Part 1.

I knew I wanted to be screenwriter........

when I started studying film at Vassar College. It just took me fifteen years of working on crappy reality television to give me a final push to pursue my dream.

I know I've succeeded........ 

when I get paid to write features and/or scripted television.
 

My inspiration to write DESPERATELY SEEKING MADONA.....

was my two younger sisters who constantly sang “Like a Virgin” around the house, and going to school in upstate New York, which is about 10 years behind NYC in terms of music, fashion, and art.

Part 2.

FilmMakers Magazine: What inspired you to write?

Joshua Koffman: Ever since I wrote my first play at age 6, which was later performed by my classmates, I’ve always wanted to tell stories. My background is actually in documentary filmmaking, where I got to tell other people’s stories. But my “first” love is screenwriting!

FilmMakers Magazine: How did you prepare yourself to write your first script?

Joshua Koffman: I prepared myself by taking continuing ed screenwriting classes at NYU. Michael Zam was an amazing instructor. When I moved to LA I enrolled in one continuing ed class at UCLA, and am currently enrolled in UCLA’s year-long professional program.

FilmMakers Magazine: Is this your first script and how long did it take you to complete?

Joshua Koffman: It is my first script. Wow, going on three years now. It’s been a slog. And I’m still re-writing it!

FilmMakers Magazine: Do you have a set routine, place and time management for writing?

Joshua Koffman: Not as much as I would like. Since I work in television, if I’m on set I can be working anywhere from twelve to eighteen hour days, six days a week. Even if I’m writing and producing in post, those are twelve-hour days. So I get most of my writing done between jobs.

FilmMakers Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests are important for aspiring screenwriters and why?

Joshua Koffman: I think screenplay contests are a good barometer of where you stand among the pack. Also, for those contests that offer coverage and notes, if the notes are good it can be instrumental in moving the screenplay forward.

FilmMakers Magazine: What influenced you to enter the FilmMakers International Screenwriting Awards / Screenplay Contest?

Joshua Koffman: I had read god things about the contest on moviebytes. What I’m looking for now (like all writers) is work and representation, and it seems like the contest is well-connected to the world of managers and agents who can help move your career forward.

FilmMakers Magazine: What script would you urge aspiring writers to read and why?

Joshua Koffman: I actually learned a lot from reading the script for Alien. It’s amazing how economical and minimal the language is while also being extremely vivid. Less is always more!

FilmMakers Magazine: Beside screenwriting what are you passionate about and why?

Joshua Koffman: My other passions include music (both performing and watching) pilates, the beach, hiking, oh, and I’m also a psychic. I like to feel connected to nature.

FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter and Why?

Joshua Koffman: I love Gerard Branch. His economy of language, as well as his twisted storytelling and macabre sense of humor. And Billy Wilder for a primer on how to write dialogue.

FilmMakers Magazine: Name the director you would love to work with and why?

Joshua Koffman: Living director? I guess I admire Polanski the most in terms of mastery of the craft of filmmaking. Or John Waters- who, no matter how demented the premise of a story is, can still inject heart.

FilmMakers Magazine: Name the actor you would love to work with and why?

Joshua Koffman: I could watch Julianne Moore read a phone book.

FilmMakers Magazine: Any tips and things learned along the way to pass on to others?

Joshua Koffman: Be gracious when you get notes. If a note rings true to you, apply it. If multiple people have the same note apply it. Don’t be scared of re-writing. And find an advocate who knows your writing and will be in your corner.

FilmMakers Magazine: What's next for you?

Joshua Koffman: Well, I’m hoping to line up some sort of representation! I’m also enrolled in the year-long UCLA TV writing “professional program” which ends late 2014. I wrote a spec script for my current favorite tv show, “Archer”, and am now writing my first pilot about puppets on a children’s tv show who behave very badly off-set.

FilmMakers Magazine: Where will you be five years from now?

Joshua Koffman: Five years from now I hope to be making my primary living from writing for film and television, and leave my reality tv career behind!