(In the picture: Me, sitting in the same seat that George Clooney sat in at the Honolulu Elks Club in the move The Descendants.)
What’s your name? Where were you born? Where do you live? And what’s your hobby?
James Grant, Oklahoma, Colorado, running (30 marathons – Boston 6x), writing, financial markets.
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?
I’m a student of Christian history. My current project is a dramatic series on the Reformation. The episode that earned a Finalist was about King Christian II, King of the Kalmar Union, only one of an amazing group of real-life characters who lived in that fascinating period.
11/14/2019 (first version) – 2/18/2022 (last rewrite), 27 months
From concept to finished draft, can you take us through your screenwriting process?
I focus on only one genre and probably won’t deviate from that, Historical/Biographical. People excel best in life when they focus and specialize. Generalists are seldom known for anything. I compare it to running. As a runner, I would NEVER compete in a triathlon. Why would I want to be average in 3 sports when I can excel and be as good as I can be in one?
I have accumulated hundreds of files and read thousands of pages of historical records on people from that period of time. Their stories are so fascinating, the scenes practically jump out of the pages of history.
When did you realize that you wanted to become a screenwriter?
May 2018, but I’ve been a writer all my life. Poetry and school newspaper articles as a teenager, articles for newspapers as a young professional, three professional books, and a massive number of books for curriculums as a college instructor, which were never published.
Who are your biggest filmmaking/screenwriting influences? What about their style do you like or borrow?
Really, no one. I have no human idols. My style is my own.
Have you ever been obsessed with a movie or TV show? If so, which one? Why?
Obsessed is a strong word, but I do have my favorite movies (Master & Commander – I was in the Navy, Platoon & Armageddon Now – I served two tours in Vietnam, Dances With Wolves, Lonesome Dove, Open Range, The Apostle – Robert Duvall & Kevin Kostner, Animal House – I lived that exact same life in college, Gladiator, Troy – guy movies).
What’s your favorite moment in cinema history? Why?
Wow. Kinda glad I don’t have any.
Who’s your favorite character in cinema history? Why?
Kevin Kostner, Russell Crowe. Memorable movies.
If you could talk to anyone from any era, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Martin Luther. What was life REALLY like in the 16th century? How did you overcome your doubts? (I suspect I know how he would answer both, but it would be fun to ask him in person.)
