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I knew I wanted to be a screenwriter........
after writing a novel and hating
every minute that wasn’t action or dialogue.
I know I've succeeded........
when production begins on one of my
screenplays.
My inspiration to write KISS ME LUCKY.......
My dad won the lottery once -- got
his picture in the Storm Lake Pilot Tribune. It was a proud moment at the
Davenport house.
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FilmMakers
Magazine:
What inspired you to write?
Sheri Davenport: I’ve always written, it’s how I sort out life.
FilmMakers Magazine: What did you do to prepare yourself to write your first script?
Sheri Davenport:
I read everything I could find, attended Expo, took classes, attended
workshops…then just sat down and made a mess of a first draft. That’s
when the real learning began.
FilmMakers Magazine: Is this your first script and how long did it take you to complete?
Sheri Davenport:
Kiss Me Lucky is my third script. It took a little over a year.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you have a set routine, place and time management for writing?
Sheri Davenport:
I write every day, do my most creative work late afternoon and
evening, and my best editing in the morning.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests are important for aspiring
screenwriters and why?
Sheri Davenport:
I do. I think it’s important to put it out there, see how your script
fares against work others are doing.
FilmMakers Magazine: What influenced you to enter the
FilmMakers International Screenwriting Awards?
Sheri Davenport:
It seemed like one of the more established and respected contests…and
the name sounds very cool and official!
FilmMakers Magazine: What script would you urge aspiring writers to read and why?
Sheri Davenport:
Screenwriters should be reading all kinds of scripts. For romantic
comedy writing I think anything by Nora Ephron is a must, especially
When Harry Met Sally. Two other good scripts that helped me were
Tootsie and Jerry McQuire. I’m working on a thriller now so I’ve been
studying North By Northwest, an amazing script.
FilmMakers Magazine: Beside screenwriting what are you passionate about and why?
Sheri Davenport:
Hiking because it’s where I do my best thinking. Dogs because they
love you even when your writing sucks.
FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter
and Why?
Sheri Davenport:
I started writing plays so I’ve always been a Mamet fan. I think
Charlie Kaufman is an incredibly creative writer, and no one writes
smart dialogue like Aaron Sorkin. I was a Woody Allen fan until…well,
you know. I also like Cameron Crowe, and Paul Schrader who wrote my
favorite movie, Raging Bull.
FilmMakers Magazine: Name the director you would love to work with and why?
Sheri Davenport:
Scorsese because his films have always really moved me. Mike
Nichols--Angels In America….does it get any better than that? Gus Van
Sant–I just saw Milk…that was inspiring work. Ridley Scott because
he’s Ridley Scott. Jason Reitman, because he’s a hot up-and-comer.
FilmMakers
Magazine: Name the actor you would love to work with and why?
Sheri Davenport:
George Clooney. Come on, look at that face, that smile…he’s also a
really good actor. Michael Clayton was outstanding.
FilmMakers Magazine: Any tips and things learned along the way to pass on to others?
Sheri Davenport:
It doesn’t all come together and become something unique and
potentially wonderful til somewhere between draft 8 and 10. I know
that’s not what most writers want to hear, but it’s true.
FilmMakers Magazine: What's next for you?
Sheri Davenport:
After two romantic comedies I can’t wait to get serious.
FilmMakers Magazine: Where will you be five years from now?
Sheri Davenport:
Writing. Still writing. Always writing. |
