American Gem 2007 Short Screenplay Competition - PARKED

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Adam Hodge

Runner Up

Adam Hodge
of Newbury Park, CA
Screenplay
PARKED
Drama
Biography:

Adam Hodge is a writer/director with a unique visual style specializing in character driven stories. Adam pursued his passion for film and storytelling while attending Montana State University where he directed four films and worked on countless others. Since moving to California he has written, produced and directed three short films: “Alone”- winner, best short, best director, and best actress in the Huntington Beach film festival and an official selection at the Asheville North Carolina Film Festival, “As Planned”- official selection at the Culver City Film Festival, and “Captive” official selection at the Action on Film-Film Festival where it was also nominated for best drama short. Additionally, Adam has also produced and directed numerous music videos including “Pull the Trigger” winner, best music video at the Action on Film-Film Festival. Adam currently works at Panavision.

Interview

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

when I discovered that when writing I could express myself in ways I could never dream of. I find joy in getting lost through character and story.

 

I know I've succeeded.......  

in writing when the characters start to take on lives of their own; the dialogue starts to write itself.

 

My inspiration to write PARKED.......

came from my own lunch time experiences. I used to park and eat lunch in my car. When I looked around, I saw a lot of other lunch time parkers…I thought it would be a good premise for a story.

 

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FilmMakers Magazine: What inspired you to write?

Adam Hodge: Escaping reality, for just a bit, inspires me to write.

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

Adam Hodge: Read. I read all the time; that helps me when I start to write. Other than that I just jump in and start with page one.

FilmMakers Magazine: Is this your first script and how long did it take you to write PARKED?

Adam Hodge: This is not my first script. It took me about 45minutes to get the basic rough draft. A few days and many drafts later, it was done. Well…as done as it could be.

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

Adam Hodge: I do not have any routines per say, but I always have music playing loudly (in headphones) to drown out the real world.

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

Adam Hodge: Competitions are important. They give a place for others to read a lot of scripts that would otherwise be lost in the shuffle.

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

Adam Hodge: The American Gem Screenplay Competition takes the short script seriously and gives the writers a forum for others to view their work, even if they don’t win.

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

Adam Hodge: Thank You For Not Smoking is a really good script. Simple but flows very well.

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

Adam Hodge: I would say that I’m passionate about television (I’m a Comedy Central addict!). I think it’s so important to be able to laugh, especially at yourself. They call it the “boob tube” but I think it can make you smart if you let it. I also love to travel and see new places. I studied abroad in London and was able to visit a few countries in Europe. It’s important to me to have an understanding about the world around us.

FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter and Why?

Adam Hodge: I don’t know if I have a favorite but I am a huge fan of Larry David’s work. His scripts always seem to have a full-circle pattern to them that I really enjoyed. He also used his writing to poke fun at himself and the industry.

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

Adam Hodge: It would have to be Martin Scorcese for sure. His ability to tell a story about violence and gangsters without being preachy or judgmental is unmatched. He is also a New York native who puts a lot of the city and his childhood into his vision. I love his highly stylized shots and his use of his favorite music in his films.

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

Adam Hodge: I would love to work with Robert De Niro, because, well I love his films! I think he’s a great actor and he has a passion for what he does.

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

Adam Hodge: The biggest thing for me was actually getting started. Don’t be afraid to write! If you feel that it’s something you really want to do, don’t let anything stop you from doing it. Don’t be afraid of criticism, and remember, practice makes perfect.

FilmMakers Magazine: What's next for you?

Adam Hodge: More writing, more competitions. I’m going to keep pushing myself to write and be confident in my work.

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

Adam Hodge: Five years from now, I hope to have a few short films produced and have at least one feature in the works. I also hope to start up my own film production company.

 
 

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