American Gem 2008 Short Screenplay Competition - IMMORTALITY

Probably when I was 14 or 15. I began to see beyond films as just stories and actually see them as a way of exploring ideas.

I know I've succeeded....

When I’m putting together a story and I get that eureka moment – that’s when I feel successful. That’s my inward measure of success. An outward measure would be getting something produced. That would be success as a screenwriter. Otherwise it can only really be success as a writer – since there would be no “screen”.

My inspiration to write IMMORTALITY.......

I was reading an article online about a school shooting. This particular news website offered a link to the shooters essays. This got me thinking about the idea of “fame” by any means necessary.

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FilmMakers Magazine: What inspired you to write?

Gwenhyver Davies: I’ve always been creative and a visual thinker. I’ve always enjoyed exploring ideas. When I was younger I would draw or paint (which I still do now) but as I got older I started to explore story as a medium. Screenwriting suits me because screenplays are most effective when visual.

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

Gwenhyver Davies: My first script was something awful – so awful I seem to have repressed the title…I just went ahead and wrote it. Badly. So badly that when I return to it with the optimistic idea that it could be salvaged if only I developed it further, my spirit is crushed by the shear awfulness and it always finds its way back to the cupboard. There’s a lot of unmotivated action and talking for talking’s sake. I had this urge to write, but I didn’t know what to say.
I learnt a lot from this venture. I investigated screenplay format while writing it so my knowledge increased. I also learnt the valuable lesson that, when I’m embarking on a new script, the result will be a lot more unified if I map out the story before I begin.

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

Gwenhyver Davies: This is not my first script. I wrote and rewrote the script over about a month. I was working full time at the time so only had evenings and weekends to write. I left it several times, during which I’d work on other projects, and then I’d return to it to do another rewrite.

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

Gwenhyver Davies:  I write whenever I can. I also make time to do research about the film industry, agents etc. I like to have a few quotations taped around my desk area to give me a kick start.

When I reach a bit of a slump, as strange as it sounds, I like to reorganize my room. So I’ll move my desk, my shelves, whatever, to somewhere else in the room. I like to be quite organized, so I recently bought another desk so I can lay out each of my ongoing projects. With this increased desk space however, I am now unable to move things because there is nowhere else to go. So I make do with tidying. It works just as well, but it’s a less “epic” experience.

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

Gwenhyver Davies: I think they are important. It’s a good way to test the water: see what others – preferably industry professionals - think of your work. I find screenplay contests particularly useful because the deadlines give me something to aim for. Some contests specify page limits and some specify themes –these can be very useful because you have to work within certain parameters. If you place well, not only is there the possibility of gaining recognition as a writer, there’s also the feel good factor of knowing you’re on the right track.

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

Gwenhyver Davies: I found the American Gem competition through the “moviebytes” website. I admired American Gem’s reputation as professionals and their aim to promote and support new talent.

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

Gwenhyver Davies: I don’t think there’s one in particular aspiring screenwriters should read. I’d suggest reading scripts you think you might enjoy. My personal favorites are “Little Miss Sunshine” by Michael Arndt. Also, “Analyze This” by Peter Tolan and Harold Ramis and Kenneth Lonergan.

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

Gwenhyver Davies: My wonderful and supportive family who always put up with me. I have a desire to travel. And, recently, I have become somewhat passionate about gardening. Although I am very impassionate about creepy-crawlies – of which there are plenty in the garden. I am therefore divided on this last one.

FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter and Why?

Gwenhyver Davies: I don’t have a favorite but I certainly admire writer-directors who are able to successfully take their vision to the screen.

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

Gwenhyver Davies: Guillermo del Toro, for the above reason. He clearly has an amazingly visual imagination. (But also Terry Gilliam, Jamie Babbit, and many others!)

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

Gwenhyver Davies: If you’re looking to enter screenplay competitions, I would recommend you do your research first. Unfortunately, there are hoax competitions out there. My recommendation would be to go on reputation.


FilmMakers Magazine: What's next for you?

Gwenhyver Davies: Once I am happy with the quality of my portfolio, my plan is to approach agents for representation.

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

Working hard and loving it.