Interviewed by Audrey Larson
Michael W. Reid has been interested in screenwriting since he was 19 years old, but only became serious about it after retiring from his job 5 years ago. He's written 5 scripts ("Pranks", "Making Your Bones", "How to Handle Your Bullies", "Reunion Crashers", and "Retribution") and has his own production company, Two Guys from Brooklyn Films. He is also a director and part-time actor. He has studied at the Gotham Writers Workshop.
Michael W. Reid has been interested in screenwriting since he was 19 years old, but only became serious about it after retiring from his job 5 years ago. He's written 5 scripts ("Pranks", "Making Your Bones", "How to Handle Your Bullies", "Reunion Crashers", and "Retribution") and has his own production company, Two Guys from Brooklyn Films. He is also a director and part-time actor. He has studied at the Gotham Writers Workshop.
Michael W. Reid How did you get started in screenwriting?
I became interested in screenwriting after reading Taxi Driver as a teenager. I also read all the works by Ingmar Bergman.
What is your pre-writing process?
I like to think about my subject before I write. I like to make an outline before I begin. I believe you must know where you are going before you begin.
What part of screenwriting do you find most difficult?
I think the most difficult part of screenwriting is grammar. It is very important to know grammar.
What was the most rewarding moment of your career so far?
I belong to a meet-up group for screenwriters. I believe it’s rewarding to speak to others and get their opinion of what you are writing. It may hurt sometimes, but it's rewarding.
Who are your favorite screenwriters? What are your favorite movie or TV scripts?
A couple of my favorite screenwriters are Aaron Sorkin, Ed Burns and Woody Allen. Some of my favorite movie scripts are Taxi Driver, The Tenant, Juno, and The Seventh Seal. Breaking Bad is my favorite TV script to read.
What’s next for you? What projects or screenplays are you working on now?
I am currently working on a short film called Retribution— three victims exact revenge on a serial killer from the afterlife.
What advice or tips would you give to aspiring screenwriters:
My advice I would give is: pay attention in English class, learn the format and tell a good story.
Any specific screenwriting books you would recommend?
I would recommend Pilar Alessandra’s book “The Coffee Break Screenwriter”; it really breaks down everything, especially rewriting. Also, “Screenplay” by Syd Field.
Connect with Michael on his Twitter profile or LinkedIn profile. You can also visit his production company's Facebook page.
I became interested in screenwriting after reading Taxi Driver as a teenager. I also read all the works by Ingmar Bergman.
What is your pre-writing process?
I like to think about my subject before I write. I like to make an outline before I begin. I believe you must know where you are going before you begin.
What part of screenwriting do you find most difficult?
I think the most difficult part of screenwriting is grammar. It is very important to know grammar.
What was the most rewarding moment of your career so far?
I belong to a meet-up group for screenwriters. I believe it’s rewarding to speak to others and get their opinion of what you are writing. It may hurt sometimes, but it's rewarding.
Who are your favorite screenwriters? What are your favorite movie or TV scripts?
A couple of my favorite screenwriters are Aaron Sorkin, Ed Burns and Woody Allen. Some of my favorite movie scripts are Taxi Driver, The Tenant, Juno, and The Seventh Seal. Breaking Bad is my favorite TV script to read.
What’s next for you? What projects or screenplays are you working on now?
I am currently working on a short film called Retribution— three victims exact revenge on a serial killer from the afterlife.
What advice or tips would you give to aspiring screenwriters:
My advice I would give is: pay attention in English class, learn the format and tell a good story.
Any specific screenwriting books you would recommend?
I would recommend Pilar Alessandra’s book “The Coffee Break Screenwriter”; it really breaks down everything, especially rewriting. Also, “Screenplay” by Syd Field.
Connect with Michael on his Twitter profile or LinkedIn profile. You can also visit his production company's Facebook page.
RSS Feed
