MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Tamika Lamison

An interview with screenwriter Tamika Lamison regarding the IFP/Gordon Parks Writing Competition.

A: The title of the script is, "The Jar By the Door." It's about 8 lonely people and one mannequin (smile) who search for love and meaning in New York City. They find it through comic books, poetry, music, dance, porn, pets, their imagination...etc.

A: I entered this particular contest because I felt it was run by one of the really well respected and well run orgainiztions in the entertaiment community-- IFP. Also, it was specfically designed for African American writers and I felt it was wise to enter the respected contests that were designed for me in addition to the one's that are designed for the general populace as well. "The Jar By the Door" was my first script so yes, I was a contest entering fool. I entered it in many many contests and won or placed in over ten.

A: I was extremely satisfied with the way this contest was run. Although it's expensive to enter/participate because it's part of a market (ultimately you spend close to $300.00 to participate if chosen as a Finalist) the Huge prize and industry exposure is well worth it. They give a $10,000.00 award at a lovely little ceremony during the market. It is announced and covered by All the major trade papers including VARIETY, HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, BACKSTAGE, etc. I got my check at the awards dinner and I got to meet with all of the industry people they promised I would meet with including MTV Films.

A: At the time that I entered the contest, unfortunately there was no real feedback available to be given. I did have judges individually tell me how much they loved my script and why. The high profile judges/jurors were at the ceremony and included the brilliant author/activist/educator-Cornell West, the exquisite playwright-August Wilson, and the famous photographer/novelist filmmaker- Gordon Parks to name a few.

A: Yes, my success in this contest and the subsequent publicity in the trades helped me to market my script in a major way. I was contacted by agents, managers and producers. I got lots of meetings in Los Angeles and many, many requests for the script. I still get calls to read the script.

"The Jar By the Door," has been under option 4 different times. It is currently under an option that runs out next month. The company is very committed to producing it but I've decided to do it myself if the pieces aren't in place with them by the end of their option in July.

A: I come from and acting background. My degree from American University is in Performing Arts however I've been writing since high school. I've written over 12 Features. I've written some TV specs, including an award winning original one hour drama pilot Spec with my brother, Cleve Lamison, who is also an award winning writer/director. I have about four other screenplays that have won/placed in high profile screenplay contests. "Memoirs of A Virgin Whore," won Disney. "The Nihilesthete,"-- Sundance Finalist. "Reflections: White"--Scriptapalooza Finalist...

I was chosen to participate in AFI's prestigious Women in Directing Fellowship in 2002 where I wrote, directed and produced an award winning short film called, "HOPE." Because of that film I was hired and worked as a diretor and Camera Operator on BET's new reality tv series, "College Hill." At this juncture in my career I'm very focused on directing one of my own Features.

A: I do live in Los Angeles. After winning $10,000.00 from Gordon Parks, I used the money to move to LA and have been living here the past few years.

A: I'm always working on new scripts. Currently I'm working on one about Hemingway; one about Fortune Cookies; One about my days as a Debutante; the Third script in a trilogy called, Called "Reflections: White/Black/Gray(I've finished White and Black) and a couple of others...

What's next for me is directing a feature. If I had my choice it would be, "The Jar by the Door," but since it's under option I'm focused on getting money and actors for "The Nihilesthete" which is getting a lot of attention. James Spader is at the top of my list and his agents at ICM just requested the script for him. He's very picky so please cross your fingers for me. It's a dark piece. But it's close to my heart. And I would love it to be the feature that introduces me to the industry as a Director.

Posted Friday, May 14, 2004