Spotlights
Ethan Irwin
A spotlight conversation with screenwriter Ethan Irwin.
Spotlight Interview
Ethan Irwin
Screenwriter
Ethan Irwin fell in love with screenwriting at a school called Fast Forward. In this spotlight he talks about building characters by stepping into their world, writing across genres, and why heart is the most important element of a screenplay.
Can you tell us about your background and how you got started in screenwriting?
Well I took a school called fast forward they taught me screenwriting by my teacher name andy he really made my gears turn and I love writing even when you begin cause in my mind i have a bank of ideas.
What's your writing process like? How do you go about creating characters and developing a story?
Usually in the moment I really go through the curve of how I want to to look like and then make a point to c point so I would go out interact gather some information. I kinda act out a little bit where I pretend I’m in that world and decide do I win in say I high-school film or do I lose the situation? I always had that thought of if I could be the character where would It go? and what does it want? then find the reason why? Like chad wants to find his girlfriend after finding out he was talking to the imposter. Now with that being said you must play the part first cause you’ll find intriguing points about him is he delusional or is he on point.
Can you talk about a recent project you've worked on and the challenges you faced while writing it?
Well it was inspired by a comedy legend and my challenges cause I haven’t met him only one time but that goes to talk about characters and stories is if I could spend a day what would I do like go for a car drive and do a show with him it be a hoot.
What do you think is the most important element of a great screenplay?
Heart so much like the more you pour it the more it draws you in also your mind will forget reality for a glimpse of your world you created it.
How do you feel about the current state of the film industry and the role of screenwriters in it?
I feel like we lost something in film for me like we’re missing a feeling like you film a message but how can we feel what the message is telling us if you don’t let it out you know.
How do you approach writing for different genres and audiences?
Depends like horror i want to serve my slasher fans or slapstick comedies that likes physical humor really becoming familiar with each genre is such a great versatile thing for my situation.
In Their Words
“Heart so much like the more you pour it the more it draws you in also your mind will forget reality for a glimpse of your world you created it.”
Ethan Irwin
How do you handle feedback and criticism?
Honestly appreciate it cause at least they get something because it’s better to hear something then not at all.
Can you talk about any upcoming projects or collaborations you're excited about?
So I got a project called arise with vin jay and obito from naruto himself. A drama film that has been momentarily in honor to be working with them.
How do you see the role of screenwriting evolving in the future?
Honestly I hope we don’t see a.i for this please don’t give the humanity for a story because human making magic is better then a.i because they can create worlds but it won’t feel what you want to feel.
What advice would you give to aspiring screenwriters?
Don’t stress writing should be a ride let it flow because you might be surprise of how much your eyes light up when you let yourself take over.
Curtain Call
More Voices From the Spotlight
Meet the other filmmakers of this season, then bring your own story to Barcelona.