I second that opinion! It sucks that it is so hard to make it as a film but prose has its on rewards - the freedom is liberating. I do have some experience with Altz as I call it, but honestly that is a phone call not a comment. Mostly i note an undue cultural terror all around it. A lot of friends said crazy things, like “OMG that is the worst possible illness.” WTF? Happy to report that that is an insane point of view. Highly recommended the book 36 Hour Day. ❤️❤️❤️
Love that term for it, Immy. Altz. As in The Last Altz :) Thanks for the book suggestion. I'll definitely check it out. I'll need 36 hour days to write this sucker, for sure.
All the best, Doug, as you move forward -- and occasionally sideways and even backwards. I think the multifaceted approach you're envisioning is a good one (aren't we glad we're not beholden to, say, 1960s' or 70's technology?) Play it as it lays, man -- and we'll all be here with you!
Doug, your post had me in tears. Your humor, your generosity to your readers and your love for your family all come through so powerfully. Having seen your movies makes me feel connected to them, so I love getting updates about how things are evolving, including your daughter's pregnancy and the difficult news about Marj's diagnosis. Your personal storytelling is already continuing here on substack, and I love your idea of using it to develop an innovative format for your love letter project. I'm totally here for it, and I especially like the idea that you won't be confined to those pesky 90 minutes that require you to leave almost everything out!!!
Thanks so much, Christina. Really appreciate your response. And looking forward to working with you soon. Let me know when you think that might be. In the meantime, have you been good and done your homework?
Not yet, but I've been thinking about it if that counts! I will be in touch soon, just working on getting clarity about the short before turning my attention back to the feature.
Please know that I'm doing well, all things considered. Doug waited until he had my blessing to share my condition with all of you. If any of you want to learn more--for yourself or a loved one--about the leqembi protocol I am on to forestall the advancement of the disease, or the various resources available--the organization CaringKind for one--please don't hesitate to reach out: msilver965@gmail.com.
Beautiful post, Doug and, as you know, I love your plan for Betti and Henri. I think it will be a more satisfying and meaningful experience for the viewer/reader/consumer than even a straight-up 90 minute film. I love all the possibilities and I have great faith in your approach. I’m excited to start sharing and spreading the word when you launch. I think it’s just what this time calls for- something that can bring people together in community.
Your enthusiasm for this new iteration of the film means the world to me, MT. Now I just need to carve out the time to write it. Someone suggested reading The 36 Hour Day. I think that's exactly what I could use!
I'm so sad to hear of this challenge in your family. But your approach to it is grounded and commendable. My best to everyone in the Block universe. I will be quietly thinking about you both and hoping that love and pharma produce a beautiful and unexpected next chapter.
I'm torn on your format. I can imagine it being novel, fun, and even ground-breaking. But I'm always focused on artistic legacy—perhaps too much, admittedly—and I worry that this beautiful story would be hard to reassemble for future generations who can't participate in the interaction you envision. Perhaps a future film could encapsulate all of these layers. But I so deeply understand how that process might be incompatible with your life right now.
I'm torn on the format, too, Scott, believe me. I've done nothing but make feature docs, and I've been especially mourning the loss of telling a story to captive audiences in theaters. But I've come to embrace the possibilities of this new format, so we'll see. In some ways I've become more of a writer than a filmmaker, to the point where I've been reading books on the craft of writing, in the same way I used to soak up reading books about filmmaking in my early days. This is just exercising different creative muscles. And I've also come to embrace the phrase: Necessity is the mother of invention. I think that goes for all filmmakers now struggling with funding and distribution.
This post riveted me, Doug. Breaking ground in art and life. Do it. Both will morph into something more than you hoped for. (Sister Mary Grammar will need to forgive the preposition at the end of my sentence.)
Hey Doug, as a filmmaker living with Alzheimer’s myself, I have mulled over many of these questions. I think you’re instincts are on the money! Serialization on a platform has tremendous potential. And I liked your concept of an investigation into memory and chance, weaving written narrative and filmed scenes. (Although I would be tempted personally, to translate the writing into spoken narration. Chris Marker’s does this brilliantly to bring together disparate elements.) As to questions about Alzheimer’s, I’m happy to talk anytime. Looking forward to hearing how the project evolves.
