When I finish a script and immediately
begin thinking about my next project.
My inspiration to write
THE CLIMB.......
I was thinking about how someone could escape that situation. Where would they
start? What challenges would they face? The story really took off when I
created the female lead. She faces the same challenges yet approaches them
very differently. She represents both the inspiration and the main obstacle
for Cameron. In a sense she was the inspiration.
*****************************************************************
FilmMakers Magazine:
What inspired you to write?
Jason W. McKinnon: I’ve always loved to write. I enjoy the work
that goes into developing a story and the dedication it takes to
complete a script. I’m a massive fan of the simple fact that I can
always improve. Every script I write is something entirely new. I love
having that freedom.
FilmMakers Magazine: How did you prepare yourself to
write your first script?
Jason W. McKinnon:
My first script was horrendous. At 14 years old, I bought a bunch of
books about screenwriting and got to work. A few months later I had a
script to be proud of. Except the story was terrible and I still
cringe when I read it today. However, if it weren’t for that first
plunge I would have never gone out to find more books. I’ve been
continually educating myself since.
FilmMakers Magazine: Is
this your first script and how long did it take you to write THE CLIMB?
Jason W. McKinnon:
This isn’t my first script. I got the idea for ‘The Climb’ last summer
(2006) while I was adjusting to my new career in broadcasting and I
developed it for a month or so. The actual script took a few weeks
once all the leg work was done.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you have a set routine, place and time management for writing?
Jason W. McKinnon:
My routine is actually pretty weird. When I start a new script the
first thing I usually do is change my work space around. For some
reason it helps me to write with a different configuration of
furniture. I do most of my research and development at the library and
then write whenever I can between shifts.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests
are important for aspiring screenwriters and why?
Jason W. McKinnon:
I only recently began to show people my work. Until a few years ago,
my scripts would make their way through my family and friends and then
collect dust on a shelf. Slowly, I started to let other people read
them and really embraced the process of listening to opinions about my
work. I’ve learned more about telling a story through that process
than any other. For someone like me with little exposure, a
competition is the perfect place to get your material out there.
FilmMakers Magazine: What
influenced you to enter the
American Gem Short Script Competition?
Jason W. McKinnon:
American Gem appealed to me because of their enthusiastic approach to
helping aspiring screenwriters. I am an aspiring screenwriter and I’m
annoyingly enthusiastic so I felt it was worth a shot.
FilmMakers Magazine: What script would you urge aspiring writers to read and why?
Jason W. McKinnon:
The script for The Matrix was great. It was definitely a big influence
on me. It taught me how to be clear about what people will see. That
film couldn’t have been easy to describe in writing and their
descriptions alone are worth the price of admission. If you haven’t
seen the movie yet, grab the script first and then compare.
FilmMakers Magazine:
Beside screenwriting what are you
passionate about and why?
Jason W. McKinnon:
I love sports. I’ll always write regardless of any success that comes
my way. If I had to choose a backup plan, I’d be playing point for the
Raptors… Since that’s not going to happen, sports broadcasting blends
both of my passions really well. It also gives me time to write and
I’m completely okay with that.
FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter
and Why?
Jason W. McKinnon:
My favorite screenwriter is Paul Haggis. I’ve loved every project he
has been attached to for years. His work is diverse and always
entertaining. I hope to achieve the same diversity in my work and
tackle different genres and subjects. I also love M. Night Shyamalan’s
work. ‘Signs’ was a huge influence on me.
FilmMakers Magazine: Name
the director you would love to work with and why?
Jason W. McKinnon:
I’d love to work with any of my favorite screenwriters mentioned
above. Ridley Scott would be another. Clint Eastwood would be amazing
to talk to let alone work with.
FilmMakers Magazine:
Name the actor you would love to work with and why?
Jason W. McKinnon: Will Smith. I have to admit, I’m a massive
Will Smith fan. I’ve been a big fan of his for years and still watch
his films regularly.
FilmMakers Magazine:
Any tips and things learned along
the way to pass on to others?
