LISSA FOREHAN
 LISSA FOREHAN
Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
Irvine, CA 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 idea was born from a night of storytelling with music industry friends, all of us in our 60s, reminiscing about our wild days in the 1980s: backstage passes, sold-out arenas, private jets, and the unforgettable chaos of it all. My co-creator and I realized there’s very little content that celebrates people our age and the rich, complicated final chapters of life. As we discussed and created ideas for the characters, thinking of it as a TV series, somebody we sought out for guidance, mentioned writing it as a screenplay and given that I am an Indie Film Producer, I decided to write the screenplay, essentially following the storyline that I’d created for the TV series. Adding in the teens seemed like a perfect fit in that they mirror who we once were and is ripe for fabulous humor as both generations initially resist each other. Through humor, heart, and music as the bridge, we explore the universal thread of humanity that connects and inspires generations. 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? My co-creator and I, initially conceived the story as a TV series, but once I began thinking of it as a feature film, it was clear that the scope and emotional depth of a feature film spoke strongly to the characters. As an indie film producer, I’m very familiar with story structure and visual storytelling, so once I sat down and typed FADE IN, the screenplay poured out of me in about a month. That said, the process didn’t end there. I continued refining the arcs and dialogue until every beat felt authentic. It was both exhilarating and affirming to finally invest my creative energy into my own narrative after years of producing other people’s visions. What is your ultimate ambition as a writer? My goal is to see my screenplays brought to life as feature films that move audiences, stories that make people feel less alone, challenge perceptions, and leave them something they didn’t arrive with. Having produced numerous award-winning indie films, I’ve dedicated years to nurturing other storytellers’ voices. Now, I’m channeling that same experience, discipline, and passion into my own projects, hoping to collaborate with talented teams to create work that resonates on both an emotional and cultural level. Was your entry at The Wiki Screenplay Contest a full script or “the first ten pages”? Why did you make that choice? I submitted the full screenplay because I wanted comprehensive feedback that would help me strengthen the story as a whole. For me, every scene contributes to the emotional rhythm of the film and understanding how it plays from start to finish is essential to developing a script that truly connects with audiences and I welcome the feedback in the areas that need strengthening and value the feedback that is supportive, given that I’m a first-time writer, that input is critical to me and the development of the script. What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show...and why? One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest remains my all-time favorite. Its storytelling is fearless, the characters unforgettable, and the performances perfectly cast. It challenges stereotypes while celebrating the resilience of the human spirit and most importantly, it leaves viewers with more than they arrived with. That’s the kind of storytelling I aspire to create powerful, layered, and deeply human. What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have? Write from truth. Create characters whose voices you can hear and whose heartbeats you can feel. When you understand what drives them their fears, humor, contradictions, and humanity your audience will too. Authenticity transcends genre; it’s what allows viewers to connect, reflect, and see themselves in your story. Taking the risk to submit and share your creative work is a huge step and whatever feedback you receive (awards or script analysis) is valuable in the development and helps to shape the journey of each project. What else are you working on that the world needs to know about? I’ve recently completed the first draft of a psychological courtroom drama titled Justice? It’s a layered, emotionally charged story that’s been years in the making. It explores trauma, truth, and the cost of survival through the lens of a woman whose life unravels within the justice system she once served. It’s a powerful, character-driven film that has already received excellent early feedback. I’m now in the process of connecting with representation and reaching out to a few actors whose talent and depth would bring the story to life in extraordinary ways. |
