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I knew I wanted to be a screenwriter ....
ideas came to me as images and dialogue, and as I put these down on paper, I got so intrigued by
the unfolding of the story, I couldn't stop writing. I was hooked.
I know I've succeeded....
a)
my screenplays become movies
b)
people are inspired, uplifted, entertained, moved or touched by what
I've written. When they see themselves reflected in what I write.
My inspiration to write WHEN PIGS FLY.....
came to me as I was sitting quietly in meditation one day, as this marvelous full-sky image of a
magnificent winged horse crashing to earth, and a boy finding him. I wanted to know what happened to them! I had to write "When Pigs Fly" to find out.
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FilmMakers
Magazine:
What inspired you to write?
Noelle C. Nelson: I've always loved to write. It's my favorite form of
communication. I've
written (over the years) poems, lots of non-fiction articles & books, and
umpteen reports of all sorts. This is my first foray into fiction. I thought
I was going to write a novel, but the writing kept shaping itself as a
script.
FilmMakers Magazine: What did you do to prepare yourself to write your first script?
Noelle C. Nelson: At first, nothing. I thought I was writing a novel! Once I realized I was
writing a screenplay, I read lots of books about "How to write a screenplay"
and started looking at movies with a different eye. I read scripts. I studied movies I enjoyed to figure out how they were written.
FilmMakers Magazine: Is this your first script and how long did it take you to complete?
Noelle C. Nelson: Yes. Approximately 3 - 4 months.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you have a set routine, place and time management for writing?
Noelle C. Nelson: Sort of yes and sort of no. Anytime I can free up a couple of
hours, I will write. Since I'm so used to writing, generally speaking, it's easy for me to
get into. My preference is for mornings, and I always start off in long
hand. I write pages and pages of ideas, bits of dialogue, scene descriptions, and so forth, without censoring any of it. I throw a lot of it
out and rewrite endlessly.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests are important for aspiring
screenwriters and why?
Noelle C. Nelson: Absolutely. I think it really helps to submit your work to people who can
evaluate it and assess it. It's a great reality check. It's also a wonderful
opportunity to get my work "out there" to the people who need to see it in
order to transform the written word into a MOVIE!
FilmMakers Magazine: What influenced you to enter the
FilmMakers.com / The Radmin Company Screenwriting Competition?
Noelle C. Nelson: I wanted to put my work in front of the industry, and I had
heard from
friends who are screenwriters, that the FilmMakers competition was highly
regarded and very beneficial to those who won.
FilmMakers Magazine: What script would you urge aspiring writers to read and why?
Noelle C. Nelson: Jagged Edge. Because I think it shows you so many of the
elements of a good screenplay: structure, building suspense, character
development and so on.
FilmMakers Magazine: Beside screenwriting what are you passionate about and why?
Noelle C. Nelson: As corny as it sounds, I'm passionate about life! I'm astounded by the world
we live in, fascinated by the people I meet in the course of my daily life,
and just blown away by the utter beauty of nature. As to specifics, I love
to read (voraciously), travel (mostly "eco-travel"), be with friends, play
with my dogs - the list is endless.
FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter and Why?
Noelle C. Nelson: I don't have a good answer for this! I'm too new at it, and just
bedazzled by all the talent out there.
FilmMakers Magazine: Name the director you would love to work with and why?
Noelle C. Nelson: If I'm forced to pick just one . . .
Steven Spielberg. The range, depth, innovativeness, artistic courage and
willingness to take risks evident in all his work, plus his marvelous "eye."
FilmMakers
Magazine: Name the actor you would love to work with and why?
Noelle C. Nelson: Another impossible question! There is so much talent out there.
Michael Caine. He completely immerses himself into his character with passion, sincerity and utter "truth," all the while expressing that
character's uniqueness as well as his common humanity. And he has done this
with countless characters, never repeating himself.
(of course I'd also love to work with Meryl Streep, Morgan Freeman, Renee
Zellweger, and oh so many more gifted artists)
FilmMakers Magazine: Any tips and things learned along the way to pass on to others?
Noelle C. Nelson:
You need feedback. Have several people you trust read your
first draft and listen, listen, listen. Be flexible. Be willing to make changes. But
always be true to yourself and your vision.
FilmMakers Magazine: What's next for you?
Noelle C. Nelson: More writing! I just finished my second screenplay, "Angel" and
I have another one in the works. I just love writing scripts and can't seem to get
enough of doing it.
FilmMakers Magazine: Where will you be five years from now?
Noelle C. Nelson: In a darkened movie theatre watching one of my screenplays
come to life, in absolute and humble awe of the pleasure the audience is taking from my work.
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