Reading through this week’s questions, I was struck at how much Jamie Nash‘s answers reminded me of my own thoughts and answers. Scream Writer of Altered (2006), Lovely Molly (2011), the Zombie GoPro segment of V/H/S/2 (2013), Exists (2014), and many more, it was refreshing to be reminded that those who have found success aren’t aliens, bigfoots, or some third kind of rare mythical monster, but are rather people like you and me – lovers of movies, stories, escapism, and fun.
What first got you interested in screenwriting?
Seeing Star Wars (1977), Close Encounters of the Third King (1977), Jaws (1975, all the jaws love here and here), and Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) gave me a sense that filmmaking was an actual thing – it made me aware of filmmakers like Lucas and Spielberg. I gravitated toward directors and not actors or even genres. And I wanted to be like them. At some point, Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing (1989) book got into my hands. It was a making of book that also had the complete screenplay in it. I wanted to do that. It was very informative and I began to seek out more info on it.
Do you have an example of a lesson you learned from reading a script (rather than watching the movie made from it)?
Mostly I get style ideas. Like reading Shane Blacks early scripts and realizing you don’t have to be so formal in your writing. I wasn’t an English Major or anything but I knew how to string together an entertaining sentence. Shane’s scripts showed me that was the most important thing.
What’s the strongest piece of advice you have for aspiring screenwriters?
Keep cranking. I’m a believer that it’s a volume business. It’s better to have 10 screenplays than 1. And a lot of screenwriters never finish. Part of the gig is being able to finish. To light a fire under your ass. If you don’t have that ‘talent’ naturally…you need to find it.
What is your relationship with genre film (love, hate, indifference)? What led to that?
I always loved it. I like the escape and the fun. But I also believe you can tell any story or express any truth within any genre.
What was something that surprised you in the process of writing your own screenplay?
I ultimately realized if I put my mind to it I could write a screenplay draft in 4-5 days. It’s not the optimal amount of time. But knowing you can do it gives you confidence and motivation in your writing.
What’s your favorite thing about screenwriting that doesn’t apply to other kinds of writing?
How it is the most focused on story over form. People spend a lot of time worrying about ‘screenwriting format’ but it barely matters. The key is the story you create. And that’s the focus. You’re judged on your storytelling, pure and simple. Because it’s a blueprint, the rest doesn’t really make a difference.
What are some of the films and stories that inspired you?
Tons of stuff — all the early Spielberg stuff even the stuff he produced, Star Wars, Alien (1979)/Aliens (1986), The Evil Dead (1981), The Karate Kid (1984), Robocop (1987), Time Bandits (1981), Airplane! (1980), Halloween (1978), Galaxy Quest (1999), Ghostbusters (1984). 80’s Comics like Swamp Thing, Frank Miller’s Daredevil, Man of Steel, The Watchmen and The Dark Night Returns. Stephen King books, Clive Barker, and fantasy/sci-fi books like the Elric Series, Fritz Leiber books, and the Ender’s Game series. .
If you could adapt any story in any medium into a screenplay, what is your dream project?
There are a few “Fantasy Noir” books out there I’d love to adapt. Think Deadwood (2004–2006) meets The Lord of the Rings. Probably would prefer a TV show. I think there’s still a lot of room to operate in the Fantasy Space. I’d like to be hired on a Dungeons & Dragons adaptation!
Most of the things I really love have been adapted and rebooted. So I’ve kind of lost interest.
Where can people find you online and support your work (present or upcoming)?
You can find me on Twitter, Facebook, or check out my website. jamienash.net.
I also do a podcast for screenwriters called Writers/Blockbusters which analyzes films for screenwriting lessons.
