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Video Pitch for the Dramatic Short Story SPIRITS FOR LEOTA:
Get to know writer Lisa Johnson Mitchell:
1. What is your story about?
The pain of grief. The power of love. And when we lose someone to death, while it is a reality, it still seems unreal long after the loved one has passed.
2. Why should do people need to read/watch this story?
My hope is that whoever has lost will have a catharsis, and hurt just a little bit less. They will know that others have felt their pain, too, and they are not alone.
3. How long have you been writing stories?
I have been writing stories since my early 20s. I started in college then moved to New York City where I studied with a lot of great teachers, i.e. Kaylie Jones, the daughter of James Jones who penned “From Here to Eternity.”
4. What movie have you seen the most in your life?
“Annie Hall” by Woody Allen. I cottoned to the neurotic humor and tragedy of his characters while in high school. He is a genius.
5. What artists would you love to work with?
The playwright Christopher Durang and Woody Allen. Carrie Brownstein and Fred Armisen from “Portlandia.”
6. How many stories have you written?
Including plays, screenplays and fiction upwards of 15 or 20? I would have to get into my Mamaw’s cedar chest to dig them all out. I am sure there are more!
7. Ideally, where would you like to be in 5 years?
I would like to be a published author and a writer who is paid to write stories, not ads/blogs, etc.
8. Describe your process; do you have a set routine, method for writing?
Yes, I get up, drink my coffee, meditate, and then dive in. Stop for lunch, then go to the gym, then come back to finish up the day. I also dictate into my phone story ideas or details on existing stories while I am out and about. I have a step-daughter so I can instantly get pulled out of this routine but for the most part, this is my process.
9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
Comedy, films, and music. Helping the less fortunate. Giving of my time and resources to the needy.
10. What influenced you to enter the WILDsound Festival?
It looked very exciting and innovative, i.e. the recording of work. How amazing! Also, the potential of agents seeing/reading//hearing my work.
11. Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?
Never, never, never give up. I think Churchill said that.
WILDsound Festival 