Screenwriter Interviews
MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Martin Fisher
An interview with screenwriter Martin Fisher regarding the 20/20 Writing Competition.
Q: What's the title of the script you entered in this contest, and what's it about?A: The script was CHARIOTEER, the heroic true story of Gauis Diocles, the world's first million dollar, celebrity-athlete. In logline speak: A champion, driven by revenge, rises from slavery to bring an empire to its feet and an emperor to his knees.
Q: What made you enter this particular contest? Have you entered any other contests with this script? If so, how did you do?A: We were intrigued with the format: submit 20-pages and if it passes muster the judges will request the entire scirpt. The contest also guaranteed the winners representation -- where else have you ever seen a guarantee in this business? Charioteer was entered in eight other competitions as well; to date reaching the 2009 BluCat QUATER FINALS.
Q: Were you satisfied with the administration of the contest? Did they meet their deadlines? Did you receive all the awards that were promised?A: The 20/20 folks were very generous. Co-writer Steve Hartman and I met with both Bonnie Sanders and Alan Ross who provided detailed notes and analysis of the script, which were very helpful. I was/am happy with my current representation -- Mitch Kaplan (Kaplan Stahler) and Brad Kurshner (Creative Convergence) so we repsectfully declined that part of the award.
Q: How long did it take you to write the script? Did you write an outline beforehand? How many drafts did you write?A: The most exhausting part of the process was researching our hero, Diocles, which took almost two years. Among other things, we learned he kept a journal of every race he entered and his results. Very exciting. This diary became our Holy Grail: we knew it existed but we had a lot of trouble getting our hands on it.
The fact that this was a biopic really made our story come alive -- on many levels our hero lived his life in three acts, which spined our outline. Difficult to remember how many drafts we completed (probably better if we don't). We were able to get great coverage and solicited "friendly reads" and workshop notes, which we took very seriously used to inform what became our final draft.
A: We are Final Draft idiot savants. Haven't made the plunge to "8" -- still rocking with 7.1.3. -- but truth be told, never tried another program.
Q: Do you write every day? How many hours per day?A: I try to write every day, though I tend to mix it up between 2-3 scripts -- helps me keep fresh. Don't get me wrong, I'm not O-C-D: there are days when 4-6 hours fly by and others when I struggle to find the energy for one... I tend to let momentum carry the day.
Q: Do you ever get writer's block? If so, how do you deal with that?A: For me, the multiple project formula is a great way to avoid writer's block. I think if I were to get stuck on all 3 projects, other questions would need to be asked.
Q: What's your background? Have you written any other screenplays or television scripts?A: I've been writing professinally for a very long time, beginning as an advertising copywriter in NY. My "day job," if you will, is writing and producing theatrical trailers and DVD special features. It's my great advantage to have to read 5-8 "go" scripts a week, because you really get a sense of the structure, content, rhythm and voice of what's selling. I also read all the "Blacklist Scripts" each year to see what's really attracting buyers and talent.
Charioteer was my 6th feature script. In addition to screenplays, I wrote, produced and directed TERMINAL 5, a 90-min. documentary about the re-opening of a vacant JFK airport terminal with an exhibition of contempory art, which aired on GalleryHD. I've also wirtten a number of direct-to-video releases, reality series and television specials for hire; and probably 6-8 television episodes on spec.
A: I was moved to LA by Lorimar in 1987 and aspire to live and write in a ski resort before my legs give out... don't worry, I've got time.
Q: What's next? Are you working on a new script?A: I'm very excited about my new script, which re-imagines a classic fairy tale in much the same way as "Wicked" took on "The Wizard of Oz." Like all my work, my hope is it will be as much fun to read as it was to write. Unfortunately, because it's in the public domaine I'm reluctant to provide any meaningful details. I'm also developing two reality series for television, CASTING COUCH and EXTREME FAMILIES; exciting times..
Posted Wednesday, November 4, 2009
