“Unlocking Secrets: Cameron Fay Reveals Unexpected Insights in Exclusive Interview”
Ever wonder what it feels like to see your script land on the 2024 Black List? For writer Cameron Fay, that dream became a reality with his screenplay Until You, and I had the chance to sit down and dive deep into his journey! In this enlightening interview, we explore not just his unique approach to screenwriting but also the invaluable lessons he’s learned along the way as a two-time Black List writer. From the intricacies of developing character voices to the painstaking process of rewriting, Cameron’s insights are as golden as they come. So, what happens when passion meets polished craft? Join me in Part 5 of this exciting 6-part series and discover the behind-the-scenes magic of screenwriting.
My interview with the 2024 Black List writer for his script Until You.
Cameron Fay wrote the screenplay Until You which landed on the 2024 Black List. Recently, I had the opportunity to do a deep dive with Cameron into his filmmaking background, writing his Black List script, and his approach to the craft of screenwriting.
Today in Part 5 of a 6-part series to run each day this week, Cameron reveals what it has been like to be a two-time Black List writer.
Scott: I interviewed Ava DuVernay years ago, after her first two indie films. She said a similar thing. I think it was about that project, “Middle of Nowhere,” that she did, where she did a draft where she was doing like what you’re saying.
It was like, “I’m going to be rewriting this, but I’m going to be taking it with a special attention to this character.” I tell my students a similar thing. It’s like, “You can think of each character as their own protagonist because in their experience, they are their own protagonist.”
You can do a pass on each character to just make sure that there’s a plausibility, an authenticity, and then even more depth that you can discover. Speaking of depth, your dialogue is great.
Cameron: Oh, thank you.
Scott: I had that sense because Mallory, Foster and Zachary have a wit and verbal sophistication. How, just generally, do you find characters’ voices?
Cameron: I do a character bio for the leads, not usually so much for the supporting roles, but for the main characters, I’ll do a page of just where they came from, what they want, how they view the world. Then small things like how do they send food back when it’s wrong at a restaurant.
Some people are like, “I’ll just eat it.” Some people are like, “Excuse me, sir. This isn’t what I ordered.” I just get into their voice through everyday things that we all do. I don’t do this all the time. Sometimes…
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