American Gem 2007 Short Screenplay Competition - YOUNGER BROTHERS' UNION

when I began constantly analyzing the writing of every movie and show I saw.

I know I've succeeded.......  

because when I read my scripts I feel a real sense of pride and accomplishment, even though I continue to think of ways to improve all of them.
 

FilmMakers Magazine: What inspired you to write?

Jill Miller: From watching movies and wanting to tell stories of my own.

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

Jill Miller: I read several screenwriting books, took some screenwriting classes, read scripts, and decided on a story I knew I could write.

FilmMakers Magazine: Is this your first script and how long did it take you to write YOUNGER BROTHERS' UNION?

Jill Miller: It took me about a little over a month to write. I have completed four feature length scripts, two shorts, several TV episodes for practice, and have several incomplete feature length scripts.

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

Jill Miller:  To be alone and quiet. I write at night or on weekends.

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

Jill Miller: I do believe screenwriting contests are important for aspiring screenwriters because it is a good metric to judge your skill of the craft. There are a lot of great screenwriters out there entering contests, so if you do well in one, you know your skill level is improving.

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

Jill Miller: It’s probably the best and most competitive contest to enter for shorts. They are very professional, offer great prizes, and seem to really promote the winners.

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

Jill Miller: To read JERRY MIGUIRE for a produced script because the flow is incredible and the story and character arcs are so well done. For an unproduced script I would recommend THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM (a 1999 Nichols Winner). From reading it you learn that even really terrific scripts don’t always get made, but from them you can recognize and learn the skill of the craft.

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

Jill Miller: Beside screenwriting I am passionate about my family, woodturning, and watching movies.

FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter and Why?

Jill Miller:  Susannah Grant, because she exposes all the emotions of her characters and makes you care.

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

Jill Miller: I would love to work with Andy Tennant because he brings all the elements of storytelling to the screen in a beautiful and emotional way.

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

Jill Miller: I would love to work with Jodie Foster. She’s an amazing actor who seems to remain a truly grounded person.

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

Jill Miller: Some things I would like to pass along to aspiring screenwriters: keep writing, love what you write, and accept constructive input graciously.

FilmMakers Magazine: What's next for you?

Jill Miller: I will continue to write the stories that I feel the most passionate about telling.

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

Jill Miller:  I don’t know where I’ll be in five years. I’m content to live in the present. We’ll just see what happens.