Interview:

Jon James Miller has pursued a career in screenwriting ever since graduating with a degree in film from Ithaca College. In LA, he worked in cable documentaries by day and wrote scripts by night. Previous to winning the Golden Brad Award for “Garbo’s Last Stand,” Jon won Grand Prize in the 2008 AAA Screenplay Contest sponsored by Creative Screenwriting Magazine with the same script. Also in 2009, Jon won Best Historical Screenplay at the first annual ThrillSpy International Film Festival in Washington D.C., as well as an Honorable Mention at the Big Bear International Film Festival for “Agent Cynthia,” which is based on a true story. “Agent Cynthia” was also a Semi-Finalist in the 2005 Nicholls Fellowship competition.

Is “Garbo's Last Stand” your first script? If not, what else have you completed?

In addition to “Garbo’s Last Stand” and “Agent Cynthia,” I’ve completed nine other scripts, two optioned. While both my award-winning scripts are historical dramas based on actual events, I also enjoy writing contemporary dark and romantic comedies. “Greetings From Forest Lawn,” one of my optioned scripts, was a dark comedy set in Hollywood.

Why did you write GARBO'S LAST STAND? And how long did it take you to write it?

GLS has had a long gestation process. Greta Garbo is one of my favorite movie stars. When I discovered she was a spy for the Allies in World War II, I knew there was a story there. I researched extensively and found out that Adolf Hitler wrote her fan letters, even invited her to come to Nazi Germany as his guest. My script is based on the famous Garbo quote: that “…If the war didn’t start when it did, I would have gone and I would have taken a gun out of my purse and shot him, because I am the only person who would not have been searched.” As a storyteller, I couldn’t resist placing Garbo on an ocean liner bound for Nazi Germany on the eve of the war. All told, I spent five years completing numerous drafts of the screenplay.

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

My process begins with research. I find out everything I can about the subject before I begin writing. The story evolves over time as characters grow and take on a life of their own. Screenwriting is not a linear process for me. I begin with an initial sketch for a scene involving a theme or idea that draws me to the subject matter. From there, I build the story out into a first draft. That’s when the real work of rewriting begins. I may not always sit in front of a computer, but I’m always thinking about how to make the story more tense and dramatic.

What inspires you to write?

Writing for me is all about building a world that is not only visually exciting, but reflects the uniqueness of characters and their journey. My favorite stories are those where a writer has rendered such an amazing world that I want to live in it along with the characters – even if that world is dangerous.

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

I love going to movies, obviously, but I also love to travel. I get so many ideas from traveling to new places, watching and listening to people. I also love art. I can spend an entire day in a museum, just looking at different artistic styles of painting, sculpture and installations. Theater is another fascination. The excitement of a live play or musical is hard to match. Actors are some of the bravest people in the world, willing to get up in front of an audience and immerse themselves in a character. I’d shrivel up and die if I had to do that, but I love watching them. It’s magical.

What influenced you to enter the Movie Script Contest?

To be honest, I’ve always wanted the Golden Brad Trophy. I entered a couple times before and came close. I’m so glad I entered this year. All that industry exposure is nice, but it’s really about the trophy for me.

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

Contests are absolutely worthwhile. They give writers a deadline and force us to get our work out there. The film industry is harder than ever for a writer without contacts to break into. Winning contests or even placing in them consistently builds confidence that you’re headed in the right direction. The best contests, like the Golden Brad Contest, give winners access to the industry. That’s invaluable for a beginning writer. Access and the trophy, of course.

Who is your favorite screenwriter or writer and why?

My favorite screenwriter would have to be David Webb Peoples. He wrote both “Blade Runner” and “Unforgiven,” the Clint Eastwood film. If that isn’t range, I don’t know what is. I’m also a big fan of Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett. Not only did they write kick-ass novels, but were screenwriters as well.

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

Keep writing and searching for new and exciting stories to tell. And don’t limit yourself to screenwriting alone. I encourage you to experiment with short stories, or novels. Whatever format you choose, keep telling stories and experiencing new things. Writers get better with experience.

What’s next for you?

I’m working with a publisher to adapt “Garbo’s Last Stand” the screenplay, into a novel. We’re putting together a workshop in 2010 about the not-so-straightforward process of adapting a script to a manuscript. I’m half-way through the first draft. This kind of writing has taught me a lot about storytelling, which ironically will make me an even better screenwriter.