after being moved by numerous films and
when I realized that the script is the source/origination point of the
film industry. Unlike acting, directing and other mediums, nothing
exists before the script. I didn’t need anyone’s permission to write
one and start (hopefully) the process of making a movie.
I know I've succeeded.......
I know I’ve succeeded when I’ve had a
feature film produced. ( a short would be nice too).
My inspiration to write
TABLOID.......
My inspiration to write Tabloid came after I learned that in public life, once
someone achieves a degree of fame they no longer enjoy the same full rights of
privacy as the rest of us. They become sort of public domain and Paparazzi and
others often abuse this. This bothered me so I wrote Tabloid as a piece of
fictional poetic justice.
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FilmMakers Magazine:
What inspired you to write?
Jason N. Zimmatore: Growing up in New Zealand with two TV
channels and later in England with four channels, I learned to cherish
any film I could get. I liked the escapism, being transported to
another world and becoming lost in the story. And I loved special
movie moments: Orson Wells’ roguish glance from the alleyway in “The
Third Man”, Alan Ladd facing down the gunslingers in “Shane”, Humphrey
Bogart handing a drink to a burned-out gangster’s moll in “Key Largo”.
I wanted to create this effect on others.
FilmMakers Magazine: How did you prepare yourself to
write your first script?
Jason N. Zimmatore:
The usual research, also I read dozens of how-to screenwriting books,
read loads of scripts, and watched tons of movies. Despite all this,
my first effort, a creature feature, read like a bad Scooby Do
episode. I soon realized that my craft had to catch up with my
imagination, so I kept at it with four of five incomplete scripts
until I was at last able to complete one.
FilmMakers Magazine: Is
this your first script and how long did it take you to write TABLOID?
Jason N. Zimmatore:
Tabloid is my first completed short script, I’ve completed three
feature scripts, two thrillers, one of which was optioned and a
romantic comedy I co-wrote with my brother that is also under option.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you have a set routine, place and time management for writing?
Jason N. Zimmatore:
No. When I get an idea for a screenplay, I will try and write a
detailed outline as fast as possible while it’s fresh in my mind. I
get on a roll and try to spend every spare moment on it. Later, if I
still think it’s a good idea I’ll start writing the script, if not
then I’ll shelve it for a later date.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests
are important for aspiring screenwriters and why?
Jason N. Zimmatore:
Screenplay contests are important since unlike a production company or
agency, someone at a contest will be reading it without the usual bias
of production cost, demographic considerations etc, and will be
judging it purely on merit (ideally). It’s also a great way to see how
you stack up against everyone else; and of course it’s a wonderful
validation if you win or place. It also helps when promoting scripts
to the industry, especially if you win or place in a major
competition.
FilmMakers Magazine: What
influenced you to enter the
American Gem Short Script Competition?
Jason N. Zimmatore:
The Moviebytes review was very positive and it seemed like a solid
competition.
FilmMakers Magazine: What script would you urge aspiring writers to read and why?
Jason N. Zimmatore:
I can’t name a specific script; there are so many great ones. But I
think it’s important to read scripts in the genre you are writing in.
Either download them for free from Drew’s Script-O-Rama website or
order them from Script City. In this way you can tell the level of
writing to shoot for.
FilmMakers Magazine:
Beside screenwriting what are you
passionate about and why?
Jason N. Zimmatore:
I love cooking, it’s creative and you get to eat it. I also try to
keep in shape (burn off those calories from the cooking). I’m also
close to my family; I have two young daughters and love to be with
them. And my wife is supportive.
FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter
and Why?
Jason N. Zimmatore:
Most of my favorite writers are novelists or short story writers:
Philip K. Dick, because of the strange but authentic worlds he
creates, Patricia Highsmith for her tormented characters and style and
Stephen King for his imagination.
FilmMakers Magazine: Name
the director you would love to work with and why?
Jason N. Zimmatore:
Ridley Scott is such a master of his game, every aspect of his movies
is top-notch and I love everything he’s done.
FilmMakers Magazine:
Name the actor you would love to work with and why?
Jason N. Zimmatore: Again there are so many great actors, at
least a dozen on the top of my list, but my top four are: Tom Jane:
Brilliant, best work still to come, same with Viggo Mortensen. John
Travolta would be fun to work with and he has a powerful screen
presence. Jennifer Jason Lee, there’s an alluring tragedy to her.
FilmMakers Magazine:
Any tips and things learned along
the way to pass on to others?
