DAVID H. FEIN
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 FilmFreeway. It stood out to me because of its reputation for providing thoughtful feedback and supporting emerging writers. Where do you live (City, State, or Country)? Los Angeles, California. 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 write screenplays because, to me, they’re a unique form of art. While I consider the screenplay itself a standalone piece, it’s also the foundation for something greater—an experience meant to come alive on the big screen. Seeing a story unfold visually and aurally brings together all the sensory elements we experience as humans, something that a novel or short story can’t achieve in the same way. My journey into screenwriting is inspired by this potential to create worlds that live and breathe beyond the page and the magic of storytelling that connects us all. How do you decide which stories to tell, and what draws you to these particular themes? Each story is different. Sometimes it starts with a character, other times with a premise or a single image in my head. My process varies—sometimes I outline meticulously, while other times I let the story unfold as I write. I approach every story as its own unique entity and allow it to guide me on how it should be told. What draws me in are themes of humanity, resilience, and exploration—whether internal or external. What is your typical writing routine? How do you structure your workday to stay productive? I’m an early riser and usually start my day with an 8-mile run to clear my head. After that, I write. Some days, I’ll be at my desk for 12 hours straight, letting the ideas flow. Other days, productivity might mean stepping away to think or recharge. I’m disciplined but flexible, allowing each day to unfold as it needs while maintaining a relentless drive to see my vision come to life. How long did it take you to write your script, and what is your writing process? Do you outline, use index cards, whiteboards, or just start with FADE IN? My process is a mix—it depends on the story. I use index cards, whiteboards, outlines, or sometimes I dive right into writing. Some scripts come together in a day or two, while others take weeks or months. The time and process always depend on the material and what the story demands to bring it to life. How do you handle writer's block or moments of doubt (we all have them) during your creative process? I remind myself that writing is something I love, and it’s a part of who I am. There’s no right or wrong, no good or bad—just the work itself. By removing judgment and expectation, I can usually get the creative flow back. If that doesn’t work, I step away, do something unrelated, and often an idea will spark. The key for me is to take the pressure off and reconnect with the joy of storytelling. What tools or software do you find essential to your workflow as a screenwriter? Final Draft is my go-to tool. How do you approach competition entries, and what have you learned from participating in these contests? Have those contests been helpful to you in your writing? I’ve entered hundreds of competitions and have been fortunate to win, place, or receive recognition in many of them. Competitions provide validation and encouragement in an industry that can feel discouraging at times. However, I’ve learned not to take rejections—or even wins—as absolute judgments of my work. Feedback is often subjective and reflects personal preferences rather than the quality of the story. Contests help me stay motivated and focused on the bigger picture. Can you share a specific challenge you've faced in your screenwriting and how you overcame it? One of the biggest challenges is handling the constant cycle of rejections mixed with praise. It can take a toll on self-esteem and make you question your worth. The way I overcome this is by focusing on the work itself—writing the best story I can and letting the rest be noise. I hold onto hope that one day, my work will resonate with the right person. If you are balancing your “writing time” with a “day job," how are you managing that? Balancing has always been difficult. I’ve taken the risk of dedicating myself to writing full-time, even without financial security, because it’s what I’m most passionate about. Where do you see yourself in five years as a screenwriter? Writing. My hope is to catch a break and have my stories reach wider audiences, but above all, I’ll still be creating. What is your ultimate ambition as a writer? To see my stories come to life on the big screen. The film and television industry is constantly evolving. How do you see the role of screenwriters changing, especially with the rise of streaming platforms and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence? Have you used AI in your writing; if so, how have you used it? AI is a useful tool for research and inspiration. Its role depends on the story and what tools are available to support the vision. While AI can enhance parts of the process, the heart of storytelling will always come from the writer. Which film or television writers inspire you? Why? Yasujiro Ozu, Charlie Kaufman, J.R.R. Tolkien, Isaac Asimov, Michael Connelly, M. Night Shyamalan, Christopher Nolan, and Stanley Kubrick inspire me because of their unique voices, bold storytelling, and ability to explore profound themes in innovative ways. What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show? The Best of Youth. What advice do you have for aspiring screenwriters? Focus on your craft. Let everything else unfold as it will. What else are you working on that the world needs to know about? I’m always crafting stories—films, TV series, and novels. I’ve barely scratched the surface of the vault of ideas I plan to bring to life. |
