Screenwriter Interviews
MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter IanJazz Wilson
An interview with screenwriter IanJazz Wilson regarding the Indie Gathering Writing Competition.
Q: What's the title of the script you entered in this contest, and what's it about?A: The title of the screenplay is CRIMSON QUEEN.
This is the story of a businessman who wakes up in a forest with amnesia. When he makes his way home he finds that his girlfriend is gone and his house is empty and up for rent.
He goes through blackouts and flashbacks and begins to understand what led to his amnesia. Through these flashbacks he realizes that he has been involved in drug smuggling the criminals include his girlfriend who has taken his business from him. He then sets out to expose them and get revenge.
A: I was attracted to The Indie Gathering because it is a genuine "Live" festival, rather than an online festival. It also has a good reputation for networking.
Crimson Queen was also entered for a few other festivals and has placed in these, including winner for Action at the Summer Slam Festival.
A: Absolutely satisfied. It's a good festival.
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 overall project took about eight months. There were four rewrites after the first complete draft.
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 use CELTX but also have Final Draft, which I find to be more complicated.
Q: Do you write every day? How many hours per day?A: I work full-time but probably manage to write a few times a week. However, I make notes to myself and think about the script every day.
Q: Do you ever get writer's block? If so, how do you deal with that?A: I'll typically write through it. But when there's a scene that I need to think through I'll let my mind consider it for a day or two. I will sometimes map out "what-if's" in a notebook and this tends to stimulate more creative writing.
Q: What's your background? Have you written any other screenplays or television scripts?A: I have an MBA and much of my career has been in business. However, I have traveled and lived in three continents and several different countries. I believe that helps with the writing process.
I have completed a second feature screenplay, Blue Monday, and a 20 minute short screenplay, Super 8, since Crimson Queen.
A: I am from Scotland but live in Nova Scotia. I would love to live in LA.
Q: What's next? Are you working on a new script?A: I am now outlining my third feature. It will be more of a thriller/horror story.
Posted Friday, October 30, 2015
