ADRIANO BELCASTRO
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 PictureADRIANO BELCASRETO
How did you discover The Wiki Screenplay Contest and how did you decide to enter this contest among all the others?
I discovered The Wiki Screenplay Contest while searching for a fast, straightforward, and effective competition that would put my work in front of the right eyes without unnecessary bureaucracy. It felt like a platform genuinely interested in new, unique voices rather than just adding another fee-based contest to the pile.

Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
I currently live in the United Kingdom.

Your script stood out among hundreds of others. What was the inspiration for your story and why did you write a script instead of a short story or a novel? What inspires your overall journey into screenwriting?
To me, an epic period piece must be — if not 100% — then at least 99.9% historically accurate. Being Italian, since an early age I’ve been driven to debunk many clichés about Rome, especially what’s presented in Gladiator and now Gladiator 2, which has no chronological order whatsoever. My goal was to ground my story in real events and real people, giving audiences a raw, truthful window into a chaotic moment in history.

How do you decide which stories to tell, and what draws you to these particular themes?
I’m drawn to stories that feel timeless yet urgent — ones that explore moral grey zones and the cost of survival. I often look for historical or mythic frameworks that echo modern conflicts. If an idea keeps me awake at night and scares me a little, it’s usually worth pursuing.

What is your typical writing routine? How do you structure your workday to stay productive?
I work in the catering world where the hours eat up almost the entire day — I have to count available writing hours on my fingers . People in the kitchen look at me strangely when I talk to myself ( recording) on the phone, capturing insight while I’m working. That’s how little time I get. So, I grab moments during breaks, between shifts, or late at night. Even five minutes is enough to jot down a line or a scene.

How long did it take you to write your script...and what is your writing process? Do you outline...use index cards...white board...or just start with FADE IN?
The script took about six months from initial outline to polished draft. I always start with an outline — a loose roadmap with key scenes and emotional beats. Then I break it down into sequences, sometimes using index cards or a whiteboard for complex structures. Once the spine feels solid, I dive in with FADE IN.

How do you handle writers block or moments of doubt (we all have them) during your creative process?
I honestly don’t get writer’s block. My ideas are printed visually in my head from beginning to end — you could call it unusual or even autistic, but when others see a leaf  falling, I see an entire world behind it. The real challenge is just finding time to put what I see onto the page.

What tools or software do you find essential to your workflow as a screenwriter?
I currently use WriterDuet, but I’ve used Final Draft in the past and may switch back at some point.
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How do you approach competition entries, and what have you learned from participating in these contests? Which contests have you entered...and how has your work been received overall? Have those contests been helpful to you in your writing?
I enter contests to see if my story resonates beyond my circle. So far I’ve entered the Wiki Screenplay Contest and Coverfly Screenplay Competition. The feedback and placements help me measure how clear and compelling my script is to fresh readers.

Can you share a specific challenge you've faced in your screenwriting and how you overcame it?
This is honestly my favorite question because it’s exactly what Praetorian: The Year of the Four Emperors tackles — it’s a 50/50 exploration of dramatic storytelling and true events. It’s not just “inspired by history” — it’s rooted in factual people and situations from around 60–69 AD. The challenge was balancing accuracy with a compelling character- driven narrative. For me, reality always comes first — the drama serves the truth.

If you are balancing your “writing time” with a “day job”...how are you managing that?
I have only one day off each week, but between lunch breaks, quick pauses, and even during work when possible, I find moments to sit down and write. Every spare minute counts.

Where do you see yourself in five years as a screenwriter?
I see myself having multiple scripts optioned or in production, collaborating with directors and producers who resonate with my voice, being on set as much as possible — not interfering, but fully immersed in witnessing and experiencing the magic of filming, almost like Caesar’s veni, vidi, vici — and continuing to develop bold, character-driven stories that challenge audiences.”

What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
To build a body of work so authentic and visually strong that it stands the test of time. I want my stories to pull audiences into another era or world and make them feel they lived it — not just watched it.

Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
I don’t have just one writer I follow religiously — I admire anyone who handles complex characters and moral tension with honesty. I respect writers who keep historical or epic material accurate yet make it feel human and immediate on screen. Authenticity and courage in writing inspire me more than big names.

What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
Ben-Hur, Spartacus, Starsky & Hutch, most of Hitchcock’s films, and Space: 1999. Each of these shaped my passion for timeless, layered stories that mix spectacle with human drama.

What advice do you have for aspiring screenwriters?
Don’t chase what’s trendy. Write the story you see in your head and feel in your gut. Keep rewriting until it feels honest — and never wait for permission. If your vision is clear, the industry will notice sooner or later.

What else are you working on that the world needs to know about? (links to your projects?)
I’m currently refining a spy action story called The Translator, which exists both as a script and a book, and developing two contained sci-fi dramas.

Where can the world find you online? (Social media links, etc.)
IMDbPro: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm12813367