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.

THE MIRACLE MOMENT

Written by B. E. Marvis & Brian Doyle

What motivated you to become a writer?

A lifelong passion for film and storytelling motivates me. I’ve dedicated myself over the past thirty years to screenwriting; it’s the writing I’ll be doing the rest of my life. I always find crafting a new script to be a valuable journey. I agree with Anaïs Nin: “We write to taste life twice.” Simply put: I LOVE being a screenwriter!

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

Everything inspires me and shapes my work. Every person I meet. Every book I read. Every movie I see. There are no small moments. Every moment is an opportunity. The most control and power we have as screenwriters is when we face that blank page and move on to create something new. For me, that’s always an exciting, enriching challenge.

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?

Flannery O’Connor suggested: “Write with no expectation as to outcome.” That’s my approach – up to a point. Story has to come first, and it’s the part of the process over which I have the greatest impact. But ultimately, making these stories into movies becomes a collaborative and very expensive business. So, along the way, I’m mindful of budgetary concerns (like special effects), and other factors that might mitigate the screenplay. Story first, yes. But being realistic about the long and winding road ahead helps, too.

What is your dream for this project and what other ancillary revenue do you think it could generate?

THE MIRACLE MOMENT is my most recent screenplay and truly a dream project for me. The late, great Brian Doyle is my favorite contemporary writer, and when I secured the IP rights to adapt his award-winning novel, Martin Marten, from St. Martin’s Press and the Doyle family, it was one of the happiest moments of my life. I love that this is a story for people of all ages, featuring a strong young female lead, and a cute critter (a marten), which could become a cuddly, furry toy for plenty of kids after they see the movie! Also, Brian’s beautiful book (and his other sublime works) would certainly enjoy a burst of new publications, a dream come true for the Doyle family and me.

Logline: On a majestic Northwest mountain, a shy, smart, sensitive, teenage girl—and a pine marten—forge a miraculous bond as they face the trials, perils, and triumphs of growing up.

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

I’ve only entered THE MIRACLE MOMENT in contests over the past year-and-a-half. Besides being in the “Hot 100” of the Capital Fund competition, its recognitions include: Top 5% – Coverfly (2022); Top 10 Family Features – The Red List (2022); Top 25 Semifinalist – Emerging Screenwriters, Family (2022); Semifinalist – ISA Family Film Contest (2022); Quarterfinalist – WeScreenplay Feature Competition (2022); Top Three – StoryPros Family Genre (2021); Semifinalist – ScreenCraft Family Screenplay Contest (2021). In addition, here’s one of many positive comments I received from readers/judges: “[A} warm-hearted family film with lovable characters and deep themes. Maeve is a strong protagonist; we’re rooting for her throughout. We learn about marten in a way that is fascinating and entertaining. The miracle moment theme is beautifully utilized to add magic and meaning. This writer has a clear knack for writing family films with plenty of heart. The ending leaves us with a heartfelt, uplifting feeling. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this script!” (WeScreenplay Judge)

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’ve taught teenagers (the toughest audience), and also was head coach of two speech and debate teams that became Oregon state champions. That’s one reason I feel close to a character like Maeve in THE MIRACLE MOMENT. But this is a story for everyone, a story that seems more important than ever given our growing concern with humanity’s impact on our fragile little planet. It’s also a timeless tale, and, in the right hands, it could be the sort of movie that enchants and inspires audiences around the world, for generations to come. Everybody can profit from THE MIRACLE MOMENT.

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

More information about me and a few of my diverse screenplays (four of which have been Semifinalists in the Nicholl competition) can be found on the ISA site or Coverfly.