We interview, writer Fabian Medea about the art of writing and the love of cinema.
- What is a professional scriptwriter?
A pro screen writer is simply a person who writes a script intended for the screen and is privileged enough to be able to make a living that way. I also like to think that a screen writer is the modern equivalent of the Rōnin, masterless samurai of feudal Japan. Roaming the lands, getting into adventures but ultimately all in service of the people. So, in that way, with a pen instead of a katana, the screen writer Creates art to heal and bring light to those hard to reach places that are shrouded in darkness, secrecy and mystery. Carving a pathway into the unknown, giving voice to voiceless all in service of the people.
- What is the process of writing a film script?
There is no blueprint for the creation of art. It comes from the unmanifested and consciousness simply puts order to this, gives it form. The writing process is in equal parts a deep desire to express the world around you, as well as a therapeutic way of dealing with the riddle of existence, especially your own. Why things are the way they are, and should they stay that way? Sure, there’s theory and books you can study, and probably should, but if you’re uncertain of what it is, you’re trying to say with each beat of screen time, nobody can teach you that. Ultimately understanding that no two films: from blank page to final product goes through the same process, i.e. what it actually took to make it, is the true point of freedom. Meaning that there are many ways to the top of the mountain, but every step carries with it probable suffering. The process then should start with listening of your own voice, from there convert it into a genre structure and write a beginning, middle and end.
- Where do script ideas come from?
I want to say the UpsideDown (lol), and the truth is probably not too far away. I dunno it comes from life, from listening especially to what’s around you. There’s nothing worse that telling a story that’s absolutely irrelevant to people you’re trying to tell it to. So, you got to listen to what’s around you.
- What is the process of getting your script to a film?
Get an idea. Figure out the structure of it, genre, etc. Who you’re going to sell it to and how, etc. that’s the fund raising. Treat everyone as if they’re god in drag and ultimately know that in every moment that may seem like a loss, therein lies an opportunity (shout-out Ram Dass). Be prepared to lose everything that you may think is important, for in art, there are no certainties. And when things get really rough, stay on the path, but know that you’re also creating the path. Boatloads of grit and a pit-bull unwillingness to cave in. And belief in yourself especially when things get bad.
- What should the film/ TV industry be doing for screenwriters that it isn’t?
Further encourage and support emerging talent.
- What do you wish you’d known then that you know now?
To hang on, that the night is darkest before the storm, that everything that truly mattered I already had. To exist in the now and not in a projected illusion of what I want things to be or how they should be.
- What is one piece of advice for screenwriters just starting out?
Be prepared if at all possible, for a bumpy ride that will lead you down the strangest of places, and remember to hold on, especially to your vision. There will be turbulence, probably for years, and compromises will need to be made. Hard choices you can’t even imagine yet. But most importantly, the craft lies in the taking of one step at a time. Master the step, make the journey. Believe.
- Give us 2 films that have inspired you and why?
Bram Stoker’s Dracula: because it’s stunning, gothic, amazing cast, Tom awaits as are Renfield, what? and it’s the saddest most beautiful tragic love story ever. It’s art and Coppola at his best for me.
No Country for Old Men, not only for its visual beauty but also its open-ended structure.
- Who are the 2 writers that have inspired you and why?
Stephen King, for his clarity of expression and his expansive world creation and the merchandising thereof, of course.
Cormac McCarthy, The Road. Agonizingly beautiful story.
- What is the most enjoyable thing about screenwriting?
The act of creation itself, I guess.