SCREENWRITING PROGRAM: Matthew Zurcher - 'Café Americain'

From Sunday 3rd June-Sunday 10th June 2012, I mentored six writers for the week. Their task? To write a screenplay each, which had to be no longer than 15 pages. Each day I am sharing the work of one of the writers, accompanied by an interview to hear about their experiences with the program.

MATTHEW ZURCHER is a 22 year old student from the Appalachian backwoods of Pennysylvania. Before last week, Matt had never written a screenplay before. Why did I choose him? This sentence in his application sealed it: "The time is right for me to make a go at it. My job is not demanding. I have the time. I have the drive. I have the desire. I have the ability. I need the kick in the ass."

I think it's been a fascinating week for you! At the beginning, you'd never written a script before, never used screenwriting software, and you were battling around with numerous different ideas for a story. What was the week like for you? 

Wild. Unlike some of the other writers, I didn't have to fit the project around a full-time job. I'm a student and just work in the film department. There was a lot of extra time to think. It was a curse, not a blessing. Initially, I kind of went backwards in the sense that I usually like to be impulsive and then rewind and ponder. That said, I had a great time. I never knew it was possible to be so intimately involved with a screenwriting computer program. It was love at first type. 

Your initial idea was quite complex and difficult to fit into a short screenplay with a 15 page limit. Tell me a bit more about the idea you were working on for most of the week. 

I wanted to write a story about lying and how we romanticize our pasts. Even on a daily level, we pick and choose how our lives are represented. And I wanted to tie that concept into technology and talk about how it can both hold us accountable for our history and allow us to create a new identity at the same time. I created this character who the audience knew was lying to them. I wanted to play around with how something so basic as love fits into all of it. We all lie and we all create ourselves to a certain extent. And we all fall in love. I'll think about it for a few decades and maybe it will turn into something. 

At the very end of the week; you had a flash of inspiration, and completely changed course. What happened? How did it feel? 

Ha! It was Friday night and I was trying to patch up this massive story. I was failing and it hurt. When I'm frustrated, I like to push through it instead of take a break because there's some real energy present when you're pissed at yourself. There were a lot of images passing through my brain about people trying to make themselves into someone new. That's when I thought of the idea to have someone wake up and be a fictional character. I chose to have a woman become Rick from CASABLANCA because he, more than any other character in popular cinema, was made to personify American virtues. 

CASABLANCA was a (brilliant) propaganda film made to relieve anxieties about entering WWII but it almost never reads like that anymore. People say America has changed, but I think our expectations have changed. The character embodies a bunch of stuff and means a lot to me. There are some political things being said at the end of the script, but I can't put them into words. The real flash of inspiration that made me switch course was when I thought of the sex scene. There's something very true about two people only being able to connect by pretending they aren't themselves. And I shot for melodrama through the entire thing. It adds another dimension of humor. I finished a rough draft in about 5 hours.

During the week I kept saying to you to 'simplify' your ideas. Consciously or not, I think that is advice you eventually followed - do you agree? 

Sure. The original story was too dense for 15 minutes. CAFE AMERICAIN is, story wise, a one trick pony and fits perfectly in that time frame. There is a whole web of thematic junk happening in both ideas, but the final product is pretty straightforward. I didn't have enough time to get funky -- a good thing. 

I think your initial script was full of ideas that you couldn't quite get a handle on. But what you finally turned in has a real energy and liveliness to it. I'm thinking maybe you can learn something from this, about your style as a writer. What do you think? 

I learned about what works and what doesn't in a 15 page piece. A good story is a good story, but certain things are more suitable for a short-form narrative. It's a great feeling to strip away all the bells and whistles, to just tell a story with a core. I plan on revisiting my original idea when I'm older. I'm too young and silly for it right now. 

Was my input during the week useful? What positives did you take from the program? 

The most helpful thing was having someone responsible and accountable for my work. It got me writing like a maniac. Everyone knows that the best way to learn writing is to just sink your teeth into it. I came into last week with no screenwriting experience and I came out with 1 1/2 pieces and a real urge for more. The program fed me the bug. I owe it a lot. Thanks a lot and see you around!

You can read Matt's screenplay from the program HERE. 

You should also check out his website, and follow him on Twitter. 

