MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Stan Nabors

An interview with screenwriter Stan Nabors regarding the Fade In Writing Competition.

A: MAYOR'S DANCE...it centers on an on-the-edge politician/mayor who falls for the daughter of a corrupt union boss. A drama and a love story inside union and political arenas.

A: Well, Fade In Magazine is a popular trade/consumer movie magazine that has been around for as long as I've been writing. At least fourteen, fifteen years now? Their staff has been instrumental in the careers of screenwriters worldwide.

Yes, this script was also an Honorable Mention in the Organization of Black Screenwriters Script Competiton for 2009. It was also a Quarter-finalist in the 2009 Cynosure Screenwriting Awards.

A: The administration of the contest was a little unorthodox. But seeing how they conduct their process, which seems to be the last year/round of finalists announced well into the next year of competition...I now can understand the timing of the announcements...there does seem to be a method to the madness. And the magazine's editor-in-chief, Audrey Kelly has always been wonderful, helpful and respectful to me over the years.

It's still early in the process and I am still awaiting the staff's notes and cash prize on its way I'm sure, as well as the promised analysis by a credited WGA writer. My name and script was also placed on their website and in their e-zine recently.

A: It took about a year from conception to finished script. No, I didn't write an outline before hand. I wrote about three or four drafts total. A long-hand draft. (Yes, I still write out the story drafts on legal pads first.) Then I write what I call the screen story draft. Then I put that draft through my computer. And then I do a screenplay draft. And then of course, there's alot of re-write work, trying to get structure and pacing to a somewhat satisfactory point, including polishing work.

A: I used Movie Magic Screenwriter. I love it!!!

A: When I'm actually in the writing phase of a story/script, yes I try to write at least five days out of the week (Mon-Fri.) with weekends off to live life a little bit. And if its just a scene or one page or three or four pages, when I'm done I'm done for the day.

A: I feel so blessed, fortunate enough to say that I have NEVER had that dreaded experience called writer's block. (knock-knock)

A: I've worked in the advertising business as an assistant traffic coordinator for several years, many moons ago. I believe this is where my first creative seeds of inspiration were planted. Being around the ad process, watching copywriters, art directors, creative executives, etc. do their thing. It was such a creative/artistic environment back then.

Yes, to date I have written about a dozen full length feature screenplays. I also wrote and produced the domestic violence short, A GOOD DADDY that ran on ifilm.com probably nine or ten years ago. Way before youtube.

A: No, I reside in New York City. I have been to L.A. in the past though, and of course if and when the need arises I will surely consider being in L.A. for any and all business opportunities.

A: Next up. Is a pair of paranormal thrillers...THE INHERITED which is in the polishing stages now. And I'm also super-excited about the ongoing development of my latest work titled, ANGELIC FORCE...hopefully completed by early 2011.

Posted Thursday, March 18, 2010