Interview with David A. Taylor

David Taylor is a screenwriter in the Washington D.C. Area. Look for his Documentary, Soul of A People

1. Can you briefly define your job to me?

I'm mainly a writer of documentary film scripts, books and articles. Usually I do preliminary research for a story that seems interesting to test whether it really is strong enough for a magazine, book or tv program. If it is, I propose it to an editor or production company, and take it through the scriptwriting phase, sometimes as co-producer: identifying interview sources, shaping the narrative for dramatic scenes and turns, and writing the script to get the story across clearly and compellingly. That can include post-production, working in the edit suite with the film editor and director to make sure characters' stories are built with the right pacing and context. So part of my time is spent marketing my ideas, and most of my time (usually) is spent developing them for the right format.

2. How did you get started in the business?

I started first by writing for magazines, sending query letters proposing story ideas to editors and wading through many rejections before receiving a 'yes'. My published magazine articles helped me to find a literary agent for my book proposals, and also to get into the documentary production scene in Washington, DC.

3. How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can't accomplish an assigned task?

I haven't been in that situation in a long time, but what I'd do is tell them what I'm focusing on and ask what priorities need to shift (or what extra skills I'd need) to do the assigned task.

4. Do you have any advice for a media student starting out?

Learn the technical side but also develop the creative side of storytelling, practicing in different formats that can help you get your work in front of producers: youtube videos, webcasts, published work, and screenplays.