Screenwriter Interviews
MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Jorge J. Lomastro
An interview with screenwriter Jorge J. Lomastro regarding the Pacific N.W. Writers Writing Competition.
Q: What's the title of the script you entered in this contest, and what's it about?A: The script's called, "The Second." The logline goes something like this.
Able to visualize a face using only DNA, an African/American geneticist is granted access to "The Shroud of Turin" to see God's countenance. Instead, his reverend's zeal and wife's infertility prompt him to do something more.
The general theme is about differing views and actions of faith and religion and how people use them to justify doing whatever the Hell they want to. (If I've offended anyone with this statement, too bad.) The story makes one think. That's why I wrote it. Period.
A: Yup. I've entered this script in lots of stuff. It's currently in second place overall on moviebytes for Sci/Fi and first for Urban scripts. So, it's done okay. (MovieBytes rules!) I don't think I'll be entering it in much more though. I have a lot of newer stuff. And, I like to use contests to get an initial feel as to how others will react to my work.
It's funny because, though it's a good story, "The Second" is so not Hollywood. Multiple protagonists, and blah, blah, blah. Again, a good story. But, it wouldn't be easy to find someone to back it. I'm not too worried about that though, I have plenty written for the market. I didn't write this one with the industry in mind.
At the time, I entered this contest mostly because of the promised feedback. According to the administration there were over 1000 entrants this year. So, this is more of a feather in my cap than I thought it would be going in. And, it was their 50 year anniversary too!
A: Yup. Good stuff too. A reading on stage of the first twenty pages. Another award certificate to help cover this damn ugly wallpaper. Insightful feedback from two sources. A Zola pin. And ...(Drum roll.)... Money!
Q: Were you given any feedback on your script? If so, did you find the feedback helpful?A: See above. Can't complain. Some of the stuff was bang on.
Q: Has your success in this contest helped you market your script? Were you contacted by any agents, managers or producers?A: Ah. There's the one weakness of this contest. They're based in Washington State. And, according to the folk there that I've communicated with, they don't have connections with screenplay agents, managers and/or producers. Too bad too, it's a good contest. If I've spoken to the wrong people and there actually is some connection to the film world, please contact me. I'm certainly not above making mistakes. I hope I am wrong. But, it's been some time and I haven't heard from anyone through this contest. Though, everyone should keep in mind that any win can help if one works it themself.
(By the way, I am looking for a manager.)
A: I teach screenwriting. Just basic level stuff of late. And, I've worked in television. I could continue, but I won't. If someone wants to know more they can contact me. I don't care to go on and on about myself. My work speaks for me anyway.
See above. I have other works of various genres.
A: I'm a 50/50 guy. (My eyesight's better than that.) Half the year there and half here. Eventually, I'll be out that way 100% of the time.
Q: What's next? Are you working on a new script?A: Yay! I just finished the first draft of a comedy I've been working on. Now, I have to talk to my agent and see what he thinks is selling well. That's the genre I'll work in next. I have been hankering (Can you believe I just used the word "hankering?") to do either a horror that's been floating in my head (Boo!), another comedy that's been doing the same, or the third in an action/horror trilogy I've been working on. ("The Priestess," "Priestesses," "The Last Priestess") My head's a very cluttered place and I need to clear some more of this stuff out.
Thanks for the time all.
"Be excellent to each other. And, party on, Dudes!"
Posted Sunday, May 21, 2006
