American Gem Short Screenplay Competition Winners - THERE WAS A BOY

It would be wonderful to get something produced. But I’m writing because I love it and measure my success by the scripts I write. Sometimes you get this moment when you feel the magic of a certain scene that you’re writing. Writing just gives me immense satisfaction and that in itself is a success.

My inspiration to write THERE WAS A BOY.......

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FilmMakers Magazine: What inspired you to write?

Vicky Kjaer Jenseny: I’ve always liked stories. My parents saved these books I wrote in kindergarten when I was 3-5 years old. I knew what the letters looked like but I hadn’t learned how to spell yet. So I would ask my kindergarten teachers to spell the words for me and draw pictures to accompany them. These days I write because the world has so much to offer. There are so many things to write about, so many destinies we come across in our daily lives to draw inspiration from.

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

Vicky Kjaer Jenseny: I had already developed a certain visual style from my previous scripts and had developed a certain way to approach new projects. So I didn’t really do anything special with this one. I was just really inspired to write about this subject matter. I spent a day outlining. Outline and structure are key. And then I sat down and started to write.

FilmMakers Magazine: Is this your first script and how long did it take you to write THERE WAS A BOY?

Vicky Kjaer Jenseny: No, this is my fourth. And it took a couple of days to complete. But it is my first short screenplay.

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

Vicky Kjaer Jenseny: Yes, I do. I think it’s important to incorporate it in your daily routine. I write two pages a day as a minimum. Sometimes it takes 30 minutes, sometimes two hours. It depends. But I have to write at least two pages a day when I come home from work.

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

Vicky Kjaer Jenseny: These contests are vital for aspiring screenwriters. Contests offer emerging artists a unique opportunity to get read, to network and gain confidence in their work.

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

Vicky Kjaer Jenseny: I found the contest at a screenplay competition website, did some research and felt that this particular contest had a lot to offer. So I decided to enter.

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

Vicky Kjaer Jenseny: Right now, I would urge them to read Brad Ingelsby’s “The Low Dweller”. The script is rich in detail and visual description.

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

Vicky Kjaer Jenseny: I danced ballet for a number of years and still do when I can find the time. I also do martial arts from time to time, not as much as I once did but I still enjoy it. And I like reading. I love a good book and am very interested in literature. I’m a big fan of the big Russian authors like Chekhov and Tolstoy.

FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter and Why?

Vicky Kjaer Jenseny: Allan Loeb. Because of his evocative style. I also like Tony Gilroy because of the way he works with pace.

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

Vicky Kjaer Jenseny: Sam Mendes. His films are subtle and poignant at the same time and just get under your skin. They are so beautiful, yet really painful. His films are true dramas.

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

Vicky Kjaer Jenseny: Daniel-Day-Lewis. We are essentially all storytellers – screenwriters, directors, editors and producers - in a story-telling business. And Daniel-Day-Lewis is one of the greatest in the sense that he disappears completely into the role.

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

Vicky Kjaer Jenseny: You have to keep writing. It’s hard. But it’s the only way to get better. I do a lot of writing and outlining away from my computer when I’m taking a walk, driving in my car or doing other things and suddenly, an idea for a scene forms. So by the time I sit down to write, I know where I want to go with a script and it makes things much easier. I think outlining is important and I always make sure to structure my scripts from the get-go.

FilmMakers Magazine: What's next for you?

Vicky Kjaer Jenseny: I’ll start a new project soon and will keep building up my portfolio of work. I have treatments and outlines for two screenplays.

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

Vicky Kjaer Jenseny: Writing, writing and writing. I really couldn’t live without it.