Thanks, George. Has Marj told you about this new iteration of my film or is this the first time you're learning of it? Either way, I'd love to talk with you along the way. Your sessions with Marj have been invaluable to her, and it would be helpful to get your feedback as I go along, and any advice you might have about dealing with Marj''s Alzheimer's, too. I haven't actually seen much of Chris Marker's work. Do you have a specific film you recommend that best demonstrates his narration? And btw, what an amazing coincidence regarding Ruby L. Did you know she and Marj were born on the exact same day? Crazy!
As always, Doug, a real pleasure reading your Substack. Your are so brave indeed, in telling family stories. I draw much inspiration from reading your Substack. Thanks for your boldness and willingness to share. As for the story of the letter, I will think about it, lol.
Thanks for such an honest, vulnerable, and beautifully written post. I've been wrestling with the same questions about format for months, for various projects and various reasons. I can relate. If you ever wanted to kick this around, I'd be happy to. And...wait...you have a cousin named Teplitszky? !!
I'm just getting to this post a week later, but I so appreciate your commitment to all things life--lemons and lemonade in equal measure. Savor the joy. I will be cheering all of you on from the Left Coast. As far as your plan for a serialization approach to the Betty and Henri story, go for it! Substack is a dynamic platform (my long-in-the-planning, long-in-the-procrastinating Substack just might make its launch imminently), so deploy all cylinders! Remember, Charles Dickens wrote all of his novels in serial form--that's what kept the cash flowing and the readers salivating for more! Imagine his Substack!
Sounds like a great idea. I am old enough to remember serialized drama on the radio! Go for it and go with health! -cousin Harriet Teplitzky
I second that opinion! It sucks that it is so hard to make it as a film but prose has its on rewards - the freedom is liberating. I do have some experience with Altz as I call it, but honestly that is a phone call not a comment. Mostly i note an undue cultural terror all around it. A lot of friends said crazy things, like “OMG that is the worst possible illness.” WTF? Happy to report that that is an insane point of view. Highly recommended the book 36 Hour Day. ❤️❤️❤️
PS Immy here.
Love that term for it, Immy. Altz. As in The Last Altz :) Thanks for the book suggestion. I'll definitely check it out. I'll need 36 hour days to write this sucker, for sure.
All the best, Doug, as you move forward -- and occasionally sideways and even backwards. I think the multifaceted approach you're envisioning is a good one (aren't we glad we're not beholden to, say, 1960s' or 70's technology?) Play it as it lays, man -- and we'll all be here with you!
Thank you, Rob. Now all I have to do is write the damn thing :)
I love it!
Thanks, Gretta. No need to worry about film festival rejections with this sucker, right?
Doug, your post had me in tears. Your humor, your generosity to your readers and your love for your family all come through so powerfully. Having seen your movies makes me feel connected to them, so I love getting updates about how things are evolving, including your daughter's pregnancy and the difficult news about Marj's diagnosis. Your personal storytelling is already continuing here on substack, and I love your idea of using it to develop an innovative format for your love letter project. I'm totally here for it, and I especially like the idea that you won't be confined to those pesky 90 minutes that require you to leave almost everything out!!!
Thanks so much, Christina. Really appreciate your response. And looking forward to working with you soon. Let me know when you think that might be. In the meantime, have you been good and done your homework?
Not yet, but I've been thinking about it if that counts! I will be in touch soon, just working on getting clarity about the short before turning my attention back to the feature.
Please know that I'm doing well, all things considered. Doug waited until he had my blessing to share my condition with all of you. If any of you want to learn more--for yourself or a loved one--about the leqembi protocol I am on to forestall the advancement of the disease, or the various resources available--the organization CaringKind for one--please don't hesitate to reach out: msilver965@gmail.com.
