Interviews

The Spec Script Library

Screenwriter : Jim Yoakum

Between times
in NYC, LA and London
Jim Yoakum lives in Atlanta, GA, USA. Why?

"it's where I keep all my stuff!"

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What is your passion?

Writing and reading and, in a personal sense, my wife.

What is your pride?

The fact that I haven't ever said "I quit."

What is your greatest fear?

That I will say "I quit."

What does adversity do to you?

Pisses me off.

What is your best quality?

I'm sensitive and honesty and have a good sense of humor.

What is your worst quality?

I'm boorish and crooked and thick as a brick.

What irksome habits do you have?

Filling out questionnaires. I can't help it, I'm drawn to them.

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

I'd live it without ever saying the word "semprini."

What would you like to change about yourself?

My pants.

About others?

Their pants.

How important is goal setting to you?

Without a goal you are merely shuffling papers.

What goals do you have?

To become a better and more successful writer, husband and friend.

What is your ultimate goal?

To get out of life alive.

What heroes do you have?

Methusula. John Lennon. God.

What inspires you in others?

Everyday bravery.

What inspires you in yourself?

The fact that I ask "why."

What will be written on your headstone?

"Gone To Lunch."

What does success mean to you?

The ability to do what I want. To help others do what they want.

How do you measure success?

One day at a time.

What are your pet hates?

People who say "verbage" when they mean "verbiage",
producers who think they are writers.

What are your pet loves?

People who recognize a good idea,
People who suggest good ideas, when people in charge say
"yes."

What do you think of pets?

I love animals.
Especially with a bit of broccoli on the side.

When are you happiest?

Creating a new script, having sex (or creating a sexy story.)

When are you hardest to please?

I'm fairly easy to please. Usually.

What has been your most embarrassing moment?

I embarrass myself daily.

What's the most exhilarating thing you have done?

Being writing partners
with the late Graham Chapman of Monty Python
was pretty darn exhilarating.

What is it about screen writing that gets your fired?

Fired or fired-up?
What gets me "fired-up" is when a script is so hot it's writing itself.
I guess what could get me "fired" is if
I moon the producer.

What screenplays have you written?

Many unproduced, and many now under option. Watch for the short,
"The Complainer" coming soon to cable and a documentary based on my book "Graham Crackers."

What is your favorite pastime?

Building box girder bridges.

What is your favorite motto?

"It's on his tab."

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If you would like to contact Jim
please mail him

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