Interview

I knew I wanted to be a screenwriter ....

after watching Raiders of the Lost Ark. It brought to mind fantasies I had imagined as a child. The thrill stayed with me for days and I realized I wanted to create that kind of rush for others, as well. A few weeks later I wandered into a bookstore and picked up a book on screenwriting, and off I went.

I know I've succeeded....

When I write: Fade Out. Every script I finish is a reference to my commitment to writing.

My inspiration to write Crusaders.....

came from my fascination with powerful secret societies. The plot of Crusaders revolves around this myth and it was fascinating to explore the concept in the context of a thriller.

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FilmMakers Magazine: What inspired you to write?

Darryl Shelly: As an actor in New York I ran out of interesting scenes to do in class. So I started writing roles that I'd longed to do, but couldn't find in published plays. The response to my work inspired me to write more.

FilmMakers Magazine: What did you do to prepare yourself to write your first script?

Darryl Shelly: I read every book possible about screenwriting, including interviews with screenwriters' and produced screenplays that made an impression on me. Having written several plays I was comfortable with the concept of storytelling, I realized that I had to make adjustments in terms of visuals and less dialogue. My first script was terrible. At the time I didn't think so, but when I look back on it now, I cringe. But everyone's got to start somewhere.

FilmMakers Magazine: Is this your first script and how long did it take you to complete?

Darryl Shelly: This is my fourteenth script and it took about 15 days to do the actual writing. Putting the story together in terms of development and linear scenes, took about ten days. After getting some feedback from my brutally honest writer-friends, I did a quick polish that took about four days.

FilmMakers Magazine: Do you have a set routine, place and time management for writing?

Darryl Shelly: I'm a morning person, so I start at about 9 am and write until about 3 or 4 pm. I write every day until the script is finished. I'm always afraid that taking a day off will break my creative connection. But I do take plenty
of breaks to stay fresh and I listen to movie soundtracks to put me into a creative state. I find that listening to music with words interrupts the creative process. The lyrics compete with your attention and bring you into more logical state, which is not a good place to write from. Music by John Horner and Rachel Portman are especially inspiring, and lyric free. 

FilmMakers Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests are important for aspiring screenwriters and why? 

Darryl Shelly: Absolutely! They're an excellent confirmation of your commitment to writing and it's a good way to announce yourself to a prospective agent. It's all a part of networking and being read.

FilmMakers Magazine: What script would you urge aspiring writers to read and why? 

Darryl Shelly: What Makes Sammy Run? by Ben Stiller and Jerry Stahl. The script is unproduced, but if you can get your hands on it it's a wonderful example of style and substance. Some of the transitions are truly imaginative. The script is lean and a wonderful read. I hope it gets made.

FilmMakers Magazine: Beside screenwriting what are you passionate about and why?

Darryl Shelly: Golf. I'm hooked. It's a silly little game hitting a stationary ball, but there's something very zen-like when you do it right -- which isn't very often for me. I find that it's important to have interests in areas outside of the entertainment field. The mind needs to breath and the air in Hollywood is
a bit thick at times. 

FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter and Why? 

Darryl Shelly: Aaron Sorkin is amazing. Literate, wry, prolific and unpredictable. He's the best out there right now.

FilmMakers Magazine: Name the director you would love to work with and why? 

Darryl Shelly: The master himself, Steven Spielberg. He's a visual whiz, and if you're fortunate enough to work with him your career is set for a very long time. We should all be so lucky.

FilmMakers Magazine: Name the actor you would love to work with and why?

Darryl Shelly: Mel Gibson. He commits to a performance with such bravura. And it doesn't hurt that his participation greenlights a project.

FilmMakers Magazine: Any tips and things learned along the way to pass on to others?

Darryl Shelly: In general, keep your scripts between 90 and 105 pages. A script this length forces you to keep the story lean and a brisk read for executives. Write in master scenes and try not to direct too much. When you're finished, don't be in a rush to get accolades about your latest baby. Put the script in a drawer for three weeks (the longer the better) and let the story just stew in your subconscious. Then pick it up and read it with fresh eyes. This process allows you the aesthetic distance you need to make the
correct adjustments to the script. Above all, write until you're absolutely sick of writing, and when you think you can't write another word, write a little bit more.

FilmMakers Magazine: What's next for you?

Darryl Shelly: I'm in the process of writing a musical for the theatre. It's an idea that's been in my head for ten years. Since I can't get it out of my head, I believe it's something I'm compelled to write and look forward to diving in.

FilmMakers Magazine: Where will you be in six years from now? 

Darryl Shelly: Here in LA producing and writing movies. Los Angeles is my home and I'm truly inspired by the landscape and the people.