MOHAMED MOHSEN
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 PictureMohamed Mohsen
Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
I live in Porter Ranch, 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 inspiration for The Captor came from the psychological weight of war, the complexity of human guilt, and the blurred lines between justice and revenge. I wanted to explore these themes through an intense, intimate confrontation between two men bound by their past.
I simply only write scripts. It’s a medium I’m more comfortable with. The way a story unfolds visually, through dialogue and action, feels more natural to me than prose. Film allows me to bring characters and emotions to life in a way that feels immediate and immersive.
 
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?
The Captor took me about a week to write, including rewrites. But, the idea had been brewing for much longer. My writing process to writing shorts is straightforward. I don’t use index cards or whiteboards. I start with a strong concept, let the characters develop in my head, and then dive right with FADE IN. I write fast, focusing on raw emotion and pacing, then refine through rewrites. I trust the story to guide me rather than over-planning every beat.
 
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
My goal is to become a better writer with every project I take on. I want to create stories that resonate, challenge perspectives, and leave a lasting impact.
 
Was your entry at The Wiki Screenplay Contest a full script or “the first ten pages”? Why did you make that choice?
Full short script. The script is only 17 pages.

What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show...and why?
I don’t have just one favorite movie, but I admire films that are unpredictable and tell meaningful stories about human life and experiences. The ones that stay with me are those that challenge perspectives, explore deep emotions, and reveal something honest about the human condition.
 
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
Don’t give up or get discouraged if you don’t place initially. Keep writing—every day. The only way to get better at this craft or any other craft is to keep pushing yourself, learning from feedback, and refining your craft. If you want to call yourself a writer, you have to write. Consistency is key.
 
What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?
I always choose WIKI as the first contest to enter my projects, and while I’ve had several semi-finalists in the past, this is the first time I’ve actually won. I just finished a short called The Silent Gambit, which I’ll be entering this week. You can also check out my company and my partners’ work at www.rogue4films.com.