HELLO AMERICA!—The creative doors are open wide today for artists representing all facets of film, TV and the theatre. Talents are migrating to Hollywood from every corner of the globe. One agent introduced me to a young Canadian artist, writer, actor Jonathan Flamm who already is making waves. He not only handles the challenges as a film writer, he is also one who has a passion for the technical aspect of the industry which means he’s ahead of the game. That represents good, solid realistic thinking and planning.
MSJ: What kind of films did you enjoy most when growing up in Canada and why?
JF: As a small child, my favorite films were Fantasy based, specifically The Never Ending Story because I could relate to Bastian as a child who loved to read and had to keep explaining to people why. I wished I could jump into a novel and have adventures like Bastian had done. When I got a little older, the Back to the Future series resonated with me due to the fact that I was into 50s music and style; I wished I could have lived in the 1950s for a long time.
MSJ: What “film” effected your determination in becoming a story creator basically for TV and or motion pictures?
JF: The film that inspired me to start writing was “Clerks” by Kevin Smith; once I watched that movie, I realized that you could literally write a movie about anything. The constraints on film seemed to be lifted immediately after watching that film.
MSJ: How did you see the world as a youngster? Was it one of violence, positive film heroes or one filmed with disturbing magic?
JF: I was very much interested in magic as a child, which inspired me to study Classical History and Comparative Religion in University. Since then, I’ve become well versed in every major religion; monotheistic, as well as mythological. I have travelled across the world studying various religions at their source.
MSJ: What was your first attempt in writing a film script and what was it based on – imagination or a personal experience?
JF: My first screenplay was a smart teen movie since the cost would be minimal, it was loosely based upon what was going on with my life in high-school.
MSJ: Who was one of your favorite writers for film as a kid and how about later as you matured as one more educated as a film-maker?
JF: I became interested in Gene Roddenberry’s “Star Trek” from a very young age and it had become a big part of my life as an adolescent throughout my high-school years. By the time I had graduated, I had watched every single Trek series/movie at least 3 times in its entirety. I think Star Trek shaped my personality more than anything. When I decided I was going to be a filmmaker, Orson Welles’ “Citizen Kane” had become my favorite movie. I have probably watched “Citizen Kane” about 50 times and every time I find something new to enjoy about that movie.
MSJ: How have you changed through the years which might have also changed the way you view life and the world and yourself when it comes to writing a story?
JF: It’s hard to tell how one has changed as an individual over the years. But the only constant in life is change. I would like to think I have changed but I feel the same way as I always have. However, development is ongoing and I am always learning. All that matters is changing for the better.
MSJ: Who are you now?
JF: I pride myself on my honesty and abilities which both guide me in life. I used to think of myself as a historian who writes but now I think of myself as a writer and an artist which my background in history has enriched.
