"Making it"—Independently
A Screenplay Systems exclusive interview with award-winning,
independent filmmakers Monice Mitchell & Ryeal Simms

What specific void has Dramatica Pro fulfilled when you are developing your ideas and/or scripts?

Monice—For me, Dramatica Pro is an invaluable tool, especially in the beginning phases of developing an idea for a script. The program forces me to answer tough questions and make me really think about my story from the inside out - before I write a thing. It's an objective consultant and it has no allegiance to me. Its only allegiance is to the story.

What Dramatica Pro features do you depend on most? What features do you ignore?

Monice— I am fairly new to the program and haven't discovered or used all of the Dramatica Pro features yet. But I'd have to say that I have been drawn mostly to the character feature of the program, because my stories are usually strong character driven pieces. This feature helps me really figure out who the folks are in my film and how they connect to and affect each other.

On the opposite token, I've steered clear of the Theme browser. Right now, it's a little too advanced for me.

What has Dramatica Theory taught you in terms of structuring your ideas and/or story?

Ryeal—Unlike Monice - who is the true writer of this partnership - I consider myself a structuralist. Being exposed to Dramatica Pro's theory feature has improved my natural skills. And now I know more about how ideas connect and impact a story structurally.

How do you foresee Dramatica Pro being the perfect writing partner in your two careers as filmmakers?

Monice—I am a writer, who directs and produces. So for me, Dramatica Pro is a great tool, because it makes me think - really think - about what my story is and what I'm trying to say as a writer. Nothing beats bouncing ideas off another person, but before you do that, I think it's best that you personally take your story to the limit and learn your story inside out. Dramatica Pro is helping me become a better storyteller and it will continue to help me for years to come.

Ryeal—As I said before, I'm a structuralist, but I am also a storyteller. When I direct, I tell stories, so it would only benefit me to learn as much about writing as possible. Dramatica Pro allows me to improve my storytelling skills at my own pace and that in turn, improves my skills as a director.

What does winning Showtime's Black Filmmakers Showcase mean to both of you career wise?

Monice—I hope RAIN will serve as another example of my skills as a writer and director. And I hope RAIN will lead to other projects. We've worked on this film since 1998 and we have survived the ups and downs that come with independent production. In my heart, I believe it has all been worth it. Now all we need is for others to feel the same.

Ryeal—I believe RAIN is an excellent example of not only my skills as a producer, but also of our company, Flower Girl Productions, Inc.'s ability to get something done by any means necessary. We hope that the success of this film leads to other projects, but if companies don't come knocking, Monice and I will do what we have always done -- Do it ourselves.

What is RAIN about and when will it air on Showtime?

Monice—RAIN is a love story between a marine a his wife, which is set in Detroit--the city that China has targeted for nuclear attack. It's a half-hour short and the marine is trying to get to his wife before it is too late.

The script was based on a three-line poem I wrote five years ago. The image of a man and woman embracing stuck in my head and when we won the grant for this film, I took that image and expanded it. Ryeal came up with the backdrop--China and the U.S. conflict--and we were off and running.

RAIN is scheduled to premiere on Showtime this summer.

How was Movie Magic Screenwriter helpful during the screenwriting of RAIN?

Monice—Invaluable. Movie Magic Screenwriting program is the most writer friendly program I have ever used. I wrote all drafts of RAIN with Movie Magic. I used it for my next screenplay and I'm using it now. I won't use anything else.

Ryeal—Movie Magic Screenwriter was invaluable for me as well, but for different reasons. As the producer of RAIN, I needed to be able to work with a program that was simple, adaptable and quick to changes. Movie Magic Screenwriter was all that and more.

What positive comments do you have for Movie Magic Screenwriter?

Monice—Not to be repetitive--But I won't use any other screenwriting program. Movie Magic Screenwriter is the perfect fit for any writer/independent filmmaker. I highly recommend it.

What advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers who would like to follow in your footsteps?

Monice—My first piece of advice is that you can't really follow in anyone's footsteps. You have to find your own path. A lot of times, people tell you that in order to "make" it, you have to do this or that. I disagree. The ways of making it are so diverse, that it would be a disservice to someone if I break it down point by point, because that may not work for them. All I can say is that in this business, you have to decide who you are and what you want to do, because if you don't, someone else will decide for you. This industry is so quick to put artists in boxes. The only way to prevent that is to do what you do. If you're a director--direct. A writer? Write. It's that simple.

Ryeal—My biggest piece of advice to anyone wanting to break into the film business is leave your ego at the door. I am a big advocate of paying your dues, interning and working for free. Everyone who's anyone has been a production assistant for no money or worked as an apprentice under someone to get his foot in the door. It's not about money. It's about--What have you done? Don't come into the situation asking for money. Get the experience and then ask for money on the other jobs down the line. That's how it works.

