An Interview with 2024 TITAN Awards Winner Jay Adams

TITAN Awards Winner – Jay Adams

In an extremely close final vote, our three “titans” of industry – producers – all voted, independent of one another, for the contest’s Gold-Silver-Bronze order.

And winning the 2nd place Silver award, the winner of our 2024 TITAN Awards, was Jay Adams for his feature screenplay, : TITAN

So after Adam’s amazing victory, we sat down with him to ask him a few questions about how he feels after being crowned the TITAN Awards winner, his inspirations and his path to becoming a screenwriter.

Interview with TITAN Awards Winner Jay Adams

Firstly, tell us about you: where are you from, what’s your background in the
business?

JAY ADAMS:

I was born and raised in various parts of Oregon. As a teenager, I took classes at the local public access station (is that still a thing??), where I learned to use a range of production and editing equipment. I even produced and hosted my own series of skit and late-night shows. I completed my undergraduate studies at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, where I wrote, directed, and produced several awardwinning short films. After graduating, I transitioned into producing and directing music videos and had the opportunity to work with some amazing bands. Following that, I wrote news for NBC at the local San Diego channel. During all this, I developed and wrote multiple scripts with various notable production companies. However, it wasn’t until I returned to school to pursue an MFA in Screenwriting that I truly began to refine my screenwriting skills and build a strong writing discipline. Since then, I’ve experienced some success in the industry with my screenwriting, but now I feel ready to see more of my work produced.

How long have you been writing seriously for?

JAY ADAMS:

I have written extensively throughout my life, but I have been seriously writing
screenplays for about twelve years now.

How does it feel to have won The TITAN?

JAY ADAMS:

Winning The Titan feels absolutely amazing. Entering a new script into a competition can be a bit stressful – will it survive the scrutiny gauntlet? Given the high standards of Industrial Scripts and the pedigree of the judges, it was truly thrilling and an honor to win.

2024 TITAN Screenwriting Contest Judge - Shannon McIntosh (Oscar-Nominated Producer)

Can you tell us more about the project you won with?

JAY ADAMS:

R-rated Family Drama – Feature Film

Logline: When his granddaughter brings him an old rescue dog, an alcoholic,
disgruntled, retired police K-9 handler finds a path to reconnect with his estranged trans daughter.

In creating Titan, I aimed to craft a layered family drama filled with sincerity and hope, inspired by my own journey as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and as a recovering alcoholic. My goal was to develop a thoughtful, authentic, and engaging narrative that explores the themes of addiction and intolerance and how they intersect. I hope that audiences leave the film with a renewed belief that change is possible at any stage of life, and that love and acceptance have the power to heal old wounds and ignite lasting transformation.

Where did the idea for your winning project first come from?

JAY ADAMS:

Even though the script incorporates many of my experiences and beliefs, the original idea actually came from a dream I had a few years ago. In the dream, I envisioned a retired K-9 policeman who was grieving the loss of his K-9 partner during duty. He was in deep emotional pain, drinking heavily, and had distanced himself from his family. In the dream, this man received a rescue dog, which became the catalyst for him to process his buried emotions. Ultimately, the dog helped him take the necessary steps to
reconnect with and reconcile with his estranged daughter. I distinctly remember waking up with the tagline ringing in my ears, which, as cheesy as it may sound, was: “Sometimes you can teach an old dog a new trick.” I quickly wrote down the main points of the dream, and the rest, as they say, is history.

What would you say the key cinematic touchstones are, for it?

JAY ADAMS:

In my script Titan and in my writing, I draw deeply from my personal journey as a
member of the LGBTQ+ community and as someone in recovery. These experiences shape my exploration of themes like transformation, resilience, and personal growth. Across genres, my stories aim to address complex issues with an authentic and hopeful tone, illustrating how positive change and personal development are not only possible but can be profoundly transformative. As I wrote Titan, I found inspiration in films like As Good as It Gets and Gran Torino, which similarly delve into flawed characters on paths toward redemption and connection.

AS GOOD AS IT GETS [1997] - Official Trailer (HD)

What scene in the script are you most fond of?

