Richard LaGravenese Talks 'Water For Elephants'

Director and screenwriter Richard LaGravenese has one big tip for would-be movie writers.

"My biggest advice is write, don't wait, just write. Because at some point, if you're working, the timing of opportunity and preparation will meet up and you'll have something to offer," he said.

LaGravenese's screenwriting credits include "The Fisher King," "The Bridges of Madison County" and "P.S. I Love You," which he also directed.

On Sunday, July 17, LaGravenese will be on hand for a question-and-answer session following a screening of "Water for Elephants" at the Ridgefield Playhouse. The screening is part of the Ridgefield Playhouse Film Society's Screenwriter Film Series.

Based on Sara Gruen's best-seller, "Water for Elephants" is an epic tale of a veterinary student, Jacob, who falls in love with Marlena, a star performer in a circus of a bygone era.

Directed by Francis Lawrence, from a screenplay by LaGravenese, "Water for Elephants" stars Reese Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz and Robert Pattinson, best known for his role as the vampire heartthrob in the "Twilight" films.

In a recent phone interview, LaGravenese discussed the process of turning a novel into a film, and talked about the film's stars