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Part 1.
I knew I wanted to be screenwriter when........
at the age of 15 I heard the words "I am your father" from
the mouth of Darth Vader.
I know I've succeeded when........
my name is on the rolling end-credits of a movie.
My
inspiration to write The Dead Stars.....
arose from two completely different sources. First was the
fear for my two young children growing up in a post 9/11
world and the realization that the era I grew up in (the
1980s) seemed much safer and innocent. Second, was my
increasing irritation at reality shows, selfies and the
fascination with being famous. I could visualize a good
story combining the two, and at the same time indulging my
childhood recollections of 80s pop-culture.
Part 2.
FilmMakers
Magazine: What
inspired you to write?
Jesvinder Singh Judge: I have been obsessed with
movies as far back as I can remember. The "entertainment
factor'" of movies for me has always been the careful
dissection and analysis of camera angles, editing, the
soundtrack and, of course, the dialogue, much to the
annoyance of the unfortunate person accompanying me. Writing
a screenplay gives me the joy of watching the movie I have
created in my head come to life on paper.
FilmMakers Magazine: How did you prepare yourself to write your first script?
Jesvinder Singh Judge:
FilmMakers Magazine: Is this your first script
and how long did it take you to complete?
Jesvinder Singh Judge: "The Dead Stars" is my first
script. I've spent several years writing down the story. I
initially toyed with the idea of writing it as a novel, but
realized I was writing it completely visually and that it
was more suited to a screenplay format. When this decision
was made, it took two years to reach this stage.
The Dead Stars was as fun and fast paced to write as it is to
read, and it required very little research. I will
definitely return to this genre some time in the near future
-- probably a sequel.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you have a set
routine, place and time management for writing?
Jesvinder Singh Judge:
I
usually wrote when my family were asleep, for 2-3 hours per
night 4 night per week, unless I had a creative streak and
went on a "writing bender".
FilmMakers
Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests are
important for aspiring screenwriters and why?
Jesvinder Singh Judge: Most definitely, especially
for a first time write. It is a great way to get exposure to
industry personnel.
FilmMakers
Magazine: What influenced you to enter the FilmMakers
International Screenwriting Awards
/ Screenplay Contest?
Jesvinder Singh Judge:
I like the fact that the Filmmakers International Screening
Awards treated all entries in a non-biased way. It seemed
that all entries, irrespective of age, writing background,
geographical location, were given equal respect and
consideration. I also found the studio feedback component
very informative and helpful.
FilmMakers Magazine: What script would you
urge aspiring writers to read and why?
Jesvinder Singh Judge: "Little
Miss Sunshine" by Michael Arndt because it is a perfect
blend of comedy, drama and pathos and has a brilliant
ending. The fact that it won an Academy Award for Best
Original Screenplay and was his first produced screenplay is
incredible. There is hope for us all!
FilmMakers
Magazine: Beside screenwriting what are you passionate
about and why?
Jesvinder Singh Judge: Music, across all decades and
genres. I am constantly amazed at how music can create such
a wide range of emotions. A movie soundtrack factors
considerably in my enjoyment of the movie. Not surprisingly,
music is name checked extensively in "The Dead Stars".
FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite
Screenwriter and Why?
Jesvinder Singh Judge:
Quentin
Tarantino. He broke all screenwriting rules in terms of
narrative, word count, and he showed us that there were no
boundaries about what you could make your characters talk
about. The "tipping scene" in Reservoir Dogs still gets me
every time.
FilmMakers
Magazine: Name the director you would love to work with
and why?
Jesvinder Singh Judge: Steven Spielberg. I remember
watching Duel for the first time and was amazed how a
director can transform a seemingly simple story with
essentially one character into a gripping thriller. I am
also certain that in most other directors hands, Jaws would
have been a forgotten footnote rather than the first
"blockbuster".
FilmMakers
Magazine: Name the actor you would love to work with and
why?
Jesvinder Singh Judge: Bradley Cooper. His
versatility with comedy and drama is amazing, especially so
early on in his big screen career.
I actually wrote my latest screenplay, TEARS FOR ICARUS,
with him in mind to play both the angel and the demon.
FilmMakers Magazine: Any tips and things
learned along the way to pass on to others?
Jesvinder Singh Judge: I still feel that the story is
everything, so don't rush your submission. I found the
studio feedback offered as part of the Filmmakers
International Screening Awards extremely helpful.
FilmMakers Magazine: What's next for you?
Jesvinder Singh Judge: "The Dead Stars", is Part 1 of "The
R.I.D. Trilogy", and I am currently working on the sequel.
Where Part 1 delves into issues of fame and identity, Part 2
will explore mass population brainwashing by social media.
FilmMakers Magazine: Where will you be five years
from now?
Jesvinder Singh Judge: Hopefully I would have
completed the Trilogy and will be writing another
screenplay.
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