WRITER PROFILE

It’s always great to get together with a large group of writers and investors and keep up to date on what’s new, the screenplay contest, any recent deals, new dealmaker contacts, agents or managers that are looking and simply encouraging everyone to keep going after every dream in this difficult industry. For the hard working writer we want to do as much as we can to continue the exposure and word of mouth in the investment circles of the industry. Another way we do this is with writer interviews that we send far and wide and showcase at all possible meetings and markets.

We want to encourage your writing spirit, motivate you and again give you the accolades you so deserve.

EDNA MONTANA

Written by Cindi R. Maciolek

What motivated you to become a writer?

I’ve written since I was four years old. When you’ve written all your life, it’s part of your DNA. It doesn’t require motivation or a decision. I write therefore I am.

Starting on a blank page is not easy- where does your creativity come from?

I tend to write a lot in my head before I get it on paper so I’m not really starting on a blank page. When I begin a new script, I usually write the ending early on, then allow the characters to lead me there.

My creativity comes from life. Sometimes my dreams. I’m an observer of people and soak up as much as I can regarding real-life situations. As such, I like to put my characters into somewhat difficult circumstances and guide them out. I prefer happy storylines, but my characters may face some tough decisions along the way. I rarely think in terms of writing thriller, horror or sci-fi. My writing is more sweet, heart-warming or realistic with a touch of light comedy. Maybe even a lesson or two woven in.

Do you write projects knowing that so many other factors need to happen to get it to screen and does that come into your project creation?

Just putting the project on paper is a big factor in getting it to the screen! Yes, of course, there are a multitude of steps that need to happen along the way, but I try not to have that impact my vision. I am cognizant that things will probably change for a variety of reasons before the project hits the screen, but I like to keep my vision pure to start.

What is your dream for this project and what other ancillary revenue do you think it could generate? Please include script title in reply.

Set in the 1990’s, Edna Montana is about a feisty octogenarian widow who heads to California in search of her brother and is befriended by an aspiring singer/songwriter/limo driver and his girlfriend. It inspires us to be open to the wonderful opportunities that present themselves to us when we help others.

My dream, of course, is to fund this project with me involved as both writer and one of the producers. More importantly, I’m looking for investors who share the dream of entertaining viewers with stories that make them smile. Ultimately, I’d like to build a long-term relationship.

Since one of the lead characters in Edna Montana is an aspiring singer/songwriter, this would be a perfect project for an established artist looking to venture into acting and use the film as a way to launch a new album. It could also be used to propel an up-and-coming artist onto the market. Chocolate chip cookies, spaghetti sauce and rolls play a role, so those would be great tie-ins. A nationwide Italian restaurant chain could be a great partner. Edna wears a wig, so a wig company would be another possibility. I’d love to see it shown at theaters (not cinemas) of active adult communities such as Del Webb. I’m sure there are more. Give me a day or two.

How has your experience been with screenwriting contests for this project so far?

I’ve only entered it in one competition so far, but I don’t think it was the right one for this script. I have had an established producer read it and loved it, but it wasn’t his genre. However, his perspective made me think of it differently.

If you could stand in a room full of investor partners looking at many projects what would you like them to know about you and this project?

I believe that a story should stand on its own. I also believe that there is a hero in each of us, not just the super heroes we’re accustomed to seeing. I like to think I bring a voice to the average person who encounters the complexities of life and must learn to navigate to the next step to become that hero.

Somehow, some way, I’ll get my projects to the screen. I hope you can be part of this journey.

Do you have any website links for your writing, credits, background, etc. that you would like to share?

I can be found on IMDb as Cindi R. Maciolek. More of my projects are on my website www.grandarborproductions.com