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.
Storm Loading
Written by Demian Cuthbertson
What motivated you to become a writer?
I remember watching movies during the mid 90’s, and scenes like the apathy conversation in Se7en or the diner scene in Heat, made me take notice of the dialogue. Then shortly after I started reading screenplays like Chinatown, Unforgiven and Blue Velvet, and started imagining my own version of those movies.
Starting on a blank page is not easy- where does your creativity come from?
I find situations of inherent conflict deeply fascinating. A good example would be father-son-stepfather relationships. Emotionally driven conflict is like rocket fuel for the characters, the writing process and the narrative.
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?
At some point, yes. First and foremost I write what I want to see. Fortunately that’s movies that are character driven. I have yet to sacrifice effectiveness for budgetary purposes, but I also find myself thinking of contained stories and locations and what possibilities of conflict they can inspire.
What is your dream for this project and what other ancillary revenue do you think it could generate?
My script Storm Loading is about, in its essence, fighting back and what it costs, and argues that cost is worth it, no matter how steep. I’m seeing that word of mouth is making a big comeback in movies now, and it’s exhilarating. So I think of the second half runs of Arrival and Gravity, and how women audiences carried them. And it was because how it made them feel. My script is emotionally driven and stalker thrillers have big audiences.
I want the same cheer at the end of my movie that Sleeping With The Enemy got when she told the police to come and get the husband she’s about to shoot.
How has your experience been with screenwriting contests for this project so far?
Contest wise for this one is still pending, since it was written earlier this year. I’ve been going the coverage route. And that’s been extremely positive and encouraging. (I’m happy to share if interested)
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?
The subject matter will get the audience in the theater and in the story. The way it makes them feel will get them talking. Yes, it’s a relentless stalker/survival thriller. That’s the plot. But what it’s really about is inherited violence and what it costs to be the only thing standing between what we cherish most and the world.