Shane Weisfeld- a Toronto Screenwriter who's gettin' his hustle on

There are two distinct things that I know about my friend Shane—he has mad love for film and he writes incessantly.   I read a couple of his scripts and I knew dude was serious.  His writing was flawless. 

After perfecting his craft for 15+ years (Shane wrote over a dozen feature films, 4 TV scripts and several short scripts) and trying to get his scripts read and produced, one of his screenplays was finally given the green light. 

I don’t know if I were more excited than him (I’m sure he was more excited!), but I was happy to know that all of his hard work and unrelenting determination paid off.

Freezer, which is an action thriller (stars Dylan McDermott, Peter Facinelli and Yuliya Snigir) is Shane’s first screenplay to be filmed, and most definitely won’t be the last.  I had a chance to catch up with him after Tiff to speak about his lengthy journey. Here’s what he had to say.

What sparked your interest in film-making?

Film in general is something I’ve always been interested in, ever since I was a kid, but the creative and business aspect of it I learned in my last year of high school. I was taking a media class, and for a few months we had a film component. One of the projects we had to do was report on a film that we liked and how this film went from the script to the screen. I chose The Karate Kid – and this was the first time I learned about the process a film goes through to get made, and the specific job of a writer, director, producer and studio executive. I was fascinated by it and that’s where I first decided I wanted to be involved in film and that I would apply to film school. 

How did you get your start in the business?

Well I’m not in the business yet. I’ve always said that I’m not actually in the thick of it until I’m a working writer, because there can be a big difference between a produced writer and working writer. So far “Freezer” has been my ticket to the former, and hopefully soon enough, the latter. All I can do is continue to keep at it, and even when I become a working writer in this biz, I’ll maintain the discipline and keep improving and perfecting my craft.

 

What was the process like trying to get your scripts made?
It (rejection) is the most frustrating thing about trying to break into this business. It’s what makes many people quit or not pursue it at all. I got all of my scripts out there over the years, but my focus was always getting representation. I’ve had a manager in L.A. for a while and that was key in “Freezer” getting to the right people and getting made. However, I sent all my scripts (feature and TV) out over the years, but only after someone requested it; and I faced a tonne of rejection from agents, managers, producers, executives, actors, writers and directors. Even "Freezer" faced a whole lot of rejection before someone finally said "yes."

What did it feel like when you found out your movie was being made?

It was a long process that slowly came together over a while. The (Paramount Pictures-based) company that produced our film started things off by sending our manager the option-to-purchase agreement, and that was the first time anyone had actually drawn up a full contract to make one of my scripts – so that really solidified things and it was a great feeling. However, this is the film industry, and nothing ever goes smooth – especially when you’re trying to get a movie made – so even after the director and actors were attached and various papers were signed, there was still legal wrangling, insurance and budget issues to deal with.

Can you tell me a little bit about your movie?

Freezer - Dylan McDermott and Yuliya Snigir

“Freezer” is a one-location crime/action thriller about an innocent man fighting for his life after he’s kidnapped and thrown into an industrial freezer. A crime family is convinced he has stolen millions of dollars from them, and as the temperature drops and he’s tested beyond human endurance, the truth reveals itself. Some people have called it ‘Die Hard in a freezer’ but I wouldn’t go that far.

Do you have any plans to move to Los Angeles?

No. I’m not one of those people that can just pick up and go. When I was 23 and graduated

university I was contemplating it, but now at the age of 39, what would be the point? I’m already a produced writer. I can still live in the city I was born and raised, keep writing, make a living and continue to make connections and relationships. I admire many Canadian writers and directors who have stayed here, make a good or great living, and get work from both sides of the border, flying to L.A. for business when they have to. That’s what I’d like.

 I’m sooo overjoyed and proud of my friend for sticking to his vision and going for his.  It’s not every day that someone can say that they had their movie made.

Yo Shane, seriously, I do want a part in your next movie! Make it happen! Lol

Fave Shane Weisfeld quote- I stayed hungry (and continue to stay hungry) because there’s nothing else I want to do for a living. I need this, and I’ll never be content just doing it on the side – this has to be my career – and I won’t settle for anything else, because anything else is just that: settling and compromising.

Michelle