MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Teresa Lewis

An interview with screenwriter Teresa Lewis regarding the Wildsound Writing Competition.

A: BEYOND REASON. A true love story, based on the witty philosopher Voltaire and the love of his life, Émilie Du Châtelet,.

Emilie was no ordinary woman of her time, known for her "amorous nature" and brilliant mind, but best remembered as the woman who conquered Voltaire's heart. Voltaire celebrated her, in her own right, as, a 'great and powerful genius', his equal.

Beyond Reason, is a humorous and timeless glimpse at the polarity of men and women that will touch anyone ever involved in a passionate relationship.

A: Actually, Matthew Toffolo, at WILDsound, found me here on Moviebytes Winning Scripts regarding my feature script, Rebirth. Because of another Production company's interest in Rebirth, my attorney advised me to enter another script-- (Beyond Reason).

Prior, I also entered one of my first drafts of Beyond Reason in the British Short Contest and was suprised and pleased when it made the quarter then Semi-Finals. I have only entered it in one other contest, still in progress.

A: Extremely Satisfied and would recommend WILDsound highly.

WildSound offers a monthly Reading Series for the top three screenplays and gives them the opportunity to hear their scripts read out loud by Top Actors. All three winners are treated equally. Not sure, but I think the audience votes at the end.

But no matter what happens, you get full feedback on your script on the good, the bad and ways to make it better. If you visit their website, you'll get a sense of the energy, hard work, and creativity of this extremely talented Toronto group.

A: Re: Feedback... it's a writer's dream. If you win in the top three, your script is read by professional actors in front of a large audience in Toronto, and you get to hear feedback from an Industry Professional who moderates the event and facillitates a Q&A with the audience.

Out of town Winners (like me) receive free hotel accommodation during the reading. I'm planning the trip to Toronto now. But even if a writer can't make the event, they email a DVD copy of the reading of your script, plus the full moderation and audience participation.

To view actual taped readings, and so much more, you can visit their website www.wildcardpictures.com for more information. AMAZING-- and the contest only costs 15 dollars!

A: Actually, I wrote Beyond Reason just because I enjoyed the feisty wit and brillance of the characters and I think others will likewise appreciate and identify with them.

I may be able to say more after the reading in later July. I'll post either on my writing website: tlllewis.net or myspace.com/screenwritertllewis

A: I'm a scholar at heart, with a passion for writing with a love for a great story. I'm an educator who loves to learn, having taught myself film editing and also fortunate to have a backgound in marketing. This is a good thing, since I seem to spend much time on print, P.R. and web design for my scripts.

My genuine passion, is for my provocative, larger budget feature script, Rebirth and it's 3D characters-- to come to life on the big screen. I have several smaller production companies interested, including offered options, both in the U.S. and Europe, but am awaiting that lead producer to make Rebirth the classic film for profit and "for the sake of love and honor". The process is akin to an emotional roller coaster that's 'highly adrenalin addictive'.

A: I lived in L.A. during most of my childhood and still remember, with fondness, the great weather and variety of terrain. My sister lives just north of the city, and I can visit whenever I want. I'm now pretty independent with my career and can travel when and if I wish. It's not about where you are, but who you are and what you have to offer.

A: Actually, I'm working on another historical action script as well as developing three seperate comedies with my off the wall sense of humor. One I call DAYTONA DREAMING-- a Comedy about a Florida State University Film student and a Surfer Dude - set in Daytona about two "losers", who are inspired to follow their dreams after a Tony Robbins motivational CD gets accidentally stuck in their car stereo. To include sets at a Florida University, the Daytona Speedway, and the Daytona Auto Mall— and of course, Daytona Beach --at Spring Break.

And another comedy: SHORT BUS -- about the power of expectations... When two transfer middle school students get their diverse IQ scores switched...The gifted student ends up riding the "Short Bus" and actually finds relief from the rigidity of high expectations, and the “slower” student gains new confidence, when everyone suddenly looks up to her. The possibilities-- when laughter and lessons of life, converge.

”Days of Kings” -- Fantasy/ Sci Fi Based on bits of Celtic Mythology and Mystery, “legend” of a Hollow Earth, a touch on Atlantis, but all tied to a Book of Life that records all actions, thoughts, our histories that create our future-- with a twist . It could easily be set in NZ or, on the Isle of Man, off Ireland. And of course, others, but enough for now.

I write daily because it's as natural and as essential to my well being as breathing. I'm always working on a script whether in the shower, in my dreams, or just vacuuming:). I have two 21 inch computer screens with 3-4 scripts open and in progress at any given time. I can honestly say that I'm never bored.

Posted Sunday, July 1, 2007