VINCE DOCHERTY

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1. What is your screenplay about?

In terms of theme, the screenplay is about dream and death and the strange and fascinating liminal state which lies somewhere in between. Literally speaking it’s about a man tormented by unseen forces, seemingly malevolent but ultimately emanating from benevolent origins

2. Why did you decide to write this screenplay?

I decided to write this screenplay as the story had been formulating in my head for some time and I felt there was a great deal of power and poignancy in it. Coincidentally, the germ of the idea started in a dream, the source of many of the ideas I seem to have.

3. How long have you been writing screenplays?

I have been writing screenplays for around five years. Long enough to be frustrated by my lack of success and possibly long enough to ponder on the fact that I might have produced more. Such is the way when the small matter of life seems to constantly get in the way.

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

Polanski’s Chinatown. As perfect a film as one could hope to see.

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

The Coen Brothers (I know there are two of them but they tend to come as a package and I don’t think there is currently anyone with such a consistently great output of films).

6. How many screenplays have you written?

Six, mostly with my writing partner.

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

Ideally I would like to have written and directed (on my own or with my creative colleague) at least one film which had achieved some level of success.

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

I have an idea, make notes then write a rough outline. From there I conceive the individual scenes, stick them together and try to create a cohesive, kinetic narrative, writing, re-writing or dropping scenes as required. If I’m working with my writing partner it is similar though we have a lot of spit-balling sessions.

I sit down to write every day after I've dropped my kids off at school. I write until I have to go pick them up. I do my research at night after I've gotten them to bed.

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

I also love acting and have had some minor roles here and there. Away from film I have passion for music, literature and cooking.

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

I found out about the competition on the internet and really felt that my screenplay needed an outlet where it could at least be read and given some kind of constructive appraisal. There are not a great many opportunities here in Scotland, such is the mercurial nature of the industry here.

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

Learn the format and persevere! Oh, and make contacts.

Vince Docherty, Vince Docherty

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