Where do you live (City, State, or Country)? NYC 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? My script was based on the true story of a fire my father passed away in while working as a fireman in the FDNY in 2005. The fire led to years of both criminal and civil trials due to the illegal cause of the fire. There have been so many films about cops, or doctors, or nurses, but I felt that firemen were more of an untold story. I wanted to share my dad and my family’s story.As to why a script, I study Screenwriting at NYU so a script is my preferred medium. I think a movie can reach a wider audience than a book.
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? In total, it took me about three months to write my script. I began with research - interviewing my mom and a surviving fireman from the fire, reading court transcripts, and reading every article I could find on that tragic day. Then, I went into an outline and wrote and rewrote and rewrote.
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer? I hope to become a professional screenwriter and producer who makes a living through filmmaking.
Was your entry at The Wiki Screenplay Contest a full script or “the first ten pages”? Why did you make that choice? I submitted a full script because I wanted analysis on my full work.
What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show...and why? My favorite movie is Crash. It has one of the most impressive scripts I’ve ever seen on screen, with the way that all of the stories intertwine seamlessly.
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have? My advice is to not submit until your script and writing is ready. Do multiple drafts until you are fully happy with it.
What else are you working on that the world needs to know about? I’m working on a psychological thriller feature and a psychological drama TV series!