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I knew I wanted to be a screenwriter........
after taking my first
screenwriting class. Looking back, I always knew I wanted to be a
writer and I always loved movies.
I know I've succeeded........
the obvious answer is if I sell a
screenplay, win an award, and ultimately to be recognized as a
writer. Then again, it's all about the journey: putting the first
word on a blank page is almost as exciting as writing down the last
word.
My inspiration to write CHANGING BILLY.......
came when I saw a bunch of
kids aimlessly hanging around the streets and I was wondering what
had happened to all their dreams. I became intrigued by the thought
of what could spark in them the desire to aim for the seemingly
impossible.
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FilmMakers
Magazine:
What inspired you to write?
Yvonne Borgogni: Novelists -- Hesse, Hemingway, Faulkner
etc. I was and still am today a voracious reader. I read lots of
fiction and some non-fiction, mainly about screenwriting, directing,
and movies. Writing is a lot more than just putting words onto the
page. It's about creating new worlds, putting life into characters,
and making them live through unusual situations.
FilmMakers Magazine: What did you do to prepare yourself to write your first script?
Yvonne Borgogni: I
read about a dozen books on screenwriting and many screenplays. I
took classes with Syd Field and Robert McKee. And then I sat down to
write, which turned out to be the best part.
FilmMakers Magazine: Is this your first script and how long did it take you to complete?
Yvonne Borgogni: Changing Billy is not my first script. It took me about two and a
half months to write it -- 5 weeks to research and outline, 3 weeks
to write, and another two to three weeks for rewrites.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you have a set routine, place and time management for writing?
Yvonne Borgogni:
I
can write anywhere. Once I start writing a screenplay I write daily
and set goals for myself. I love to write from very early in the
morning to about noon. Occasionally I succeed. Normally, however, I
have to juggle more than one thing at a time and I just end up
writing whenever I can.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests are important for aspiring
screenwriters and why?
Yvonne Borgogni: 'Certain' screenplay contests can be extremely
important for aspiring screenwriters. It's a great way to get one's
work read and validated and, depending on the outcome, may lead to an
opportunity for one-on-one meetings with producers and agents. After
that it's the writers responsibility to make the most out of it.
FilmMakers Magazine:
What influenced you to enter the FilmMakers International
Screenwriting Awards?
Yvonne Borgogni: Reputation was very important. I'm very
selective when it comes to screenwriting competitions. And the
opportunity to have my script read by professionals, and if I should
win, the possibility to meet with producers and agents.
FilmMakers Magazine: What script would you urge aspiring writers to read and why?
Yvonne Borgogni: There
are many, but if I have to choose one it would be 'Basic Instinct', a
page turner. The story is set up on page one. Eszterhas vividly
describes the world of Catherine Tramell. A world most of us have
never lived in. And as much as we despise Catherine we still want her
to fall in love with Det. Nick Curran. 'A Few Good Men' would be my
pick for dialogue.
FilmMakers Magazine: Beside screenwriting what are you passionate about and why?
Yvonne Borgogni: I love
to direct and edit. I love movies. I love to read. Music inspires me
and I wish I could compose music myself. It always amazes me how
someone can come up with the right note for a particular scene. And I
love art that goes beyond the museum, like walking early in the
morning through the streets of Rome, there's so much beauty and
history. Traveling, experiencing different cultures, and kids... I
love to see the world through their eyes.
FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter
and Why?
Yvonne Borgogni: Again, I have many
favorite screenwriters. One is Richard Linklater. His work is human,
personal, and original. And Nancy Meyers. She knows how to write
romantic comedies... sorry, I had to name a second one.
FilmMakers Magazine: Name the director you would love to work with and why?
Yvonne Borgogni:
Martin
Scorsese, although there's Anthony Minghella, Ang Lee, and Tom
Tykwer. Mr. Scorscese's unlimited energy is addictive, he always
seems to know what he wants without hesitation, he has a fantastic
ear for music, and is a master of editing, which essentially is the
last rewrite. I would learn a lot from him and occasionally I could
speak Italian with him.
FilmMakers
Magazine: Name the actor you would love to work with and why?
Yvonne Borgogni: Diane Keaton.
She's extremely talented, intelligent, and always stays true to who
she is.
FilmMakers Magazine: Any tips and things learned along the way to pass on to others?
Yvonne Borgogni: I
learned so many things and I'm still learning, but the most important
thing is never to give up. And write, write, and write.
FilmMakers Magazine: What's next for you?
Yvonne Borgogni: Right now I'm writing a really funny, at least
I think it is, romantic comedy. And I'm in pre-production for another
short.
FilmMakers Magazine: Where will you be five years from now?
Yvonne Borgogni: I'll be sitting at a huge
conference telling aspiring screenwriters how I became a A-list
writer/director, and, of course, I'll be writing. |
