I’m delighted to announce that one of the regular contributors to this blog, Benjamin Ray, has taken first prize in the Thriller section of the 2007 Pacific Northwest Screenwriters Contest, with his script ‘Marcus and Faith’.  (You may remember he posted sections of the script for workshopping on here a while back.)

Apart for the tremendous validation for his writing, his main prize is a years’ agency by 928 Talent Management. Judges included Daniel Yost, the screenwriter of Drugstore Cowboy.

I posted Ben a short series of questions. Here’s what he wrote back:

Hi Ben. Congratulations on winning this very prestigious competition. I know there were many entries, and the panel of judges was noteworthy. I want to start by asking how many competitions have you entered so far in your career?

When I started 7 years ago, I entered around 15 contests per year. The number went down every year. Now I enter only 5-10 contests per year. I always learn my lessons the hard way. I wasted lots of money, but now with experience and wisdom I’m more focused and I have a strategy.

What was the logline?

“Afflicted stand-up comedian wants to settle down. His dream is about to come true when he’s reunited with his high school crush, now a dancer, aspiring for Broadway. But one problem - she’s unknowingly embroiled in her father’s unspeakable and illegal high-society — PROSTITUTION, HUMAN TRAFFICKING and… MURDER.  Welcome to the American Dream!”

Do you remember where the idea first came from? What was the initial spark?

Doing stand-up comedy, getting mild ulcers, maintaining a dead-end office job - and then having a stunning Venezualan tourist talk to me in the subway. Actually she smiled first and then talked and I gave her my clever business card…

Can you remember what convinced you it was a concept worth writing about?

Romantic relationships in my life started off like a movie but ended sadly. I was determined to write a gritty romantic action story, to fill in the gaps in my life.

Could you describe the writing process you used? (Did you go straight to script? Storyline first?)

First, I wrote the script  like an over blown romance with “cool” action. Slowly it morphed into a dark gritty dramatic thriller with a romantic frame. I tried very hard to create something cinematic (not an independent film). I wanted the characters to live and talk cinema. I wanted to create a world that will inspire the audience to believe in “true romance” and a romantic R-rated American dream - with an NC17 rating.

Did you hit any walls in the writing of the script? Can you describe them? How did you get past them? Was the Screenwriting Goldmine method any help? If so, how?

I listened to many coverage providers, which pushed me into a direction where I was getting lost and my vision was eroding. And I read too many screenwriting books that placed me in deep depression. These books are not being honest, they just want to make quick money and don’t really care to tell you the truth about screenwriting. Then I came across your Screenwriting Goldmine book. It’s uniquely honest and works on a sub-concious level. It awoke the giant in me. I still refer to it and read random chapters for inspiration. There are too many books out there - most are boring and too academic and there are not enough unique techniques or advice in these books. I only trust Screenwriting Goldmine right now. Your book is to the point and cuts out all the bunk. You’re not a film professor, you’re a screenwriter with brains, heart and soul and realism.

How long were you working on the script (weeks? months? years?) And roughly how many separate drafts, if it’s possible to say?

I worked on the script for 4 years, if I had 50 cents for all the drafts I had written, I would have my dream vacation in Barbados right now.

How long have you been writing screenplays?

I started in the summer of  2000.

Have you had to pass any major hurdles to keep on writing?

Yes, tons. Bosses, friends and wife and past girlfriends and relatives who are not supportive of my writing. Either they hate Hollywood or they are jealous of the players in Hollywood. I try not to analyze them. I tell them, movies, sex and television make the world go round. It’s that simple. Why hate me? I’m just a servant of my imagination - trying to create some entertertainment.

What are the major influences on your writing?

Stand-up comedians, 70’s and 80’s cinema, musicals, movie stunts, bollywood actresses, boxing, film directors, and of course screenwriters who think like an entrepreneurs.

Favorite movies? TV shows?

Saturday Night Fever, Do the Right Thing, Le Balance (France), Shakti (India), Carlito’s Way, Panama(Oliver Stone), Romeo and Juliette (Zeffirelli), Dallas (TV show), Hope and Glory (Boorman), Kill Bill, Rocky. 

I’m sure I speak for everyone on the site when I say big congratulations on getting yourself a year’s agented representation through this competition! Will it change the way you approach marketing your work?

I want to change as a person and as a screenwriter - for every second in this business. I refuse to (and will not) live in my comfort zone. I plan to improve further my marketing business plan. An agent can renew or not renew your contract. It’s not a permanent contract or the road to guaranteed success. Also agents move around or change careers. And don’t forget, trends come and go, so eventually you have to become your own agent. I have 4 scripts. Two are ready. And when I finish the final two, I will move into directing and then producing. I enjoy writing, but if no one wants to option or buy my script, I have to make it into a movie and somehow work in the process of finding financing.

Once again, congratulations Ben.