The 14th Annual
FilmMakers International
Screenwriting Awards (FISA)

2016 CONTEST |  ENTER NOW
 

Winners | Biography | Logline | Synopsis | Script Excerpt

Saved

DIAMOND PRIZE WINNER
 

Julian Renner

of New Rochelle, NY United States

Saved
Thriller

Biography

Julian Renner

Julian spent his early years in Sierra Leone, on the west coast of Africa, where he and his siblings would constantly reenact scenes from their favorite films. As a teenager, he studied in the United Kingdom before attending Otterbein College in Central Ohio, where his interest in film evolved into a passion. He continued to develop his storytelling skills through the New York Film Academy and the Masters program at the City University of New York where he produced a brain-bending thesis film called “A Piece of Mind”. After its festival run, his thesis film became a recurring favorite on New York’s NBC 4.4 interactive channel.

Subsequent to graduate school, Julian taught at Bronx Community College while freelancing on various music video and commercial projects, developing a reputation for hard work and great images. Esquire Magazine recognized him for his “Celluloid Style” in a 2006 article.

In 2010, Julian wrote, directed and edited his first feature film entitled “The Three Way”. Under the constraints of a limited budget, Julian edited and sound mixed the entire project within the confinements of his basement. “The Three Way” won Best Director, Best Comedy Feature at several festivals including the San Diego Black Film Festival, The Manhattan Film Festival, the Harlem International Film Festival, The Urban Media Makers film festival (Atlanta) and the International Black Film Festival of Nashville.

Logline

Pastor Samuel Jones, about to testify for the FBI against a dangerous drug dealer, refuses to enter witness protection unless his wife, Monica, with secrets of her own is included in the deal.

Interview Part 1.

I knew I wanted to be screenwriter after I quit working in news.
 

I know I've succeeded After 12 years with no financial benefits I’m still writing because… I love it!

 
My inspiration to write "Saved" was based on damaging secrets in intimate relationships.
 

Interview Part 2.

FilmMakers Magazine: What inspired you to write?
Julian Renner: The moral dilemma that the two major characters were facing. Two people whose relationship had faded find every reason not to leave each other and stay together which ends up being catastrophic.

FilmMakers Magazine: Is this your first script and how long did it take you to complete?
Julian Renner: This is my twelfth script. It took about four two for a first draft and six months in rewrites.

FilmMakers Magazine: Do you have a set routine, place and time management for writing?
Julian Renner: Everything starts with an outline but I need to have a strong hold on the story and characters.  

FilmMakers Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests are important for aspiring screenwriters and why?
Julian Renner: Yes. They’re competitive and create a platform for exposing your work.

FilmMakers Magazine: What influenced you to enter the Filmmakers International Screenwriting Awards?
Julian Renner: I like to compete with the stories I write and I was simply curious to see how this story would be received.

FilmMakers Magazine: What script would you urge aspiring writers to read and why?
Julian Renner: Andrew Kevin Walker's “Seven” because of it’s daring structure, characters and shocking ending. The script gambles from start to finish and wins big.

FilmMakers Magazine: Beside screenwriting what are you passionate about and why?
Julian Renner: Editing. Telling stories with images is just as difficult as committing words to paper. It’s arduous but at the same time satisfying.

FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter and Why?
Julian Renner: Quentin Tarantino. Nobody writes dialogue and redefines the act structure like Quentin. Every screenplay written is a lesson on how to break the rules, be original and master the craft of storytelling.

FilmMakers Magazine: Name the director you would love to work with and why?
Julian Renner: David Fincher. A visual craftsman who breaks boundaries with the way stories are told through the lens.

FilmMakers Magazine: Name the actor you would love to work with and why?
Julian Renner: Keanu Reeves. An actor who truly knows how to reinvent himself.

FilmMakers Magazine: Any tips and things learned along the way to pass on to others?
Julian Renner: Keep writing. This is a game of persistence and determination.

FilmMakers Magazine: What's next for you?
Julian Renner: Another screenplay once I get through the outline.

FilmMakers Magazine: Where do you see yourself in five years from now?
Julian Renner:  Hopefully writing a screenplay for a studio or producer.

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