THOMAS BAXTER and PATRICK WILSON

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?

Watson: Since about 1979

Baxter: Since about 1990.

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

Watson: Stairway to Heaven, written, produced and directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, ("The Archers", UK) starring David Niven and Kim Hunter, ca 1946.

Baxter: To Kill A Mockingbird. Incredibly faithful to the novel.

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

Watson: I've worked with many; one favourite is Toronto director Gregory Sheppard

Baxter: Ron Howard

6. How many screenplays have you written?

Watson: About fifty

Baxter: About 7

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

Watson: In Manhattan

Baxter: Someplace warmer with a bigger house.

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

Start at the beginning and write straight through. Revise a lot.

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

Watson: The normal things.

Baxter: People I love, Music, Sailing, working with wood, the Psychology behind illusion.

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

Hope of winning

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

Watson: Write. Don't talk about it, just get at it. Write something every day.

Baxter: Listen to Watson.

Thomas Baxter Patrick Wilson

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