DIANE TOMASSIN
Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
Ventura, 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? I chose to write about narcissism based on my personal experiences with it. I firmly believe that narcissistic traits are detrimental and should not be accepted in our modern society. In particular, certain professions tend to attract individuals with narcissistic tendencies, which is why I incorporated a political theme into my pilot. By using gallows humor as a vehicle to highlight this issue, I aim to shed light on narcissistic traits and create awareness so that we no longer tolerate them in others or ourselves. I think that a TV pilot as opposed to a screenplay will be a more effective way to deliver this message, as a TV pilot allows for ongoing production and consistent delivery of the message to viewers. I believe it is important to address narcissistic traits through a television series to educate people on how to avoid being manipulated by narcissists. Additionally, it is crucial for individuals to reflect on their own behavior and recognize any narcissistic tendencies they may possess. My goal is to motivate and inspire viewers to strive for a higher level of empathy, tolerance and understanding towards others, particularly those who are different from them. Differences shouldn’t cause division. 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 approximately one week to complete the pilot for this TV series. Interestingly, this was the first script I wrote on my own. In the past, I felt uncomfortable with writing dialogue, so I relied on my co-writer for that aspect. However, this year I decided to challenge myself and started practicing writing dialogue by writing little skits for my TikTok account. Through this experience, I developed a newfound love for writing dialogue. Although I don't use index cards or a whiteboard, I do make sure to jot down any ideas or funny lines that come to mind in the notes section of my phone. Since discovering my enjoyment for writing dialogue, I have been consistently writing without pause. There are moments when I find myself staring at the screen at the blinking cursor, struggling to come up with ideas. However, I am grateful that the ideas eventually come to me in bursts. I’m learning all about the writing process. What is your ultimate ambition as a writer? My goal is to inspire and motivate individuals to critically evaluate their life choices. I firmly believe that no one should feel obligated to accept their circumstances if they are unhappy with them. If I can inspire even just one person to recognize their potential, embrace their true selves, and utilize their natural talents, it would be truly amazing. Was your entry at The Wiki Screenplay Contest a full script or “the first ten pages”? Why did you make that choice? It was a full TV pilot. What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show...and why? When it comes to movies, I have a soft spot for feel-good films that revolve around personal transformation, such as "A Christmas Carol." I also have a deep appreciation for classic films by Frank Capra and those that highlight human resilience, like "Gone With the Wind." In terms of TV shows, I enjoy comedy sitcoms like "Seinfeld" and "The Big Bang Theory." Growing up, I was particularly drawn to the sitcoms created by Norman Lear, who brilliantly infused social commentary into his comedic storytelling. However, my all-time favorite TV show is "Northern Exposure" due to its intelligence and refusal to rely on stereotypes. What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have? I'm actually still learning this, but I think to succeed in this field, it is important to let go of any narcissistic tendencies and approach your work with humility. This means being open to criticism, handling rejection gracefully, and seeking advice from experts. It's important to acknowledge that your writing may not be perfect and be willing to grow and improve. Additionally, your writing should have a genuine emotional connection. It should come from your soul rather than being driven by ego. In the words of Buddha, it is necessary to abandon your ego. My main objective in writing is to effectively communicate my ideas to the world, with any success achieved along the way being an added bonus. Winning this contest has filled me with gratitude and serves as a motivation to continue writing and creating. What else are you working on that the world needs to know about? I have worked alongside screenwriter Michael Miceli on two collaborative screenplays: "A Thousand Sunsets" and "Single Girl's Guide to Narcissists." Currently, I am in the process of writing my first solo screenplay, titled "The Magician." Additionally, I have written another TV pilot called "The Nice Gun." In all of my projects, my goal is to motivate and inspire people by delving into themes of personal growth and shed light on the values that appear to be fading in today's society, including tolerance, respect, empathy, and kindness. |
