Not that long ago the high school daughter of a colleague wanted to interview me for an English class. She came to the office, and she and I talked a long time, and later she wrote something called "The Life and Mind of a Murderer" which began like this:
They
walk down the street with you. They are your neighbors. You buy groceries at
the same store. From a young age they have always had different fascinations
than other kids. As adults they seemed a little too interested in other adults.
They seem to be going through their life just like anyone else, but they are
different. These people are movie writers.
Just now another hopeful, a young potential screenwriter in Illinois, asked to do an email interview with me for a high school class. Always eager to help those who may one day put me out on an ice floe, here is what I wrote back. Maybe something here can help you, loyal reader, as well.
1. How long have you been in the industry? I sold my first screenplay in 1999.
It was an action movie called PLAYER IN THE GAME that never got made,
but it opened the door to sell more after that.
2. How is Success in your position measured and rewarded? I think
the industry in general rewards on box office, sales through physical media and
digital platforms, and reviews; but for me, seeing a project get made, and then
get distribution, is a good measure of success.
3. What made you interested in the job in the first place? I have
always been interested in storytelling; I drew my own comics until I realized I
wasn’t good enough to draw professionally, wrote plays until I sort of hit a
wall in getting those out there, and switched to screenwriting because of a
lifelong interest in filmmaking, but realizing that living in rural Indiana it
would be hard to be involved in other aspects of it besides the writing. I think that last part has changed somewhat
with easier access to technology and distribution platforms than once existed.
4. How could I start getting into the film industry? Watch
and learn from watching movies and reading screenplays, join an AV club in your
school, or if there isn’t one join some Facebook groups and other online groups
that feature people with your same interests.
Study film, telecommunications, or even communications or English in
college. Go to film festivals and movie
conventions to meet people that want to do the same thing you do. When you can, beg, buy, borrow some equipment
so you can learn editing and shooting and begin to learn the language of
filmmaking.
5. Explain to me what the job involves day-to-day? Being
committed to working when there are other things pulling you away, like
watching TV, hanging out, whatever.
Being able to develop and nurture the brand that is yourself through
fostering relationships with people in the industry, online and elsewhere. Really working on craft, because most of it
is craft and only a small part of it is waiting for the muse to happen.
6. How would you describe the ideal person for this job? You
have to love movies and understand and appreciate the history of movies. Loving reading to learn more about the world
and loving writing in general.
7. How long are the hours daily for this profession? I have
a day job, so the hours are whatever I can squeeze in; getting up early,
working on my laptop during lunch, getting some writing time in after dinner,
giving up weekends when deadlines are close.
8. What are the troubles and issues you face in the job? If I
wanted to be bigger than I am, geography would be an issue; however I have been
pretty successful staying in rural Indiana, selling close to I think 40
screenplays over the years, so I really don’t want to move. You have to work with legitimate people to
make sure you get paid and get proper credit for your work.
9. Are you grateful for getting into the industry? Yes,
it’s neat to go to a video store and see your movie, or to be in a theater when
people watch it. Many, many people try
over a long period of time and don’t get that satisfaction.
10. What are some equipment and tools I need to start my
first movie? On the writing side, I recommend the free
screenwriting software CeltX or Trelby.
On the movie-making side, whatever you can get your hands on to learn
how everything is supposed to work.
