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Watch the Winning Short Script Reading: WRITER’S DUEL:
CAST LIST:
NARRATOR – David Occhipinti
WRITER #1 – Steve Rizzo
ADDISON PALMER – Holly Sarchfield
MIKE DEXTER – Craig Estrella
WRITER #2 – Sean Ballantyne
WRITER #3 – Angelica Alejandro
Get to know winning writer Ellery VanDooyeweert:
Why should this script be made into a movie?
Taking the characters themselves and breaking them into another story is the most interesting point to me. They are great duelling personalities.
How long have you been writing stories?
I’ve been writing stories since I was a teenager, mostly to entertain myself and my friends. I didn’t start writing with the intention of making movies until my early 20’s when I decided to go to Film School.
What movie have you seen the most in your life?
Easily Star Wars.
What artists would you love to work with?
Dan Harmon (of Community fame), Judd Apatow (Freaks and Geeks, Funny People), JJ Abrams (Felicity, Star Wars Episode 7), Damon Lindelof (LOST), Mindy Kalling (The Office, Mindy Project)
How many stories/screenplays have you written?
I couldn’t come up with a number. I’m always working on something.
Ideally, where would you like to be in 5 years?
Working at home, where I’m able to just write full-time, rather than it being second to my work as an editor.
Describe your process; do you have a set routine, method for writing?
I generally approach the process by working out the story completely in my head first – even if that means days without writing anything down. When I have the general story worked out, I write it out in point form, and then meet with my writing partner and bounce things off of him. When I have the story pretty solid in my notes, I’ll sit at home and write the script. When I’m happy with the script, I sit with my writing partner again and get his further notes. When I’m all happy with my next draft, I send to the client or, if it’s my own project, work on getting it produced.
Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
I’m a professional Editor in the animation industry, and am working to start directing more.
What influenced you to enter the WILDsound Festival?
A producer friend of mine who worked on this script suggested sending it in.
Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?
Work is work. IF you want to write professionally, you’re going to work on some projects that aren’t typically something you would write or watch, but eventually will lead to those types of projects. I NEVER say no, eh. I’ll work on pretty much anything… challenging myself to make any story work and be entertaining.
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