Jessica Bendinger

By Courtney in Authors on Jan 16, 2010

Screenwriter takes on the supernatural in her new novel

Screenwriter Jessica Bendinger is perhaps best known for penning films such as "Bring It On" and "Stick It." However, this talented writer has now brought her creativity to readers in her new novel, "The Seven Rays." This interesting story chronicles the life of main character Beth and the mysterious things that begin to happen to her.

Jessica was kind enough to talk with jitZul about her career.

For more information on Jessica and her novel, check out her website.

When did you first realize that you had a knack for writing stories?

I started making up stories as a kid, I loved telling tall tales and going to the movies and reading books. These were all a wonderful escape from the chaos and inconsistency of my childhood. I would venture into my daydreams to protect myself. I was a finalist in an essay competition in middle school, and realized I might have a knack for writing.

My grandmothers were both very creative, and one of them made me storybooks that she drew. She planted those seeds at a very young age – that you could make something special with words – and I know it influenced me. She was also a volunteer at her local theater and library in Long Boat Key, Florida, so plays and books were given a very high status for me as a kid.

Where did your interest in cheerleading/gymnastics originate? What influenced your decision to make these loves into films, such as Stick it and Bring it On?

Gymnastics was my first love. I saw Nadia Comaneci win all those gold medals as a child, and it dazzled me that a child could captivate adults. It was the first time I’d seen someone young do something adults could not do. I felt so powerless as a kid, and I wanted to experience that power! I was very fearless, and gymnastics gave me an outlet for my fearlessness.

I wanted to try crazy things. That extreme sports mentality infuses cheerleading competitions as well – the components of risk and entertainment – and so after I retired from gymnastics, I found cheerleading to be an interesting phenomenon. I believe you should write about things you are fascinated by or in love with, because when you write what you love, it has an X Factor to it that audiences really respond to.

You had a gig on MTV News and spent quite a bit of time in and around the music industry, how have those experiences influenced your film work?

I love music. My mother is a professional jazz trombonist, and my father plays baritone sax and keyboards and wrote commercial jingles and he still writes music to this day. I was immersed in it as a child, so it is a bit like breathing for me. I can’t imagine not having music around.

I guess I’ve always loved music, and it has been a constant companion for me. I actually write to music when I’m writing, and it influences my process. Music is definitely in the DNA of everything I do creatively.

When writing a screenplay, do you ever worry that what you wrote won't be portrayed on screen as you envisioned it? If so, how do you eliminate or reduce this risk?

Screenplays are recipes for movies, not finished products. If you are lucky enough to have a film produced, the screenplay will always be transformed into something else. That is just the reality of the form, and it’s important that writers understand that and make peace with that if they can. I eliminated the risk by writing a novel. If you want reduction of risk, you need to write plays or novels! Movies are an unruly team sport, played on a very big field that you cannot control.

Your debut novel, The Seven Rays, was released in 2009. What influenced your decision to write this book?

See my answer above! I wanted the creative luxury of exploring a story without the constraints that are placed on screenplays. I wanted absolute creative control, for better or for worse.

Now that the book has been published and you have heard feedback of all sorts, is there anything that you wish you had done differently?

I wish I had a better understanding about the mechanics of selling books, but as far as writing the book goes, I’m happy with what I made…in all its flawed glory.

Do you plan on writing any additional novels, perhaps a sequel to The Seven Rays?

There are plans for a sequel, but it is a bit contingent on my schedule and some other realities.

What did you find to be the hardest aspects of writing a novel versus writing a screenplay?

Screenplays at their best are lean, mean, tight recipes for movies. Novels are the whole shebang. Novels take much longer and are much harder to generate. The sheer volume alone was the hardest aspect. I have zero training or experience with fiction, and so I was learning as I went. It was quite a humbling experience.

Your talents have given you the opportunity to work on numerous projects. Do you have a particular favorite?

I love all my children. Bring It On, Stick It and The Seven Rays are all good kids for very different reasons.

What are some additional things that you hope to accomplish in your career?

I’m very curious by nature, so I hope to be in a state of creative mutation for as long as possible! I would love to teach at some point. The feedback loop of sharing is a nice one to be in.

Is there a particular film genre that you have yet to tackle but would like to, in terms of screenwriting?

I would love to do a sweeping, romantic love story. I loved the recent remake of "Pride & Prejudice," and Edith Wharton is one of my favorite authors of all time. Who knows? That would be kind of delicious.

What advice would you have for people who are interested in pursuing a career in Hollywood?

Learn your craft. Follow your enthusiasm. Know your stuff. Be kind. Get credible evaluation from a qualified person in your industry of choice. Hobbies are wonderful, and it is important to make the distinction between a career and a passion. If you are very fortunate, they will intersect, and your work will be your play.