SEAN ROPER
Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
I used to live in Jersey City, but now I live in Lisbon, Portugal. 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 my experience as an architect in NYC. I’ve always wanted to write a screenplay and I had the idea to write Means & Methods many years ago, but as an industry piece that tied together story lines from architects, contractors, vendors, engineers, agencies, and politicians. However, the story became mired in exposition without enough tension to maintain interest. Being a fan of the Breaking Bad universe, I eventually had the idea to pair it with the crime drama genre and it just clicked. 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 process is to talk with my wife incessantly about my crazy story ideas on long walks and then outline scenes and dialogue on my phone until I have the overall shape of the story with core themes identified. When I’m ready to start the script, I always start at the beginning because I need that hook to pull me into writing the rest. I started my first draft earlier this year and it took me 6-7 months before it was submission worthy. Admittedly this is the first industry formatted screenplay I’ve completed so this was a huge milestone for me. What is your ultimate ambition as a writer? My ultimate ambition is to see Means & Methods on TV as a limited series. Although it isn’t based on a true story, so many details come from my personal experience. One of my top goals is to write the first season. I have it all outlined and I’ve already started the second episode because I love writing these characters and there’s so much more to the story I’m excited to tell. Was your entry at The Wiki Screenplay Contest a full script or “the first ten pages”? Why did you make that choice? I chose the full script because I’ve started so many passion projects before, but this marks the first time I completed one and I was finally ready to put it all out there for better or worse. What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show...and why? Picking one above all else is difficult. However, being the inspiration behind Means & Methods, I would have to say the Breaking Bad, El Camino, Better Call Saul trilogy. To me those are the model of perfection in storytelling. What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have? Get some feedback from readers before submitting to contests. I have submitted to many competitions with the feedback option but when I get good constructive criticism for rewrites, most often there’s no opportunity to resubmit which can be frustrating. Above all else, don’t be discouraged by not placing in any given contest. Although judges try to evaluate objectively, everyone has different opinions and preferences. In my experience, one victory is the sum of a thousand failures. If you learn something from every loss, you’ll never be a loser. What else are you working on that the world needs to know about? I have so many stories that I’ve started and put down, but I don’t feel like I can talk about most of them until I have more written. However, I have promised myself to not dwell on one genre so I’m currently writing a fantasy TV pilot and my first feature about a punk rocker turned synchronized swimmer. |
