Kevin Brodie

What initially drew you to screenwriting, and what keeps you passionate about the craft?

The broad answer is I grew up in a family with a love for books and films. As a result, filmmaking and writing was always an interest. But it wasn’t until about twenty years ago that I was attempting to write a novel, and I was struggling with the prose. So, I decided to plot out my novel using scene descriptions and dialogue. As I was reading I thought, ‘I’m basically writing a screenplay.” So I decided not to fight it. I have since written six more screenplays. I find it be a joyful way to write and tell stories.

Can you walk us through your creative process when developing a screenplay?

The method I have settled on after years of trial and error: decide on an idea and write the first draft from the heart. Don’t worry about structure, don’t worry about the act breaks, etc. Just get the story out of you. After treating myself to something nice for completing a first draft (affirmation is so important), I use a story analysis method taught by one of my reading teachers. That allows me to go in and configure the structure. I find if you write the first draft with structure in mind, you are more likely to get stuck and never complete your first draft.

Where do you find inspiration for your stories, and how do you decide which ideas to pursue?

There isn’t any one place. Sometimes from news articles, sometimes from personal experiences, sometimes people I meet who inspire a character. I tend not to decide on an idea. It tends to decide on me–if it won’t let me sleep or focus on anything else, then that’s clearly an idea that needs to be developed. It’s insisting upon it, in fact.

What has been the most rewarding project you've worked on so far, and why?

Probably my full length play, “Invincible Summer.” It received a full production last year, and I had the privilege of working with a splendid director and a dedicated and talented cast. We had a terrific turnout, and lots of positive feedback.

Screenwriting can be a tough industry—how do you handle challenges and setbacks?

If you do any form of professional writing, it’s tough with challenges and setbacks. You have to first accept this is the reality. I think the other strategy is having lots of irons in the fire. I have had two of my screenplays optioned, and neither ended up being produced. That’s heartbreaking, but I am also a playwright, and I have had five of my plays produced. Those successes keep me going through the setbacks.

In your experience, what makes a screenplay truly stand out to industry professionals?

I’m not sure I’m the person who is best qualified to answer this question! Most industry professionals are looking for a great elevator pitch they know they can sell. While I am proud of many of my screenplays, and feel the quality is generally high, they tend to be more of the low budget indie variety. There is a niche for those types of films, but it is hard to find someone to back those types of projects. I think they are generally viewed as high risk, low reward.

Are there any particular themes or messages you always strive to include in your work?

Many of my stories tend to involve trauma and how that shapes an individual. I think that’s a good source for drama and conflict, but I think also makes characters relatable. Most of us have struggled with trauma, and most of us have experience in handling it poorly. I think trying to treat each other with kindness and respect is something we are not very good at (in general) and many of my stories are a plea for us to do a better job of hearing each other.

How do you see the future of storytelling evolving, and what excites you most about it?

I think the rise of digital platforms is something I find exciting, because it is now easier to get your work in front of other people. Previously, you might have a film play at a festival, fail to land a distribution deal, and that’s it. Now, there are so many conduits to watch a film on line, your film has a chance to find a broader audience, and can be carried by word of mouth.

What advice would you give to aspiring screenwriters looking to break into the industry?

It depends on what part of the industry they want to be a part of. Do they want to write studio films? Do they want to produce their own independent films? Decide what kind of writer you are and then find the best way to get there. There are lots of opportunities for both approaches. It won’t be easy, it will be a lot of hard work, and it will likely require an investment of both time and money. But it can be done. The walls are there for people who don’t want it bad enough.

What's next for you? Are there any upcoming projects or goals you're excited about?

There are two. One of my short plays is being featured at a play festival this summer, and has a chance to win a couple of awards. I am also writing and producing a short film with a friend. I also acted in a short film last fall, and am looking forward to seeing that!

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