Exclusive Interview with Matt Lewis / Screenwriter
Matt Lewis is a screenwriter from London. He has a Masters Degree in Screenwriting from the London College of Communication. Matt also works in education and is currently a Deputy Head at a primary school. This year, Matt intends to make the transition to become a full-time writer. He mainly writes feature film screenplays and was recently a winner of the Big Apple Film Festival for his sci-fi feature Prodomica.
NY Glam: What projects are you currently working on?
I’m currently in the research and planning phase of two projects. One is a thriller and is set in and around American politics and the other is an idea for a TV show. I’ve also had a mad idea recently for a low-budget dance movie. That’s the problem – as soon as I settle on a project, I get excited by another idea.
NY Glam: What makes a film great for you? Are there certain qualities that make a film better for you?
I think, even in the worst films there are always things that you can see that are good qualities and are learning opportunities. But certainly, great films follow the rules of whatever genre they are based in. It all needs to make sense. I watched a film recently, where, in the final five minutes or so, the antagonist revealed that they had a gun. The gun came from nowhere. We had never seen the gun before! It was never revealed previously and it pulls you out of the narrative you’re trying to engage with. In the best films any reveals make total sense, even when the audience doesn’t see it coming.
NY Glam: As a screenwriter, what is the most important aspect of building a character?
Man, that is a good question. You should absolutely know what their intent is, what their main goal is and also know what obstacles they will be coming up against. I’ve never been one to write entire character histories full of minute details but I do know the type of characters they are in the story I’m telling and how their traits will impact and play on the challenges ahead for them.
NY Glam: How important is for you being a finalist at International Screenwriting Competition –ISC?
I’m always find it difficult to accept any sort of success or even self-publicize. Very recently, I’ve realized that being a finalist in a competition means recognition. My work has been recognized and that’s so important. If you’re a writer, a new writer, who is still plugging away at being successful, it’s certainly something that makes a huge difference. I’m proud to be a finalist and it’s genuinely an honor for ISC to recognize my work.
NY Glam: Top 3 favorite projects that you have been involved in?
I’m very proud of my last two feature film screenplays: Mavenmoon and Prodomica. They feel like a turning point for me in terms of being recognized. Mavenmoon is a drama based in the financial world and explores the cult of meme stocks. Prodomica is a sci-fi set in a futuristic hospital run by A.I. I think that one has hit a nerve with the onset of Covid-19. It has lots of themes that stand out because of Covid. It’s really strange, as I finished the first draft way before anyone in the world knew about Covid. It also has a really strong female lead which I loved writing. The third project would be a short film I wrote and produced about ten years ago now. It was a drama based in London about an American mobster who flees the states to open up a café, only for his past to catch up with him. That was a lot of fun to make!
NY Glam: Do you express yourself creatively in any other ways?
I went to art college and so I often sketch or draw. It all comes back to screenwriting though as that art is almost always linked in some way to the writing projects I have going on.
NY Glam: What advice would you give to someone who wants to have a career in filmmaking?
Stick with it. Really, that’s it. Even if you have to divert for a while. In the background, stick with it. Life is too short not to be happy, so do what makes you happy.
NY Glam: What can we expect from you in this actual year?
I would love to find representation from an agent this year but if that doesn’t happen, I’ll continue to write and write and write! I’ll definitely complete writing at least two projects and hopefully draft them a few times over.
NY Glam: Where can everyone keep up with you to learn more? …social media…website
People can follow me on my new twitter account @mattlewiswriter. Thank you!
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