Watch Video Pitch for FEI JI:
Get to know writer James C. Peters:
1. What is your story about?
Fei Ji is Mandarin for “Flying Machine.” It chronicles the adventures of a young Chinese American who is recruited by the President of China to take a Curtiss biplane to China in 1911 in hopes of being the first pilot and building the first aerial force there.
2. Why should people know about yourself and your story?
People should know about Fei Ji it is a fascinating allegory of pioneering events in China, just as the stories of the exploits of pioneers like the Wright Brothers and Glenn Curtiss fascinate Americans.
3. How long have you been writing stories?
I’ve been writing stories since I was a kid, and began writing my first screenplay 11 years ago.
4. What movie have you seen the most in your life?
Movies I’ve enjoyed the most include Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Hoax, The Hurricane, Catch Me If You Can, Empire of the Sun, Beyond the Sea, Papillon, Schindler’s List, Elizabeth, Shine, Chaplin, Son of God, Valkyrie, Heartland, Silence of the North, The Pianist, Playing for Time, Amazing Grace, The Last Emperor, Lincoln, Chocolat, The Prestige, Master and Commander, Glory, and so many more.
5. Who would you like to collaborate with on a creative project?
I would love to colloborate on a screenwriting project with Chrys Balis, my UCLA instructor and mentor.
6. How many stories/screenplays have you written?
I have written nine screenplays, a miniseries, and several webisodes.
7. What motivated you to write this story?
I wrote Fei Ji because the story is fascinating, the characters are wonderful, and it was a turbulent and interesting time in the history of China. Also, a Chinese woman contacted me about writing such a screenstory about her father, who she claimed was the first Chinese pilot there.
8. Describe your process; do you have a set routine, method for writing?
My process for creating a screenstory is very methodical, a process that I teach in college screenwriting courses. I begin with a strong concept, something that would appeal to film producers and the public. Then I write a logline, expand to a rough beatsheet, flesh out a complete beatsheet, including supporting story threads, develop detailed character profiles–and then write, revise, revise, polish…
9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
Aside from screenwriting, I’m passionate about taking care of my best friend–my wife!
10. What influenced you to have your story made into a video pitch?
I think it would be neat to use such a pitching tool for introducing the script to interested film producers. It’s a great service that Wild Sound Festival offers!
11. Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?
My advice to other screenwriters: Learn the craft thoroughly before shopping your work. Take screenwriting courses, learn to generate high-concept story ideas, focus on truly fascinating characters, and write, write, write. Build a portfolio, judge screenwriting contests, write coverage for film producers and writers, work for a film company, and learn the biz with joy!
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