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SCREENWRITING PROGRAM: Anthony Abatte - 'Dispensing Justice'

From Sunday 3rd June-Sunday 10th June 2012, I mentored six writers for the week. Their task? To write a screenplay each, which had to be no longer than 15 pages. Each day I am sharing the work of one of the writers, accompanied by an interview to hear about their experiences with the program. If you are a writer -at any level- I recommend reading these interviews, because I think they give a fascinating insight into the creative process. First up, ANTHONY ABATTE, from Texas, USA. Anthony had been carrying a script idea around in his head for two years, but had never done anything with it. Could we make a difference this week?

Anthony, I got a lot out of working with you. It really felt like we went through a whole screenwriting course together over the week. I think you improved dramatically as the week went on. Do you feel the same? 

I literally can't believe how much we did in such a short amount of time. I was afraid that because of my long work hours, and the challenge of writing something comedic, that my script would be awful. Or, worse, incomplete. I have to admit, you knew what you were doing when you added this:

"If any of the writers don't complete their scripts by the deadline, Sunday 10th June, then I won't publish their scripts and won't take them seriously as writers again." 

That was all I needed. After getting the positive response that you were glad I entered, there was no way I was going to let you or myself down. I had to get this done to the best of my ability.

You had a concept that you wanted to work with from the beginning. Tell us about it in a few sentences, and why you were so keen to do it. 

About 3 years ago, I was joking with a friend about 2 other close buddies that just became police officers. We started to fantasize about what an over-the-top, TV version of them would be like. We wanted them jumping over the hoods of cars, shooting in slow-motion and established long-term, running gags. After "The Other Guys" was released, we gave up on the idea, thinking it was too similar. we never stopped talking about it and added characters, even the main drug dealer bad guy, that are all based on our real-life friends. The idea just seemed natural to bring to life.

On the final day, I made you go back and remove three pages to fit the 15 page criteria, how was that for you? 

I've spent most of my life editing in some way, so, it was pretty exciting actually. I spent almost 6 years editing audio in radio, I've been editing my own writing for years and didn't think I'd get near 15 pages. After I saw that I went over, it became a challenge to cut the fat as quickly as possible. I felt like a reporter trying to get a hot story into my editor for the front page. It was great! I write better with a deadline.

This is your first script. I think it's amazing that you wrote it in one week! Does this give you confidence about doing more? 

Yes, it does. Actually, since finishing this, I've just been fully inspired to keep writing in general. I've started doing film reviews and I want to continue the buddy cop characters that I introduced in this pilot script. I already have several episodes, characters and plots mapped out.

Was my input helpful? What did you get out of being part of the program? 

Your input and this project itself helped me as a writer and creative individual. I've read the free book you posted online a while back and your tips for creative people quite often. Nothing has been more valuable than having something like this, requiring my immediate action. Your feedback was priceless. I also enjoyed interacting with the other writers and getting help on even the smallest thing, like how to convert my files into PDF and how NOT to do a cover sheet.This has been the best summer crash course I could have had, as a writer and a creative individual. Thank you again for the opportunity!

You can read Anthony's short screenplay 'Dispensing Justice' HERE.

He is also on Twitter, and writes about films and other things on his Tumblr page.

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My Top 10 Actresses

If I had to take an oath in court about who my top 10 actresses are, this wouldn't necessarily be the list. Meryl Streep is probably a better actress than Rosario Dawson -- but this isn't the point of my list. Today I'm writing about actors that I like personally, whose work I gravitate towards. I usually steer clear of writing posts like these; because I'm not the kind of guy who ranks things, and also in many ways I'm a bad judge. Streep might be great in 'The Iron Lady', but I just don't care; whereas Rosario Dawson broke my heart a little in 'Seven Pounds'. And THAT means more to me. 

The following is in no particular order. 

1. Helen Hunt

She had a great, peak period, I guess from around 1996 to 2001. It began with 'Twister' and 'As Good As It Gets' and ended with 'Pay It Forward', 'Cast Away', 'What Women Want' and 'The Curse of the Jade Scorpion'. Most of my affection for her, as an actress, is based on her performances in those films. 

I think that Helen Hunt has something about her that is indescribable. She radiates a warmth, openness and honesty that is extremely rare on screen. She was cast perfectly in 'Cast Away'. She's only in it for a few minutes, but when Chuck (Tom Hanks) is stranded alone for all those years, we really get a sense of what he's missing. When they finally see each other again--- wow. I don't know any other actors who could have nailed those scenes as beautifully as Helen Hunt did with Tom Hanks. 