Are you currently working on your next film project?

Monice—I recently completed my feature script, Peace--a coming-of-age story of a 13-year-old girl soccer player and spelling prodigy. And I am currently using Dramatica to flesh out a second feature that's too good to talk about. If I can help, I want to concentrate on writing for awhile. That's my first love.

Ryeal—I am scheduled to direct a sci-fi thriller, Double Gangers, in Detroit. We are re-writing Cold Blooded--a short thriller film I am going to direct and I'm also writing a feature screenplay, Girlfriend/Boyfriend on Movie Magic Screenwriter, of course.

What other project are on your agenda?

Ryeal—We are very excited about a new organization we recently started called Synergy AFG (Actors Filmmakers Group). It's a collection of actors and filmmakers who have come together to shoot, produce and distribute digital short films. The group, which I'm finding is pretty unique, was born out of my impatience of waiting for projects to come through. I wanted to create a group that could keep actors and filmmakers busy while they're waiting for the next project. This is a group where actors and filmmakers don't have to wait for someone to give them a project to work on. We create our own and use them to exercise our muscles and hone our craft.

So far, we've shot two shorts, What Had Happened Was and The Messenger. This is only the beginning.

Monice—We're also still doing writing seminars. A few years ago, we successfully held two writing seminars in my hometown, Detroit, and we are scheduled to teach two seminars in August in Bakersfield, CA. Movie Magic was kind enough to sponsor screenwriting programs for both seminars. We were able to introduce the important product to a new audience of Detroit writers. Ironically, most of them had never heard of the screenwriting program. We hope to continue with Movie Magic with our upcoming seminars.

Also, we recently shot a public service announcement, Power--which Ryeal wrote and directed. The 60-second P.S.A. speaks out against guns on school campuses and it is schedule to air on local television and on Black Entertainment Televisions and Nickelodeon soon.

Ryeal—We're also developing a movie camp for students 5^th through 9^th grade. We want to teach kids the true nuts and bolts of filmmaking—pre-production, production, post-production, marketing and distribution. Most times, young people only see the director and actors and they think that is all there is to filmmaking. We want to expose them to the entire industry. Currently, we are seeking sponsorship to produce the movie camp.

Monice—Is that it?

Ryeal—That's it.

Biographies

Monice Mitchell
Writer/Director/Producer

Writing since the age of seven, Monice has penned and is directing RAIN--her debut independent film for Showtime Network Inc. RAIN, which is scheduled to premiere on Showtime in Summer 2001, marks Monice's fifth success as both writer and director.

While pursuing her journalism career, Monice expanded her creative energies on the stage and small screen with her award-winning piece about troubled teens, Stop the Great War. First presented as a play in high school and college, Monice later rewrote and produced Stop the Great War for public television. She later wrote, directed, and produced two short poetry music videos which both won awards and paved the way for her next film, Carmin's Choice.

Lauded as a raw and brilliant look at female ex-convicts' struggle to stay on the right path, Carmin's Choice won Monice the esteemed honor of Showtime's Black Filmmaker of the Year. With that honor, Monice was given a grant to write, produce and direct another short feature for the Showtime Network.

Currently, Monice--who freelances for DGA Magazine and others--is writing the feature script, Peace and she's also producing the independent film, Cold Blooded. Recently, she produced her partner, Ryeal Simms' public service announcement, Power, for Magic Johnson Theatres and television.

Ryeal Simms
Directory/Producer/Writer

A writer, director and producer since he first picked up a super 8 camera in his early teens, Ryeal is producing RAIN--a love story set during the last five hours of the world. In months to follow, he is set to direct the independent science fiction feature, Double Gangers, and Cold Blooded.

Ryeal's beginnings as a director premiered on the small screen with numerous projects, including L.A.'s Inside Out T.V. Show's coverage of the Soul Train Music Awards and Soul Train's Lady of Soul Awards. He also directed Erleen's Gospel TV-Showcase and music videos for the Mandrill's and Moe Z's Funking in the Key of Z before he made the leap to the big screen.

Ryeal's first major film project as a director was Office Party--a Dreamworks Employee Film Festival production. The comedy is currently in post-production. Recently, Ryeal directed The ABC's of Health, a series of children videos for Paramount, and he produced the independent drama, When the Time Comes. Ryeal, who also does voice over work, recently wrote and directed Power, a public service announcement. He also recently produced RAIN, a Showtime Showcase film, which will premiere in Summer 2001 and he is gearing up to direct Double Gangers and Cold Blooded.

____________________________________________________________
Interview by Reggie Resino