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I knew I wanted to be a screenwriter........
when I finished my first script and realized I
couldn’t wait to start working on the next one. I thoroughly enjoyed the
challenge of screenwriting right from the beginning.
I know I've succeeded........
when something I have written has an emotional
impact on the reader/audience (especially when it has the impact I was hoping
for!).
My inspiration to write HOW TO GROW YOUR LIFE.......
came from the observation that falling in love
can give us the courage to take risks and make difficult choices in order to
“grow” as human beings and reach our full potential.
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FilmMakers
Magazine:
What inspired you to write?
Brian Hill: It’s a thrill to have the opportunity to entertain
other people. Motion picture writing allows you the chance to
entertain millions.
FilmMakers Magazine: What did you do to prepare yourself to write your first script?
Brian Hill: Reading books on the subject of screenwriting,
attending conferences and reading scripts. I tried to absorb as many
points of view as possible on the subject of what makes a great
script.
FilmMakers Magazine: Is this your first script and how long did it take you to complete?
Brian Hill: This is my fourth script. From coming up with the
basic concept, to completion involved about 6 months of work. I’ve
developed a fairly rigorous process of outlining a story before I sit
down and write the actual script. I’ve found, as most writers do, that
the more time spent developing the characters, the easier the script
writing process becomes.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you have a set routine, place and time management for writing?
Brian Hill:
The key is to make sure you write each and every day. I’ve reached the
point where I can’t imagine a day without the joy and frustration of
writing in it.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests are important for aspiring
screenwriters and why?
Brian Hill:
They are important for several
reasons. Contest results are good barometers of the progress you are
making in developing your craft. And they are extremely important in
terms of helping you make valuable contacts with agents and producers.
This business is so much about networking. Writing well is only half
the battle.
FilmMakers Magazine:
What influenced you to enter the FilmMakers International
Screenwriting Awards?
Brian Hill: This contest has a very good reputation for
professionalism and for helping the winners move their careers
forward.
FilmMakers Magazine: What script would you urge aspiring writers to read and why?
Brian Hill: I know that some screenwriting gurus recommend
certain scripts as great learning tools, but I’ve learned something
from every script I’ve read, so I try to read as many as I can, in all
the different genres. One time I read the scripts “From Dusk Till
Dawn” and “Sense and Sensibility” in one sitting. That was quite a
strange afternoon.
FilmMakers Magazine: Beside screenwriting what are you passionate about and why?
Brian Hill: I enjoy spending as much time outdoors as possible.
Gardening and landscaping are two of my passions. They make a nice
contrast to the sedentary activity of sitting in front of a word
processor. I also used to enjoy golfing until one day it dawned on me
that I wasn’t a very good player.
FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter
and Why?
Brian Hill: William Goldman, and not just for the obvious
reason of his great success in the film industry, but because of his
versatility: he has written novels, popular non-fiction books,
original scripts, adaptations and even stage plays. To succeed in all
those different mediums takes incredible talent. He's inspired me in
my efforts to write both books and screenplays.
FilmMakers Magazine: Name the director you would love to work with and why?
Brian Hill:
Either Ron Howard, because I have
heard he creates a positive working atmosphere for everyone involved
in the project, or Clint Eastwood because I love Western movies--and
have written a Western script--and Mr. Eastwood has done so much to
keep that genre alive. And of course he's a brilliant director.
FilmMakers
Magazine: Name the actor you would love to work with and why?
Brian Hill: My preference would be an actor who has nice things
to say about my script. Beyond that basic and modest requirement, I’m
eager to work with almost anyone.
FilmMakers Magazine: Any tips and things learned along the way to pass on to others?
Brian Hill: Writers starting out should only listen to about
33% of the advice they are given. Much of what you are told by
“experts” turns out to be wrong. The trick is figuring out which 33%
to follow and which 67% to disregard.
FilmMakers Magazine: What's next for you?
Brian Hill: I am just finishing a script I have wanted to write
for some time, about the bond of friendship between man and dog
growing so strong that it gives them both unusual powers. It’s based
on the true story of my Irish Setter saving me from a potentially
deadly rattlesnake bite—by taking the bite herself.
FilmMakers Magazine: Where will you be five years from now?
Brian Hill: I hope I’m looking back on the last five years with
a great sense of accomplishment, and with perhaps a slightly larger
bank account. |