Hollywood is tough on women. Hunt had a golden period that was extremely short; and now we rarely see her in anything particularly great. But there's still the hope that someone will write something for her that she can really get her teeth into. Even in 'The Curse of the Jade Scorpion', arguably one of Woody's weaker efforts -- Helen is a joy to watch and utterly compelling. 

2. Ellen Page

I totally fell in love with her when I saw 'Juno'. She was cool and hip and funny and weird and full of bizarre references and ideas. Of course, much of that was down to Diablo Cody's writing. But then you see Ellen Page in an interview, or in a different movie, and she's incredible. She's still in her early 20's, yet her wisdom about acting, coupled with her work on screen, is something special. These days, I wouldn't say I'm in love with her, but I just really want to sit down with her and have a coffee. Or get her here for a KITFR interview. I just think she's extremely talented. And hilarious. 

3. Kristen Stewart

Everyone seems to have an opinion about Kristen Stewart. Me? I think she's fantastic. I think she's subtle to the point of mastery. In 'Adventureland' and her tiny appearance in 'Into The Wild', I think she evokes a truthfulness and humility that is really hard to do. 

I know two sets of people that hate her. The first are the 'internet people'; the types who go around the internet hating on people who are successful and beautiful. The other set of people who hate her, are actresses. I know LOTS of actresses who despise her. Their criticism is, "she only has one facial expression, she never does anything!" I think they totally miss the point, and are probably just jealous. Kristen Stewart's acting style is like a Woody Allen joke; it's best to be underplayed -- to just get things done. What Kristen does on screen is subtle, and I almost always relate to her characters, but not so much in the vampire thing. 

4. Greta Gerwig

Wow, what a year she's having. A lead in a studio flick, and working with Woody Allen and Whit Stillman. And next year she's writing and directing again. 

She stands for so much that I love ---- she put the hours in. She's worked her way up. Her initial projects were about creativity and inspiration, not money. If you go back and look at her early work, the 'mumblecore years', some of it is genius, some of it is shockingly bad. But without learning from the bad stuff, she wouldn't be where she is today. 

She's refreshing on screen. She's unique. She mumbles her way through half her lines but we adore her for it because she's so darn human. A fantastic actress, who is now highly in demand. I am extremely excited to see her career develop. You can see more of my thoughts about Greta here.

5. Patricia Clarkson

I think she's a class act. Films are all about men, but what if they weren't? What if Patricia Clarkson was the lead in the Hollywood blockbusters? Movies would be fascinating! I'd actually get off my ass and go to the cinema more often. (But then admittedly most people who go to see movies now would stay home, but I'd love it!). 

She was unforgettable in 'The Green Mile'. But I think she's at her best in comedy. She was hilarious in 'The Station Agent', and she's always wonderful when she works with Woody Allen (Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Whatever Works).

The point I made about films being for men --- I guess what I mean is; years from now when Patricia Clarkson and Helen Hunt are dead, we'll look back at their careers and, while they have been wonderful and memorable, they've not been as great as they could have been, because films aren't about women. Certainly not at the ages they're at now. It's a deep shame, and we're the poorer for it. 

6. Charlize Theron

I think 'Young Adult' sealed the deal. Her performance in that was nothing short of spectacular. And it links to what I said about Patricia Clarkson --- here is Theron in her prime, and she's getting those roles. It's REFRESHING! Because there's no-one like her. She's great at being intense, and she's also extremely funny when she has the chance to be (she was one of the best things about the third season of 'Arrested Development'). 

I only saw 'Monster' once. It's not the kind of film you want to repeat. But I remember being blown away by Charlize. I love that she takes risks, that she's really and truly about the acting. She's one of the most beautiful women in the world, but I love that she doesn't over-identify with that. For her, it's about great roles, and great projects. Having said that, her upcoming projects don't excite me, but I'm sure it won't be long before she does something fantastic. With her talent and reputation, I think it's safe to say: she has masterpieces ahead of her. 

7. Rosario Dawson

'Seven Pounds', 'Clerks 2', 'A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints', '25th Hour', 'He Got Game'. I think she does great work. She's come a long way since 'Kids'. 

