American Gem 2006 Short Screenplay Competition - A DOG’S LIFE

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Lee Morton

Runner Up

Lee Morton
of Kent, TN, UNITED KINGDOM
Screenplay
A DOG’S LIFE
Dramatic Comedy
Biography:

Lee Morton is thirty-nine years old and is a product designer . He has studied acting and screenwriting and has written four screenplays. He loves most sports and is very active. He has traveled extensively, especially in America.

Interview

I knew I wanted to be a screenwriter.......  

when my drama teacher told me I couldn’t act.
 

I know I've succeeded.......  


when a script of mine is made into a film.


My inspiration to write A DOG’S LIFE.......

came from a program called ‘Roald Dahl’s Tales of the Unexpected’. They were half hour plays with a clever twist at the end.

 

*****************************************************************

 

FilmMakers Magazine: What inspired you to write?

Lee Morton: Watching Alfred Hitchcock films and listening to his interviews.

FilmMakers Magazine: How did you prepare yourself to write your first script? 

Lee Morton: I studied at the London Screenwriters Workshop, National Film & Television School and read many books.

FilmMakers Magazine: Is this your first script and how long did it take you to write A DOG’S LIFE?

Lee Morton: No, this is not my first script and it took around 1 month to write.

FilmMakers Magazine: Do you have a set routine, place and time management for writing?

Lee Morton: I have converted a bedroom into an office. I set myself to write for 3 - 4 hours every evening.

FilmMakers Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests are important for aspiring screenwriters and why?

Lee Morton: Very important. It is the only way to gauge your writing ability and to get your script into the right hands to get it made. UK producers will not look at unsolicited scripts.

FilmMakers Magazine: What influenced you to enter the American Gem Short Script Competition?

Lee Morton: I think the script has universal appeal.

FilmMakers Magazine: What script would you urge aspiring writers to read and why?

Lee Morton: It’s charming, witty and not overwritten.

FilmMakers Magazine: Beside screenwriting what are you passionate about and why?

Lee Morton: I have designed several products that are available in shops.

FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter and Why?

Lee Morton John Hughes. I think his comedies, eg Planes, Trains and Automobiles, are so cleverly written, he can have you laughing and crying in the blink of an eye.

FilmMakers Magazine: Name the director you would love to work with and why?

Lee Morton: Bill Forsyth. I could also have put him in the favorite screenwriter bracket. His comedies are so full of warmth and feeling. I rate his film Local Hero as one of my favorites.

FilmMakers Magazine: Name the actor you would love to work with and why?

Lee Morton: William H Macy. The characters he plays, steal the movie, not him just being himself. His work in Fargo was awesome.

FilmMakers Magazine: Any tips and things learned along the way to pass on to others?

Lee Morton: When you think your script is ready to be sent out, don’t do it. Just put it away in a drawer for a couple of weeks and forget about it. Then read it again. You’ll find so many things that should be changed you’ll be thankful you didn’t send it out.

FilmMakers Magazine: What's next for you?

Lee Morton: I’m writing another screenplay.

FilmMakers Magazine: Where will you be five years from now?

Lee Morton: Producing my own work.

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