ROBERTO S. OREGEL
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 PictureFinalist Roberto S. Oregel
Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
I live in Alhambra, CA. 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?
The inspiration for my story came from an interesting location in Boyle Heights, near one of my favorite restaurants, El Tepeyac, at the corner of Wabash and Evergreen. The area is full of vibrant murals and colors on the small, local mom-and-pop shops. One mural, in particular, caught my attention—a striking image of the wrestler Blue Demon who has a Trump figure in a headlock (see pic below). It’s a cool mural, and the entire location has a unique, authentic feel. I immediately knew I wanted to film a scene there, which led me to write a script that I can film when able to.  The visual nature of this location and the energy of the place makes me want to capture it on screen.

​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 wrote this script over a summer. Since the story was inspired by a location, I visited the area several times, asking myself, "Who are the characters in my story?" The Hollenbeck Police Department is nearby and the officers often visit El Tepeyac restaurant, which led me to make a police officer the main character. I also noticed that the area mainly consists of close-knit families who shop at local small businesses, which helped shape the supporting characters.
I grew up in this neighborhood, so I’m familiar with the community, even though I no longer live there. Once I understood who my characters were, I worked on the details for my characters—their professions, struggles, and personalities. After fleshing out my characters, I developed a detailed three-act beat sheet, which guided me in writing and completing the script.
 
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
At the moment, I’m focused on a few documentary projects that take up a lot of my time. My goal is to finish these projects so I can dedicate more time to writing, particularly feature-length scripts. I really enjoy the process of delving into character development, exploring unique locations, and writing compelling stories through screenwriting. I’m excited when I can dedicate more time to that creative process.
 
Was your entry at The Wiki Screenplay Contest a full script or “the first ten pages”? Why did you make that choice?
Yes, my entry was a full short script.
           
What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show...and why?
My all-time favorite film is the Apu Trilogy, written and directed by Satyajit Ray. This trilogy is truly a masterpiece, capturing stunning visuals alongside a beautiful score. The story, acting, and the humanity of Apu and his family resonate deeply with me. I can watch this trilogy over and over and never get tired!
 
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
My advice is to look around you—your life, your family, friends, community, or even a specific location. Find something unique, something personal that only you can tell. Write a story that’s close to your heart, one that only you can bring to life. Authenticity and personal connection make a story powerful. So, tell your story, and just write.
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What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?
I recently completed my documentary Foxtrot: Operation Reunification, which tells the story of Navy and Marines setting up a life-saving hospital during Desert Storm in 1991. It also explores their struggles with PTSD after returning home, showing how their camaraderie helped them cope with the trauma of war.
I’m also finishing Solitude and Dreams: The Artistic Odyssey of Alfredo de Batuc, a documentary about an artist's battle with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, which left him paralyzed, and his inspiring return to painting.
Lastly, I’m excited to begin filming my short script PIGS…I’m excited to take a break from documentary work so I can work with actors and bring this story to life!