Interviews

The Spec Script Library

Screenwriter : Eric Stanley

Eric Stanley currently works as an Industrial Engineer . . .
until of course some lucky agent or producer takes the time to read
'Embrasure'

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What is your passion?

I love all that is film: cinematography, directing, acting.
I'm also a scratch golfer.

What is your pride?

My college degree in engineering and my screenwriting.

What is your greatest fear?

Anonymity. And mediocrity.

What does adversity do to you?

Nothing focuses the mind more than adversity.

What is your best quality?

My ability to learn and apply that knowledge.

What is your worst quality?

My sometimes over-dedication to the project at hand.
Sleepless nights are common when the juices are flowing.

What irksome habits do you have?

I sometimes find it difficult to concentrate on anything else
when I have an idea brewing.

If you could have your time again, what would you do that is different?

I would have studied film in high school and college.
It would have made the transition to screenwriting much easier.

How important is goal setting to you?

Goals are very important to me. Before I begin any new project,
I lay out a detailed schedule with milestones.

What goals do you have?

To become an integral part of the filmmaking process.

What is your ultimate goal?

My ultimate goal is to produce films.

What heroes do you have?

I admire Orson Welles, Spielberg, Lucas - all the hardworking outsiders
that achieved greatness against all odds.

What inspires you in others?

Passion merged with discipline.

What inspires you in yourself?

My ability to recognize quality in film and people.

What will be written on your headstone?

He died with his boots on. Big, expensive boots.

What does success mean to you?

Staying true to my goals.

How do you measure success?

Setting AND achieving personal goals.

What are your pet hates?

Lack of common sense.

What are your pet loves?

Unrelenting desire.

What do you think of pets?

I have 3 ferrets. Cricket, Bubba, and Monkey. They're great little critters.

When are you hardest to please?

When I'm working for myself.

What has been your most embarrassing moment?

I backed my dad's jeep over our mailbox. While he was in the passenger seat.

What's the most exhilarating thing you have done?

When I wrote FADE OUT at the end of my first screenplay.
It was truly a wonderful moment.

What is it about screenwriting that gets your fired?

The challenge of the perfect scene, one that flows from beginning to end and fits like a jigsaw piece in the structure of the whole.

What screenplays have you written?

One of my screenplays, 'Embrasure' was featured in The Writers Showcase,
a quarterly publication dedicated to professional screenplays.

What is your favorite pastime?

I love to play golf.

What is your favorite motto?

Be true to your passion, for only that can bring you joy AND success.

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If you would like to contact Eric Stanley
please mail him

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