willardwonka

Hello Mr. Beagle! As an aspiring writer-professor, I first wanted to thank you for writing "The Last Unicorn". It's one of my favorite novels and has had a profound influence on both my style and my storytelling. I have a few questions for you:

1. Where did most of your inspiration for the story and characters "A Fine and Private Place" come from, life experience or stories heard from people you've met?

2. Your adaptation of "The Lord of the Rings" was the first to make it to the screen, a commendable feat. How difficult of a task was it for you to adapt the story? If you could go back and do it again, would you change anything?

3. Advice: I've had a brilliant idea for a character since eighth grade, a creature who's an eccentric but insecure wanderer and magician. He, much like myself, isn't for certain where he must go with his life or what to use his talents for. Sadly, I too have no clue what story this quirky man was meant for, and I have struggled to give him one since. Should I keep him in focus or should I shelf him and give him life another time?

Hi Paris! I thought you were awesome as Mike Teevee, and Willy WOnka is definitely one of my favorite flicks :) It fuels my drive to become a filmmaker/writer. A unique thing about it that most film critics don't notice is just how droll, creative and energetic a film it is even before it gets to the factory. It very much reminds me of bits of A Hard Day's Night and lots of other European films of the 60's. Have you ever noticed this aspect of the film or is it just me? What do you think it is that really makes the film tick?

What would you say is the best way to train for voice acting? Do you think that anyone with commitment can improve?

Once you came to LA, how difficult was it for you to get a screenwriting job and join the guild?