LISA SAVY

Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
Boulder City, NV (just outside Las Vegas)
 
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 was actually presented with the story concept by the executive producer (Shereen Elcherif).  We were both fascinated by the idea of a young woman struggling with extraordinary mental powers.  Together we discussed how to enrich the story and characters.  The Gothic elements of the story (fear, horror, death, gloom, individuality, and very high emotion) cried out for a visual medium.
 
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?
Each draft (there are currently three drafts) took several months.  For this particular story I did outline the main beats in detail because there is a mystery and twist ending.  Every good mystery needs a red herring or two.  😊
 
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
To see the stories in my head brought to life on the big screen.  It would be nice to earn fame and fortune, but I’m happy just seeing the story rendered into film.
 
Was your entry at The Wiki Screenplay Contest a full script or “the first ten pages”? Why did you make that choice?
As the screenplay was already complete, I entered the full script.
 
What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show...and why?
I would have to say “Raising Arizona” because of the light-hearted action sequences, great ensemble acting, quotable dialogue, and a quirky premise that reveals universal truths about family and parenthood.
 
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
Follow the 3-act structure.  Keep your scenes and dialogue brief.  Every scene and every line of dialogue should contribute to the story.  One particular technique I use to keep my characters consistent and distinct is to visualize a certain actor playing that role.
 
What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?
So many ideas, so little time!  I’ve completed an action-adventure about a professional thief hired to recover a powerful Egyptian relic.  I’m also in the outline stage of a futuristic drama about a female activist forced to go underground when the opposing political party seizes power.  The challenge is to not identify any particular political party so that the concept resonates with people on all sides.

---