Part 1.

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

I stumbled across a legend about a true Caribbean pirate, and I instantly could see the entire story on the big screen in my mind. I had it outlined the next day.

I know I've succeeded........ 

something I’ve written elicits an emotional reaction from a reader.
 

My inspiration to write EVANGELINA.....

came from a true story of a girl whose murder remains unsolved 20 years later, yet many mediums continue to keep hope alive for the surviving family with claims to have contact with the victim or her murderer. I decided to approach the story from the perspective of someone who claims to see ghosts, but may or may not have psychiatric issues. It’s really as much a psychological thriller as a paranormal.

Part 2.

FilmMakers Magazine: What inspired you to write?

Tamara Gross: I literally traveled the globe in search of scant facts about this fascinating pirate I wanted to write about. Along the way I fell victim to real pirates, was chased down by a hurricane, and traipsed through Europe like a clueless tourist.

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

Tamara Gross: I literally traveled the globe in search of scant facts about this fascinating pirate I wanted to write about. Along the way I fell victim to real pirates, was chased down by a hurricane, and traipsed through Europe like a clueless tourist.

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

Tamara Gross: Not my first script, but the first draft for EVANGELINA was completed in just 48 hours! I was on a writing retreat with Pilar Alessandra and the folks who run the Great American Pitch Fest. I decided to write a thriller because we were at the haunted hotel that inspired Stephen King’s “The Shining.” I guess it inspired me too!

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

Tamara Gross: I’m a creative binger, so it’s all very undisciplined...until a deadline sobers me into focus. Deadlines are both awful and awesome.

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

Tamara Gross: Contests are great for many reasons. The feedback was my only original motivation, but doing well has been a boost to my confidence. It also tells me where I stand among my peers.

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

Tamara Gross: The feedback.

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

Tamara Gross: Inglourious Basterds. Love the movie, but the screenplay is a “how not to” for newbies!

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

Tamara Gross: History, music, volleyball and my doggy. Oh, and the color yellow.

FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter and Why?

Tamara Gross: William Goldman. I graduated from the same high school. I like to think I may have used the same locker in the performing arts hall. Also, The Princess Bride is my all-time favorite movie AND novel. Seriously. Read the book.

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

Tamara Gross: David Mamet. There may be a Chicago theme to my choices here...

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

Tamara Gross: I’d love to sit at the feet of anyone who’s been in the biz longer than I’ve been alive. Maureen O’Hara & Olivia de Havilland come to mind. Specifically to work with? Anyone committed to the story being told.

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

Tamara Gross: I edit scripts, so I’ve collected enough to fill a book. To narrow it to one thing... Story may be king, but you have to master the craft and learn the “language of screenplay” to get anyone to take your work seriously.

FilmMakers Magazine: What's next for you?

Tamara Gross: I’m in early revisions of an epic historical adventure. This will be my first attempt to bring one of my works to full production, so I’m in development with a producer who’s helping me package it.

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

Tamara Gross: I expect to be writing and producing on a higher level with a few projects under my imdb-notched belt. But I love mentoring, so I hope to be doing more of that in some capacity.