There's something about her. I believe her. I believe in her. I always root for her characters. She makes it look so effortless on screen. A recurring thing, I'm noticing, about the actors I like, is subtlety. 'Seven Pounds' is probably the best example of this. Her job in that movie is mostly to mope around being sick, yet she does it such an engaging way -- you just want to know her and help her when you watch it. She was great in 'A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints', too. She had two scenes; one sweet scene in a window, and one rooftop argument. In both scenes she was terrific, but in completely different ways. Check out that film just to see her acting with Robert Downey Jr. It's two actors at the top of their game. 

8. Natalie Portman

I've got to be honest. I'm a little bit bored of Natalie Portman. That's a horrible thing to say, I know, but I am. But she gets on this list based on merit, and based on the fact that I have, for as long as I can remember, loved her work. Have you seen her in 'Beautiful Girls'? She was phenomenal, and only about 14. Of course, she was even younger in 'Leon', which people remember even more. It's clear that she was immensely talented even when she was a child. 

I'm not a Star Wars fan, so her work in those movies doesn't mean anything to me. That's always been the thing with Portman, she does a lot of work that I'm just not that interested in. I loved 'Garden State' and 'Closer' but that's about it. 

And then, more recently, she crammed in about fifty projects in a two year period. 'Brothers', 'Hesher', 'No Strings Attached', 'Thor' and of course 'Black Swan'. She was great in all of them. Yet somehow, this pre-having-a-baby-work-blitz has given me Natalie Portman overkill. But I'm still a fan, and curious as to what the future has in store for her. 

9. Kristen Wiig

She's hilarious! I love her! Comedy needs people like Kristen Wiig. We all know how brilliant she was in 'Bridesmaids' (so much so that I wrote two articles about it, here and here), and she was fantastic in 'Paul' and 'Adventureland'. What's next? Her schedule is rammed full of projects. I can't wait to see what the future has in store. 

Kristen Wiig has all the tools, training and talent that could see her becoming one of the greatest female comediennes of all time. She cut her teeth at Groundlings, she's been a cast member of SNL for seven years, and now she's branching out into big-budget Hollywood movies. The sky's the limit, and I'm definitely along for the ride. 

10. Kate Winslet

Just because she did 'Titanic', that didn't guarantee anything. Her career still could have stalled. But she picked her projects wisely, and she had great talent to back it up. I like her the most when she's surprising, like in 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind', and I like her the least when she's 'normal', like in 'Revolutionary Road'. 

I'd like to see her do more comedy, some lighter stuff. She's great at being serious, she always nails it, but I rarely seem to enjoy it. She was a riot in her 'Extras' episode, she definitely has a fun side to her that we don't always get to see on screen. Here's hoping. 

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Screenwriting Program Completed!

For the last week, I have been working with six writers to produce six screenplays that are fifteen pages or under.

They all completed their projects in time for yesterday's deadline. It was a fascinating week. My job was to mentor the writers in any way I could to get them from the blank page to the final draft. Some were in touch with me a lot and used me as a sounding board, others just got on with their thing and got back to me on deadline day.

It was a great week. I certainly learned a lot, and I hope the writers did too! I'll be interviewing them and sharing their work here throughout the week. I'm really excited about it.

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coffee endless coffee

Endless coffees how you doing what you been up to let me buy this one no really it's fine your projects are looking good keep working persevering bit depressed don't worry tomorrow will be better you're showing your talents maybe chosen for the thing or not and yes i'm fine keeping busy moneys coming but not enough maybe an opportunity maybe we should start something just an idea not sure you're right for it maybe you could text me maybe we could get a friend to help out but is there a budget my last film was really bad you're actually really pretty damnit you have to go oh that's fine no really it's cool we should catch up soon that would be great it's been a while i miss you you miss me we miss each other and say it and say it and two years go by and where are you then we meet up and endless coffees how you doing you're fine i'm fine the projects are going okay few setbacks getting there trying not enough money not enough creativity feel that life got tough starting to get the flow back maybe we should produce something maybe we could do a thing maybe there's an opportunity at that tv station you should write to them or ask your uncle if he knows anyone who knows anyone haven't seen you in so long this industry is tough want another coffee no i'll get it really i want to buy it you save a seat maybe the comfy ones by the window yeah so how have you been what do you edit on are you still with that guy oh no you broke up me well i'm the same you know how it is we should share some cake yeah maybe we'll start a project that would be cool we could do that idea that we started to write maybe soon but you're busy i'm busy we're busy but with what no-one knows let's meet up again soon yeah tea coffee cake discussion yeah how are things good thank yeah goodnight.

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