Mixed Media in The Park Bench
Writer and Director Ann LeSchander discusses the inspiration for her first feature film, the challenges of mixing live action with animation, and the importance of practising your pitch.
By Michelle Houle. In Ann LeSchander’s first feature film The Park Bench, the classics of American Literature serve as a backdrop to the main characters’ romance. Mateo and his tutor, Emily, are assigned to work together by the university. As they pore over the works of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Edith Wharton, they reveal their […]
From Short to Feature: Phantom Halo
Antonia Bogdanovich and Anne Heffron discuss the influence of Shakespeare, the hardest scenes to write, and the joys of having a writing partner.
By Michelle Houle. Phantom Halo was adapted from Antonia Bogdanovich’s short film, My Left Hand Man (available to watch at the end of this article), after longtime writing partners Bogdanovich and Anne Heffron were inspired to expand the short into a feature film. A gritty LA film noir, Phantom Halo, follows brothers Samuel and Beckett who […]
Tenured: One-Upping the Script
Chris Modoono discusses directing his own material, the challenges of adaptation, and the differences between writing for film and for television.
By Michelle Houle. Tenured, penned by Chris Modoono and Gil Zabarsky, premiered at the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival this past April. The film tells the story of depressed, elementary school teacher Ethan Collins, who is forced to direct the school play as punishment for his poor performance. But inspired by his wife’s recent departure, Collins […]
“I don’t think anyone works harder than writers.” Salvador Paskowitz and The Age of Adaline
Salvador Paskowitz discusses his new film, screenwriting heroes, and writing strong female characters.
By Michelle Houle. Salvador Paskowitz grew up on a beach in California. The son of surfing legend Dorian “Doc” Paskowitz, Salvador was raised in a 12-foot camper, which was shared by his two parents, seven brothers, and one sister. Surfwise, the 2007 documentary, featured Salvador’s family and upbringing. The NY Times described the Paskowitz family […]
Creative Control Among the Chaos: Writing for Saturday Night Live
Chris Kelly talks about his work as a writer on Saturday Night Live, Broad City, Funny or Die, and The Onion News Network.
By Michelle Houle. Chris Kelly joined the writing staff of Saturday Night Live in September 2011. During his tenure on the show, Kelly has written “(Do It On My) Twin Bed”, “The Beygency”, “Dyke and Fats”, “Wishin’ Boot”, amongst others. For the music video sketch, “(Do It On My) Twin Bed”, Kelly received an Emmy […]
