DAVID NICHOLS
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 PictureDAVID NICHOLS
Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

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?
I’ve always been drawn to the mix of folklore, history, and horror — and Australia’s landscapes provide the perfect canvas for that. Much of my inspiration comes from the idea of taking something familiar and turning it into something unsettling. I chose to write a screenplay because I tend to think in visuals, atmosphere, and dialogue rather than prose. I imagine how a scene looks, feels, and sounds — how tension builds on screen. Writing a script allows me to capture those images and moments in a way that feels alive, like watching the story unfold as I type.

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?
FADE IN:
David picks up the pen. No, it’s not a dagger — it is, in fact, just a pen… to paper. This script took several months of development, including a lot of late-night refining. I work remotely for two weeks of every month, which gives me free evenings to dedicate to writing. At home, screenwriting is my favourite pastime, and I often step through scenes with my wife, my 16-year-old son, or one of my daughters. Hearing the dialogue spoken aloud helps me feel its rhythm and authenticity. I start with a broad beat sheet, breaking down acts and key turning points, then expand into detailed scene outlines. Once the structure is clear, I write fluidly and allow the characters to guide the story. I revise constantly, tightening dialogue and ensuring every scene has purpose and weight.
FADE OUT.

What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
My ambition is to see my stories produced and shared on screen, both in Australia and internationally. I want to tell films that carry a distinctly Australian voice, yet resonate universally — stories that mix horror, thriller, and drama with strong character focus. On a personal level, writing has also become something of a family connection. Involving my wife and kids in stepping through scenes has turned this into more than just a solitary pursuit; it’s something we share. Seeing one of these scripts produced would be the culmination of not just my effort, but their encouragement too.

Was your entry at The Wiki Screenplay Contest a full script or “the first ten pages”? Why did you make that choice?
I entered the full script. While I believe the opening is strong, the real strength of this story lies in its escalation and how the tension sustains across the entire journey. I wanted the judges to feel the full weight of that experience. At the time, I was close to finishing the script and thought, why not send it in now and see how it fares before the final draft?

What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show...and why?
I don’t really have a single all-time favourite — I’m drawn to films that feel grounded and could almost be real. I love Blade Runner for its atmosphere and depth, 28 Days Later for its raw, relentless energy, and Goodfellas for its sharp, authentic storytelling. A lot of my enjoyment comes from breaking down these kinds of films with my son. We’ll watch something like World War Z and then discuss what we would do in an apocalyptic situation —what felt real, what worked, and what didn’t. For me, that’s the mark of a great script: when it
makes you question how you would respond if you were in the middle of it.

What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
Write what excites you, not what you think will sell. Authentic passion always comes through on the page. Be prepared to rewrite, refine, and polish — but don’t lose your unique voice in the process. And don’t fear rejection; every placement and every piece of feedback is a step forward. Persistence will take you further than perfection. Most importantly, write with your gut — go with what you feel and believe is right. Push boundaries, step outside the box, and lean in with new ideas rather than leaning away. That’s where the most powerful and memorable stories come from.

What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?
I’ve always got several screenplays in development. My process is to cycle between them — I’ll focus on one for a week, then set it aside, come back later to add, refine, and polish with fresh eyes. I have a completed Australian screenplay, My Black, which has been submitted to other competitions. It’s a powerful story rooted in the outback, exploring themes of injustice, survival, and truth. I’m also in Final Draft on an exciting supernatural adventure, The Forbidden Forest, inspired by an old 1980s arcade game. It blends fantasy horror with survival storytelling in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Additionally, I’m developing a UK-based feature — a tense cat-and-mouse thriller with a unique twist that I believe could be adapted across different countries thanks to the innovation at its core.