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I knew I wanted to be a screenwriter........
Writing has developed into a series
of projects for me. Screenwriting, even though it was a later pursuit,
challenged me while being an enjoyable task.
I know I've succeeded........
others, including myself, feel good
about what has been written.
My inspiration to write CHIMPFUSION.......
was simply generated by a
conversation with a friend. The ideas for my scripts come from any and all
places. I have a tendency to ask myself, "Would this topic make an appealing
script?"
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FilmMakers
Magazine:
What inspired you to write?
Richard Sartore: My inspiration to write occurred after I
completed graduate school. I submitted an article to a scholarly
journal and to my amazement, it
was accepted. I ended up on the Editorial Board of that same journal
several years later. Initially, my focus was on articles and poems.
Later, I began writing books which led me to write screenplays.
FilmMakers Magazine: What did you do to prepare yourself to write your first script?
Richard Sartore: My educational background was not in writing.
However, a friend introduced me to the screenwriting process. I read
books on developing screenplays. I watched and listened to seminars,
read professional scripts and received assistance from a produced
screenwriter friend. Before writing, I prepared my notes and
formulated my ideas.
FilmMakers Magazine: Is this your first script and how long did it take you to complete?
Richard Sartore: No, I had already written approximately ten
scripts. Chimpfusion took me seven to eight months.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you have a set routine, place and time management for writing?
Richard Sartore:
From home, I spend at least eight hours each day on a particular
writing project. Given the fact that I have ALS and am paralyzed
from the neck down, I utilize a program called KeyStrokes. I use a
head mouse attached to my glasses and a superimposed keyboard on my
computer. However, it only allows me to type one letter at a time. The
writing process becomes long and tedious. Thus, the lengthy time is
essential.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests are important for aspiring
screenwriters and why?
Richard Sartore: Yes. Contests can be excellent sources of
exposure, networking and determining where you stand in the
screenwriting community.
FilmMakers Magazine: What influenced you to enter the
FilmMakers International Screenwriting Awards?
Richard Sartore:
I entered the contest previously and was impressed by the
attentiveness to each submission.
FilmMakers Magazine: What script would you urge aspiring writers to read and why?
Richard Sartore: There is no one particular script that I would
recommend. Each individual writer has their own interests. Therefore,
my suggestion is that they read scripts that excite and motivate them.
FilmMakers Magazine: Beside screenwriting what are you passionate about and why?
Richard Sartore:
Since my mobility is limited, I've had to exclude certain areas of
interest. Currently, I enjoy music, movies, reading, politics and
discussions with a network of friends.
FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter
and Why?
Richard Sartore:
Sidney Lumet. I admire his work. He
has written countless
screenplays, most that I thoroughly enjoyed. By reading his credits,
it is easy to see that he is a committed and talented screenwriter.
Lumet encompasses the key qualities of a good screenwriter (e.g.
character building, plot, story development, etc.).
FilmMakers Magazine: Name the director you would love to work with and why?
Richard Sartore: The late Alfred Hitchcock. The stories he
helped develop had
suspenseful layers and ongoing twists.
FilmMakers
Magazine: Name the actor you would love to work with and why?
Richard Sartore:
Dustin Hoffman. He has an ability to convincingly transform into
different characters, depending on the story. For example, from
TOOTSIE to Willy Loman.
FilmMakers Magazine: Any tips and things learned along the way to pass on to others?
Richard Sartore: If you are writing for the money, change
careers. If you're writing because you love to write, you have a
chance to succeed as a screenwriter. One must be prepared to invest
time, thought and the ability to accept criticism and rejection.
FilmMakers Magazine: What's next for you?
Richard Sartore:
Currently completing a short book entitled SOL'S LAST TAPE, based on
my unpublished screenplay of the same name. Also, I just started a new
animated screenplay entitled, BAD DOG.
FilmMakers Magazine: Where will you be five years from now?
Richard Sartore:
I expect to still be writing and improving my skills. |
