CHRIS HATCH
 CHRIS HATCH
Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
I live outside of the city of Philadelphia, PA, USA 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? “Fire at the Four Strong Winds,” while a work of fiction, is loosely based on some of the experiences I had back in the late 1980s working security at The Four Strong Winds Coffeehouse – an all-ages music venue in Mobile, Alabama. The Coffeehouse was the one safe space in that conservative southern city where kids who didn’t fit in elsewhere could hang out with like-minded people their own age and experiment with music, art, and even their own gender identities without fear of rejection. In fact, following the blossoming relationship between a trans teen and the brother of a local sports hero is how the story unfolds. I refer to “Fire at the Four Strong Winds” as “Roman a clef-adjacent” as most of the names have been changed to protect the (not so) innocent, and the titular fire never occurred. The character of Budd, the coffeehouse owner, is based on my friend and former boss, Budd McLean, who passed away earlier this year (2025). At his passing, the outpouring of love and respect and the many stories of how impactful this safe space for creativity and self- expression was in the lives of so many kids inspired me to finally tell its story through their eyes – even through a work of fiction. I’ve long wanted to tell this story in novel format but, in considering how much the music was a part of the experience, I realized it would have more impact on the screen so that the songs I chose to feature are integral to the storytelling. I am considering a novel adaptation if there is enough interest. 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? I often process stories in my head for months and even years before I ever sit down to write, so I don’t always need to work from an outline. I did both for “Fire at the Four Strong Winds.” The first draft probably took about three months, mostly because of work commitments and a few episodes of writer’s block. The outline helped limit time spent staring at a blank page and, once I got rolling, the first draft came together quickly. What is your ultimate ambition as a writer? Having just retired from my 35-year career in legislative and public relations, my dream would be to make writing my full-time gig. My first novel sold well, and the screenplay adaptation and the rest of my scripts have all received high placements in numerous competitions, but my opportunity to market them further has been limited. Now that I am retired, I will have more time to write and pitch, and I hope to find an agent and/or manager to help me as well. Was your entry at The Wiki Screenplay Contest a full script or “the first ten pages”? Why did you make that choice? My Wiki Screenplay Contest entry was a very early, full, feature-length screenplay. I submitted the whole script because I believe in the story, and I value feedback. My Wiki writeup was very actionable. After comparing Wiki’s feedback and other writeups I’ve received through other contests, I have been able to go back over the screenplay and make it much better. What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show...and why? “Dial ‘M’ for Murder” is one of the greats, particularly as a single location story, which I have tried and failed to manage in my own writing – my characters like to wander. I am also a nut for zombie movies; I will drop everything and watch “Night of the Living Dead” any time it comes on. The film was incredibly socially aware as a study in human nature aware and has held up well since its release. What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have? It’s trite, but “You can’t win if you don’t enter.” Also, “Polish, polish, polish.” What else are you working on that the world needs to know about? I am tweaking my pre-historical horror, “Öt-Z,” to be ready for a pitch I am slated to make to a talent management and production company. It follows what researchers know about the final 72 hours in the life of the famous Ötzi the Iceman but adds the zombie element and a LBGTQ love story. I had as much fun building the pitch deck as I did writing the story. Additionally, I sometimes work with a co-writer (Kevin Renshaw) and we are in the midst of outlining a comedy about a hapless dad who has to immerse himself in the fan culture of a famous pop artist to rebuild his relationship with his estranged daughter. More information about me and my work can be found on several hosting sites, including: https://www.networkisa.org/profile/user_preview/1082150 https://blcklst.com/profile/CJHatch https://www.scriptrevolution.com/profiles/cj-hatch https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishatchprpro/ |
