Todd Bronson

2015-09-21 12:00

SHRIEKFEST INTERVIEW

Todd Bronson

Screenwriter

2005 screenplay finalist & 2006 and 2009 semifinalist

Todd Bronson

What is your name, company name, and URL?

Todd Bronson, https://www.facebook.com/todd.bronson.9

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

Screenwriter.

What are you currently working on?

Right now, I’m deep in pulp-horror, matinee creature-features and writing a rock-n-roll, atomic monster story. I love research, so I’m on the list to visit the Nevada atomic testing site. Hopefully, it won’t make my “kick the bucket” list.

Who do you consider your mentor and why?

I had a screenwriting mentor for awhile who worked for the Paramount writing department during the seventies, but sadly he passed away. He would rip my scripts a good one and edit out my bullshit. He helped me realize “indie” could be commercial. I have many influences from Hitchcock to Carpenter with a sprinkle of John Waters.

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

Horror is a rollicking roller coaster. First there is the slow, ticking of the clock as the coaster car climbs the tracks. Your heart races knowing there is danger beyond the summit. Then the adrenaline kicks in as you free fall and race along the tracks. Every turn and cork-screw is excruciating excitement. When you finally brake to a comforting halt, you are relieved. - You lived. The scare is over. However, you are hooked as you run back in line and buy a ticket to the next horror film.

What do you love most about this business?

Researching and writing a script is a blast. Characters, plot, tone, and dialogue are puzzle pieces that I can manipulate into a full story. It’s a form of recreation for me. That is the business I love. - The nuts and bolts. I dig the blue-collar writing of the script.

What do you dislike most about this business?

The screenwriting business is different than that of filmmaking. I’ve never had the opportunity to be where both converge. For me, one level of the screenwriting business is a hoard of hyenas picking the pockets of their screenwriting prey while laughing to the bank. The second level of screenwriting is beyond the hyenas and joining the filmmakers. Unfortunately, I still feel the need to feed the hyenas.

What career accomplishment are you most proud of?

I’ve had minor screenwriting accomplishments. A couple of scripts have been zero optioned. I’ve placed in numerous competitions and collaborated with a couple of produced directors. However, for me, any completed, well designed screenplay is an accomplishment and cause for celebration.

Any advice you'd like to give to newbies?

My advice for any newbies... Don’t feed the hyenas! If you feel you need to feed them, make damn sure your script is kick-ass, professional, and well written. Make it strong and stick out from the herd.

Anything else you'd like to say?

Write on!