Part 1.
I knew I wanted to be screenwriter when.....
Movies were the number one leisure activity in my household
growing up, whether it was a family trip to the movie
theater for a triple feature, or staying in with a tall
stack of VHS tapes. From a very young age I was heavily
immersed in the world of cinema (including some titles not
quite appropriate for my age group, thanks, Sis) and it
quickly became clear to me that it's what I wanted to do
when I grew up.
I know I've succeeded when......
When at least one person is positively moved while watching
a movie based on a script I wrote.
My
inspiration to write Dead City.....
I love stories about misfits who go on fantastical journeys
that reveal to them their strength of character and purpose
in the world. In this story in particular, I wanted to focus
on coming of age, and the concept of "youth" as something
which relates to one's personality and life experience - and
not necessarily age.
Part 2.
FilmMakers
Magazine: What
inspired you to write?
Noga Pnueli:
I love stories about misfits who go on fantastical journeys
that reveal to them their strength of character and purpose
in this world. Most of the things I write tend to follow
this pattern.
FilmMakers Magazine: Is this your first script
and how long did it take you to complete?
Noga Pnueli: This was the second script I've ever
written. It took a month to complete the first draft, then
two more months, one for each revision. (Three months total)
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you have a set
routine, place and time management for writing?
Noga Pnueli: In days when work allows it, I always
write in the morning, at home or in a quiet place, for as
many hours as I can. Then go for a run. Then write down
ideas for the next morning's writing session.
FilmMakers
Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests are
important for aspiring screenwriters and why?
Noga Pnueli: Absolutely. Beyond sheer validation,
it's a fantastic way to get your work out there, and an
achievement that can eventually open doors. If not through
the "prize" itself, then just by having competition wins on
your resume.
FilmMakers
Magazine: What influenced you to enter the FilmMakers
International Screenwriting Awards
/ Screenplay Contest?
Noga Pnueli:
I was subscribed to the newsletter and decided to give it a
shot.
FilmMakers Magazine: What script would you
urge aspiring writers to read and why?
Noga Pnueli: "The Spanish Prisoner" by David Mamet
(or anything else by Mamet), because it's excellent, from
the unique rhythm of the dialogue to the endless plot
twists.
FilmMakers
Magazine: Beside screenwriting what are you passionate
about and why?
Noga Pnueli: Cooking, dancing, playing games and any
other activity that helps one connect with their community
in positive, playful ways.
FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite
Screenwriter and Why?
Noga Pnueli: Hal Hartley. I grew up watching his
movies, and love the quirky way he writes dialogue and makes
you feel deeply for characters even when you don't always
understand them.
FilmMakers
Magazine: Name the director you would love to work with
and why?
Noga Pnueli: As an 80's-born Jewish woman, the
obligatory answer is Steven Spielberg. I would add Tarsem
Singh, for his crazy, bold visual style.
FilmMakers
Magazine: Name the actor you would love to work with and
why?
Noga Pnueli:
Rosamund
Pike, because she's fantastic in everything she does. And
Bruce Campbell, because Bruce Campbell.
FilmMakers Magazine: Any tips and things
learned along the way to pass on to others?
Noga Pnueli:
Make
friends, form artist communities and writers groups. Writing
is a lonely profession and having a community of peers helps
immensely, both for morale and sanity, and for getting your
work out there.
FilmMakers
Magazine: What's next for you?
Noga Pnueli: Writing a new feature and trying to sell
my wares to the masses.
FilmMakers Magazine: Where will you be five
years from now?
Noga Pnueli: Earthquakes, water shortages and other
catastrophes permitting, right here in LA writing and, lord
willing, making good movies.
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