when I was a teenager. I’ve always
loved film since I was a kid and I love creating stories.
I know I've succeeded.......
when I am satisfied with my work and
also get to see and hear the enjoyment of others who experience my
work.
My inspiration to write THE LAST GOODBYE.......
I think one of the
biggest tests of the strength and durability of a relationship is
distance. For high school sweethearts, this is an even greater feat if
one of them moves away upon graduation or their family moves or
whatever.
I have known a number
of people who had long-distance relationships and observed how theirs
worked (or didn’t). Probably the most direct inspiration was one of my
friends who moved to England to study abroad for a year. About three
months in, she met a man and they developed a relationship even though
they knew she would be coming back to the states at some point. When
the time finally came for her to move back, they had to face how this
affected their relationship. In the end, they both kind of resigned
and accepted the fact that for them, it wasn’t going to work. (Though,
they are still friends and keep in touch.)
*****************************************************************
FilmMakers Magazine:
What inspired you to write?
Ben Cox: Inspiration for me can come from anywhere. Music is
always a useful tool and being out in nature really allows me to clear
my head and think creatively. But ideas can come from anywhere. It can
be a sign, the image of a person, something someone says, a couple at
dinner at a restaurant, a dimly lit road, anything can give me a
nugget of inspiration. You never know where it’ll come from next.
FilmMakers Magazine: How did you prepare yourself to
write your first script?
Ben Cox:
Oh wow, that was so
long ago. You know, I believe I wrote my first script on a manual
typewriter. The first thing was probably making sure the d*mn thing
worked.
FilmMakers Magazine: Is
this your first script and how long did it take you to write THE LAST GOODBYE?
Ben Cox:
Is this your first
script and how long did it take you to complete? No, not my first.
This one took me less than a week.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you have a set routine, place and time management for writing?
Ben Cox:
Nope. Honestly, my
‘process’ changes from project to project. It just depends on what I
feel I need to do for each particular story. I wrote one short script
in four hours. Sometimes a project can take weeks. Usually when I get
an idea, I work off of that and develop it and see where it goes. I
want to see what the story is and develop some of what it’s going to
be before I start the actual writing process. But I don’t make a point
of having to write a set amount per day or anything. It really just
varies.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests
are important for aspiring screenwriters and why?
Ben Cox:
Oh, very much so. One
of the primary benefits is that it gets work out there and read that
might have a harder time getting seen by agents/managers / producers
and the like. It gets the work exposed. It also can provide valuable
feedback and encouragement to writers.
FilmMakers Magazine:
What
influenced you to enter the
American Gem Short Script Competition?
Ben Cox:
I’d heard of it
before and it seemed very reputable and legit.
FilmMakers Magazine: What script would you urge aspiring writers to read and why?
Ben Cox:
Whew! So many. But I would have to say “Almost Famous” by Cameron
Crowe. I can’t think of a better writer who does such a finely nuanced
job of portraying the relationships that people share. He manages to
do so on such a truthful and human level. Amazing!
FilmMakers Magazine:
Beside screenwriting what are you
passionate about and why?
Ben Cox:
I also love acting
and directing. I love art in general. I love the freedom of expression
of thoughts, ideas, and emotions.
FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter
and Why?
Ben Cox:
Cameron Crowe. Again,
he does a great job of portraying truth in how people relate.
FilmMakers Magazine: Name
the director you would love to work with and why?
Ben Cox:
Cameron Crowe. See
above.
FilmMakers Magazine:
Name the actor you would love to work with and why?
Ben Cox:
Kevin Spacey is
brilliant at creating a character and bringing him to life. He is a
chameleon with such a diverse range of characters.
FilmMakers Magazine:
Any tips and things learned along
the way to pass on to others?
