Interview: Screenwriter, Ella Valentine Discusses Her New Film, Revolution X

(Ella Valentine: Lavender Hill Photography)

Ella Valentine is the screenwriter of Revolution X, directed by Matthew Philip Cannon which is now streaming on Apple TV. She is also the founder and editor of Horror Valentines – a new magazine and website dedicated to women in Thriller and Horror. The magazine is about women and written by women. Ella is also a screenwriter and journalist with 15 years experience in content writing.

I’m Hannah Taylor, writer and screenwriter in the Film and TV industry. And this exclusive interview with Ella Valentine brings to you her exciting new project, Revolution X, explores her background in Film and discusses Ella’s screenwriting journey so far. There’s so much to discuss, let’s go!

Hi Ella, can you tell us about you, your background in film and how your journey in Screenwriting began?

Of course, thank you! I started writing when I was only 8. I started with poetry which grew into short stories in my teens, and once I graduated from high school, I wanted to get even more creative.

I was surrounded by actor friends and the idea of learning the craft of screenwriting started to become more and more appealing to me. So I ended up enrolling in a Screenwriting program in London. It was tough getting a job at a film company, so I ended up making my own short films! 

Your latest film, Revolution X is now streaming on Apple TV, can you provide a quick summary on what Revolution X is about?

Absolutely! It is essentially a fight between the good and the evil. It’s a sci-fi that explores the dynamics of time-travel and parallel worlds. It follows the journey of Tee, a talented artist who has had a great impact on the world which has angered some bad people in the future. Both good and evil compete in trying to redirect the course of Tee’s destiny and change his timeline. 

How did the concept for Revolution X start? And what was the project’s early beginnings?

My co-writer and Revolution X’s director, Matt Cannon came up with the original idea. Matt was inspired by the possibilities of exploring a multiverse and telling a story of how the good always wins – but at what price? When he reached out to me for a collaboration. I instantly aligned with his vision and got on board! 

Do you have a special memory working on Revolution X? And can you share a few insights on what it was like working on this exciting film project?

It was exciting as you say and ever-changing! We went through hundreds of drafts until we found the perfect ending. There was a lot of brainstorming but the best part of it all was working with such a great team, cast and crew! We all bounced off each other’s ideas and everyone was as equally involved in the making of the movie. 

Revolution X is a Science-Fiction movie, which filmmakers and films in the Science-Fiction genre inspire you and why?

I like Mike Cahill who wrote and directed I Origins (2014). He often collaborates with Brit Marling, the creator of the series The OA (2016-2019). Both explore mind-bending multiverse topics I am extremely interested in. There is so much to think about in terms of “existence”. The possibilities are endless, and I have always admired filmmakers who are daring in their exploration of existential matters.

Otherwise, one of my favourite sci-fi movies is Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), written by Charlie Kaufmann who also wrote Being John Malkovich (1999) another masterpiece! He is one of my favourite screenwriters. 

Do you have any tips or advice for screenwriters just getting started in the film industry?

Reading scripts of your favourite movies always helps. Writing, even if it’s not your best writing but keeping it going is also an important exercise. Don’t be too cautious or afraid it won’t turn out like you have imagined it. Just do it and improve on it afterwards.

Start with themes you are either familiar about or curious about. Something that draws you and keeps you passionate about, motivates you to come back to it and not abandon it easily. 

Can you provide a link to the Revolution X screenplay for filmmakers to read your work?

Unfortunately, the script isn’t available yet! But here is a link to stream Revolution X on Apple TV currently available to stream only in North America.

And lastly, which social platforms can filmmakers find you on and connect with you?

Of course, here is my Instagram and my Twitter/X.

I also write articles on Horror Valentines, a film magazine I founded dedicated to women in Horror and Thriller. 

Thanks for talking with us today, Ella!

Want to see more exclusive interviews?
Check out my interview with Makeover Movie (2022) director, Sue Ding here.