when I can write screenplays for a
living.
My inspiration to write POKER NIGHT.......
came out of frustration. For some strange
reason, I decided to make the first screenplay I ever wrote a feature,
which turned out to be quite a task. When I realized I was in over my
head, I decided it was time to put the feature aside and start with
something a bit shorter. I started to play solitaire on the computer,
which reminded me of poker and the rest is history.
*****************************************************************
FilmMakers Magazine:
What inspired you to write?
Paul Jaworsky: What inspired you to write?
My girlfriend inspired me to start writing screenplays. I was working
part-time as a personal trainer and told her an idea I had about a
movie involving the fast-food industry. She suggested I put it on
paper and I did.
FilmMakers Magazine: How did you prepare yourself to
write your first script?
Paul Jaworsky:
I read David
Trottier’s Screenwriters Bible. I always knew I could write, but
needed to learn how to format and structure a screenplay. The Bible
was a great help.
FilmMakers Magazine: Is
this your first script and how long did it take you to write POKER NIGHT?
Paul Jaworsky:
Actually, I was
writing three scripts simultaneously. Technically, this was my third
script. I’d estimate it took about three weeks.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you have a set routine, place and time management for writing?
Paul Jaworsky:
I usually make an
outline and develop a broad idea of the three acts of my script. Next,
I’ll sketch out about a dozen scenes and just start to write.
Currently, I do most of my writing on the couch with my laptop. As for
time management, I’m horrible. I won’t write for two weeks and other
times I’ll write for 12 hours straight. I need to work on that, then
again, you can’t schedule inspiration.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests
are important for aspiring screenwriters and why?
Paul Jaworsky:
Definitely. It’s good
to measure yourself against other writers. Although judging is
subjective, I believe it gives a writer an idea of how good his or her
work is. Contests also give you a deadline and I believe a little bit
of pressure can be a motivator.
FilmMakers Magazine:
What
influenced you to enter the
American Gem Short Script Competition?
Paul Jaworsky:
I wanted to compete
and did some research on contests. Everything I read on American Gem
was positive and the contest had a great reputation. Add to that the
fact the winner gets produced and the decision to enter was a
no-brainer.
FilmMakers Magazine: What script would you urge aspiring writers to read and why?
Paul Jaworsky:
Death To Smoochy by
Adam Resnick. You’ll get hooked from the very first scene. It’s not
just funny, it’s brilliant.
FilmMakers Magazine:
Beside screenwriting what are you
passionate about and why?
Paul Jaworsky:
I love to lift
weights. I’ve been a personal trainer on-and-off for over 20 years and
believe in a healthy mind and a healthy body. The weights make my body
strong and the writing keeps my mind sharp.
FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter
and Why?
Paul Jaworsky:
I’d be hard-pressed
to choose just one.
FilmMakers Magazine: Name
the director you would love to work with and why?
Paul Jaworsky:
Ridley Scott. I love
all his work. I remember watching Blade Runner and thinking how
amazing that movie was. Ever since then, I’ve followed all his work.
He’s very diverse, and I like to think I am too.
FilmMakers Magazine:
Name the actor you would love to work with and why?
Paul Jaworsky:
Leonardo DiCaprio.
I’ve heard he has an amazing work ethic. Being around a guy like that
would make me strive to be better.
FilmMakers Magazine:
Any tips and things learned along
the way to pass on to others?
