Interview:

James Ziolkowski is a self-taught screenwriter from the Chicagoland area.  ( Mount Prospect. IL. )  James was named one of the Top 50 writers of 2004 by RED INKWORKS and is the only screenwriter to win GET INITIATIVE twice.  ( Winter '03, Winter '05 )  He has won awards in multiple genres and is currently working on his sixth feature script

Is “HER NAME WAS TUESDAY” your first script? If not, what else have you completed?

HER NAME WAS TUESDAY is my second Comedy.  I've completed five features in different genres that have all won awards.

Why did you write "HER NAME WAS TUESDAY? And how long did it take you to write it?

wrote my first script CREATURES OF HABIT with the plan to shoot it independently in the town I grew up in, beautiful Des Plaines, IL.  Due to my lack of funds, actors, actresses, equipment, and a caterer, that dream never surfaced.  So the next idea was to write another comedy and see how it would do in screenplay competitions.  I took about 10 months penning HER NAME WAS TUESDAY and received some favorable reviews early which encouraged me to keep on writing.

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

When I come up with an idea for a story that I like, the first thing I do is write down a very basic outline.  Then I start to write down character ideas and try to figure out the ending.  It makes it easier to write when I know how the script ends from Day One.

I'll keep the story in my head and let my mind wander around it for a month or two and scribble down bits and pieces along the way. ( Taking a long walk, listening to classical music, or a night of stargazing tends to help )  If I think I have enough material at that point to complete an entertaining 90-page screenplay, then I'll finish it.

What inspires you to write?

Silent movies.  The work of Buster Keaton, or Clara Bow, or Lon Chaney, or Louise Brooks inspires me greatly.  I'd like my material to entertain audiences long after I'm gone the way their brilliant performances have.

I'm also inspired by the memories I have of my Grandpa Geno, the greatest storyteller I ever knew.

What influenced you to enter the Movie Script Contest?

The contest was listed with a good report card on Moviebytes.com and I like the fact that the winners are promoted to producers and agents.  I thought it could be helpful to get exposure from a contest located in California.  

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

Definitely.  Contests are a great way to gauge your work.  If you get poor reviews in everything you enter, you might want to consider tweaking out your material a little bit.  If you receive favorable reviews,they can help build up your resume' and possibly get you that all important script request from a producer/director/agency.  Research a contest before you enter it, because there are some scams out there.

Who is your favorite screenwriter or writer and why?

Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, I couldn't help but enjoy the work of John Hughes.  I've watched SIXTEEN CANDLES over 50 times.  Larry David is also a big influence.  

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

Be original.  Don't write Part 2, 3, or 4 of somebody else's movie.  And please don't write anything based on a video game or a 1960's TV show.  Also, when an idea comes to you, get it on paper immediately.  It helps to keep a pen and notebook nearby at all times or to own a cell phone with a recording device.

What’s next for you?

I plan to conquer the universe.  Preferably by late-April / early-May.  Oh, and I'm also close to completing my sixth feature script.