Jamie Sutliff
​

​Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
Long Lake New York
 
Your script stood out among hundreds of others. What was the inspiration for your story and why did you write a script instead of a short story or a novel?
I have 2 winners with Santa Barbara, The Devil Wind inspired by true events, V.P. plans heist of the century during the Iraq War when over 10 billion in cash went missing under control of Blackwater contractors. The Son of Amaros based on the Dead Sea Scrolls, Books of Enoch teacher angels sent to Earth commit an unforgivable sin and mate with human women. I am inspired by history in all forms be it fantastical or factual.
 
How long did it take you to write your script...and what is your writing process? Do you outline...use index cards...white board...or just start with FADE IN?
I am an author, published by Blackstone Group 7 novels and a short story collection. I have 17 completed screenplays of which 8 are book adaptations. I rarely outline adaptations; however I do use outlines for non-adaptations. My outlines are very simple in 3 parts, beginning, middle and end. I start with a minimum 20 pages per part and jump back and forth as ideas occur. I have written endings for scripts before openings. Sometimes I’ll have an idea for the middle while I’m watching a movie or reading and I immediately open the file and write a scene for the idea. It doesn’t matter if it’s 1 paragraph or 2 pages, the important thing is to get the idea on the page. I am an undisciplined, distracted writer and it helps to jump around in the story. It took about 3 months to write The Devil Wind and it was easier due to the scenes taken from actual news events. It took over 6 months to write The Son of Amaros, which required in depth research on biblical history.
 
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
My ultimate ambition is to be produced. Thank you for this opportunity to get closer to that goal.
 
Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
I am inspired by too many writers to list. I tend to lean toward action/fantasy and reality. I loved the Game of Thrones, The Hobbit series, Justified, Sopranos, Avatar, any writing that lifts the imagination and lets the mind soar. I like to be captivated by the screen and story. I do not admire films with weak stories and plots with constant action and noise like the Transformer series. I hated the Blair Witch amateur running with the bouncing camera. Without naming the film, an example of weak story; Opening scene the protagonist’s dog is killed and the entire balance of the film is chasing the guy who killed the dog.
 
What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
It is very difficult to name 1 favorite, I binge-watched Grimm and Justified twice and my favorite movie list is endless.
 
 
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
My advice to writers who want to win is be original. I realize that is very hard to do with an industry that demands repetitive formats (in the vein of) but it’s the best path to success - be original and try not to write what everyone else is writing.
 
What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?
I’m currently working on a docu-drama of the white supremacist militias incited by Trump’s attempted coup. I grew up in an environment of racist, violent people some were schoolmates and family. I’m not writing it to expose anyone I just want to tell how it manifests itself in society. 

---