Here is the synopsis to Mr. Edward Mensore's intensifying film Mine 9:
Mining country in Appalachia has been declared The Devil's Playground. A close-knit group of veteran miners, all friends and family, commence what would be a normal day's work--except today a rookie, the son of one of our veterans and the god-son of the Section Leader, joins them, 18 year-old Ryan.
With ever-growing safety concerns at the mine, Zeke (Section Leader and long time coal mining veteran), struggles with the correct course of action, weighing on one hand the safety of his men, and on the other, the need to earn a steady wage in an economically depressed region.
Today, however,fate takes matters into its own hands when a huge methane explosion rips through the mine. Smoke engulfs the men, forcing them to rely on nothing more than brains, brawn and faulty self-rescuers(oxygen tanks that afford them one hour of air).
Mine 9 is the story of the struggle for survival against all odds; men trapped in hell as the result of exploitation, greed and circumstance.
1. If you had to describe yourself using three words, it would be…?
Intense, loving, conflicted
2. What is the genesis of your movie Mine 9?
I grew up in West Virginia, which is coal mine country. I took elements of a handful of coal mining accidents that happened during my youth and weaved them into one story.
3. What was your writing habit when you wrote Mine 9?
I write everyday, so it was a routine. Writing the script was fast, probably three months. The idea was concise and well researched ahead of time. It helped to write a long treatment before beginning the script.
4. What research did you do when writing Mine 9?
Extensive research on coal mine explosions, coal mine operations, and mine rescue. It is very technical. I had to find a coal mine expert to help me lay out the story, attempting to keep it realistic. Even with that assistance, it was like learning a new language.
5. Do you ever get writer’s block when writing Mine 9? What do you do to get back on track?
I never got writers block during the creative writing aspects. I did get writers block/flustered from the challenging technical aspects, when the coal mine expert would tell me what made sense, did not make sense, and why. Simplicity always got me back on track. Overthinking something is easy to do and it doesn't seem to help much.
6. What is the biggest surprise that you experienced during or after making Mine 9?
No matter how hard you work on something, you might not ever sell it for the dollar amount that it is worth to you.
7. Did you ever listen to music while writing?
Absolutely! Nimrod Workman. Appalachian ballad singer.
8. What piece of advice do you have for screenwriters starting out?
Keep your locations contained with minimal characters. After you complete the first draft of any script, start cutting characters and locations. If there are four people talking and they all sound similar, condense the conversation to two people. You will start to see the characters come alive.
9. What’s the best advice you have ever received about writing?
The script is never finished. Writing is the only time that you get to make changes for free. Do it now, before you get on set.
10. What was the last great film you saw? What was the last great book you read?
The last great movie was The Rider, by Chloe Zhao.
The last great book was, Can't Hurt Me, by David Goggins.
11. In one word how would you sum up mine 9?
Done!
12. What do you love about directing in general?
Getting to be a fan of actors who make the words on the page come alive with greater meaning than I ever imagined.
13. What was your reaction when you first watched the trailer of Mine 9?
I got excited, because I knew that it worked.
14. If a self-published author is seeking a screenwriter, how would one get you to read his or her story to see if it would make a compelling movie?
Just contact me. I have helped two self-publishing authors turn their novels into screenplays.
15. What would it take for you personally to be interested in translating a self-published story into a screenplay?
A solid paycheck with the understanding that it takes time.
16. What book (or movie) had the most influence in your life?
Spike Lee's, Do The Right Thing, made me want to create art.
17. If you could be a “fly on the wall” anywhere at any time, where would you like to be?
On the set of Magnolia with Paul Thomas Anderson.
18. Last question, if a genie granted you three wishes, what would they be? (can’t ask for more wishes)
The very best filmmaker, husband, and father that I strive to be.
I really like to thank Mr. Edward Mensore for this interview and I urge those reading this to check out Mine 9. To know more about the film or take a sneak peek of the movie stills or behind the scene photo click on the website:www.mine9movie.com Thank you for reading this and I hope you have a great day.