Where do you live (City, State, or Country)? Burbank 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? -Neil- I was inspired at first by the one page that Nicholas wrote. As soon as I read it I could see it on screen. When we sat down to write the feature, we wanted to touch on psychological child abuse and addiction. Those two I’ve had to deal with during my youth and it felt like something I haven’t seen in a film before. I also wanted this story to have heart and to be grounded in reality, which I believe the characters do that. -Nicholas -Inspiration mostly came from being a parent. Young kids, if you pay attention, can say some creepy things without understanding what they are saying. I think being aware of those interactions is key to imagining a new story. And its origin came from a short little one-page idea that always sent chills down the spines of the reader. Neil brought the short to life and together we turned it into a feature.
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? -Nicholas and I sat down on Sept 27 and over 3 hours (and many coffees) we created a few beat sheets/outline to see where the story would take us. We already knew the tone we wanted and the Theme of Domestic Abuse. At the heart of it we wanted it to be about the relationship between Maddie and Georgie and how they truly needed each other in the end. -When Neil informed me that a producer really loved the short film and wanted to turn it into a feature, I dove straight in. Would you believe that, from brain to pen to paper to submission to this competition, we started in September of 2024! We cranked out a satisfying script with enough time to polish for submission to competition in just under two months.I have a very strict skeleton structure that I abide by for a first draft. 24 plot points; 6 for the 1st act, 12 for the 2nd act, and the final 6 for the 3rd act. Each plot point is extremely broad strokes of plot progression. This happens, this happens, this happens, until all 24 have something. There are times when this could create a situation of “And then / and then / and then” which is something very important to avoid for the sake of the story and the audience. That is why once the bare bone 24-point skeleton is built I then usually create a cross-stitch pattern. Point 12 happens because of something in point 4 instead of 11. You start figuring out why these things are happening and reinforce these bones. It’s usually at this point that I have a very clear understanding of where this story goes and where it came from and now, I just need to understand the characters and why they are involved. This is generally the third aspect of my process to create the outline.I usually start writing scenes the moment they are in my head, knowing they exist in this plot point skeleton somewhere. Then more and more scenes until this mass has the inkling of tissue around the skeleton. Taking a step back one can see it is a grotesque blob of flesh sagging on the bones and now it’s time to really get in there and be honest with yourself, with the characters, and most importantly with the audience. I can, if all goes well, generally get the first true ugly draft done in two to three days and then it’s on to the tried and true Read-Revise-Rewrite.
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer? -Neil- I want to direct my own stories as well as produce other meaningful films from talented filmmakers. Writing is the start of making these dreams come true. -Nicholas-I’ve always wanted to be a writer but unfortunately my path to creativity was stalled by life in many other ways and it was about time to get back to something that I truly need to do which is tell stories. This project is an excellent boost to get back on track.
Neil Watson
Was your entry at The Wiki Screenplay Contest a full script or “the first ten pages”? Why did you make that choice? -Neil -I believe I entered the full script. It was the 4th draft and I felt it was pretty close to where we wanted it. But I wanted fresh eyes to read it and see what would come of it. Nicholas-Full script. No matter the industry you are in the first impression is vital. I think the quality of the script speaks for itself but also so does presenting on that is complete. What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show...and why? -Neil- My favorite film is called INK. Its an indie film from 2009 and it’s a story about a father finally understanding that his daughter is the best and most important treasure in his life. All this within a fantasy, dream world. -Nicholas-I used to keep a log of this top ten list for myself and almost always in the top five was Dr. Strangelove, Amelie, Brick, Toy Story, and The Aviator, but that was a long time ago when I really made a top list. I will say that I enjoy movies of all genres though but most recently I think Saltburn was the last, and most recent, perfect film I watched. What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have? -Neil- Keep on writing. If you have the chance to write with someone then take it. Especially if they love creating stories too. Your stories are yours alone and someone out there really wants to read/see them. -Nicholas-As with anything in life, even though you should be passionate about your craft, you should also do your best to remove your ego from it as well. If it sucks it sucks, if it’s great it’s great, and you better have the ability to know that when it sucks it needs to change. You shouldn’t waste your energy on others or yourself to try and convince someone that something is good when it isn’t for any reason; plot, characters, genre, theme, pace, format, grammar. What else are you working on that the world needs to know about? -Neil- Currently writing a second feature film called Not Today, Not Tomorrow from a short film concept I directed last year in Palm Springs and also a couple of other scripts from my life in Puerto Rico. I am working towards getting Monster in the Closet made in 2025 as well as a thriller called Fragments I am currently finishing. -Nicholas- Right now I would like to see Monster in the Closet get made this year! But I am also working on a dark surreal satire on toxic masculinity which I think is very prescient.