From the Archives: 2003 UCLA interview with Glenn Magas

From the archives... This was an interview done in 2003 by UCLA with Glenn Magas. Excerpts of which are found in the UCLA Writers Quarterly.

UCLA: How did you first hear about the UCLA Extension Writers' Program?

GLENN: I originally heard about it from Lew Hunter. He was giving a day seminar at Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena. I bought his book and got a taste of screenwriting and I was hooked... Within a year I was in the program.

UCLA: Who were some of your favorite instructors and how did they help you in your writing career?

GLENN: Eric Edson was my first instructor. He had a wealth of information. He’s a master at screenplay structure. My writing partner, Brian Hurney, and I call him the guru of structure. He's awesome.

Steven Wolfson is another one of my favorites. He had great insight on dialogue and scenes. And he was at Game One of the 1988 World Series! You have to love him for that.

Billy Mernit really got my mind focused on character. I pay more attention to character in the first few pages of my screenplay more so now than ever before!

And finally, Paula Cizmar - my mentor. She's awesome and always replies to my emails. She puts everything together - structure, dialogue, character and dynamic scenes!

I always look forward to taking classes from one of these instructors. I look for the classes they are teaching before anything else.

UCLA: What has been your path to your current success?

GLENN: Balance. I guess that's the bottom line. Balance in life as well as perseverance. But what is success? Would finishing a solid script be success? A million dollar sale? I guess it’s all relative. I’m still on that path. And if I can sell a solid script for a million dollars… then I guess I’d say that’s pretty successful.

UCLA: Do you have an agent? If so, who represents you?

GLENN: I haven't actively sought representation yet... do you have any leads? I've been focusing on independent film-making, writing competitions and film festivals. The first short I ever wrote is making its rounds at Film Fests across the Nation (CA: VC Film Fest, Method Fest and NY: Asian American Film Fest and more to come). I’m writing and producing my own short films and desperately trying to get money to fund a feature. But heck... I think it's about time I get representation. Any agents out there? CALL ME!

UCLA: As you continue in your writing, how do you currently "workshop" your writing? (more classes? A writers group? Agent?)

GLENN: I belong to a really strong writers group. I believe all six of us have taken classes at UCLA and my writing partner, Brian Hurney, has also earned a certificate in screenwriting at UCLA. I also try to take an Extension class every quarter. It helps me meet new writers and keeps my mind working.

UCLA: What would you say distinguishes UCLA Extension Writers Program from other writing courses/programs/instructors?

GLENN: There is a great range of classes with credible teachers. The class times are also extremely convenient and cater to people like me with day jobs. My day job supports my needs while I continue my goal of becoming a full-time writer. With benefits and pay please!

UCLA: And finally, what advice do you have for screenwriters still looking for their first break?

GLENN: Listen to your peers and accept criticism on your work. Make writing addictive and don’t quit the addiction. Write every day. Finally- keep taking classes at UCLA!