Interview:

Jonathan Sturak grew up in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania in a family that loved going to the movies. Early on, his interest in computer technology brought him to Penn State University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. It’s not until he wrote his Master’s thesis on digital image processing that he found his passion for writing.

Sturak’s interest in film grew over time as he researched and read countless books on the filmmaking process. After working several years in the technology field, he instructed college courses at Penn State University in the Information Technology department during the day and wrote screenplays at night. Sturak’s passion for film and writing prompted him to move to Las Vegas where he picked up his computer and camera to write and direct “Past Due,” a short film about the journey of a young woman trying to make ends meet in Las Vegas.

The idea for the film originated from his own experience as a new resident of Las Vegas looking at the exuberant city from the outside in. Sturak plans to pursue his interest in filmmaking, particularly screenwriting, and get lost in the magic of cinema. He keeps updated information on his website at www.sturak.com

Is “The Hunted” your first script? If not, what else have you completed?

“The Hunted” was my very first short script, but have recently completed several others. I’ve also just written a gritty feature revolving around a strong character driven plot. Strong characters, in my opinion, are the first thing we associate with in any good story.

Why did you write “The Hunted”? And how long did it take you to write it?

I was in Pennsylvania during the winter of 2007 and a treacherous Valentine’s Day snow and ice storm consumed our area. Since I was literally snowed in for three days, I grabbed my laptop, nestled up by the warm fire, and wrote “The Hunted.” Our area was the inspiration and I focused on the beautiful Pennsylvania Mountains and the eerie consequences of a hunting accident gone wrong, with a twist.

Describe your process; do you have a set routine, method for writing?

I prefer to do a lot of writing at the local internet cafes, however it seems that my best stuff comes out in the middle of the night. Often, I stay up late into the wee hours of the morning when the darkness of night removes all of life’s distractions and then I let the ideas flow.

What inspires you to write?

Generally, I am inspired by everyday situations that occur to all of us, and then I ask the question “What if…?” I keep a journal of my daily life and try to draw ideas from it and then I work to create, develop, and craft a story world which pulls the audience in allowing them to escape reality.

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

I love researching and using the latest in technology. Whether it is a camera, computer, or a high definition flat screen, I enjoy keeping up with the latest trends. You can usually find me on weekends perusing the local electronic stores.

What influenced you to enter the Movie Script Contest?

I was looking for a contest that would not only judge scripts, but would also provide quality feedback. The only way to improve as a writer is to receive objective and specific notes. Movie Script Contest is unique in that they offer very detailed multi-page feedback, which is something concrete that will help improve any writer’s abilities.

Do you feel that screenwriting contests are worthwhile for writers and why?

Screenwriting contests are two-fold. Most just focus on one winner and with sometimes hundreds or more scripts entered, the odds are against you. On the other side, a screenwriting contest can be great motivation to write that story you never seem to have enough time to write. If the only thing it does is to establish a concrete goal of finishing a script by a certain date, then it is worthwhile to enter.

Who is your favorite screenwriter or writer and why?

One of my favorite screenwriters is Charlie Kaufman. His unique vision with crafting intelligent and irregular worlds defines the very essence of brilliant storytelling. I like how he uses reality as the backdrop and then includes a slight anomaly or variance of reality in his crafted environment. This creates a unique and highly entertaining world that immediately draws you in. I would have paid $200 to walk the 7½ floor in “Being John Malkovich!”

Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?

Do what makes you happy. For me there is something magical about sitting down with your thoughts and creating a world only experienced in your mind. There are no boundaries, limitations, or physical confinements to the human mind. If you love to write, then do it and create stories that transport you to that special place.

What’s next for you?

I plan to attend some of the big film festivals coming up on the west coast where I can network with some fellow filmmakers and writers. I would love the opportunity to see one of my feature-length scripts produced and turn my passion for screenwriting into a full-time career.