♥️♥️♥️
Beautiful post, Doug and, as you know, I love your plan for Betti and Henri. I think it will be a more satisfying and meaningful experience for the viewer/reader/consumer than even a straight-up 90 minute film. I love all the possibilities and I have great faith in your approach. I’m excited to start sharing and spreading the word when you launch. I think it’s just what this time calls for- something that can bring people together in community.
Your enthusiasm for this new iteration of the film means the world to me, MT. Now I just need to carve out the time to write it. Someone suggested reading The 36 Hour Day. I think that's exactly what I could use!
I know you are busy. Perhaps you can think of it as you would if you were editing where you go someplace for a few hours a day and just write.
Great idea but can I have my editor there with me?
Ha ha ha- why not once in a while?
I'm so sad to hear of this challenge in your family. But your approach to it is grounded and commendable. My best to everyone in the Block universe. I will be quietly thinking about you both and hoping that love and pharma produce a beautiful and unexpected next chapter.
I'm torn on your format. I can imagine it being novel, fun, and even ground-breaking. But I'm always focused on artistic legacy—perhaps too much, admittedly—and I worry that this beautiful story would be hard to reassemble for future generations who can't participate in the interaction you envision. Perhaps a future film could encapsulate all of these layers. But I so deeply understand how that process might be incompatible with your life right now.
Thanks for the update. Be well, Doug.
I'm torn on the format, too, Scott, believe me. I've done nothing but make feature docs, and I've been especially mourning the loss of telling a story to captive audiences in theaters. But I've come to embrace the possibilities of this new format, so we'll see. In some ways I've become more of a writer than a filmmaker, to the point where I've been reading books on the craft of writing, in the same way I used to soak up reading books about filmmaking in my early days. This is just exercising different creative muscles. And I've also come to embrace the phrase: Necessity is the mother of invention. I think that goes for all filmmakers now struggling with funding and distribution.
This post riveted me, Doug. Breaking ground in art and life. Do it. Both will morph into something more than you hoped for. (Sister Mary Grammar will need to forgive the preposition at the end of my sentence.)
Thanks, Connie, let's hope so. (And, ha, Sister Mary must be a very forgiving soul, given how often we abuse her.)
Hey Doug, as a filmmaker living with Alzheimer’s myself, I have mulled over many of these questions. I think you’re instincts are on the money! Serialization on a platform has tremendous potential. And I liked your concept of an investigation into memory and chance, weaving written narrative and filmed scenes. (Although I would be tempted personally, to translate the writing into spoken narration. Chris Marker’s does this brilliantly to bring together disparate elements.) As to questions about Alzheimer’s, I’m happy to talk anytime. Looking forward to hearing how the project evolves.
Thanks, George. Has Marj told you about this new iteration of my film or is this the first time you're learning of it? Either way, I'd love to talk with you along the way. Your sessions with Marj have been invaluable to her, and it would be helpful to get your feedback as I go along, and any advice you might have about dealing with Marj''s Alzheimer's, too. I haven't actually seen much of Chris Marker's work. Do you have a specific film you recommend that best demonstrates his narration? And btw, what an amazing coincidence regarding Ruby L. Did you know she and Marj were born on the exact same day? Crazy!
As always, Doug, a real pleasure reading your Substack. Your are so brave indeed, in telling family stories. I draw much inspiration from reading your Substack. Thanks for your boldness and willingness to share. As for the story of the letter, I will think about it, lol.
Doug thanks for sharing this. Both your thoughts for your project and your life.
Thanks for such an honest, vulnerable, and beautifully written post. I've been wrestling with the same questions about format for months, for various projects and various reasons. I can relate. If you ever wanted to kick this around, I'd be happy to. And...wait...you have a cousin named Teplitszky? !!
I'm just getting to this post a week later, but I so appreciate your commitment to all things life--lemons and lemonade in equal measure. Savor the joy. I will be cheering all of you on from the Left Coast. As far as your plan for a serialization approach to the Betty and Henri story, go for it! Substack is a dynamic platform (my long-in-the-planning, long-in-the-procrastinating Substack just might make its launch imminently), so deploy all cylinders! Remember, Charles Dickens wrote all of his novels in serial form--that's what kept the cash flowing and the readers salivating for more! Imagine his Substack!