MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Simon Wakelin

An interview with screenwriter Simon Wakelin regarding the Indie Gathering Writing Competition.

A: "Manifesto" is a black comedy about a director who teams up with a circus clown; "Wheezy the Clown" is from the clandestine insurgent rebel clown army (that actually exists) and he convinces the materialistic director that the evils of advertising must be quashed.

It's a whacked out adventure set in Los Angeles that looks at the ludicrous nature of selling products and its effect on both the audience and the people advertising their ware.

After working many years as a unit photographer on commercials, features and music videos I had plenty of experiences to express in the script. Being closely involved with insane directors and ad agency creative directors was sometimes quite bizarre.

I like to think of Manifesto as 'The Comedy of the Tragedy of Wheezy the Clown'

A: It's placed in a number of competitions including FADE IN, American Screenwriters Assn. int'l, PAGE Awards, Beverly Hills Film Festival... but this is my first win.

I entered this competition, and the others, to help persuade influential people in the industry here in LA to read my work. When you're in a position pitching a logline to a producer at a party of any gig, you have to hit them quick and make it memorable - the absurdity of my logline and the nod of the win at Indie will help spin my script out to more producers for sure... but only for that reason as I don't believe the majority of competitions will do anything - unless it's something of the caliber of Nicholls...

As with anything, you have to peddle your script, especially if you're like the majority with no representation. If you have a passion for the story and a competent writer with the right formatting skills you'll eventually succeed - if you live in LA IMHO...

A: Very much so. Well organized. Yes, met their deadlines...

A: no feedback.

A: Nothing as of yet. Pretty much pushing the script around to various producers through contacts, word of mouth...

I am an editor of a magazine at present that writes about the film industry. This also helps... I also have screenwriting friends who are successful in the business.

If the script is of consequence I'll get a bite sooner or later...

A: Photojournalist for many years. Turned to writing to help my income. worked for Sony Pictures on features as a stills guy. worked for magazines in Europe, Canada and now here in LA

A: Yes I do live in LA. I think it's a major help to be here...

A: I have now finished 3 scripts... but writing is re-writing so they're being tweaked. I have some great ideas, just about finding the time and the passion!

Posted Sunday, July 15, 2007