Interview with Tracy Sherwood, 1st Scene Script Winner for DEATH GRIP

The prize of having your script performed by professional actors was a huge incentive to enter the festival competition. That kind of presentation makes for a wonderful calling card to give industry pros. But it was the reputation and reviews for WILDsound that sealed the deal for me.

– Writer Tracy Sherwood on the WILDsound Experience

WATCH the 1st Scene Reading of DEATH GRIP

CAST LIST:

NARRATOR – Sean Ballantyne
Ben – Jim Canale
Sammy – Rob Salerno
Kat – Ida Jagaric
Jackie – Danielle Nicole
Shayna – Alissa DeGrazia

Interview with Tracy Sherwood:

1. What is your screenplay about?

“Death Grip” is the story of Kat Hartley, a female war hero home from Iraq returning to her life as a soccer mom while struggling with PTSD.

“Death Grip” will be published as an e-novel in early 2015.

2. Why should this script be made into a movie?

More female soldiers are coming home to the expectation of resuming their roles as mothers and caretakers. Yet, not much attention has been paid to their specific needs or pressures once off the battlefield and in their backyards.

3. How long have you been writing stories?

I have been writing stories since learning how to print in the first grade. But my breakout fiction was in fifth grade with “Ragtop the Clumsy Dog.” I got an A+ for that one. Hopefully, my writing’s improved in the years since because my handwriting certainly hasn’t.

4. What movie have you seen the most in your life?

It is probably a tie between “Gone With The Wind;” “Chinatown;” “The Graduate;” and “Network.” I’ll throw “Something’s Gotta Give” in there for good measure because it’s such a fun movie. However, I lose track after the 20-something viewing because when a film is truly layered it doesn’t matter how many times you’ve seen it. The 100th time feels like the first–you always find some new element that surprises and delights.

5. What artists would you love to work with?

There are so many talented artists that I would be thrilled to be invited to the dance by just about any one of them. In particular, I would like to work with Kathryn Bigelow.

6. How many stories/screenplays have you written?

I have written five feature film scripts, four short film scripts and about a dozen short stories/essays.

7. Ideally, where would you like to be in 5 years?

Directing.

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

My process is not having a process. However, a cup of PG Tips tea (2 bags) and the page is my oyster.

9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

My faith and my family.

trong>10. Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?

No matter how many reasons there are to not write today, it only takes one word plunked into your story to keep it going until tomorrow. Eventually these words will line up like a powerful army against excuses to fade out until you actually reach Fade Out.

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FIRST SCENE (first 10pgs) SCREENPLAY FESTIVAL Get your works showcased at 2015 festival events.
http://www.wildsound.ca/firstscenescreenplaycontest.html

– Submit the first stages of your film, get it performed at the festival, and get full feedback!

WATCH past 1st Scene Festival readings: