We interview, writer Anil Polton about the art of writing and the love of cinema.
Writer: Anil Polton
- Produced- The Southern Cross
- Not Produced – New Gotham City- Sci-Fi Fantasy (awaiting a producer)
- Not Produced- The Last Romance -Sci-Fi Romance (awaiting a producer)
- Not Produced – How to Make A Psycho Sci-Fi Psycho (awaiting a producer)
- Four other screenplays in various stages of development or production.
- What is a professional scriptwriter?
- A professional scriptwriter writes screenplays or develops ideas into screenplays for themselves or a client.
- What is the process of writing a film script?
- One process is to start with the idea then go to the logline, synopsis, MTP, treatment, first draft, final draft with the editing process in between. Does not always happen this way but this is the general pattern.
- Where do script ideas come from?
- It comes from a concerted effort of thinking of the idea and the concept. It is actually hard thinking that brings the idea and concept to life.
- What is the process of getting your script to a film?
- I entered a competition, and my script was made into a film.
- You can wait for funding cycles from organisations that provide funding and do it yourself.
- One of the ways is also to make contacts within the industry, amongst producers and directors and fellow writers.
- Some organisations issue out calls for scripts.
- What should the film/ TV industry be doing for screenwriters that it isn’t?
- Be kind to new scriptwriters and understand where they come from. Inform scriptwriters of the processes involved when a script is to be produced. Then let scriptwriters know what is happening.
- Constant training for scriptwriters should be provided.
- Don’t pay peanuts- It’s a lot of commitment on behalf of a screenwriter to get a story written.
- What do you wish you’d known then that you know now?
- When it came to my first produced script, I wish I had known the Writers Guild of South Africa then. It would have helped me understand the processes of screenwriting from both a legal and creative standpoint.
- What is one piece of advice for screenwriters just starting out?
- Screenwriting is a constant learning process. You cannot just take a single course and expect to be good. You must keep working at being better. Read other scripts, books, blogs, or articles on scriptwriting. Write constantly and keep a daily word count and journal of your activities.
- You will benefit greatly from joining an organisation like WGSA (Writers Guild of South Africa) and being an active member.
- Give us 2 films that have inspired you and why?
- Pulp Fiction with a great story structure.
- Terminator for its action sequences and explosive entertainment.
- Who are the 2 writers that have inspired you and why?
- Quentin Tarantino – His stories have a certain structure.
- Eric Edson- Screenwriter and lecturer- He teaches story structure.
- What is the most enjoyable thing about screenwriting?
- When it comes to screenwriting you have to be precise to write within timeframes and format. It appeals to my left-brain – right-brain co-ordination.
- An alternate form of therapy. It’s a medium where I can release pent up energy.
- A short holiday from myself to be in the body and mind of my characters.