Meet Our Fellowship Ambassadors

Tell us your name

James Willingham Jr.

 

Where are you from?

I’m originally from Bloomfield, CT but I now reside in Atlanta, GA.

What is your 9 to 5 job?

I’m a Content Producer

for CNN.

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What is your favorite genre?

I really love all types of genres but one of my favorites is Action/Adventure.

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How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing ever since I was a kid professionally, I’ve been writing for about seven years now.

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What's unique about your writing style?

I’m not quite sure what makes my writing style unique. I think I just rely heavily on my imagination and personal experiences I’ve been through so far in life. I daydream and live in my head a lot, so I try my best to translate those ideas to the page.

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In your opinion, what separates a good script from a bad one?

I believe the biggest factor of what makes a script good or bad is the heart put into it. I
feel that readers and audiences can tell when something feels unnatural or forced. Putting your heart and soul into the words of the script makes a huge

difference and people will notice that.

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What advice would you give to beginner writers?
Shake off the nerves and just begin writing. Don’t worry about formatting just let your ideas fill the page. Connect with fellow writers. Study the art of screenwriting. Getting started to me is the hard part because writers are typically their own worst enemy

so just clear your thoughts and write!

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What's your best advice for taking constructive criticism?

Embrace it! I feel it’s always good to let your peers or professionals read your work. Its
always good to get feedback because you might think your script is finished but there’s always room for improvement.

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What is one most common mistake you see writers make?

Thinking their first draft is their final draft! Your final draft might be your seventh
draft sometimes. A great script is never a one and done type of thing.

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You've decided to participate in the Table Reading for the Mamie & Jimmie Collier Writing Fellowship. How important is it for you to master your craft?

It means everything to me to master my craft! I want to achieve and be successful as a
writer and in the film/TV industry. So, working with the fellowship and connecting with fellow writers helps push me to be the best I can be.

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How do you do think competitions help screenwriters?

I think competitions helps writers keep writing! It helps with networking and
ultimately helps getting writers a chance to break into Hollywood.

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What is one thing most people don't know about writing competitions?

I think most people don’t realize that writing competitions ultimately helps build your network in this industry. For example, let’s say you enter a competition, but you don’t win a lot of times judges, executives, agents, etc. might still find your work good enough to buy your script! It’s all about networking and building relationships.

How can someone get in touch with you about your work?

I can be contacted through my social media handles!

Facebook- James Willingham Jr.,
Instagram- @jwill_highlyfavored,

and Twitter- @Jwill98Junior