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Screenwriter Interviews
MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Jaime Medina
An interview with screenwriter Jaime Medina regarding the West Field Writing Competition.
Q: What's the title of the script you entered in this contest, and what's it about?A: My script is called "Suing God", and it's the story of a man who tries to kill himself, only to discover his soul is actually in Purgatory. When he is given a week to return to Earth and find the forgiveness that will get him into Heaven, he finds the odds are stacked against him. Desperate and out of time, he decides to sue God for "unfulfillable contract".
Q: What made you enter this particular contest? Have you entered any other contests with this script? If so, how did you do?A: It was a local contest with a variety of categories, so I felt it would be a good opportunity to have my work read. I was awarded "Best Comedy Screenplay".
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: This was an excellent contest with good communication, and I even received a nifty award in the mail!
Q: How long did it take you to write the script? Did you write an outline beforehand? How many drafts did you write?A: I began the script in January of 2014 and completed the first draft in September of the same year. The third and final draft was completed in April of this year.
Q: What kind of software did you use to write the script, if any? What other kinds of writing software do you use?A: Final Draft is the only software I use. It's excellent and easy to work with. I can't write without it!
Q: Do you write every day? How many hours per day?A: I try to write five days a week, for at least 2 hours a day. I don't always get to do so, but I try my best.
Q: Do you ever get writer's block? If so, how do you deal with that?A: I do get writer's block. There are different ways I deal with it. sometimes I'll watch a movie and think about it later, why it worked and what I liked about it. Then I try to apply it to my writing. I also try to keep writing. Sometimes up to 50% of what I write while working on the first draft ends up in the garbage when I'm working on a screenplay. So i sometimes just keep on writing.
Q: What's your background? Have you written any other screenplays or television scripts?A: I'm a retired Police Officer who initially approached this as a hobby. I have written a few other scripts, including stuff for TV, and I have placed in a few contests, but I haven't sold anything yet.
Q: Do you live in Los Angeles? If not, do you have any plans to move there?A: I live in New York. I don't plan to move to L.A. unless I have to.
Q: What's next? Are you working on a new script?A: I'm currently working on a coming-of-age story involving teen girls living in Queens, NY in 1985.
Posted Tuesday, May 26, 2015
