Jeff is a natural storyteller and entertainer. Like the proclaimers of old, he will regale you with awe and spectacle as you engage in conversation that will become a cherished memory. It’s only natural that Jeff has found his way to screenwriting. Here he is able to put his strengths to work and is finding success as nominations and wins are stacking up for his screenplays. I am very pleased to introduce you to this chronicler of comedy.
This is Jeff Naparstek…
Mini bio:
I was born in Brooklyn and raised in the Bronx which gives me dual citizenship. (I needed shots and a passport to cross the Kosciusko Bridge.) As far back as second grade, I became the class clown and have reveled in creating laughter ever since.
Q: How did you stumble upon screenwriting?
That was a process. It began with wise-cracks and eventually graduated to sketch comedy, then, attempting existing half-hour sitcom and eventually, feature scripts. I never realized at the time when writing a spec script for a TV show that by the time it aired, it had probably been written six months or longer in advance. Characters grow and change or may be completely eliminated. It was then I focused on creating my own ideas and moved up to screenplays. (I’d also be free of being constrained by network protocols.)
Submit to the Script Summit
Screenwriting Contest or join our Facebook Writers Group
Q: Who/what inspired you into taking this path?
I’d written a spec script for M*A*S*H a million years ago (when the Dead Sea wasn’t even sick yet). A few weeks after I’d finished the script, Frank Burns was replaced by Winchester. He was a completely different character and there was a different dynamic between him, Hawkeye, BJ and Houlihan. It was the quintessential example of being out of the proverbial loop.
Q: Who was the first person who believed in you?
That’s a tough one. Initially, myself. I had to have enough confidence to put pen to paper and take it to completion. Sometimes, I’d let friends read my stuff. And sometimes they were critical, but always supportive and honest.
I got a big boost when a writing sample I’d submitted to SNL ended up on a show. It proved that I knew how to write comedy. For the past few decades, my wife has been my rock in that department.
Q: When was the moment you knew you wanted to be a screenwriter?
That occurred when I realized that writing for TV might not be the direction I wanted. With an original screenplay feature, I’d have a lot more freedom with characters and content.
Q: How do you define success for yourself?
I’m already successful. My wife helped me in that area. I have a great marriage, a wonderful kid (she’s grown now) and we’re comfortable. Not rich, but comfortable. And, as they pointed out in Barton Fink, I can always keep writing.
