if I can strike a relatable human chord
with my reader/viewer.
My inspiration to write DEBRIS.......
I watched Spike Lee's 6 hour documentary on Katrina and was really struck by
the scope of collective human tragedy and also the individual stories of
inspiration and determination that emerged.
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FilmMakers Magazine:
What inspired you to write?
Lisa Cole: The love of good stories and great films and the
realization I could never be a 'nine-to-fiver'.
FilmMakers Magazine: How did you prepare yourself to
write your first script?
Lisa Cole:
I went to Mexico and took bullfighting lessons. It's true. (I wanted
to capture as much authenticity as possible for my story set there). I
also read a few books on screenwriting. But, not too many. I think
watching movies you love is the best preparation. I write down all the
scenes in a film I love then study how the story-lines progress.
FilmMakers Magazine: Is
this your first script and how long did it take you to write DEBRIS?
Lisa Cole:
I've been writing
for about a decade. Well, mainly rewriting. I wrote "Debris" in a few
weeks time.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you have a set routine, place and time management for writing?
Lisa Cole:
I write best from
1pm-6pm. Takes me awhile to wake up and surf the net. After all the
procrastination is out of the way, I hope to write.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests
are important for aspiring screenwriters and why?
Lisa Cole:
It's great to meet
other writers and i find festivals/contests the perfect venue for
those encounters. When I've attended fests in the past I tend to seek
out a mentor to read my work. As for winning contests, that can be a
great calling card that hopefully translates to a meeting or two with
industry types. A mention in the trades is always great, too!
FilmMakers Magazine: What
influenced you to enter the
American Gem Short Script Competition?
Lisa Cole:
Frankly, I was
looking for a reputable short script contest and there are very few. I
was happy to run across your contest.
FilmMakers Magazine: What script would you urge aspiring writers to read and why?
Lisa Cole:
Something that
embodies 'simple story, complex characters' like Noah Baumbach's "The
Squid and the Whale". I believe it's all about great character
development. If you are hooked by a character, you will stay engaged
in their journey.
FilmMakers Magazine:
Beside screenwriting what are you
passionate about and why?
Lisa Cole:
Travel. Getting out
of my comfort zone is so energizing for me. It's often where I come up
with my best ideas and inspirations. Even taking a weekend road trip
is helpful.
FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter
and Why?
Lisa Cole:
It's a tie: Jim
Sheridan and Richard Curtis. Sheridan because he moves me emotionally
like no one else. His work incredibly poignant. And Curtis for his
light-hearted yet super smart scripts.
FilmMakers Magazine: Name
the director you would love to work with and why?
Lisa Cole:
Jim Sheridan or
Stephen Frears. Their films are some of my favorites. I'd love to be
able to command performances like these two directors can.
FilmMakers Magazine:
Name the actor you would love to work with and why?
Lisa Cole:
Sean Penn because he
can do it all... he would teach and challenge me so much; Emma
Thompson for the same reason and Kate Winslet because she is so
natural. And, Meryl Streep. There's only one Meryl.
FilmMakers Magazine:
Any tips and things learned along
the way to pass on to others?
