Part 1.

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

I was certain that I wanted to a screenwriter the moment I typed the words “FADE OUT” in my first screenplay. Then I read it again and realized I had a lot to learn.
 

I know I've succeeded........ 

I believe there are many levels of success, so it is difficult for me to define it easily. I prefer to concentrate on goals that I have set for myself. Currently my goal is to write a screenplay that is produced and distributed widely. Hopefully not straight to DVD, but I’d gladly take it. My next goal would be to write a second. I think if I pursue my career in that fashion everything else will take care of itself.

My inspiration to write Nice Guys.....

The inspiration for Nice Guys came from several men and women that I have known. All of which, for one reason or another, had trouble with the opposite sex. Also witnessing a good friend go through a divorce at a fairly young age, gave me a first hand look at the breakdown of a marriage between two good people.

Part 2.

FilmMakers Magazine: What inspired you to write?

Mark Samuel: To be honest, I’m not sure exactly were the desire comes from. I have been writing in one form or another since I was in grade school. I could offer clichés like: “I feel I have something to say”, but I think that explains why a writer’s work is good more than why they do it. If I had to give an answer I would say that the process of taking an idea and shaping it into an actual story is just deeply satisfying to me. I think of it as solving a puzzle that my subconscious has created for me to finish. I type the words “FADE OUT” and I win.

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

Mark Samuel:

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

Mark Samuel: This is not my first script. Not including shorts, this is my fourth feature length script. The first draft was completed in about six months, but I have been rewriting since then.

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

Mark Samuel: Unless I am up against a deadline, my only routine is writing at night. But I am a born daydreamer so I can write anywhere at anytime.

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

Mark Samuel: I think they are very important to aspiring screenwriters, especially those who do not have proximity to the established filmmaking hubs. They provide an avenue for writers to get their work in front of people who understand the craft and the business.

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

Mark Samuel: In my research I found that there were only a handful of competitions that were respected by the industry and could give me a chance to get my work exposure.

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

Mark Samuel: I would recommend Chinatown by Robert Towne and Memento by Christopher Nolan because of how much they can teach you about structure. I would also suggest The Royal Tenenbaums by Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson because it is an excellent contemporary example of how to create catharsis in a screenplay.

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

Mark Samuel: I enjoy trying new things, but aside from my family, screenwriting is the only thing that I am passionate about.

FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter and Why?

Mark Samuel: Paul Thomas Anderson. There are very few who can flush out a character in 120 pages better than Mr. Anderson.

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

Mark Samuel: If I were ever privileged enough to work with Paul Thomas Anderson, Joel Coen, or Spike Lee I would feel satisfied that I had successfully developed my craft to the heights that I set out to.

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

Mark Samuel: Honestly, I really don’t think about what actors I would like to work with. There are so many that I would be honored to have involved in any project of mine.

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

Mark Samuel: I was told to master structure and to learn as much about the human condition as you can.

FilmMakers Magazine: What's next for you?

Mark Samuel: For me, it is important to try my hand at different genres, so next I will be rewriting a psychological thriller that I completed last year.

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

Mark Samuel: In five years the only thing I am certain of is that I will be writing.