JOHN RICHMOND
Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
Glasgow, Scotland 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? The inspiration for my story came from a blend of personal experiences and a deep fascination with human resilience in the face of adversity. I’ve been curious about the existence of Mandela effects, living in a Matrix, AI, and time travel, so I explored these in GO6. I wanted to explore complex characters navigating through extraordinary circumstances, and I felt that the visual and dialog-driven nature of a script would bring this narrative to life more vividly than a short story or novel could. 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? The script took me about three years to complete. My writing process is a blend of structured planning and spontaneous creativity. I start with a detailed outline, breaking down the story into acts and key scenes. Receiving and working on feedback from my peers is an integral part of the writing process for me. What is your ultimate ambition as a writer? My ultimate ambition as a writer is to create stories that resonate deeply with audiences and provoke thought, emotion, and conversation. Was your entry at The Wiki Screenplay Contest a full script or “the first ten pages”? Why did you make that choice? My entry at The Wiki Screenplay Contest was a full script. I chose to submit the complete script because I wanted the judges to experience the entire arc of the story, including its nuanced developments and climactic moments. I believed that the full script would better showcase the depth of the characters and the intricacies of the plot, providing a more comprehensive understanding of my storytelling abilities. What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show...and why? My favorite TV show is Quantum Leap. When I first saw Dr. Sam Becket step into the Quantum Leap accelerator and vanish I was hooked on Sci-Fi. Its influence in GO6 can be seen as it also explores similar themes of time travel and moral quests. What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have? My advice for writers aiming to win a contest is to focus on authenticity and originality. Write the story that only you can tell, and don’t shy away from taking creative risks. Polish your script thoroughly; ensure it’s well-structured, with clear character arcs and engaging dialogue. Seek feedback from trusted peers and be open to revisions. What else are you working on that the world needs to know about? I am working on two other Sci-Fi TV pilots that have been scoring high in other competitions. One of them is Deoxy that is inspired by shows like “Fringe” and “The X-Files.” The series follows two FBI agents, Taylor and Forbes, as they navigate a world transformed by organic mutagens that grant humans extraordinary abilities. Amidst environmental destruction and conflict, these agents find themselves in a race against time to understand the origins and consequences of these mutations. |
