Interview:

Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan and raised in Northern Virginia.  Jason Michael Ford graduated from Centreville High School in Clifton, Virginia and was recognized for his scholastic achievements.  He then attended Virginia Tech where he was awarded recognition as a Dean’s List student and played football for the Hokies.  Jason graduated from the University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Management with a minor concentration in History.

Jason began to concentrate on his writing in the fall of 1998 and completed his first novel in April of 2000 and his first full length, original feature film in May of that year.  Since then he has a continued adding to his body of work which currently includes over 100 poems, 20 short stories, 13 feature length, original screenplays, 3 original teleplays and 5 novels.  Jason currently lives in Arlington, Virginia.

Is SOMETHING TUCKED AWAY your first script? If not, what else have you completed?

No, this was my eighth full length, feature screenplay.  I have written twelve other scripts including dramas, comedies, action and suspense thrillers.

Why did you write “Something Tucked Away”? And how long did it take you to write it?

I wrote “Something Tucked Away” in response to the ongoing discussion on stem cell research.  It occurred to me that science is moving beyond our moral and ethical understanding of the world.  I wanted to present a scenario where our current understanding of procreation could be turned and examined from a male perspective now that scientific advancement has made this possible.  It took me about two years from conception to completion to write this story.

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

My process is constantly evolving, but it usually begins with a one or two line situation or central conflict that I build from or towards.  I find that by developing an overarching framework through outlining, that the actual writing becomes much more structured and fluid.

What inspires you to write?

I really enjoy stories, in whatever form they occur.  I appreciate what they say about people and how they can examine our actions, emotions and thoughts.  I am inspired by those great writers and storytellers who express the best stories.  I am constantly challenging myself to write a better story.

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

I grew up competing in athletics, so sports would be one of my great passions.  Most prominent of them would be football, which is where I was able to achieve the most success.  I have also had a keen fascination with history and politics and constantly pursue furtherance in my education and understanding of these subjects.

What influenced you to enter the Movie Script Contest?

I have found that it is very difficult to break into the writing world and especially the film industry.  After spending several years attempting a more traditional route through the industry, I found that there could be opportunities in competitions to garner recognition and generate credibility for my writing. The Movie Script Contest allowed me an opportunity to submit my writing against thousands of other very capable and accomplished writers and better understand where I stand amongst them.

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

I feel that screenwriting contests and writing contests as a whole are tremendously valuable to writers because they provide a sense of validation and recognition.  It is very difficult, especially for new writers, to find qualified and professional people to read, evaluate and respond to your writing.  These competitions help to facilitate that analysis and can contribute to the overall development of even those who have achieved some level of success.

Who is your favorite screenwriter or writer and why?

Joe Eszterhas is my favorite screenwriter because he completely redefined the role of a screenwriter in the filmmaking business.  He created the persona of a screenwriter as a star and was a landmark figure in furthering the dialogue amongst filmmakers as to who is more responsible for the creation of a film.  Most discussion had been centered on either the producer or the director as the true creators of film.  Eszterhas made a very loud and forcible argument that the screenwriter was just as integral if not central to the process and therefore should have a legitimate claim as creator of film.  I feel that he was instrumental in bringing back the philosophy of the writer as the creator, just as it had been true of the playwrights of ancient Greece or the Victorian novelists, so it should be true of the modern screenwriter.

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

Learn the craft.  What took me a long time to understand is that it takes work to develop into a decent writer, let alone a good one.  It’s not just about having a good idea for a story.  It’s about learning how best to express that story and how each element contributes to not just the telling of the story but also the reader’s understanding and appreciation of the story.  Learn what makes a good story and you will learn what makes your favorite stories resonate within you.  Once you’ve gained that very complex foundation, it provides you with a greater standing from which you can produce stronger and stronger pieces of your own.

What’s next for you?

I’m going to keep writing.  I would like to publish a piece of fiction or have a script produced into a film in the near future.  Ultimately, I know that if I continue to write and develop as a writer that I will eventually achieve greater recognition and will be able to refer to myself as a working writer.