Second Place
THE GIFT
By Jeremy Hoffpauir
Fort Worth, Texas
Occupation: Graphic Artist
Email: JH4726@att.com
Logline: When a minister and his wife take in a young girl who claims to see angels and demons, they are skeptical - until they encounter the supernatural beings themselves.

How did you come up with the idea for your screenplay?

Honestly, I couldn't tell you exactly where the idea came from, other than to say that God put it in my head and I wrote it down on paper. I was sitting at my desk one day when the story came to mind and I jotted down the main ideas in outline form. It grew from there.

What or who was your inspiration?

I have long been a fan of supernatural thriller movies. I am especially fond of M. Night Shalyman's movies and wondered why there weren't more Christian-oriented films in the same genre, especially considering how we Christians believe in the existence of supernatural beings, like demons and angels. So I set out to write one.

I also found inspiration in Andy Hunter's song, "Alive", which contains such lyrics as, "My eyes open, I am mystified, everything is beautiful." The song helped me visualize many of the turning points in the script, and put a sound to the pictures in my head.

How long did it take for you to write your script?

About six months, from the day I jotted down the outline to when I put the finishing touches on the script.

What were some of the challenges that you faced during the writing process?

The biggest challenge was maintaining the balance between supernatural thriller and inspirational Christian theme. I wanted the movie to be frightening, yet uplifting at the same time, which isn't exactly the easiest objective to accomplish.

What is your writing background?

I've always loved writing, but really didn't start "writing with the hope of publication" until I joined a writers' critique group called Write Right. The other writers in that group helped me tremendously. I began by writing poetry and short stories, as far back as childhood. I eventually wrote several novels, which haven't been published, and branched out into screenwriting several years ago. I have written six screenplays so far and have enjoyed every minute of it. I'm a movie buff, so it was probably inevitable that I would eventually find my true joy in writing screenplays.

Do you have formal training as a writer?

I graduated with an Art/Mass Communication degree, but I did take some creative writing and journalism classes in college. Any of the skills that I happen to possess were formed by God, my parents, and friends who have helped me along the way, such as my college creative writing professor, high school english teacher, the Write Right critique group, and other "informal" teachers.

Do you have advice for other writers who are dealing with Christian themes?

First and foremost, approach your writing not as your own, but as inspired by God. I believe that God has a lot to say to the world, and one of the best ways to reach people is through writing - books, stories, poetry, screenplays, etc. Instead of writing what you want to write, let God speak through you. You'll be much happier with the result, whether you win anything with your writing or not.