I discovered that there was such a
thing as a screenplay. The moment I learned at a young age that movies
are written, I immediately threw myself into the craft and never
looked back.
I know I've succeeded.......
I have managed to use my talent and
passion to tell a story that affects and
entertains other people.
My inspiration to write ABSENT.......
My inspiration to write ABSENT came when I saw a photo taken at a funeral for
a victim of 9/11. It showed a young boy named Kevin Villa hugging his mother’s
casket. It moved me so deeply that I could not shake the image off my mind.
The idea came as I dwelled and pondered what that would be like to lose my
mother. I was also in a serious relationship at the time, so I began to think
about how terribly shattering it would be to lose your companion- or, even the
love of your life. This fascination and awe of the way in which human beings
cope with tragedy and
loss is what moved me to start developing this story.
*****************************************************************
FilmMakers Magazine:
What inspired you to write?
Adam Yoelin: Since I was old enough to speak, I loved the art
of
storytelling. I wrote countless short stories and “books” as a child.
My love for film and writing came together in my high school years
where I wrote several
shorts for my friends to star in and shoot on our home video cameras.
FilmMakers Magazine: How did you prepare yourself to
write your first script?
Adam Yoelin:
Over the years, I studied several screenwriting books. I also studied
film and screenwriting in college. During my time in school, I cranked
out several short scripts or treatments, which helped fine-tune my
skills and voice.
FilmMakers Magazine: Is
this your first script and how long did it take you to write ABSENT?
Adam Yoelin:
It is not my first script. I adapted a book about 4 years ago, just to
see if I could do it. It resulted in quite a bloated effort, finishing
at about 180
pages. I learned a lot about the process of actually sitting down and
fleshing out a full feature-length script. I never intended on trying
to option it or attain the rights. It was simply a personal exercise.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you have a set routine, place and time management for writing?
Adam Yoelin:
I do not. I simply need to be in my “zone”- and it does not matter
where I am or what time it is. If the ideas come to me, it is usually
a surge of creative energy- I acknowledge it, embrace it, and run with
it. I just make sure I write everything down.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests
are important for aspiring screenwriters and why?
Adam Yoelin:
I certainly do. It can give an aspiring screenwriter honest feedback
which will obviously be beneficial to their writing. It can also
provide the necessary
confidence that an aspiring writer may be lacking in order to truly
reach his or her capabilities.
FilmMakers Magazine: What
influenced you to enter the
American Gem Short Script Competition?
Adam Yoelin:
I had a desire, a need, to see how others viewed me as a writer. I
never imagined going this far. I had only allowed family to read my
work. And as much as I value their opinions, I wanted to get unbiased
feedback.
FilmMakers Magazine: What script would you urge aspiring writers to read and why?
Adam Yoelin:
I would recommend that aspiring writers study the screenplay for “In
The Bedroom” by Todd Field. The language used, the flawless three-act
structure, the way the story unfolds, how even the smallest details
are given meaning and importance- this is all what any writer could
hope to achieve when telling a story.
FilmMakers Magazine:
Beside screenwriting what are you
passionate about and why?
Adam Yoelin:
I am passionate about film itself. But, after reading my other
answers, that fact has probably been beaten to death. So, at the risk
of sounding cliché or corny, I am very passionate about family. I have
a very close-knit family who have supported me and my dreams since Day
One. Without them, I would also not be as in touch with sensitivity
and familial bonds-both of which I try to incorporate in my writing.
FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter
and Why?
Adam Yoelin:
Paul Thomas Anderson. His scripts are so detailed, so carefully
orchestrated, the characters are so fully fleshed out, and the stories
so richly developed.
FilmMakers Magazine: Name
the director you would love to work with and why?
Adam Yoelin:
Again, Paul Thomas Anderson. He has inspired me and influenced me more
than any other filmmaker. His energy, powerful creative vision, and
his mastering of the filmmaking process- all reasons why I regard him
as being the most wildly inventive and flawlessly gifted filmmaker of
my generation.
FilmMakers Magazine:
Name the actor you would love to work with and why?
Adam Yoelin: Mark Ruffalo, because of his continuously
impressive range and emotionality in both lead roles and smaller
character roles. I have been watching him closely ever since I first
saw him act. I was absolutely floored by his performance in “You Can
Count On Me”, a film which has served as a major inspiration in
writing “Absent”. I always imagined him in the role of Mark when I
wrote the screenplay.
FilmMakers Magazine:
Any tips and things learned along
the way to pass on to others?
