PAUL HUENEMANN
Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52405 United States. Your script stood out among hundreds of others. What was the inspiration for your story and why did you write a script instead of a short story or a novel? The idea caught my imagination and made me laugh. I had seen too many “scary clown” films, horror films in general, I felt we’ve been having too many scary films, not enough comedies. I own/run an animation company here in Cedar Rapids (look it up, rightpurdy.com!), so, of course, I always think in scripts and visual language. How long did it take you to write your script...and what is your writing process? Do you outline...use index cards...white board...or just start with FADE IN? Yes, all of the above. Card, thumbnail sketches, everything/anything that works for the idea. I generally start with a paragraph or two, writing down as much of the idea that I have (so I don’t forget anything!). Sometimes linear, often just a hodgepodge of thoughts. Then, start with the “fade in”. After that, it’s “re-write”, “re-write”, “re-write”. If I get into trouble, I have a big white board to diagram it all out. I thought of the idea, many years ago, but didn’t get serious until about 5-7 years ago, with success of my short, personal films. Then, I got very serious about it. What is your ultimate ambition as a writer? This Wiki recognition is pretty darn nice! Being recognized as a professional is important. Of course, to see my scripts, realized up on a screen would be very satisfying. Was your entry at The Wiki Screenplay Contest a full script or “the first ten pages”? Why did you make that choice? Full script (36 pages). I felt I needed thoughts and critique for the whole thing. The flow, the resolution, character development, how it all fits together. What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show...and why? Such a tough question! So many good films and shows. But, it seems the films/shows I remember the most fondly, are the comedies. “Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World”. Buster Keaton anything. Laurel and Hardy. “The good place” Screwball comedies. I tend towards physical comedy, but, snappy dialogue is a joy. “People don’t always remember what you did for them, but they do remember how you made them feel.” Carol Burnett. How do you want to leave the world feeling? What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have? The best, easiest thing, ever- “go out and read and watch everything”. Then, think about it, analyze it, find out why it works for you, dissect it, figure out how it made you like it. Those videos, with the movie and the script show right below it, are terrific ways to learn how it all goes together. And, that old saw: “Good stories aren’t written, they are re-written.” If the story idea is strong enough to keep you interested for 5-10 re-writes- “you may have something, there, porcupine!” (Moe Howard) What else are you working on that the world needs to know about? Ooooh, not enough room on this page for that! I’ve got a great series in the mill, right now; along with re-writing some feature length stories. Hopefully, you’ll read them winning The Wiki screenplay contest in the near future! |
