Interviews

The Spec Script Library

Screenwriter : Genie Davis

Genie originally moved to LA to do graduate school,
but instead started her own business:
corporate media

Now she lives in
Redondo Beach, California

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What is your passion?

Absolutely writing.

What is your pride?

Writing, my kids.

What is your greatest fear?

Being boring. Or worse yet, boring myself.

What does adversity do to you?

Makes me stubborn.

What is your best quality?

As a writer -- very fast, very prolific. Started writing screenplays just about a year ago and have two completed, two in progress.
As a person - empathy.

What is your worst quality?

Impatience. Self absorption.

What irksome habits do you have?

Oh, none. I'm perfect. <G> My kids think so, especially when I allow them to stay up past their bedtime and watch "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."

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

Start writing sooner! So many stories, so little time.

What would you like to change about yourself?

Part of me wants to answer, slow down, be happy, something hokey like
'stop and smell the roses.' The other part wants to say, be more efficient.
Work harder.

How important is goal setting to you?

Oh, very.

What goals do you have?

Professionally, well, of course to start getting produced. Personally, to go back to Paris; and learn to enjoy a good round of 'Candyland.' This month, to write a really good draft of the script I'm currently working on. This week, to remember to invoice those pesky clients who won't pay me unless I tell them to do so. Tonight, to get the kids in bed in time for me to watch "Party of Five" and have a nice glass of Glenlivet.

What is your ultimate goal?

Write. Sell what I write. See what I write produced. Make a fine living at this.

What heroes do you have?

Batman. My kids' teachers.

What inspires you in others?

Humor. Intelligence.

What inspires you in yourself?

Humor. Intelligence.

What will be written on your headstone?

Hurry Up!

What does success mean to you?

Liking what I do professionally and personally.

How do you measure success?

Professionally: enough money to live on without scrounging, earned from doing something I really love. Personally: Happy children. Happy husband. Happy friends. Everybody happy, happy, happy. You know within reason.

What are your pet hates?

Stupidity. Interuptions. People who make facile statements about everybody being happy all the time (oops. that would be me.)

What are your pet loves?

Ocean front amusement parks. A good bar band. Staying up very late when everyone else is asleep. Margueritas on a hot day by a swimming pool. Talking to my best friends. Talking to my husband. Telling stories. Telling jokes that make everybody laugh and tell me how clever I am. Fried jalapenos. A good bowl of fresh grated parmesan cheese. Coca colas. Watching "Lost World" with my children. Old "Miami Vice" reruns. Running things.

What do you think of pets?

I have three cats. I normally love 'em. Unless they've been real busy over night puking and pooping outside the litter boxes.

When are you happiest?

Ah. The children are doing art projects, on their own, delightfully clever ones, and not making a mess. I am writing perfect prose, first draft even. There's a decent amount of money, there's a wonderful meal that I didn't cook on the table, friends are over and they've all brought wine.

When are you hardest to please?

The children are spilling paint on the floor and screaming! Everything I write sucks! I'm broke and the food from McDonalds is cold! My friends are over whining about their own lives.

What has been your most embarrassing moment?

You know, I can't think of one. I guess I'm not easily embarressed. Can think of pathetic, or appalling moments. But you didn't ask about them, thank God.

What's the most exhilarating thing you have done?

Having my kids.

What is it about screen writing that gets your fired?

Feeling I know the people I've written...they've taken over.
(the script, not me. )

What screenplays have you written?

Finished:

1. Caper dramedy 2. Female buddy picture

About to be finished:

3. Murder mystery with supernatural elements

4. Search for hidden treasure with a modern day tracy and hepburn schtick.

What is your favorite pastime?

Nothing that can be said and rated PG - 13

What is your favorite motto?

"Oh Well."

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If you would like to contact Genie
please mail her

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