JOE TOFURISearch WILDsound  11 Questions with JOE TOFURI. A WILDsound SPRING 2009 Feature Screenplay Finalist 1. What is your screenplay about? “MEADOW FALLS” tells the story of once famous film star, JAMERSON BANKS, now in his mid-60s, who has lived a life of seclusion since being blackballed from Hollywood over twenty-years ago. Surprisingly, Jamerson receives the first visitor to his home since his banishment. He doesn’t know this visitor but the stranger manages to ignite a forgotten memory. Persistently haunted and tormented by his tumultuous past, and desperately in need of redemption, Jamerson tells his sordid life’s story to the stranger not realizing his unknown visitor has an ulterior motive. 2. Why did you decide to write this screenplay? I developed this screenplay after watching Jack Nicholson in “The Bucket List”. I couldn’t get him out of my head. I woke up one morning at 2:00am - walked downstairs to my computer - and started writing. Although “Meadow Falls” is purely drama, there is a touch of intended Nicholson humor and wit involved. 3. How long have you been writing screenplays? I am a published author of four novels. I decided to develop screenplays from a few of my books about six-years ago. I bought a few books, scanned the net thoroughly, and began the extremely torturous exercise of screenwriting! 4. What film have you seen the most in your lifetime? This one’s easy! “The Last Detail”. 5. What artist in the industry would you love to work with? Another easy one! Jack Nicholson. 6. Who was your hero growing up? My father. 7. Ideally, where would you like to be in 5 years? Alive, and here with my wife! I’m 65-years-old, and hopin’ for the best! 8. Describe your process; do you have a set routine, method for writing? I bring up Final Draft to a blank page - enter a major scene heading - and start writing. I don’t use notes, cards, or anything such as that. I also don’t use an outline. Every-single-word I write, and every-single-scene I develop, I hear the dialogue in my head and “watch” the scene “unfolding” in front of me. One may refer to that as cheating! If I don’t hear it, or see it… I don’t write it. 9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about? My wife! She’s the greatest part of my life! And the Air Force. I’m a retired Master Sergeant, a Vietnam veteran, and was a drill instructor called a T.I. at Lackland AFB for almost 15-years, during the 60s, 70s and 80s. I’m still asked to visit Lackland and guest-speak at the various basic training squadrons. 10. What influenced you to enter the WILDsound Script Contest? I read about it on the net. It seemed to be on the up-and-up, so I entered. 11. Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers? NEVER QUIT!!!
Joe Tofuri
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