Interviews

The Spec Script Library

Screenwriter : Ray Chatelin

Ray lives in Vancouver, Canada.
(Don't be confused by the U.S. address on his screenplay listings.
The border - and post office - is just minutes away. )

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Why do you live where you live?

I often ask myself that question.
It rains too much and it's expensive. But, there's a sweetness in the air
that I have never found anywhere else.
It's home to me now.

What is your passion?

Many, depending on the time, the day, the month.
Film, writing, Mozart, golf, tennis, travel,
meeting people.

What is your pride?

My wife. How was I so lucky?

What is your greatest fear?

Of becoming complacent.

What does adversity do to you?

After an initial period of re-evaluation, it hardens my resolve.

What is your best quality?

My sense of loyalty to the people I know.

What is your worst quality?

Impatience (See: "best quality").

What irksome habits do you have?

None.They're all perfectly suited to me.
My wife, of course, might offer a different opinion.

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

A whole novel could be written on this question.
Options are available.

What would you like to change about yourself? About others?
Taller, with more hair. Everyone else would be shorter.

How important is goal setting to you?

Goals mean focusing on specific objectives. I'd be lost without them.

What goals do you have?

Write the best damned screenplay possible and to lower my golf handicap.

What is your ultimate goal?

To maintain respect of colleagues and friends in my professional and personal lives. And to live the life that I want. Just like everyone else.

What heroes do you have?

Many. At the top of my list is my father who persevered under conditions
that tested him daily until his death at the age of 82.

What inspires you in others?

Healthy attitudes, a sense of commitment.

What inspires you in yourself?

My focus.

What will be written on your headstone?

He knew his limitations, but managed to ignore them.

What does success mean to you?

Liking myself and what I do.

How do you measure success?

I don't have the slightest idea.

What are your pet hates?

A lack of character in people.

What are your pet loves?

Opera, big dogs, and warm, summer days with a golf course
that has a vacant tee-time when I want it.

What do you think of pets?

Love 'em.

When are you happiest?

When I'm with my wife.

When are you hardest to please?

When reading my own material.

What has been your most embarrassing moment?

You think I'm going to tell? Get a life.

What's the most exhilarating thing you have done?

Parachuting.

What is it about screen writing that gets your fired?

The thought that this just might end up on the screen.

What screenplays have you written?

Three are finished, two are Holyland and
Wolves At The Door. Another was a winner at the Telluride IndieFest.
I'm currently working on two others
and a television series.

What is your favorite pastime?

Golfing, tennis, hiking, bicycling.

What is your favorite motto?

"I am the infinite sea,
and all worlds are but grains of sand upon my shore."

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If you would like to contact Ray
please mail him

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