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I knew I
wanted to be a screenwriter.......
When I first
started reading scripts. The concept of creating stories and putting
them on paper was very appealing to me, so I began writing short
stories and eventually moved on to scripts. Ultimately, screenwriting
appealed to me because as a writer, I realized that I would be able to
create a world inhabited by characters straight from my imagination
and, therefore, it seemed to be the most creative aspect of
filmmaking.
I know I've
succeeded.......
when one of my pieces of writing has an
impact on someone’s life.
My inspiration
to write
A SOLDIER'S PSYCHOSIS.......
came about when my
high school English teacher challenged me to write a short script and
submit it to a screenwriting contest.
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FilmMakers
Magazine:
What inspired you to write?
Reid
Michael Goldberg: I was inspired to write at a young age, at a time when thoughts and
stories began pouring from my imagination. Writing seemed to be the
best way to process my thoughts and express my creativity.
FilmMakers Magazine: How did you prepare yourself to
write your first script?
Reid Michael Goldberg:
When I go to
write a script, I don’t busy myself with too much preparation. I
gather the main ideas that I have about the characters and story and
just go with it. To me, the best way to begin a draft is with little
preparation, which produces the most direct result composed of what is
in my head.
FilmMakers
Magazine:
Is this your first script and how long did it take you to write
A SOLDIER'S PSYCHOSIS?
Reid Michael
Goldberg:
I had written several scripts before A Soldier’s
Psychosis and since I was under a deadline, I wrote this script in a
couple weeks.
FilmMakers
Magazine:
Do you have a set routine, place and time management for writing?
Reid Michael
Goldberg:
Unfortunately, no. I’m pretty unorganized but that is
something I plan on changing as I continue to write more seriously.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests
are important for aspiring screenwriters and why?
Reid Michael
Goldberg:
Absolutely.
These contests can definitely open doors for aspiring writers if their
scripts are seen by the right people.
FilmMakers Magazine: What influenced you to enter the
American Gem Short Script Competition?
Reid Michael Goldberg:
My teacher
simply challenged me to write a short script and submit it to the
competition.
FilmMakers
Magazine:
What script would you urge aspiring writers to read and why?
Reid Michael
Goldberg:
The
first full screenplay I read from start to finish was Star Wars:
Episode IV. I would recommend this script to any aspiring writer
because it is a truly crafted piece of work. Lucas may not have the
best ear for dialogue, but that script contains some of the best
writing I’ve ever come across. Every single detail is worked out and
nothing is left behind. As a whole it is one of the most complete
works in the screenwriting world. As I flew through the pages, I kept
getting the impression that Lucas was a composer in complete control
of his orchestra and when a writer is able to find a piece that has an
effect of that sort, there is nothing more inspiring.
FilmMakers
Magazine:
Beside screenwriting what are you passionate about and why?
Reid Michael Goldberg:
I am passionate
about filmmaking in general. I’ve always been the type of person who
loves to tell stories either as an orator or in some other creative
way. Filmmaking, to me, is the most creative way of telling a story
because there are no boundaries for one’s imagination. These days,
anything can be done and a storyteller’s vision can easily be realized
through filmmaking.
FilmMakers
Magazine:
Who is your favorite Screenwriter and Why?
Reid Michael Goldberg:
It is impossible to
narrow it down to just one, but a few of my definite favorites are
Paul Thomas Anderson, Frank Darabont, and Quentin Tarantino. All three
of them are highly gifted and like all screenwriters, they each excel
in particular aspect of writing. Darabont has a unique talent for
narration and flow, while Anderson and Tarantino are both highly
praised for the naturalistic, hip dialogue. I would recommend aspiring
writers to read any of these guys’ scripts. They’re amazing.
FilmMakers
Magazine:
Name the director you would love to work with and why?
Reid Michael Goldberg:
Again, it is very
tough to narrow it down to one director, but I would love to work with
Martin Scorsese. The main reason is that he is an artist who lives and
breathes the material that he has chosen to direct. I don’t think any
screenwriter would feel uncomfortable with him directing their work
because he has proven time and time again that he can tackle any
material he wants to and produce a very satisfying result from any
perspective.
FilmMakers
Magazine:
Name the actor you would love to work with and why?
Reid
Michael Goldberg: I would love to work with Tom Hanks. Aside from being one of the
greatest actors of all time, he’s an everyman and can naturally play
any role that is given to him.
FilmMakers
Magazine:
Any tips and things learned along the way to pass on to others?
Reid Michael Goldberg:
When you sit down to write your first draft, don’t think too hard
about it. Just begin writing. Let the thoughts and ideas regurgitate
out of you and no matter what, don’t go back to read what you’ve
written until the script is finished.
FilmMakers
Magazine:
What's next for you?
Reid
Michael Goldberg: To be honest I have no idea. I’m still very young and I have a lot of
schooling ahead of me, but the dream is to be able to do what I love
for a living, which is writing.
FilmMakers Magazine: Where will you be five years from
now?
Reid
Michael Goldberg: Probably trying desperately to fight my way into this business, but who
knows? |
