MARCIA P. SAMUELS
 Best Screenplay Winner Marcia P. Samuels
Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
Jamaica, New York, USA 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? While browsing through a thrift shop in New York, I saw an elderly woman in a wheelchair holding a vintage doll, and she started to cry. She told the person pushing her that she had the same doll when she was a little girl, and it was her best friend. It made me think about her life and why, at her age, a childhood doll was still so significant to her. That moment stuck with me, and years later, I ended up writing THE STORY OF DOLLS. As for why I chose to write a script, I’ve never seen myself as a short story or novel writer. Many of my projects originate from dreams I have had, and I also find inspiration in biblical stories, transforming them into contemporary dramas. Whether a dream where I already saw the entire story, a chapter from the bible, or a story told to me, I love the challenge of completing the journey into a screenplay or stage play. 
How do you decide which stories to tell, and what draws you to these particular themes?
When I have a story in my head that I can't shake off, I just have to write it down. I don't stick to a specific theme, but a lot of my writing tends to focus on spirituality and the paranormal. 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? I originally penned this script years ago. Recently, I spent around two weeks doing a major rewrite. I often dream my stories before putting them down on paper. I start with Fade In. What is your ultimate ambition as a writer? I have been lucky enough to see several of my stage plays and musicals brought to life on stage; however, my storytelling extends far beyond the theater. I also craft screenplays and television pilot scripts. Now that I'm submitting to festivals and gaining valuable feedback, I am more confident that maybe Hollywood isn't as far-fetched for a writer like me. Was your entry at The Wiki Screenplay Contest a full script or “the first ten pages”? Why did you make that choice? Several years ago, I received a favorable review of the first ten pages. After extensive rewrite, I felt it was time to get a full read and review. I have entered this contest before, and I was impressed with the coverage, actually surprised at how thorough it was. How do you approach competition entries, and what have you learned from participating in these contests? Which contests have you entered...and how has your work been received overall? Have those contests been helpful to you in your writing? I evaluate the number of years and the potential benefits of participating in that contest. I also review the judges' biographies and occasionally examine the loglines of the winning scripts. I sometimes question the value of submitting and winning, aside from the beneficial coverage. 
The film and television industry is constantly evolving. How do you see the role of screenwriters changing, especially with the rise of streaming platforms and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence? Have you used A.I. in your writing; if so, how have you used it
I think having all these streaming platforms is great. However, I find that most of the movies are pretty low quality. It seems like these platforms are just buying up a bunch of low-budget films to keep up with the demand. As for using AI, I've been having fun using AI to create many things! I've also started turning some of my old and new poetry into short “Poetry Films,” and the responses on YouTube are positive thus far. Not sure where I am going with this project yet more than to say, I am writing more poetry than I ever have. When it comes to AI, I've been doing a lot of research and I think the film industry is going to fully adopt AI for everything—writing, production, and even acting. I know writers are pushing back against this, but the reality is, it's already happening more than we realize. For instance, with the right words and the power of AI, I can create stunning artwork, close to the masterpieces that talented artists have created over time with their brushes on canvas. Now, someone who has never had that passion or made sacrifices can easily create similar art just by typing out some words for fun or profit. (and may I add, that even if there are flaws, with the power of AI, those flaws can be manipulated into perfection) What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show? Movies: “Beaches” - “Imitation of Life” – “Flowers In The Attic” & “Don’t Worry Darling” TV SHOWS: Scandal and Law & Order SVU. I also like the true story films, and some of the Reality shows. 
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
When you believe your script is ready for submission, take a break for about a week before revisiting it. Recently, I have been utilizing the "Read Aloud" feature to listen to my scripts. This approach allows me to detach from my role as the writer. If you can hear a compelling story, and captivating dialogue, and vividly imagine the scenes, your readers will experience the same. What else are you working on that the world needs to know about? I am in the process of developing a project and simultaneously working on its sequel, as I believe the complete story cannot be conveyed in a single film. This project can be characterized as a psychological, paranormal, and mysterious thriller that captivates the mind, featuring a title that, when unraveled, discloses the genre while keeping the plot's twists and turns a secret. I'm currently rewriting a film adaptation of my acclaimed musical 'Tell Hell I Ain’t Comin’ Right Now'. I'm torn between keeping it a musical or writing it as a drama. Plus, I'm also working on a project that's so massive and unique that I realized I can't fit it all into just one film. I am writing the main story and the sequel at the same time, but more so concentrating on the main original screenplay Where can the world find you online? (Social media links, etc.) Youtube Channel: Marcia P. Samuels “A Grain Of Sand” https://www.youtube.com/@MPSagrainofsand AMAZON PRIME: (Rent/Buy “Tell Hell I Ain’t Comin’”) https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B00D7K5MTO/ref=atv_sr_fle_c_Tn74RA_1_1_1?sr=1-1&pageTypeIdSource=ASIN&pageTypeId=B002ISZGIS&qid=1747165798547 |
