• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Marilyn Horowitz

Marilyn Horowitz

Screenwriting Classes, Coaching, and Resources

212-600-1115
  • Home
  • About
  • Writing Services
  • Guidance
    • Writing Evaluation
    • Writing Guidance
    • Comprehensive Packages
    • Ongoing Coaching
  • Classes & Seminars
    • New York University Classes
    • Seminars
    • Free Video Tutorials
    • Movie Breakdowns
    • Online Stores
  • Books & Media
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Word of the Day
    • What is the Word of the Day?
    • Word of the Day Cheat Sheet
    • Free Word of the Day Webinar

Taking Risks

February 25, 2010 by Marilyn Horowitz

I haven’t written about the Olympics yet (mostly because when you work with a Canadian it’s all you hear about) but one story caught my eye.

“On Wednesday the four-man No. 1 sled from the Netherlands pulled out of the Olympics. Because their driver was terrified.”

Obviously this is not just a simple case of nerves. The intense speed of the track combined with Nodar Kumaritashvili’s unfortunate death no doubt influenced his decision, still, it’s amazing to think that an athlete who has spent his entire life preparing for this moment would just walk away.

After I read the story, I tried to imagine it as a movie. At first, I imagined what it would be like if he decided to race despite the danger. Would it have a triumphant ending, like Rocky V, or a tragic ending (presumably), like in The Wrestler?

Next, I considered how the movie would play out if he decided not to race. Would the driver be more or less heroic if he stood up to his coach and teammates and pulled out of the Olympics? Is he just thinking about his own safety or the safety of his team as well? Did he consider his family when making his decision? What are the consequences of his decision?

As an exercise:
Think of a moment in your own story when your character is forced to make a difficult decision. Do they decide to take the risk or walk away? What do they think about when making this decision? Do they regret it? What does their decision cost them?

Primary Sidebar

Sign Up

for our Screenwriting Newsletter and Receive Our FREE Gift How To Write a Treatment.

Testimonials

Thank you. If it hadn’t been for you Marilyn, I don’t think I would have made the Woodstock film which… Read more “Nancy C.”

I’m very grateful to be able to learn from Marilyn, Her focus on the psychological and spiritual foundations necessary to… Read more ““…grateful to learn from Marilyn””

Marilyn’s techniques helped me stop overthinking and start writing! She gave me exercises to take the pressure off beginning a… Read more “The Word of the Day”

You are always a light. Thank you.

Desiree

“Working with Marilyn Horowitz has challenged every aspect of my creative process from conception to preparation, and most importantly, execution.… Read more “– Larry Lowry”

- Larry Lowry
Writer/Producer, Nickelodeon
View All Testimonials

Television Writing Evaluation & Guidance

Screenwriting Evaluation & Guidance

Classes & Seminars

Footer

Connect

Contact

CLASSES

Contact the office at 212-600-1115

MEDIA & SPEAKING INQUIRIES

Contact Marilyn Horowitz at 212-600-1115

PUBLISHING & FILM INQUIRIES

Contact Koehler Books at 757-289-6006

  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Home
  • About
  • Writing Services
  • Guidance
    • Writing Evaluation
    • Writing Guidance
    • Comprehensive Packages
    • Ongoing Coaching
  • Classes & Seminars
    • New York University Classes
    • Seminars
    • Free Video Tutorials
    • Movie Breakdowns
    • Online Stores
  • Books & Media
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Word of the Day
    • What is the Word of the Day?
    • Word of the Day Cheat Sheet
    • Free Word of the Day Webinar
Copyright © 2023 · Marilyn Horowitz. All rights reserved.