American Gem 2006 Short Screenplay Competition - A SOLDIER'S PSYCHOSIS

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Reid Michael Goldberg

Runner Up

Reid Michael Goldberg
of Monona, WI
Screenplay
A SOLDIER'S PSYCHOSIS
Drama/War
Biography:

Reid Michael was born in 1988 in Madison, Wisconsin. Having grown up in Monona, he graduated from Monona Grove High School in the spring of 2006 and he is now attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee as a film major. Writing has always been a big part of his life and he has written several short stories as well as several screenplays. He plans to continue to write full time while in school and hopefully make my way out to the west coast in order to pursue a serious career in the filmmaking industry.

Interview

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

When I first started reading scripts. The concept of creating stories and putting them on paper was very appealing to me, so I began writing short stories and eventually moved on to scripts. Ultimately, screenwriting appealed to me because as a writer, I realized that I would be able to create a world inhabited by characters straight from my imagination and, therefore, it seemed to be the most creative aspect of filmmaking.
 

I know I've succeeded.......  


when one of my pieces of writing has an impact on someone’s life.


My inspiration to write A SOLDIER'S PSYCHOSIS.......

came about when my high school English teacher challenged me to write a short script and submit it to a screenwriting contest.

 

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FilmMakers Magazine: What inspired you to write?

Reid Michael Goldberg: I was inspired to write at a young age, at a time when thoughts and stories began pouring from my imagination. Writing seemed to be the best way to process my thoughts and express my creativity.

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

Reid Michael Goldberg:  When I go to write a script, I don’t busy myself with too much preparation. I gather the main ideas that I have about the characters and story and just go with it. To me, the best way to begin a draft is with little preparation, which produces the most direct result composed of what is in my head.

FilmMakers Magazine: Is this your first script and how long did it take you to write A SOLDIER'S PSYCHOSIS?

Reid Michael Goldberg: I had written several scripts before A Soldier’s Psychosis and since I was under a deadline, I wrote this script in a couple weeks.

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

Reid Michael Goldberg: Unfortunately, no. I’m pretty unorganized but that is something I plan on changing as I continue to write more seriously.

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

Reid Michael Goldberg: Absolutely. These contests can definitely open doors for aspiring writers if their scripts are seen by the right people.

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

Reid Michael Goldberg: My teacher simply challenged me to write a short script and submit it to the competition.

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

Reid Michael Goldberg: The first full screenplay I read from start to finish was Star Wars: Episode IV. I would recommend this script to any aspiring writer because it is a truly crafted piece of work. Lucas may not have the best ear for dialogue, but that script contains some of the best writing I’ve ever come across. Every single detail is worked out and nothing is left behind. As a whole it is one of the most complete works in the screenwriting world. As I flew through the pages, I kept getting the impression that Lucas was a composer in complete control of his orchestra and when a writer is able to find a piece that has an effect of that sort, there is nothing more inspiring.

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

Reid Michael Goldberg: I am passionate about filmmaking in general. I’ve always been the type of person who loves to tell stories either as an orator or in some other creative way. Filmmaking, to me, is the most creative way of telling a story because there are no boundaries for one’s imagination. These days, anything can be done and a storyteller’s vision can easily be realized through filmmaking.

FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter and Why?

Reid Michael Goldberg It is impossible to narrow it down to just one, but a few of my definite favorites are Paul Thomas Anderson, Frank Darabont, and Quentin Tarantino. All three of them are highly gifted and like all screenwriters, they each excel in particular aspect of writing. Darabont has a unique talent for narration and flow, while Anderson and Tarantino are both highly praised for the naturalistic, hip dialogue. I would recommend aspiring writers to read any of these guys’ scripts. They’re amazing.

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

Reid Michael Goldberg: Again, it is very tough to narrow it down to one director, but I would love to work with Martin Scorsese. The main reason is that he is an artist who lives and breathes the material that he has chosen to direct. I don’t think any screenwriter would feel uncomfortable with him directing their work because he has proven time and time again that he can tackle any material he wants to and produce a very satisfying result from any perspective.

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

Reid Michael Goldberg: I would love to work with Tom Hanks. Aside from being one of the greatest actors of all time, he’s an everyman and can naturally play any role that is given to him.

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

Reid Michael Goldberg: When you sit down to write your first draft, don’t think too hard about it. Just begin writing. Let the thoughts and ideas regurgitate out of you and no matter what, don’t go back to read what you’ve written until the script is finished.

FilmMakers Magazine: What's next for you?

Reid Michael Goldberg: To be honest I have no idea. I’m still very young and I have a lot of schooling ahead of me, but the dream is to be able to do what I love for a living, which is writing.

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

Reid Michael Goldberg: Probably trying desperately to fight my way into this business, but who knows?

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