Marvin V. Acuna

John August on Screenwriting: Rancho Mirage Library, 04/14/09

from Synthian Sharp on Vimeo.

John August is one of the most successful screenwriter’s working today. Beyond writing two of my all time favorite films Go and Big Fish (I watched Big Fish at the Sherman Oaks Galleria opening weekend. It reminded me why I chose to pursue a career in film), he wrote the blockbuster franchise Charlie’s Angels.

This is a lengthy interview, but well worth every minute of your time. There are valuable insights and lessons you can glean from his experience in the Hollywood system. He addresses: How screenwriting credits are established? How to choose the “Gorilla’s” you want to work with? Should you attend film school or not? The best advice he ever received? Screenwriter versus novelist? The difference between an amateur and a professional? I strongly encourage you to check out the ENTIRE video so you may absorb these nuggets of wisdom.

An invaluable and important insight I felt compelled to highlight here for you, specifically, because it is in alignment with all that we have discussed on this blog, the video tips, Q&A’s, etc. is this:

The responsibility of a screenwriter has evolved from merely providing a script that serves as the blue print for a movie to delivering a script that serves as the marketing document for a movie… as a screenwriter your role has morphed into salesman.

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Enjoy the video. Apply the knowledge!

May Your Life Be Extraordinary,

Marvin V. Acuna