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I knew I wanted to be a screenwriter
....
after studying the films of Ingmar
Bergman and the Coen Brothers.
I know I've succeeded....
when I’ve finished a project I’ve set
out to do and received positive feedback on my work.
My inspiration to write PARCHED.......
was a desire to write a story about man in an unadorned natural setting facing
the elements and his fears.
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FilmMakers Magazine:
What inspired you to write?
Michael Ugulini: The power of words and the power of visual
storytelling.
FilmMakers Magazine: How did you prepare yourself to
write your first script?
Michael Ugulini:
I self-studied screenwriting texts and studied films which moved me
and had meaning to me.
FilmMakers Magazine: Is
this your first script and how long did it take you to write PARCHED?
Michael Ugulini:
PARCHED is my third script and it took me about a month to complete. I
am on my sixth script right now.
FilmMakers Magazine:
Do you have a set routine, place and time management for writing?
Michael Ugulini:
I write around 10
o’clock at night for an hour and a half during the work week.
Week-ends I write at any time. I have a small home office, and think
through things with note-writing by hand first…then I hit the
keyboard.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests
are important for aspiring screenwriters and why?
Michael Ugulini:
I believe screenplay
contests are important for aspiring screenwriters because they provide
valuable feedback on your work and allow you to see your work stacked
up against other types of work.
FilmMakers Magazine: What
influenced you to enter the
American Gem Short Script Competition?
Michael Ugulini:
I entered the American Gem Short Screenplay Competition because I felt
it was the type of competition that would show respect for aspiring
screenwriters and their work.
FilmMakers Magazine: What script would you urge aspiring writers to read and why?
Michael Ugulini:
I would urge aspiring screenwriters to read JULIA by Alvin Sargent for
its economy of dialogue and fluid scene transitions.
FilmMakers Magazine:
Beside screenwriting what are you
passionate about and why?
Michael Ugulini:
I am passionate about my wife who is supportive and patient with me in
all things.
FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter
and Why?
Michael Ugulini:
Rod Serling all because of his script WALKING DISTANCE.
FilmMakers Magazine: Name
the director you would love to work with and why?
Michael Ugulini:
The Coen Brothers because of their unique, original and skewered
vision.
FilmMakers Magazine:
Name the actor you would love to work with and why?
Michael Ugulini: I would love to work with Robert DeNiro
because he brings passion to his roles.
FilmMakers Magazine:
Any tips and things learned along
the way to pass on to others?
Michael Ugulini:
I’ve learned that you have to stop second guessing your ideas and see
them through to completion or else you will never have any completed
scripts to show anyone.
FilmMakers Magazine:
What's next for you?
Michael Ugulini: I’m now working on a one-act drama entitled
SUNNY DAYS IN OAKLAND.
FilmMakers Magazine: Where will you be five years from
now?
I hope I am watching a produced script of mine onscreen or onstage
here in Toronto. |
