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Screenwriter Interviews
MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Richard Martz
An interview with screenwriter Richard Martz regarding the ScriptVamp/Attention Grabber Writing Competition.
Q: What's the title of the script you entered in this contest, and what's it about?A: 2nd Place/Honorable Mention for the script entitled "THE LOST SOLDIER". A U.S. Army Joint Special Operations soldier returns home after a heroic attack on an enemy foreign embassy and after yet another lengthy deployment, but when he returns to U.S. soil can he save both his family and the U.S. homeland from nuclear war.
Q: What made you enter this particular contest? Have you entered any other contests with this script? If so, how did you do?A: The professionalism by ScriptVamp.com. I had/have great expectations for this script. This contest, through scorecard and comments coverage, would help tell me if my first ten pages might appeal to a mass audience, would make a reader want to keep turning pages and read the script in full, and whether it could be a marketable or successful feature length movie. It would also tell me how/where I might improve the script if so needed. I have entered two other contests with the first 15 pages of this script; one in which I did not place among the top 10 (and with no feedback available); and the other is pending.
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: I am completely satisfied with the administration of the contest. Deadlines were met and prizes promised have been awarded.
Q: How long did it take you to write the script? Did you write an outline beforehand? How many drafts did you write?A: Approximately 30 days. I did not use a strict outline beforehand, but I did scribble on napkins, post-it notes, and note pads my beginning, middle, end, and the general nature of each scene in series, including the characters.
Q: What kind of software did you use to write the script, if any? What other kinds of writing software do you use?A: I used Movie Magic Screenwriter. Currently, I do not use other kinds of writing software but am reviewing others that may be useful to my style or approach to writing.
Q: Do you write every day? How many hours per day?A: I have recently been writing on average a few hours every day.
Q: Do you ever get writer's block? If so, how do you deal with that?A: Yes. I most often deal with it by reading, reading, reading (books, including on screenwriting; magazines; newspapers online; etc.); and as thoughts come to me simply scribbling them into a notebook in chronological order. I also use journal methods. Most often I type the thoughts on my computer word processing program to allow for subsequent key word searches. I also use mind relaxation techniques and listen to my favorite music.
Q: What's your background? Have you written any other screenplays or television scripts?A: I have a background in law and served active duty in the military for a number of years. I have written several short scripts, and currently have three feature screenplays in progress. I have not yet tried television scripts, but plan do so within the coming year.
Q: Do you live in Los Angeles? If not, do you have any plans to move there?A: No. I do not rule out a move to Los Angeles. I have visited there in the past when stationed/living nearby when in the military. My spouse is a native of California.
Q: What's next? Are you working on a new script?A: As noted above, I will continue to work on many shorts, and have a few features in the works. Screenwriting is my primary focus at this time.
Posted Thursday, August 16, 2012
