Screenwriter Interviews
MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Eli Kornstein
An interview with screenwriter Eli Kornstein regarding the ScriptVamp/Attention Grabber Writing Competition.
Q: What's the title of the script you entered in this contest, and what's it about?A: The title of my script is "Mourning." Written as an allegory to represent the long arduous process of lamenting and the uncertain future that follows when we lose someone dear, this science fiction drama adopts post-apocalyptic themes to tell an intimate tale: Three life-ling friends are sitting shiva at a rural Montana cottage when the sun suddenly goes out, forcing them to endure their darkest days yet.
Q: What made you enter this particular contest? Have you entered any other contests with this script? If so, how did you do?A: I was referred to ScriptVamp through Moviebytes which has proven itself as invaluable index for screenwriting contests. ScriptVamp retains excellent reviews for all its contests and posed a 10-page challenge I couldn't deny. I have entered other competitions, but have yet to hear the results.
Q: Were you satisfied with the administration of the contest? Did they meet their deadlines? Did you receive all the awards that were promised?A: ScriptVamp offers a timely response and through coverage. Indeed, I was promised all the rewards offered.
Q: How long did it take you to write the script? Did you write an outline beforehand? How many drafts did you write?A: The entire gestation period for "Mourning" was 9 months (go figure), but only spent about 6 months writing and editing it from beginning to end. The first 3 months were spent on a general outline (story trajectories, character development, research, etc.) and many nights awake ruminating on the overall intent on why this story needed to be committed to page. When my midnight notes filled an entire legal notepad and my head felt like it would implode, then it was time to sit down and write.
Q: What kind of software did you use to write the script, if any? What other kinds of writing software do you use?A: I only use an old, antiquated version of Microsoft Word. I've found it gives me more freedom than any other screenwriting software.
Q: Do you write every day? How many hours per day?A: I do write everyday, but in many mediums and only when the mood strikes. Writing is a learned habit and an addiction. I believe it's up to the individual to adhere to moderation. But if a count is needed, I write at least, and I mean at least 2 hours a day whether it is a haiku or a grocery list. Additionally, reading is a must and is an obligatory two hours a day as well. How else can a writer steal -- conjure ideas.
Q: Do you ever get writer's block? If so, how do you deal with that?A: Writer's block is an apparition that some writer's want to believe is haunting them, when in fact it is merely your mind warning them that a) You need to stop, or b) What you're doing isn't working. If I ever find myself in either situation, I reevaluate my previous scribbles and write something else completely -- or I take a breather, work out my frustration, or sort through the digital library on Netflix to affirm my writing is good.
Q: What's your background? Have you written any other screenplays or television scripts?A: I'm currently an English MA student pursuing a Doctorate degree in Science Fiction Studies, concentrating on creating a national curriculum at the collegiate level. I have written essays, short stories, novellas, and screenplays.
Q: Do you live in Los Angeles? If not, do you have any plans to move there?A: I reside in New York, but fate might decide California sunshine feels better than metropolitan winters in the next few years.
Q: What's next? Are you working on a new script?A: Next on the agenda are three scripts, but I have yet to choose which one I'd like to pursue first. Patience and desire will determine my next project, while in the meantime I will teach two English courses and continue my studies. And of course, enjoy plenty of upcoming films.
Posted Friday, July 15, 2011
