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I knew I
wanted to be a screenwriter.......
when my drama
teacher told me I couldn’t act.
I know I've
succeeded.......
when a script of mine is made into a film.
My inspiration
to write
A DOG’S LIFE.......
came from a program
called ‘Roald Dahl’s Tales of the Unexpected’. They were half hour
plays with a clever twist at the end.
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FilmMakers
Magazine:
What inspired you to write?
Lee Morton: Watching Alfred Hitchcock films and listening to his interviews.
FilmMakers Magazine: How did you prepare yourself to
write your first script?
Lee Morton: I
studied at the London Screenwriters Workshop, National Film &
Television School and read many books.
FilmMakers
Magazine:
Is this your first script and how long did it take you to write A
DOG’S LIFE?
Lee Morton:
No, this is not my first script and it took around 1
month to write.
FilmMakers
Magazine:
Do you have a set routine, place and time management for writing?
Lee Morton: I have converted a bedroom into an office. I set
myself to write for 3 - 4 hours every evening.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests
are important for aspiring screenwriters and why?
Lee Morton:
Very
important. It is the only way to gauge your writing ability and to get
your script into the right hands to get it made. UK producers will not
look at unsolicited scripts.
FilmMakers Magazine: What influenced you to enter the
American Gem Short Script Competition?
Lee Morton:
I think the
script has universal appeal.
FilmMakers
Magazine:
What script would you urge aspiring writers to read and why?
Lee Morton:
It’s charming,
witty and not overwritten.
FilmMakers
Magazine:
Beside screenwriting what are you passionate about and why?
Lee Morton:
I have designed several products that are available in shops.
FilmMakers
Magazine:
Who is your favorite Screenwriter and Why?
Lee Morton:
John Hughes. I think
his comedies, eg Planes, Trains and Automobiles, are so cleverly
written, he can have you laughing and crying in the blink of an eye.
FilmMakers
Magazine:
Name the director you would love to work with and why?
Lee Morton:
Bill Forsyth. I could also have put him in the favorite screenwriter
bracket. His comedies are so full of warmth and feeling. I rate his
film Local Hero as one of my favorites.
FilmMakers
Magazine:
Name the actor you would love to work with and why?
Lee Morton: William H Macy. The characters he plays, steal the movie, not him just
being himself. His work in Fargo was awesome.
FilmMakers
Magazine:
Any tips and things learned along the way to pass on to others?
Lee Morton:
When you think your script is ready to be sent out, don’t do it. Just
put it away in a drawer for a couple of weeks and forget about it.
Then read it again. You’ll find so many things that should be changed
you’ll be thankful you didn’t send it out.
FilmMakers
Magazine:
What's next for you?
Lee Morton: I’m writing another screenplay.
FilmMakers Magazine: Where will you be five years from
now?
Lee Morton: Producing my own work. |
