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.
Just 14
Written by Andrew Taft
What motivated you to become a writer?
It was a bit of an accident really. I’d always been good at putting words together, but didn’t come from a background where writing would be considered a career path. Then I read a review of a book about writing comedy and immediately ordered a copy. As soon as I started reading it, I knew this was what I wanted to do and it went from there.
Starting on a blank page is not easy- where does your creativity come from?
Everywhere and anywhere. Stories are all around us, it’s just a matter of keeping your eyes and ears open. An hour spent listening to people in a cafe, bar or any public place will never fail to provide inspiration. One place you won’t find a spark is on that blank page or screen. Sit down knowing at least what the first lines are going to be.
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?
Yes. I think this is something many aspiring screenwriters fall down on. The easier it is to make, the more chance there is of getting it done. As your career progresses, you can get more ambitious, but by then you’ll know when the time is right. If you have a high-concept idea that is unlikely to ever get made, you could always consider writing it as a novel.
What is your dream for this project and what other ancillary revenue do you think it could generate? Please include script title in reply.
The ‘Just 14’ project captures a moment in history, that although recent, is very different from the world of today. The dream is just that it can be a reminder of simpler times. It’s not the type of movie that’s going to offer much opportunity for ancillary revenue.
How has your experience been with screenwriting contests for this project so far?
It’s generated some interesting feedback.
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?
It’s a feelgood movie full of hope. As I wrote it, I was consciously trying to put smiles on the faces of the people who’d be watching it. There’s no great underlying message apart from ‘Make the most of what you have and never give up’.
Do you have any website links for your writing, credits, background, etc that you would like to share?