BEN COLTON
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 PictureBEN COLTON
Was there a specific film, TV show, or personal moment that first made you say, “I want to write like that”?
I grew up watching classic war movies such as Waterloo, Dambusters, The Longest Day, Zulu and Guns of Navarone. This planted a seed not only for my passion for war movies, but to also bring to life stories based on real events.

What’s your writing routine like? Do you follow a strict schedule, or are you more intuitive about when and how you write?
I have a full-time job and a busy family life with three young kids. I therefore normally write during the evenings once the children are asleep. I also have specific weeks where I dedicate my evenings to writing and I’ll normally wake up early to review and edit.

When you're starting a new script, how do you shape your ideas? Do you use outlines, beat sheets, or dive right into scenes? What inspires your scripts? Characters? Plot? Theme? Action?
Stories based around real events spark my interest in a script. I am always amazed at what people are capable of doing, good or bad, and think ‘this story needs to be told’. Whenever I watch a film that starts with, ‘based on true events’, I’m hooked.

How do you handle writer’s block or those inevitable moments of self-doubt?
I step away. If I am finding it difficult to craft a scene or establish a plot line, I step away for a few days. It’s amazing how differently you approach writing a difficult scene with fresh eyes.

How many scripts have you completed? How many have you started and not completed (we all have those)...and why are they still unfinished?
‘Redemption’ is my first completed script. I started dabbling in script writing maybe 10 years on two other projects but I restarted 18 months ago and made a personal pledge to finish this script. Now this script is receiving positive reviews I am working on these two other projects.

Have you earned recognition in this or other competitions? What’s your strategy when submitting your scripts, and how has contest feedback shaped your work?
Entering competitions like Santa Barbara International Screenplay Awards has also been an important part of the process. I’d encourage people to submit scripts to competitions where they are guaranteed extensive and quality feedback. It has allowed me to reflect on how the script is landing and what needs to be improved upon.

Have you done anything at this point to promote yourself or your writing (besides entering online contests)? If so, how would you gauge the effectiveness of those efforts?
This is my next challenge. I am approaching this industry as a newcomer so I am attempting to first build a profile through positive reviews at Scriptwriting competitions before trying to build a network that will open doors with Agents or Producers.

How do you balance your writing with your “day job”?
I have a full-time job in the space industry and I’m also a father to three children. My job can be intense and my kids demand their Dad’s full-on attention whenever I’m home. I therefore focus on writing after their bedtime between 9-11pm. I also dedicate spurts of time to my writing over a period of 1-2 weeks and then take a break so I don’t burn out.

What are you working on right now the world needs to know about?
‘Redemption’ is my current script written about Churchill in the First World War. It is the little-known origin story to one of the most famous figures in the 20 th Century.

Where do you see yourself five years from now as a screenwriter—and how do you plan to get to that place?
To have a script in production being brought to life for others to experience. That is the
dream.

What advice would you give to any aspiring writer hoping to follow in your footsteps?
Take the first step and start writing. It took me way too long to start that process because I felt I did not belong. Focus step by step on having a page turner and just see where it takes you. Enjoy the journey!