Mark Wallinger
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Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
Columbus, Ohio.
 
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 have a play, two TV pilots and a movie script currently completed.
 
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 start with the basic plot, then use a spreadsheet to figure out episodes (TV), or scenes, or play. Then, I have another document just for main character traits, so I can continue to weave them into the story. Finally, I have a “sandbox” where I can try scenes, and then cut-and-paste them into the script. Finally, I have a white board for the “daily” writing as well as dozens of Post-It notes around the house for inspirational moments.
 
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
To see something I wrote on a screen, or stage.
 
Was your entry at The Wiki Screenplay Contest a full script or “the first ten pages”? Why did you make that choice?
To fully understand if I had grabbed the reader’s attention in that short timeframe.
 
What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show...and why?
Raging Bull. DeNiro at his best; as well as Martin Scorsese, in black and white. It doesn’t get better. 
 
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
Just write. You can study format, or character development, but if you don’t have anything written and it’s just in your head, it’s not moving forward.
 
What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?
For the two TV pilots, I have a full Season 1 to finish. Also, a second movie screenplay.

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