Screenplay.com Interview with John August

John August (Screenwriter, Director and Producer) attended the USC School of Cinema, earning a MFA degree from the Peter Stark program. Since writing and co-producing the 1999 feature film Go, he has been busy with a multitude of different projects beginning with Titan A.E. and then moving on to projects including the current box office smash, Charlie's Angels. John also penned Jurassic Park III, another highly anticipated film due in theaters Summer 2001. Other future films projects include How to Eat Fried Worms and Barbarella. We were very fortunate to have John take the time out of his busy schedule and participate in this month's Screenplay Scoop interview.

SSI: Why do you write?

John: Writing gives me an opportunity to create a second world. I can both create and carry that world in my head. Bringing that "world" alive, by adding emotions and human experiences in my head and on paper is something very important to me.

SSI: What type of characters interest you?

John: First, I try to create characters that are interesting to myself. Characters you really want to get to know, and would want to spend time with. The ladies in Charlie's Angels are SUPER Women -- the word "awesome" could even be applied. But underneath, they are interesting and very likable; in a messed up, really fun way.

SSI: What makes your style as a writer unique?

John: Once I worked as a reader at Tri-Star Pictures, and the valuable experience of doing that kind of work was learning and recognizing what works and what doesn't work script wise. There is a lot of boring stuff that comes across a reader's desk, but also a lot of excellent material as well. As a screenwriter, I think I do a good job at laying the blueprint and presenting the script as a visual sales tool for a good movie trailer. I focus on establishing the feel of the movie on paper in order to sell it and make sure the script or screenplay is fun or uplifting to read - but never sacrificing the quality of the story. A lot of screenwriters tend to underwrite or under appreciate their scripts.

SSI: How did the Charlie's Angels project come about?

John: I was asked to come aboard when Drew Barrymore came on as one of the film producers. At that point, the first script had already been written. It was originally written as an intense action comedy. Being a fan of the show, I wanted to bring back the feel of the original television series, something more recognizable that fans like myself could identify with, but would also draw a new audience. My contribution brought in some really interesting scenarios, new plots and twists. Overall, I wanted to set a certain tone, humor and character of writing a movie with three Heroes, a Boss, and Villains.

SSI: What was your most memorable experience as writer of Charlie's Angels?

John: There were actually two: (A) Turning in that first rewrite and knowing we had found a story angle and tone for the film that works! (B) After production, watching only one hour of edited scenes and knowing the film was going to work!

SSI: What advice would you give to budding screenwriters?

John: Write for yourself first. Write and create stories you would want to see. Write stories and experiences you are aware of, things you know about. Write stories that you would pay your last meal money to see. All too often, writers produce scripts and stories they "think" will sell, or that they think have "commercial value", and that they "think" people will want to buy. In doing so, they sacrifice their creativity and a part of themselves. First write for yourself, tell your story.