MICHAEL FIELD

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1. What is your screenplay about?

The 'Puzzle Maker's Son' tells the story of David Harding who, after attending his father's funeral, receives a package in the mail sent by his father before his death. This package holds a clue that sends David on a quest for the truth behind his father's demise and to uncover family secrets

2. Why did you decide to write this screenplay?

I've always had an interest in mysteries and the old 'Hitchcock' style of movies are few and far between, so I wanted to create something that evoked those two types of storytelling. The 'Puzzle Maker's Son' is not my first attempt at tackling the mystery genre which goes to how long it took me to (hopefully) get it right. Mysteries, whatever the medium, always need to be well-written to be effective which is why I'm drawn to them. As with any great movie, the foundation is the screenplay.

3. How long have you been writing screenplays?

I've been writing for over 15 years, At first, it was sketches and skits that me and my friends would shoot ourselves. I've written more short films than feature length scripts and that's because some stories just don't fit the feature length format. Even though I'm the writer, I always feel that the story is the boss and if it's clear that it only needs 10 pages or 25 pages to effectively deliver its message, than so be it.

4. What film have you seen the most in your lifetime?

That's tough. I'd say...Raiders of the Lost Ark. The whole series is great. (It's not like that's news or anything) But I'll sometimes put that DVD into the player to watch a scene and 45 minutes later, I'm still watching. It just flows with great ease.

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

Being a writer/director, I'd have to choose an actor here. And there are so many I enjoy, but I'm a huge 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent' fan so I'd say Vincent D'Onofrio. He seems to have an idea about acting that no one else considers and he's created a character that is arguably our modern-day 'Sherlock Holmes'. But if I take myself out of the writer/director role, than I would do anything Steven Spielberg wanted me to do. He's one of our greatest modern-day storytellers and anything I can pick up from him would be golden.

6. Who was your hero growing up?

Harrison Ford. It's 'Indiana Jones' for crying out loud! As I grew to appreciate film, I realized that Indiana Jones was not just Ford, but also Spielberg and the character was what I admired the most.

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

Telling stories and getting paid to do so. Whether it's writing screenplays, shooting features, shooting webisodes. Whatever the medium, it's clear that the need to be a storyteller is a big deal with me.

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

The inspiration for a story comes from different sources, but my method of writing has changed over the years. At first, I just wrote and wrote until it made sense. Then I went the index card route, which I quickly grew tired of pinning up cards everywhere. Now, I outline. I outline to help me along the writing process when I'm stuck on page 45 and I'm at a loss for where to go next. The outline is key in keeping me on the path.

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

My family. They're the main reason why I continue to do what I do, if only to show my girls that you never give up at what you love or your dream because if it's that important to you then you need to go for it.

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

I had a short film 'One Up' which was accepted to the WILDsound short film festival a few years back and I had a good experience when I came to Toronto to visit, so why not again? Plus, it's important to have your work seen by people other than friends and family.

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

Always write. It's cliche, but it's true. The HOWs of writing can be taught, but the only way to improve your writing is to keep at it. I have scripts upon scripts that are terrible, but I learned from them and I developed my voice because of them. And more importantly, believe in yourself and don't half-ass it. It'll show in your work.

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