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Screenwriter Interviews
MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Daniel Leonetti
An interview with screenwriter Daniel Leonetti regarding the TrindieFest Writing Competition.
Q: What's the title of the script you entered in this contest, and what's it about?A: MOON OF POPPING TREES.
Logline: Sometimes a man has to go to war with an enemy to find a true friend.
This is the tragic tale of two men caught up in the bloody and brutal settlement of the Old West. An old Cheyenne Dog Soldier, Star in the Sky, brings young Cheyenne to the ranch of Tom Catty to run a last buffalo in 1920 Colorado. The buffalo are ranch pets, including an old bull named King Arthur. The last running of King Arthur nearly wrecks the ranch.
Through flashbacks, we come to experience the lost loves, bitter defeats and the heartbreaking redemption of these two old warriors. Moon of Popping Trees is based on true events, including the bloody Sand Creek Massacre, and is a lyrical statement in all that we have lost from our past.
A: I had previously won a Bronze and a Silver in this contest. I finally took the gold. I have not shopped or submitted this screenplay anyplace, but after a final polish I intend to submit the screenplay to certain contests.
Q: Were you satisfied with the administration of the contest? Did they meet their deadlines? Did you receive all the awards that were promised?A: Yes, Kirk and Julie were totally professional with this contest.
Q: How long did it take you to write the script? Did you write an outline beforehand? How many drafts did you write?A: I had to read numerous books to make sure I got the history correct for this particular story. I have been sitting on this script for years, hoping to be in a position to make it myself. I just recently entered this contest and won the Gold. Currently I am polishing the screenplay, based on additional scenes from the novel in progress.
Q: What kind of software did you use to write the script, if any? What other kinds of writing software do you use?A: MOVIE MAGIC
Q: Do you write every day? How many hours per day?A: I WRITE EVERY DAY FOR ABOUT THREE HOURS.
Q: Do you ever get writer's block? If so, how do you deal with that?A: I work through periods of block. If you stay at your desk long enough you will break through when the first sentence is finished.
Q: What's your background? Have you written any other screenplays or television scripts?A: I have finished ten scripts and one is currently in development.
Q: Do you live in Los Angeles? If not, do you have any plans to move there?A: I have no plans to move to LA. Colorado is inspiring enough.
Q: What's next? Are you working on a new script?A: I am working on a low budget road movie called Looking for Crazy Horse and a pair of epic novels.
Posted Wednesday, December 10, 2014
