was reading this article about German Director Werner Herzog1 , and found a list of his suggestions to young film-makers.

Fitzcarraldo5

And indeed, these suggestions apply to writing too – and a lot of other things.
So, what with me being on a writing roll and all that, I decided to see how Herzog’s rules apply to writing, based on what I learned so far. Sort of a personal recap of what’s been going on so far.
And yes, this is incredibly cheeky.
So sue me. Continue reading