to write scripts because every time I
solve a character problem in a story, I learn something about myself.
My inspiration to write THE EXTRA MILE.......
came when the young son of friends of ours
who loved track fell off a fire escape and killed himself. Though the
characters are fictionalized, many of the events are based on what
actually happened after that tragedy.
*****************************************************************
FilmMakers Magazine:
What inspired you to write?
Elizabeth Appell: I’ve written since I was very young. I was
kind of an odd kid, so immersing my way into a story was my way of
disappearing from the world. Now it provides me with continuous
challenges and it’s wonderful to get this recognition from American
Gem.
FilmMakers Magazine: How did you prepare yourself to
write?
Elizabeth Appell:
I’ve taken
screenwriting classes at various venues. When I decide on a story I do
my research. For The Extra Mile I spent quite a lot of time with the
mother of the boy who died and the track team that she founded.
FilmMakers Magazine: Is
this your first and how long did it take you to write THE EXTRA MILE?
Elizabeth Appell:
I’ve written several
scripts and a couple have been optioned. So far none have made it to
the screen. I do have a short film that actually might get made end of
this summer or early fall. I wrote the treatment for The Extra Mile
quite a while ago and only recently revived it. I love the story and
think it might be helpful to a community of kids who need to be
inspired to set goals and find reasons to think of themselves as
important.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you have a set routine, place and time management for writing?
Elizabeth Appell:
I usually answer
emails and get business out of the way at the top of the day. I do
some story editing for other writers and help my husband run a small
ranch. After lunch I settle down and write. About 5PM my dogs tell me
it’s time to quit and we go out for a walk or throw balls and sticks.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests
are important for aspiring screenwriters and why?
Elizabeth Appell:
Entering a
competition gives me a deadline and prompts me to hone my scripts.
Also, by winning or placing, a door or two opens. My script Lessons
from the Gypsy Camp came to the attention of the producer thanks to my
winning the Nevada State Film Commission Competition.
FilmMakers Magazine:
What
influenced you to enter the
American Gem Short Script Competition?
Elizabeth Appell:
I’ve entered before.
Something about the tone of the competition gives me the sense that
the people who run it are genuinely in the corner of the screenwriter.
The testimonials inspire me to try. Some winners have had amazing
breakthroughs. If I don’t submit, for sure I lose. If I give it a try,
maybe there’s a chance!
FilmMakers Magazine: What script would you urge aspiring writers to read and why?
Elizabeth Appell:
American Beauty is a
classic. It incorporates pathos, humor, memorable characters,
unpredictable plot turns, risk, surreal moments, and all written very
simply, directly, with grant elegance.
FilmMakers Magazine:
Beside screenwriting what are you
passionate about and why?
Elizabeth Appell:
I also love writing
and particular writing for performance. It is an amazing experience to
see one’s characters up and alive, finding subtleties in the story
hidden to me. This is why I also write plays. Beyond writing my
passion extends to my love of animals. My husband and I have a small
ranch, which requires us to deal with the challenges of goat and sheep
health, horse psychology and the nuances of keeping 5000 Japanese
Maple trees going with the goal of selling them to nurseries.
FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter
and Why?
Elizabeth Appell:
Probably Alan Ball for his work on American Beauty and Six Feet Under.
He’s brilliant.
FilmMakers Magazine: Name
the director you would love to work with and why?
Elizabeth Appell:
I would love to work
with Phillip Noyce. He directed Rabbit Proof Fence. He has a wonderful
eye and works beautifully with children. It’s my bet he would make The
Extra Mile sing.
FilmMakers Magazine:
Name the actor you would love to work with and why?
Elizabeth Appell:
I love the work of Ray Winstone, Naomi Watts, Laura Linney, Diane
Lane, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Robert Downey, Jr., Ian McKellen. On
the top of the lists resides Denzel Washington. I think he’s just
beginning to hit his stride managing to play brutal and compassionate
within the same beat.
FilmMakers Magazine:
Any tips and things learned along
the way to pass on to others?
