Paul Vance
screenwriter to watch
Bio:
After graduating from Auburn University with an English degree, Paul moved to Austin and now works as a script supervisor. He directs his own stuff when he can.
How did you break in or get your start in screenwriting?
I wouldn’t say I’ve broken in yet. I just started writing as soon as I graduated college and I haven’t stopped. Eventually one of my scripts got noticed.
Credits:
Writer, Director “A Haunting”
What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned?
Barely anything I’ve written has looked like what I expected it to look like when I first started it. Accept the change that will come. Don’t push it away.
What’s the hardest scene or project you’ve ever had to write? How did you navigate the challenge?
I have a script about identical twins who aren’t sure who is the real father of a child (identical DNA makes it impossible to tell). That was a tough one to make. I had to switch genres to make it work visually. I probably spent about 3 years total working that one out.
What was a major turning point in your career?
I’d say winning at AFF is probably the biggest thing that’s happened to me. I have an agent now, and possibly a manager. We’ll see if anything pans out in my career though!
What are you working on right now?
I’m trying to get a low-budget feature made in Austin, Texas about a couple going through trauma, but processing and coping with it differently, which causes several issues in their relationship. It’s kind of a horror film. If you’re interested in helping out, get in touch!
What are some of your favorite movies?
I tend to go genre, so things like Hardware, Spiderbaby, Speedracer, and Body Double (problematic fav) are high up there. Fists in the Pocket and Pale Flower are also high up on my list.
Who are some of your favorite screenwriters?
Robert Townes because he can write something as amazing and captivating as Chinatown, but also go full silly and bombastically ridiculous with Days of Thunder and Mission Impossible II.
Share a memorable experience at Austin Film Festival.
I would say making a crowd that housed Tony Gilroy, Larry Wilmore, and Roger Corman laugh with my speech, but honestly I was too nervous to really remember it clearly.