Exploring the Craft: An Interview with Sam Boyer on Screenwriting
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Chapter 1: A Rising Star in Screenwriting
In 2022, Sam Boyer earned a Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting for his original screenplay "Ojek." Following this achievement, his latest work, "Foragers," made the prestigious annual Black List in 2023. This remarkable success in consecutive years is a testament to his talent. Recently, I had the pleasure of discussing with Sam his experiences with the Nicholl Fellowship, the writing of his acclaimed script, and his approach to crafting narratives within the action genre.
The first video titled "Have we found it?" explores Sam's creative process and the inspirations behind "Foragers."
Section 1.1: The Role of the Nemesis
In Part 4 of our six-part series, Sam delves into the concept of the Nemesis character in "Foragers."
Scott: Imagine viewing the story through her perspective; it's akin to Dorothy's journey in "The Wizard of Oz," where she longs for a sense of belonging. The character feels abandoned, as her father is either unrecognizing or absent. I found your exploration of her character to be quite impactful.
Sam: I appreciate that insight.
Scott: Joel Coen once remarked that all films strive to recreate "The Wizard of Oz." When seen through her eyes, Andi and Juno resemble the Tin Man and the Scarecrow.
Sam: Absolutely, "The Wizard of Oz" represents a quintessential American cinematic journey. Your comparison is well-articulated and has influenced my revisions between the drafts.
Section 1.2: The Complexities of Bill Squire
Scott: Let’s shift our focus to her father, Bill Squire. He embodies a character reminiscent of John Wick, acting as a formidable antagonist. Could you share how this character developed in your writing?
Sam: I vividly recall sitting in a bar in Portland, surrounded by Nike employees, and contemplating how a powerful figure like Phil Knight could easily eliminate someone like me without a trace. It’s a dramatic thought, but it reflects my desire to create a character who believes wealth can resolve any issue. Bill Squire is designed to challenge Juno and Andi, embodying the unexpected complexities of their situation.
The second video, "Grue Rume Show interviews Alexander Boyer (Cobra Kai Season 4)!!" provides a look into how character development influences storytelling.
Chapter 2: Crafting Unique Characters
Sam: I envisioned "The Society" with characters that possess unique code names deeply connected to small-town America.
The distinct settings of Oregon and Northern Washington inspire character traits, reflecting the atmosphere of their respective locales. For instance, Bandon is a mercenary, while John Day is a legendary figure within the narrative.
Scott: You mentioned your approach to outlining. How did you navigate the challenges of keeping energy in your writing through each act?
Sam: The biggest hurdle in feature writing is maintaining momentum into Act Two without losing sight of the film's core essence. I often begin with locations that lend themselves to dynamic action sequences. From there, the process involves refining scenes and characters through multiple drafts until the narrative emerges clearly.
As the characters evolve, they experience conflicts that drive the plot, including pivotal moments that challenge their motivations.
In tomorrow's Part 5, Sam will discuss significant plot choices and how his admiration for screenwriter William Goldman shapes his narrative voice and style.
For Part 1 of the interview, click here.
For Part 2, click here.
For Part 3, click here.
To revisit my 2022 interview with Sam about his Nicholl-winning screenplay "Ojek," click here.
Sam is represented by Rain Media Partners.
For interviews with other Black List writers, click here.