Jean Buschmann, Semi-Finalist

Jean Buschmann, Screenplay Semi-Finalist, LISP 3rd Quarter 2020

- Can you please tell us about you and your daily life?

I do freelance work in content production - ranging from copywriting to video editing, including photography and some voice narration.  So basically I'm a mixed media storyteller. - When did you start writing? How often do you write? I began writing in childhood.  I do some form of writing every day. Over the years, I've been honored to win some awards for professional video editing work, as well as creative storytelling (screenwriting and my short film work).

The most complete list can be found on my profile at Stage32 (just scroll down a wee bit to see it) -

https://www.stage32.com/jeanbuschmann - How does it feel to have your work recognised?

I think every human being is wired to appreciate recognition, but that being said, I also think we lose our creative integrity when we allow that to be our goal. - What's the best thing and the hardest thing about writing a Screenplay? I'm equal parts artistic and practical, so for me the hardest thing about writing screenplays is knowing how much time and energy goes into a script from conception to completion - and that ultimately unless one produces their own work, there's no guarantee it will ever be shared or viewed.  That's the most honest answer I can offer to that question, because the nature of a screenplay is to be screened.  As for the best thing, well that's a lot easier to answer - creating something out of nothing is an amazing experience, regardless of the art form!  It's almost spiritual, just because it requires one to pull from the deepest parts of their souls, memories, experience, and ethos. That's my take at least - likely because I aspire to write socially-conscious material that's also entertaining and/or thought-provoking.  (Aspire possibly being the operative word. :) -  How did you come up with the idea for your LISP selected screenplay? Is there a story behind your story? And, how long have you been working on it?

My micro short film script "A Walk In The Past" was actually inspired by a personal experience that led to me writing a fictionalized feature length screenplay entitled "Love Thy Neighbor."  Thematically both scripts deal with racism, classism, and gentrification. - Can you please give us a few tips about writing a short screenplay? 

I think that writing a micro short is quite a bit different from writing a typical short film script.  Typical or regular length shorts require the same essential classic story elements as a full length feature script - i.e. dramatic tension, obstacles, plot progression, character development, and a few good twists.  For micro shorts, the point is to create a quick slice of life, ideally with some social commentary attached and a bit of a surprise ending. - What's the best thing and the hardest thing about writing competitions? That taste is subjective, but that's to be expected. -Lastly, do you recommend writers to give it a go on LISP?

I would, actually!  I always research every contest I enter, and LISP stands out as a true pro-writer venue built on integrity.