GENE PEARSON

ALSO ON SITE

1. What is your screenplay about?

It’s about an idealistic businessman who tries to save a beautiful but socially inept physicist when she gets caught in the crossfire of a ruthless, time-traveling corporation.

2. Why did you decide to write this screenplay?

Time travel fascinates me. My grandfather was a physicist, and he claimed to have found the formula that would allow time travel to work—unfortunately, he died before he could publish or prove it. But we had his books and journals and I would puzzle through and wonder if it could actually work.

When I reached college, I learned about Louis Le Prince, his early motion-picture inventions and subsequent disappearance. I wondered if it was possible that someone from the future was interfering with the past, and how many inventors and creators died or disappeared mysteriously before their creations could see the light of day.

3. How long have you been writing screenplays?

I wrote my first screenplay when I was sixteen, so, nine years.

4. What is you all-time favorite film? (name only one)

Adventures in Babysitting.

5. What artist in the film industry would you love to work with?

James Cameron.

6. How many screenplays have you written?

Three features, twenty-ish shorts.

7. Ideally, where would you like to be in 5 years?

Writing and directing the big-screen live action debut of Batman Beyond.

8. Describe your process; do you have a set routine, method for writing?

I couldn’t write without a routine. In pre-writing, I go to McDonald’s, order a lot of trashy food (a milkshake, French fries, hot apple pies) and sit in my car in the parking lot with the radio playing and my notebook on my lap. That’s where I figure out the theme, character personalities and create the general outline of my film.

Later, I transcribe the outline to my computer, filling out a beat-sheet that outlines the film blow-by-blow. I also work out the story arcs for all of the major characters. When this is done I go and buy myself a king sized candy bar.

Finally, I sit down and pound out the screenplay. I write as quickly as possible, set daily goals, and reward myself for reaching them.

When the screenplay is finished, I ignore it for two weeks to a month. Then I let friends and family read it and revise, revise, revise.

9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

My family and my friends, directing, music, and collecting action figures.

10. What influenced you to enter the WILDsound Script Contest?

The idea of hearing my screenplay spoken aloud appealed to me. I was also researching contests on various message boards, and WILDSound seemed to get good reviews and positive results for those who enter.

11. Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?

Don’t just set goals – reward yourself for reaching them. Acknowledge your own achievements, even if it’s only in a small way. This will keep you working hard.

Gene Pearson

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