Interview:

Barry Leach is a Brit who has lived in Istanbul, Turkey, for 13 years. He teaches English at Kadir Has University. Also he has acted in several TV commercials, a Turkish film and many English language theater shows.

Is “Sisters in Arms” your first script? If not, what else have you completed?

It was my first script. However, I have since completed another four feature film scripts and one TV comedy pilot.

Why did you write “Sisters in Arms”? And how long did it take you to write it?

Many Brits sneer at the French for having surrendered to the Nazis in WWII and mock them for having had collaborators in their midst, but the thing that initially saved Britain from this fate was a thin stretch of water. I knew that the Germans had occupied the British Channel Islands and so I wanted to tell a story where the hero’s enemies were her compatriots. I also wanted there to be sympathetic Germans among the characters, just to stick the genre on its head.

It took me a few weeks to research life on the islands during this period. The writing took me no more than four weeks but the rewriting, one of the most enjoyable aspects of screenwriting, has taken a lot longer!

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

I’m a great believer in planning and I won’t type “FADE IN:” until I think I have plot, character and theme all mapped out. This might take me a month or two. Then I can put down the first draft in 2-3 weeks.

What inspires you to write?

My other screenplays have all included a psychological element, because I’m interested in the malfunctioning brain as an antagonist.

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

When I’m not reading novels or history books, I spend my time working for my local theater group.

What influenced you to enter the Movie Script Contest?

I was drawn to this contest because it gives feedback on all entries and feedback is the only way to improvement and then, hopefully, success.

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

Very worthwhile. For someone like me who doesn’t live in the US, these contests could prove to be the springboard into the industry. Also, like this contest, some give feedback to help push your script up another level.

Who is your favorite screenwriter or writer and why?

I’d have to plump for Charlie Kaufman or the Nolan brothers for their originality of concept, plot and structure. If I could write a quarter as well as them, I’d be very happy.

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

Do courses, read books, buy screenwriting DVD’s. Then get feedback from a writers’ group. After that, pay money to a consultant for feedback. Then enter screenwriting contests that give feedback and rewrite accordingly. Then enter the big contests. Finally, and only after going through these steps, should you think about contacting agents or production companies.

What’s next for you?

I have a rewriting schedule that’ll take me through February. Then I’ll continue entering more contests for more feedback. I have a few ideas for more movies but I’ll keep them on the back-burner until my others are as ready as I can make them.