Scott Gore got connected with Mitesh Patel Director of Instant Karma when he sent him some loglines. The loglines were for scripts that Scott had already written, one of which was Reset. Mitesh liked the logline for Reset and asked to read the script which he also liked. Then Scott and Mitesh talked some more and Mitesh contracted with Scott to write Reset as a feature. After 82 pages and four days, Scott completed the feature screenplay for Reset.
“I think this got Mitesh’s attention”, says Scott. Then Scott volunteered as a Production Assistant on one of his films for 3 days; a gesture Mitesh appreciated. “Mitesh then asked, “if I’d do re-writes for Instant Karma”, says Scott”.
“I said I would, and I gave him my ideas about it. But he asked me to write my version rather than do rewrites. I did this in a week. Next, we did notes and rewrites for another week before principal photography started. It was a thrill to hear the actors performing dialogue I had written”, says Scott.
indieactivity: Did you start writing with a cast (You or any) in mind?
Scott Gore (SG): When I started writing I only had a description of the main characters from the Director. He said the idea of the female lead was written with someone in mind and told me about her so that helped. Then, as I wrote, the characters came alive and we were very fortunate to get a great cast who really made the characters come alive on screen.
The Official Trailer for INSTANT KARMA written by Scott Gore and directed by Mitesh Patel
How long did you take to complete the script? (Do you have a writing process?)
Scott Gore (SG): The Director gave me a 2-page outline of the story and then I worked from that and got his feedback to come up with a 12-page story outline. From that, I wrote the first draft of the script in a week. Then we met a few times and he gave me about 3 sets of notes and I did rewrites for another week. Each time the story got better and better and the ending got a lot better. It was really a fast process as he wanted to shoot the film a week or so later, but we came up with a script that we, the crew, and the cast all were really excited about.
What was the first writing project that you were involved with or that was out of the gate?
Scott Gore (SG): My first script was written starting in July 2018 and it is called Bring eM Back! It’s about a teenage girl who faces trauma and losses and doesn’t know how to process her pain. So she tries to stuff it and causes more pain for herself and those around her. It’s a thriller with horror elements. My only goal at that time was to write a script and it took me 98 days to write the first draft.
I remember printing it out and reading it aloud to myself and thinking it doesn’t totally suck so I was excited. I brought parts of it to the Phoenix Screenwriting Association (PSA) workshop meetings and got great feedback on it and it’s currently on edit 18. It needed a lot of work.☺ But what I discovered was that I really enjoy the writing and rewriting process and it is very life-giving for me.
During the production of the trailer or proof of concept, what scene (that made the cut) was the hardest to shoot?
Scott Gore (SG): I heard from the Director and some of the cast the climactic ending scene was the hardest to shoot. Because it was so hot and there were storms and the power went out in the warehouse where they were shooting.
You wrote and directed the film, what measure of input did it take to don these two hats?
Scott Gore (SG): I just wrote, but did not direct it.
Is there anything about the independent filmmaking business you still struggle with?
SG: I love the independent filmmaking business. It allows many of us to get into the filmmaking game. It allows the growth of our skills. This process ensures shows we can tell good stories and make good movies. I just wish there were more people doing so others could have opportunities too.
Where do you think your strengths lie as a screenwriter?
SG: I think I know how to weave together a good storyline and write characters that are memorable. I’m pretty good at dialogue and I write fast once I have a story outline put together. I’m also very good at collaboration and working together with the Director to tell a story that we’re both excited about.
What do you hope audiences get from your film after you finally make it?
SG: I hope they have a fun movie experience where they feel entertained and also encouraged to discover the magic in their own life journey.
What else have you got in the works?
SG: Working with the same Director I’ve written a sequel to Instant Karma and I’ve also written Women In the Maze that we plan to shoot early next year. In addition to those, I’ve also written Albert – a full-length feature story of Albert Einstein. There’s never been one yet.
Do you have the feature script written? If you have it, tell us about it?
SG: Albert tells the story of Albert Einstein. It showcases his desire to make the world a better place. It displays the relationships that matter the most to him and the challenges he faced within the scientific community and the world.
Tell us about how you intend to make your pitch for the feature to the studios interested?
SG: Right now I’m getting professional feedback on my Albert script. Once the feedbacks all come in, I’ll begin my rewrites. I’ll also get feedback on the best way to make a pitch to major studios. I’ll probably need a manager or agent to do this so if anyone can help me with that just let me know. ☺
Tell us what you think of the interview with Scott Gore. What do you think of it? What ideas did you get? Do you have any suggestions? Or did it help you? Let’s have your comments below and/or on Facebook or Instagram! Or join me on Twitter.
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