Part 1.

I knew we wanted to be screenwriters........

I have always loved to write. Since I was a child, films have exerted a deep fascination in me. Hence, I began to put these two passions together.
 

I know I've succeeded........ 

When one of my feature screenplays gets financed and theatrically distributed.

 

My inspiration to write Holmes.....

I am a passionate scholar of the 2nd World War (I have about a hundred books on this subject). I took the idea for this story from some real events, at times focusing on less known details, while trying to reproduce the environment and life of that period. My objective was to write an unusual story, from a point of view that has hardly ever been covered. But, above all, I want to highlight that in a conflict – no matter if it is a world war or a conflict between two people who hate (or love) each other - everybody has something to lose.

Part 2.

FilmMakers Magazine: What inspired you to write?

Silvio Nacucchi: I had a story in mind and an original point of view. I have tried to put both elements together and beef them up through well outlined figures.

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

Silvio Nacucchi: I read lots of screenplays and books, especially McKee’s STORY, Fields’ SCREENPLAY, while not neglecting other authors like Vogel and Linda Seger (as well as several Italian authors). I attended the Syd Field’s workshop in Genoa (Italy) in 2007.

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

Silvio Nacucchi: Yes. This is my first script, although I have written several other scripts (including one for a short produced in 2009). The first version of this script dates back to 2003.

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

Silvio Nacucchi: Generally, I jot down some notes if, by reading the newspaper or a book, I come up with some fresh ideas. It must be a ‘strong’ idea that can draw the attention of a potential audience: I believe that a screenwriter should not say something, but rather have something to say. Then, I let the idea settle. After a while, I go back to it and if it still works, I begin to develop it further. I often happen to take notes - about an unusual fact, a sentence, a thought - on loose sheets, which then I put together on my PC.

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

Silvio Nacucchi: Yes. Good work will get read and noticed.

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

Silvio Nacucchi: I was looking for an important, competitive international venue. I’m organizing a similar competition in Italy (Endas International Screenplay Competition), but we do not reach such a high number of entries as Filmmakers contest.

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

Silvio Nacucchi: Every script they can. You can learn something from every screenplay you read. Some web sites where you can consult famous scripts are a constant source of learning for me.

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

Silvio Nacucchi: I like reading (especially history books), traveling, meeting new people, and getting to know other cultures, since one can learn something from everybody and one never stops learning in life.

FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter and Why?

Silvio Nacucchi: IJames Cameron. I read his Titanic, Aliens and Abyss screenplays. His ability to write and “visualize” scenes in the script is stunning.

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

Silvio Nacucchi: James Cameron, for his innovative ability to transmit emotions through images.

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

Silvio Nacucchi: Denzel Washington and Meryl Streep. They’re the best.

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

Silvio Nacucchi: Don’t work in a vacuum. Seek the opinions of other screenwriters trying to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your work. Don’t defend your work against criticism; rewrite, rewrite and rewrite! Attend courses and workshops. Spend time alone… and live in your story.

FilmMakers Magazine: What's next for you?

Silvio Nacucchi: I’ve already finished three long and eight short screenplays (one produced in 2009). Also, I already have five stories waiting to become screenplays.

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

Silvio Nacucchi: I hope I’ll still be around. I don’t know where. What’s important is to be able to continue to write.