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.
An interview with
LITZA BIXLER
What motivated you to become a writer?
I’m interested in how and why we tell stories, and how these stories influence the world around us. I believe that a good story shows us the world as it is, as well as how it can be. I’ve always been curious about people and what makes them tick and I love building interesting worlds and asking challenging questions.
Starting on a blank page is not easy- where does your creativity come from?
I have been producing films, and physical theatre pieces since 1995. I am also a painter and a film movement director. For me, the idea always come first, then I find the appropriate form. I’m inspired by so many things. Other films, books, a newspaper story, my own experiences, watching other people navigate their own lives, etc. In addition, there are distinct threads that bind all of my work together. I create absurd, darkly comic worlds populated by fairies, fallen angels, cowgirls, lonely aliens, talking birds, witches and water sucking vampires. My writing is embodied and visceral and set in visually evocative spaces; from desolate landscapes and crumbling rooms, to musical alternate realities, sinking ships and flying cities. In these worlds, my characters transform and move; they travel through wormholes, they fly and they fall, they drown in oceans and they disintegrate into dust.
I’m also a dual national and often explore liminal spaces, thresholds and metaphorical journeys in my work. I’ve traveled extensively and have lived in Mexico, London, Sheffield, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boulder and Madison, Wisconsin.
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?
Absolutely. I’ve had a lot of experience on set as a movement director. I’ve worked with stunts and on big set pieces and action sequences. So I have a clear sense of how complex a shot may or may not be. I don’t let this hamper my creativity, but when I begin writing, I’m clear regarding what genre I’m working in and the budget parameters. I’m also consistently maintaining and building my relationships in the industry and improving my communication and collaborative skills. Filmmaking is a collaborative process and you must be able to play well with others.
What is your dream for this project and what other ancillary revenue do you think it could generate? Please include script title in reply.
I have three marketable projects I’m currently shopping:
A sci-fi musical feature entitled ‘Safety in Numbers’ (Capital 100 in 2017), ‘City of Clouds’ (a children’s animated fantasy adventure film), and ‘Blood & Water’ (a gothic horror TV series – pilot & bible).
How has your experience been with screenwriting contests for this project so far?
All three of my projects have been shortlisted in various competitions. I use competitions as a sort of stress test for my work. Is the feedback consistent? Do the projects place? It gives me feedback in addition to the feedback I get from various industry professionals that I already have relationships with.
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’m a writer who has spent a lot of time developing my craft. I’m not about any one project. I’m in this for the long haul and if one project doesn’t have legs, I quickly move on to another. I’m full of ideas and pride myself on being creatively nimble.
Do you have any website links for your writing, credits, background, etc that you would like to share?
Litza has had a long and successful career as an Artistic Director, filmmaker and Movement Director. She has produced work on stage, screen, mountains and galleries and is now building a second career as a screenwriter and creative producer. www.litzabixler.com
http://www.litzabixler.com/about/
http://www.litzabixler.com/writer/