American Gem 2006 Short Screenplay Competition - THE ELEPHANT ASSASSIN

when I make enough money to sustain myself purely from my writing.
 

FilmMakers Magazine: What inspired you to write?

Taylor Gardner Jones: Just being alive and living in the world is enough inspiration in itself. Everyday I cross someone or something that presents me with a great idea for a story.

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

Taylor Gardner Jones: Different things inspire me to write. Just being alive and living in the world is enough inspiration in itself. Everyday I cross someone or something that presents me with a great idea for a story.

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

Taylor Gardner Jones: I took a screenwriting course in film school and that is the only thing that helped me finish my first script.

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

Taylor Gardner Jones: No, I do not have a set time or place to do my writing.

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

Taylor Gardner Jones: Yes, I do believe that contests are important for aspiring screenwriters. It’s a way for us to be seen and read and it gives up and comers confidence in their craft.

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

Taylor Gardner Jones: I entered the American Gem Short Screenplay Contest after hours of Internet research. It seemed like a good choice. I also had heard of it through FlimMakers.com.

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

Taylor Gardner Jones: I encourage aspiring screenwriters to read as many screenplays as they can. No particular one comes to mind. My favorite thus far is As Good As It Gets. The characters are flawless and the story structure is impeccable.

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

Taylor Gardner Jones: Besides screenwriting I am passionate about making films. I went to film school and made several shorts. Movies are the greatest expression of art.

FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter and Why?

Taylor Gardner Jones:  My favorite screenwriter is David Mamot because his dialogue is so great and he knows how to communicate a story without jamming it down your throat.

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

Taylor Gardner Jones: I would love to work with Terrence Malick. His films are so poetic and beautiful.

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

Taylor Gardner Jones: I would love to work with Jim Carrey. He cracks me up and has the ability to pull the drama out as well.

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

Taylor Gardner Jones: If I’ve learned anything to pass along it is this. Carry a pen and pad with you at all times because you never know when inspiration will come and slap your face.

FilmMakers Magazine: What's next for you?

Taylor Gardner Jones: I would like to learn some foreign languages and travel the world and meet people from all walks of life. This would be most beneficial to my writing.

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

Taylor Gardner Jones: In five years I hope to be living outside of the United States, resting in a hammock with a laptop and a glass of good wine.