JAY ADAMS:

If I had to pick one standout scene, I would choose the moment when Harry, the main character, comes home drunk after being arrested for DUI and getting into another argument with his daughter. He discovers that his granddaughter, Kylie, broke into his house and left a reckless yet endearing rescue dog named Titan in his bedroom. Titan has already made a mess of Harry’s room, and in a moment of panic, Harry almost shoots him, mistaking the dog for an intruder. Harry then calls Kylie, leading to a blunt and darkly humorous exchange between grandfather and granddaughter. She insists that Titan will help Harry heal his old wounds. The scene also reveals that Kylie struggles with her own substance abuse issues, as she quietly uses drugs while on the phone with Harry. This illustrates the parallel journey of recovery that both flawed characters are about to embark upon.

Why did you choose to enter The TITAN and what’s been your experience with
other contests?

JAY ADAMS:

I chose to enter The Titan due to the exceptional caliber of the judges and the
outstanding reputation of Industrial Scripts. I have previously had success in other
competitions, and I always consider the benefits of participating – primarily, the
opportunity to have my work read by and get exposure to industry professionals.

In terms of the winners’ benefits, which run over the whole course of a year,
which one are you most excited about?

JAY ADAMS:

What excites me the most is having my script read by the fantastic judges and the opportunity to meet them! I’m also looking forward to the mentoring sessions, as I have a new idea that I would love to develop.

What are you working on next?

JAY ADAMS:

I’m currently developing multiple scripts in collaboration with various talented folks. However, the next project I plan to write myself is a psychological horror. It’s inspired by a dream I had nearly ten years ago, and I’m very excited to finally explore it and
uncover what it’s all about.

What do you consider your super-strengths to be as a writer, and your work-ons?

JAY ADAMS:

One of my strengths is writing complex characters with strong and distinct voices. I enjoy studying and listening to people, finding ways to infuse elements of them and myself into my characters. Additionally, I love to structure my stories with clear emotional arcs for my characters, allowing readers to connect with their journeys on a deeper emotional level. Currently, I am focusing on improving my pacing, particularly when it comes to balancing subplots and providing enough space for supporting characters.

Where do you hope to be in 5, and 10 years?

JAY ADAMS:

I’d love to have multiple feature scripts produced, with more in the pipeline, and at least one of my TV series on air. Additionally, I would love to have a thriving production company that fosters meaningful collaborations with filmmakers, production companies, and studios.

2024 TITAN Screenwriting Contest Judge - Basil Iwanyk ($4bn+ box office producer)

Quickfire Round

Favourite movie made by the judges:

It’s a toss-up between Tusk (gave me nightmares forever) and Wind River (such an important and heart wrenching film to watch, it really moved me on so many levels).

Favourite tv show made by the judges:

Jungle (I love crime dramas and have written quite a few, so this was right up my alley and kept me on the edge of my seat with its innovative cinematic style).

Jungle Trailer #1 (2017) | Movieclips Trailers

Your top 10 movies of all time:

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Goodfellas
Silence of the Lambs
The Shining
Sunset Boulevard
Donnie Darko
Blue Velvet
Rashomon
Paris, Texas
No Country for Old Men

Your top 10 TV shows of all time:

The Sopranos
Breaking Bad
True Detective
Twin Peaks
Mindhunter
Dexter
The Wire
Game of Thrones
The Last of Us
The Twilight Zone

If you could emulate anyone’s career, whose would it be?

David Lynch is truly remarkable. I believe he revolutionized television with Twin Peaks, and his films continue to amaze me every time I rewatch them. I’ve always been
fascinated by meditation and dreams, so I love hearing him speak on those subjects. Recently, I watched his MasterClass, where he shared something that was both funny
and insightful. When the interviewer asked him, “How do you approach writing?” Lynch, in his usual candid style, simply replied, “When it comes to writing, I like to write.” That response just resonates with me – it’s so straightforward yet so true.

Thanks Jay!

Learn more about The TITAN Screenwriting Contest.

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