CHRISTOPHER WALKER
 CHRISTOPHER WALKER
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 through the Coverfly website. The fast turnaround time for results as well as the fast and thorough script feedback was what drew me to this contest. Where do you live (City, State, or Country)? Winooski, Vermont 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? I chose to write a script because of my love for TV sitcoms. There is something so amazing about how a 30 minute show can make a person feel so many different emotions, and how viewers can really connect to characters when they see them onscreen. My inspiration to write Struggling in Boston came from my love for Boston, as well as the many TV shows that have brought me joy over the years, such as How I Met Your Mother, New Girl, or Community. I have always dreamed of creating a show that viewers can watch, and rewatch, whenever they need a laugh. What is your typical writing routine? How do you structure your workday to stay productive? My typical writing routine starts with a LARGE cup of coffee. Then I gather all of my notes I’ll need for the day, put on some noise canceling headphones (usually playing classical music) and get to writing. I always break up the day with long walks where I can clear my head so I don’t get burnt out. 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? It took me a few months to get the first draft of my script finished. I always start with the concept or story I want to tell, then I move on to characters. I spend a great deal of time fleshing out their quirks and flaws, making sure that they are different enough and relatable to a wide range of people. After that, I write up a vague outline, and then it’s time for FADE IN. How do you handle writers block or moments of doubt (we all have them) during your creative process? My go-to solution for writer’s block is a long walk through my neighborhood. It always helps to clear my mind, and usually brings forth useful ideas in the process. Moments of doubt are always harder than writer’s block, and they usually come after I’ve reread my script for the hundredth time. For me, it’s a matter of seeing it through and trusting that what I am writing is truly important, and will bring joy to someone’s life. If you are balancing your “writing time” with a “day job”...how are you managing that? I balance my writing with my nine to five, “day job.” It can definitely be difficult, but it’s just a matter of finding the time. As Arnold Schwarzenegger says, “There are 24 hours in a day. Use them.” Sometimes this will require making sacrifices, but if you love what you’re doing, it’s worth it. |
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What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
My ultimate ambition is to get my writing noticed by someone who can help get it onscreen for others to enjoy. Which film or television writers inspire you? Why? Michael Schur and Megan Ganz are a big inspiration for me. Everything they touch turns to gold, and the way that they tell a story, effortlessly mixing comedy and emotional drama, is something I aspire to do one day. What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show? An impossible question for me to answer, but as far as shows that made me laugh out loud: Modern Family, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and The Office are definitely high on my list. What advice do you have for aspiring screenwriters? Keep writing. The only way to get better is to practice, and with every script you finish, you will learn something new and your craft will improve. What else are you working on that the world needs to know about? (links to your projects?) I’ve got lots of other scripts that I am polishing up, three of which I am very proud of are: The Chase, I Quit, and A Troubled Past – the last of which I co-wrote with my twin brother. All of these can be viewed on my coverfly profile at https://writers.coverfly.com/@cwak77727202. Where can the world find you online? (Social media links, etc.) I can be found on instagram at Chris (@cwak777) • Instagram photos and videos I can be found on coverfly at https://writers.coverfly.com/@cwak77727202 I can be found making ukulele videos on tiktok at https://www.tiktok.com/@guy_and_a_ukulele |
