MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Gary Miner

An interview with screenwriter Gary Miner regarding the Slamdance Writing Competition.

A: Title: Wizard of Genoa

Before Marilyn Manson's wicked antics, even before Elvis' infamous swoon-inducing hip-shaking, there was Niccolo Paganini (1782-1840), violin virtuoso of the Romantic period.

The violinist performed with such force and speed that a story began to circulate that he was in league with the devil. It was said, "Paganini looked like a magician and his playing justified his looks."

Paganini traveled as a virtuoso violinst, at first in Italy and then, from 1828 abroad, causing a sensation wherever he went, his phenomenal technique giving rise to rumors of diabolical assistance.

Once his fame was established, Paganini's life was a mixture of triumphs and personal excesses. He earned large sums of money but he indulged recklessly in gambling and other forms of amusements.

Achilles Paganini, 15 is trying to come to terms with who his dying father really is.

The French thought the "Parisian Idol" Charles Lafont was the world's best violinist. The Italians believed the "Wizard of Genoa" was the best. The two violinists "duel" on stage at the La Scala Theater in Milan.

A: The reason I entered SLAMDANCE was the catagory for period pieces. I thought I might have a better chance with my Historical Epic. I also thought it might be fun to hang out at the "Sundance Film Festival" with the Slamdance people in Park City, Utah.

I entered "Wizard of Genoa" in the "36th Annual Houston International Film Festival" and won "Best of Show" for "Best Unproduced Screenplay." Last year Wizard won "First Place at "Red Inkworks and a Finalist in "Scriptrep."

A: I was very satisfied with the adminstration of the contest. They gave me my $500 award at an awards banquet at the Writer's Guild of America, west. I had a chance to meet some of the judges from the Writer's Guild. SLAMDANCE will also announce my award at the film festival at Park City, Utah.

I actually received more awards than promised. SLAMDANCE has arranged for scenes from all the winning scripts to be performed on stage by well known actors at theaters around Los Angeles. This will take place between February and April. Film industry people will be invited to the performances.

A: SLAMDANCE did give written feedback on script that was helpful. What was most helpful was talking to the judges in person at the Writer's Guild of America, west in person.

A: Winning "Third Place" at SLAMDANCE has done more for me than winning "First Place" at other contests.

The top three winners received an article on the last page of the Sept. 12-14th issue of THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. From the article I received e-mails and phone calls requesting WIZARD OF GENOA from:

1. Heydey Films - Warner Brothers 2. Sobini Films - Lion's Gate Ent. 3. Trillion Entertainment 4. Bedford Falls Entertainment 5. New Regency Entertainment 6. HBO 7. Samuel Goldwyn Films 8. Eugene Davis Enterprises - Germany 9. Cliff Roberts - William Morris Agency

Three months after receiving WIZARD OF GENOA only HBO and New Regency" has passed. I'm still waiting to hear from the other companies.

I have a Beverly Hills manager, Harley Bauer at Flutie Entertainment that hand delivered script to companies.

A: I received my M.A. degree in sculpture from Calif. State University, Fullerton. I received my B.A. degree in Fine Arts from the University of California, Irvine. I attended U.C.L.A. Film School Extension classes at the Screenwriter's Guild Theater in Beverly Hills. Film Critic Stephen Farber taught the classes.

I taught art at the Middle School, High School and College level. From 1990-1995 I taught art at Shasta College in Redding and College of the Siskiyous in Weed, CA.

I have completed three screenplays and one teleplay. They have all been Finalist in screenwriting competitions.

1. Wizard of Genoa 2. Samaria 3. Helitack 4. Rogue Cops (teleplay)

A: I lived in Los Angeles for twelve years. I currently live by San Francisco. If I am selected as one of the top ten Finalist in the Disney contest I plan to move to L.A.

A: My new script's a bio/pic about the singer Sam Cooke. My working title is "You Send Me."

If anyone wants to read my scripts go to Inktips.com or contact my manager at:

Harley Bauer 310.247.1100 hbauer@flutieent.com

Flutie Entertainment 9300 Wilshire Blvd., #333 Beverly Hills, CA 90064

Posted Friday, December 26, 2003