Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?Reno, Nevada AKAThe Biggest Little City in the World!
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?Roger reflects on the tumultuous events of the late 60s as a time of personal growth following a traumatic childhood. Rather than conforming to societal norms, he embraced the chaos, finding resonance between the external upheaval and his own mind and soul. The protests against war, oppressive social structures, and even against himself became outlets for his pain. Settling into a rented house with fellow students, they formed a camaraderie amidst a backdrop of drugs, the "revolution," countless concerts, and, most significantly, the music of artists like Bob Dylan and Fleetwood Mac. Housemate Darrell, with his guitar and songs of the era, contributed to the healing of Roger's dark nightmares.
Tricia's journey into the realm of "Baking Bad 1968" traces its roots back to the cultural shift inspired by "Breaking Bad." However, instead of blue meth, Berkeley and San Francisco gained notoriety for brownies and Alice Toklas's. Drawing parallels to the Vietnam era, the current Ukrainians' fight for democracy against Russia reignited memories of the conflicted young men also fighting for democracy during the Vietnam War, with some opting for Canada while others burned their draft cards. In the midst of this, women burned their bras. Tricia's feminist journey has been profound, but the work isn’t done yet. "Baking Bad 1968" encapsulates the essence of the era through vibrant colors, evocative music, compelling visuals, talented actors, and a sense of camaraderie. Our script aims to breathe life into the feelings and soul of the times.
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?Roger-The narrative has been brewing for years, often prompting collaborative brainstorming sessions. We join forces and weave our stories together. Drawing from my background in R&D, spanning metallurgy and cell biology, and my extensive exploration of various Quantum
Mechanics pathways over the years, I've found a deepening influence in the spiritual traditions of native cultures. I am committed to continually incorporating these profound "truths" into my screen writing career, expanding the ways in which I integrate them into my storytelling.
Tricia-Our process began with crafting a version of the logline. To capture the essence of "Baking Bad 1968," we revisited locations near the Berkeley campus for inspiration and meticulously researched details we didn't fully recall. Identifying and developing our characters was the next step, followed by the expansion and refinement of ideas and situations, deciding what to include. Armed with a comprehensive outline, we embarked on writing scenes in Final Draft. Initially, there was no specific order; we delved into different situations to acquaint ourselves with each character. Tricia took the lead initially, with Roger adding depth, and then Tricia fine-tuned as Roger brought the script to its final form.
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?Roger-Telling stories that touch people, expand their thinking, all while using my experiences from my past as a catalyst and from therapies as both patient and counselor. I look forward to sharing my healing process from trauma in different forms. Nonfiction, reality is not solid but expands to infinity (without drugs). Cutting edge discoveries – in biology, physical sciences and therapies. What is taught in education is old and rarely updated. I hope to open minds and share my healing process in different forms. To write the stories in Scifi, action, Bio, mystery, nonfiction. Tricia-I would love to have people resonate and connect to our stories. Most of my previous career was working with people in physical and emotional pain and I would love to connect with individuals and help them find a better future.
Was your entry at The Wiki Screenplay Contest a full script or “the first ten pages”? Why did you make that choice?After receiving positive feedback on ‘the first ten pages,’ we refined and polished that section before expanding the feedback process to encompass the entire pilot script. This allowed us to concentrate and effectively address all script-related issues before submitting the final pilot script.
What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show...and why?Roger - 2001: A Space Odyssey: Expanding Reality:Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece "2001: A Space Odyssey" is known for its profound exploration of human evolution and the expansion of consciousness. If this film has greatly influenced you, it implies an interest in pushing the boundaries of understanding and inner experiences of "reality." Your work might aim to challenge conventional perceptions and invite audiences to contemplate the mysteries of existence and consciousness.
Jacob's Ladder: The Terrifying Descent:
"Jacob's Ladder" delves into psychological horror, blurring the lines between reality and hallucination. If this film has had a significant impact on you and even evoked fear, it suggests an inclination toward exploring the unsettling aspects of the human mind. This could involve delving into themes of psychological trauma, spiritual experiences, or the thin line between reality and perception.
Tricia - The Game and Altered Carbon both blew my mind and were completely unexpected. I discovered Star Trek by following the boys in the dorm to the TV room. I’ve been a fan ever since.
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?Roger - Reading out loud is a great way to to check your writing – and how this will sound in a screenplay. Keep going – do not judge yourself! Use affirmations to quiet the mind talking. Put in the time to write and studying the way to improve. Either classes and/or the best books on sceenwriting. If you’re in a class – ask for recommendation on the most effective material to study. When you get stuck – write at least something. Watch any movies TV programs similar. Tricia - Read scripts. Read Bob’s books. Do your best. If something is niggling at you, stop and try to identify with the issue. Trust yourself and your art. I leave the script for a week before my second to final correction, because my eye auto- corrects, otherwise I won’t notice the spelling or a wrong word. My final step is to have Final Draft read it out lout to me before sending our scripts off. What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?ADDICTIVE - Feature In the cyberpunk future depicted in 'Addictive,' immortal Outliers, guided by a brilliant scientist, confront their deepest vices to survive. Entangled in a deadly game orchestrated by an ancient evil, their struggle expands beyond personal demons, becoming a pivotal fight to prevent the impending annihilation of Earth. Winner of Finalist at Cordillera International Film Fest., 2023 and Semi-Finalist at Geneva Int’l Film Fest., 2023.
THE DARK ONE - Feature While in a coma, the child of a mentally ill mother becomes The Dark One, a spectral force capable of transferring the pain of victims to their abusers. The once violent and abusive individuals find themselves confronted with the repercussions of their actions, setting the stage for profound change.
KALI’S DEATH SONG - Feature Three scientists in a remote mountain laboratory unearth a disturbing truth—two earlier teams vanished while grappling with an impending global ecological collapse. As they delve into a deepening enigma, the unraveling mystery places them in danger within a foreboding underground complex.