Interview:

I attended the California Institute for the Arts where I studied Film and Experimental Animation. In high school I attended the School for the Fine Arts in Chicago where I studied drawing and sculpture. I’m an artist first, and a screenwriter second but I’ve always had a love for the movies and how they were made.

I’ve also always had an interest in animation, which led me to study computer animation. I won second place in a contest for computer animation through PC Graphics magazine. I presently have a book published entitled, Sarcophagus, which contains ninety of my paintings and drawings. I also have a book of poetry published called Timothy is Dead, and another book called Autopsy, Six Sick and Twisted Stories, which is a book of comics. They are all available through www.Lulu.com.

Is “Mind Freak” your first script? If not, what else have you completed?

Mind Freak is not my first script. I have completed several scripts, including Nessie, The Crucible Insect and True Love, among others.

Why did you write “Mind Freak”? And how long did it take you to write it?

I wrote “Mind Freak” because I wanted to write a story about High School because I like films with a High School genre. I wanted a Heathers/ Dead Poets Society on acid type of a film. It took me about two months to write.

Describe your process; do you have a set routine, method for writing?

I write most of my work lying down in bed when I wake up in the morning. I keep a book and a folder next to me for my movie ideas and write all of my ideas in it.

What inspires you to write?

I want to tell good stories. That’s what inspires me to write.

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about my painting.

What influenced you to enter Movie Script Contest?

I wanted my script to get reviewed and, of course, I wanted to see if I could win.

Do you feel that screenwriting contests are worthwhile for writers and why?

The contest has improved my writing discipline and given me critical feedback. These are just two of the many reasons screenwriters should enter screenwriting contests.

Who is your favorite screenwriter or writer and why?

Alan Ball, screenwriter of American Beauty, is my favorite screenwriter because I think that film is so perfectly constructed.

Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?

Write down all your ideas, even the stupid ones. Carry a book with you so that you can write down your ideas at all times.

What’s next for you?

I’m working on an alien movie idea, and also expanding one of my short scripts.