MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Eli Kornstein

An interview with screenwriter Eli Kornstein regarding the Three Lines Or Less Writing Competition.

A: The title of my script is "Mourning." Written as an allegory to represent the long arduous process of lamenting and the uncertain future that follows when we lose someone dear, this science fiction drama adopts post-apocalyptic themes to tell an intimate tale: Three life-long friends are sitting shiva at a rural Montana cottage when the sun suddenly goes out, forcing them to endure their darkest days yet.

A: I was referred to Three Lines Or Less through Moviebytes which has proven itself as invaluable index for screenwriting contests. The logline contest was both efficient and affordable. I won ScriptVamp's grand prize for their Attention Grabber contest with this script and I have entered other competitions, but am awaiting their results.

A: I was very satisfied by both their level of professionalism and punctuality. I was promised all the rewards offered.

A: The entire gestation period for "Mourning" was 9 months (go figure), but only spent about 6 months writing and editing it from beginning to end. The first 3 months were spent on a general outline (story trajectories, character development, research, etc.) and many nights awake ruminating on the overall intent on why this story needed to be committed to page. When my midnight notes filled an entire legal notepad and my head felt like it would implode, then it was time to sit down and write.

A: I only use an old, antiquated version of Microsoft Word. I've found it gives me more freedom than any other screenwriting software.

A: I do write everyday, but in many mediums and only when the mood strikes. Writing is a learned habit and an addiction. I believe it's up to the individual to adhere to moderation. But if a count is needed, I write at least, and I mean at least 2 hours a day whether it is a haiku or a grocery list. Additionally, reading is a must and an obligatory two hours a day as well. How else can a writer steal -- ahem -- conjure ideas.

A: Writer's block is an apparition that some writer's want to believe is haunting them, when in fact it is merely their mind warning them that a) You need to stop, or b) What you're doing isn't working. If I ever find myself in either situation, I reevaluate my previous scribbles and write something else completely -- or I take a breather, work out my frustration, or sort through the straight-to-DVD titles on Netflix's digital library to reaffirm my confidence.

A: I'm currently an English MA student pursuing a Doctorate degree in Science Fiction Studies, concentrating on creating a national curriculum at the collegiate level. I have written essays, short stories, novellas, and screenplays.

A: I reside in New York, but fate might decide California sunshine feels better than metropolitan winters in the coming years.

A: Next on the agenda are three developed scripts that may see retooling and a second review now that they've had time to rest and age. Meanwhile, I'll also teach two English courses and continue my studies. And of course, enjoy plenty of upcoming films.

Posted Sunday, July 17, 2011