American Gem 2007 Short Screenplay Competition - TICKET TO HEAVEN

2008 CONTEST

ENTRY FORM

RULES

AWARDS

Sponsors


			*American Gem Short Screenplay Competition*

| ENTER ONLINE | RULES | AWARDS/PRIZES |

2007 WINNERS

First Place Winner

Hugh A Lowe
of Los Angeles, CA

Screenplay
TICKET TO HEAVEN
Crime

Biography:

Hugh A Lowe is an aspiring writer and a graduate of Loyloa Marymount University with an emphasis in writing and production. Since he was a small boy he has been in love with movies. Often, he spent his nights as a child
disobeying his parents by staying up past his bedtime to watch old classic films with James Cagney, Peter O’Toole, James Mason, Cary Grant, Sidney Poitier and a long list of others. He would enter into another world by placing a towel under the door and throwing a blanket over the TV and himself. The simple drama of life always amazed him. Now, a great deal of his admiration for classics comes from the fact that they were unable to use sex, violence or foul language in the story. The story had to be the foundation that held the audience attention. These old movies help to mold my belief that the cornerstone of a good movie lies in a great story first.

His purpose is to write and direct films which explore the human heart and the frailty of man. To display strong universal themes which are character driven. He would like to prove it’s the story that draws people to the theater, not the color of the cast.

Interview

I knew I wanted to be a screenwriter ....

I became tired of going out for the same kind of parts as an actor.

I know I've succeeded....

when I can quit my job and support myself as a writer.

My inspiration to write TICKET TO HEAVEN.......

came from a former mentor; Hal DeWindt.

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FilmMakers Magazine: What inspired you to write?

Hugh A. Lowe: I wanted to tell stories with strong universal themes and show the frailty of man that feature people of color.

FilmMakers Magazine: How did you prepare yourself to write your first script?

Hugh A. Lowe: I just dove in there and it was basically trial and error.

FilmMakers Magazine: Is this your first script and how long did it take you to write TICKET TO HEAVEN?

Hugh A. Lowe: No, this isn’t my first; it took me a few weeks to finish the script.

FilmMakers Magazine: Do you have a set routine, place and time management for writing?

Hugh A. Lowe: No, with work and school it’s kind of hard to have a set time, whenever I have free time I dive right in.

FilmMakers Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests are important for aspiring screenwriters and why?

Hugh A. Lowe: Yes and no. Yes, because it give the writer a chance to become noticed by the industry if he or she places. No, because contests are very subjective and it can depend on who is reading your script. A great script could easily get passed over.

FilmMakers Magazine: What influenced you to enter the American Gem Short Script Competition?

Hugh A. Lowe: There are very few short screenplay competitions out there and I heard that this was one of the best.

FilmMakers Magazine: What script would you urge aspiring writers to read and why?

Hugh A. Lowe: Michael Clayton, because it’s the best thing I’ve seen all year.

FilmMakers Magazine: Beside screenwriting what are you passionate about and why?

Hugh A. Lowe: I love straight ahead jazz. I was raised on it so the love for it runs in my family.

FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter and Why?

Hugh A. Lowe: I don’t have one.

FilmMakers Magazine: Name the director you would love to work with and why?

Hugh A. Lowe: Billy Wilder and William Wyler are my favorite directors.

FilmMakers Magazine: Name the actor you would love to work with and why?

Hugh A. Lowe: Don Cheadle because there is an edge to his acting.

FilmMakers Magazine: Any tips and things learned along the way to pass on to others?

Hugh A. Lowe: Never give up.

FilmMakers Magazine: What's next for you?

Hugh A. Lowe: I want to do another pass on a couple of spec scripts I have.

FilmMakers Magazine: Where will you be five years from now?

At the Academy Awards.

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