I'm making a living as a screenwriter.
My inspiration to write OUT OF THE BOX.......
came from a short script writing
competition sponsored by Black Entertainment Television (BET) that was
recommended to me by my co-writer Lawrence King. They wanted short
screenplays that dealt with the subject of HIV/AIDS. I got an idea and
Lawrence and I have spent the last four years fine tuning the script
to
tell the best possible story.
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FilmMakers Magazine:
What inspired you to write?
Aaliyah Miller:
My love of film and the fact that I knew I
had stories worth telling. I just needed to learn how to do it.
FilmMakers Magazine: How did you prepare yourself to
write your first script?
Aaliyah Miller:
I went to a screenwriting workshop and
joined a monthly screenwriters group.
FilmMakers Magazine: Is
this your first script and how long did it take you to write OUT OF THE BOX?
Aaliyah Miller:
Not my first script, but my first short
script. The first draft was completed in about two months, but I've
been revising it for four years.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you have a set routine, place and time management for writing?
Aaliyah Miller:
No and I see it as a disadvantage. Since I
have a full-time job, I find time to write when I can. My most
productive writing is at night and on the weekends.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests
are important for aspiring screenwriters and why?
Aaliyah Miller:
Yes. I think new screenwriters need to get
their work out there as well as get coverage to see how others
evaluate their skills. It helps further ones development. Agents and
production companies aren't knocking down my door. They don't even
know I exist, but if I keep writing, and manage to place in a contest,
I might just get the attention that will crack open a door for me.
FilmMakers Magazine:
What
influenced you to enter the
American Gem Short Script Competition?
Aaliyah Miller:
I found this contest online via Moviebytes.
I like the prizes and the potential it offered screenwriters to get
their work in the hands of industry professionals. I've entered twice
before with the same script. I've always revised to make improvements
to the story. This is my first year as a finalist. WHOO-HA! I think I
was a quarter or semi-finalist last year. Practice does make better
scripts.
FilmMakers Magazine: What script would you urge aspiring writers to read and why?
Aaliyah Miller:
Good Will Hunting is a good story (on paper and film) and a
fast read. It has all the necessary elements of good screenwriting.
There is a lot one can learn if a person analyzes the script.
FilmMakers Magazine:
Beside screenwriting what are you
passionate about and why?
Aaliyah Miller:
My family and friends. They are my life
line and sometimes offer me inspiration to write. They also encourage
me.
FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter
and Why?
Aaliyah Miller:
I don't have one yet. I'm still getting used to reading scripts and
looking for good storytelling. I really liked Good Will Hunting
and Ordinary People.
FilmMakers Magazine: Name
the director you would love to work with and why?
Aaliyah Miller:
Julie Dash. She made an interesting
non-mainstream film on a shoe string budget, when Hollywood wasn't
hiring African American female directors. If she could do it. There is
hope for me.
FilmMakers Magazine:
Name the actor you would love to work with and why?
Aaliyah Miller:
There are so many. Darn it, I need to get
back to you on that.
FilmMakers Magazine:
Any tips and things learned along
the way to pass on to others?
