THOMAS BAXTER

ALSO ON SITE

1. What is your screenplay about?

In the fledgling stages of her development, Kelly stumbles upon a truly magical place -- The Arcade Magic & Novelty Shop. The proprietors, Harry and Sophie Smith, take her under their wings and teach her about the dignity of craft of real magic, about overcoming obstacles and about being true to one's self.

Suddenly, Kelly is “discovered” and promoted by a renowned Las Vegas entertainer and promoter. She becomes so intoxicated with her own power as a performer that she comes close to destroying her relationships with the people who genuinely love her.

But within this framework of skill and ambition, there is a strong sense of loyalty and affection, which in the end will rescue her from the corrupting influence of her newly discovered power as a performer.

2. Why did you decide to write this screenplay?

The Arcade Magic & Novelty Shop was a real place, in Toronto, Canada, and Sophie and Harry Smith, the proprietors, were real people.

This story is a perfect illustration of the saying: "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear." The Smiths were, on the surface, ordinary people. Beneath that were two extraordinarily complex and insighful human beings who opened their doors and their hearts to those willing to learn -- about magic, about life, and most of all, about themselves.

The shop influenced several generations of youngsters. Some of these young people went on to become successful stage magicians, while others became writers, television producers, billionaire businessmen and titans of industry.

Both Patrick Watson and I were influenced and enchanted by our experiences (several generations apart) at The Arcade Magic & Novelty Shop.

3. How long have you been writing screenplays?

I've been writing (unproduced) feature film screenplays for about 10 years. I have written a television special for the CBC, and have written single episode scripts for The Discovery Channel, The History Channel and had also written a one-man stage show -- ThoughtControl.

Patrick Watson is a well-known Canadian Broadcaster and author. He has been writing for television for over 60 years.

Patrick and I are currently working on another feature-film screenplay together.

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

To Kill A Mockingbird.

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

Ron Howard

6. How many screenplays have you written?

Feature film screenplays? 4 and a half.

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

Someplace warmer, in a bigger house.

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

It depends upon what it is that I am writing. If I'm writing from personal experience, and I'm passionate about the subject, I sit and write for days and weeks on end, then re-write and edit for a week, then let someone I trust read it through to critique the work. I take their criticism badly for a week, then read through with their comments in mind, and often make adjustments.

If it's a subject with which I'm not completely familiar, I spend months on research, form an outline, and hopefully during this process I discover a passion for the subject, and then proceed as outlined above.

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

My wife, music, sailing, working with wood, human behaviour, the psychology behind illusion.

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

Thought it was the right "fit" for this screenplay at this moment in time.

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

Find someone like Patrick Watson to show you how it's done.

Thomas Baxter

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