What’s your name? Where were you born? Where do you live? And what’s your hobby?
My name is Rain Story. I grew up in Arkansas, but now based in Los Angeles and the great Northwest. My hobbies are playing with my dogs, taking long walks, cooking, reading, and gardening. How do you pick just one?
Where did you come up with the concept that just placed as Finalist in the screenplay contest? How long did it take you to develop it into the screenplay it is now?
The concept for Guns & God: Lines in the Sand developed from a 2012 visit with family in Arkansas. Family friends arrived, preparing for a gun rally in Little Rock.
I grew up in the gun culture, so I understood its traditions and values. There wasn’t anyone who was going to take their guns away, and as for gun laws, forget it.
On the way back to L.A., someone on NPR said, “Just take all the guns away from everyone. Problem solved.” I turned the radio off, saying, “That will never work. They don’t understand the culture.”
Then, the Roses and Bartons came walking out of thin air and told me an incredible story that I had to write down. Since then, people everywhere say that it is more important than ever for this story to be heard.
From concept to finished draft, can you take us through your screenwriting process?
#1 Research, research, research
#2 Draw out the three-act structure map
#3 Create and develop the unique main character(s)
#4 List objectives, conflicts, arcs, and the main message to send
#5 Choose the target audience
#6 Get a rough draft hammered out
#7 Research more, and edit, edit, edit
#8 Have proofreaders take the journey
#9 Listen to suggestions and be willing to change
#10 Polish, polish, polish
When did you realize that you wanted to become a screenwriter?
1995
Who are your biggest filmmaking/screenwriting influences? What about their style do you like or borrow?
I would have to say Steven Knight and Vince Gilligan are incredible writing influences. Their flawless realism in relationships, dialogue, details, and setting is tough to critique. Janusz Kaminski and Martin Scorsese have filmmaking styles that simply can’t be matched. Their work mesmerizes me.
Have you ever been obsessed with a movie or TV show? If so, which one? Why?
I absolutely adore The Lord of the Rings series. Fantasy has never seemed so real, and the characters are unique, interesting, and enticing.
What’s your favorite moment in cinema history? Why?
My favorite cinema moment is the scene where Gigot forcefully tries to speak to the little girl, Nicole, but cannot utter his thoughts or emotions and explodes with frustration.
Who’s your favorite character in cinema history? Why?
Jackie Gleason, of course. He was brilliant.
If you could talk to anyone from any era, who would it be and what would you ask them?
I would love to chat with Meryl Streep about her experiences starting out in the business in the 70s. It was such an incredible time in American history and American cinema.