Christopher Willis
What initially drew you to screenwriting, and what keeps you passionate about the craft?
I was initially drawn to screenwriting after spending five years writing a novel. I had too many stories I wanted to tell and screenwriting provided a more expedient pathway. Also I am a very visual person which fits well with writing screenplays.
Can you walk us through your creative process when developing a screenplay?
My creative process can begin anywhere. A dream. A news report. A book. From the initial idea I develop the story, the world, and the characters. Then the first draft. Then at least 8-12 rewrites. Put it away. Get feedback. Then more rewrites. It seems there is always room for improvement.
Where do you find inspiration for your stories, and how do you decide which ideas to pursue?
Inspiration can come from people I meet. Dreams. Books I read. Current events. Once I’m hooked the creative process begins and decisions are made. I often ask myself is this idea (scene, character trait, concept) extreme enough to make it worth the investment.
What has been the most rewarding project you've worked on so far, and why?
Say His Name, the piece that won the Cambridge competition was the most socially relevant and rewarding piece to date.
Screenwriting can be a tough industry—how do you handle challenges and setbacks?
I manage the toughness of the film industry by maintaining low expectations. The most rewarding part of the process is completing the script to a point where I am happy. Contest wins/placements are a bonus. Selling the work a dream.
In your experience, what makes a screenplay truly stand out to industry professionals?
Lately, I would say the factors that make a script standout (especially a spec script) are brevity, contained settings, limited casts, which is to say low budget.
Are there any particular themes or messages you always strive to include in your work?
Most of my scripts tend to be about regular people in extraordinary circumstances.
How do you see the future of storytelling evolving, and what excites you most about it?
While I have written a number of expansive, high budget scripts, I find the demand for low budget, contained screenplays to be an exciting challenge.
What advice would you give to aspiring screenwriters looking to break into the industry?
Advice? Enjoy writing. Enjoy telling a good story. Try to manage your way through the rest of it.
What's next for you? Are there any upcoming projects or goals you're excited about?
Next for me: I am working on a contained screenplay about two men stuck in a mansion on a remote island. Also marketing Say His Name.