Mark Renshaw

2019-12-01 12:00

SHRIEKFEST INTERVIEW

Mark Renshaw

Screenwriter

014 and 2015 Semi Finalist, 2017 and 2018 Finalist, 2019 Quarter Finalist, Finalist, & Best Short Screenplay "Ganglers"

Mark Renshaw

What is your name, company name, and URL?

Mark Renshaw - www.mark-renshaw.com

What is your specialty: filmmaking or screenwriting? If filmmaking, which aspects?

Screenwriting, plus I write prose and dabble in producing.

What are you currently working on?

I am adapting the Cyborn feature screenplay which was in the Shriekfest finals into a novel. The first draft should be complete by Christmas.

Wow, that's impressive! Who do you consider your mentor and why?

This may seem an odd answer but there is a website called Simply Scripts which has a forum for screenplay writers. We are encouraged to upload our scripts there for peer reviews and I pretty much owe most of my writing development to the guys who frequent that place.

That is amazing! Why do you think the horror/sci-fi genres have such a large following?

People want an escape from the norm. Horror and sci-fi may include characters and elements we all identify with, but they definitely are not the norm. They are a safe way to experience the extraordinary.

What do you love most about this business?

The creative side. At the end of the day, this is all about telling stories. Collaborating on a creative endeavor is so fulfilling.

What do you dislike most about this business?

The business side. The business element treats the work as a commodity and what it can do for people personally in terms of wealth, notoriety etc. rather than what is best for the story.

What career accomplishment are you most proud of?

This is more of a hobby for me until the day I can turn it into my day job, but so far I’m proud that some of my stories have been published, some scripts produced and I’ve won competitions that have taken me to Pinewood Studios, the Houses of Parliament and wonderful venues such as the Nashville film festival.

That's Wonderful! Any advice you'd like to give to newbies?

Keep writing, keep on getting your work out there and seeking honest but constructive feedback. Learn from it and improve. Rinse and repeat.

Yep! Anything else you'd like to say?

Time is the fire in which we burn. If you are waiting for something to happen, all you are doing is burning time. Be brave, go out there and make something happen.

I love it! Thank you Mark! It was great chatting! I hope you and yours have a Happy Holiday season!