Interview:

Adam Moser is a graduate from the film school at the School of Visual Arts in New York City.  When Adam graduated in 2004, he began as a Production Assistant for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series.  He worked on the show for three seasons until the series ended.  Currently, still living in New York City, Adam works for MTV as a digital coordinator. 

For the past three years Adam has spent his free time writing, writing, and even more writing.  He has written a feature film as well as a spec script, which are both currently making festival rounds.  He is hard at work on his second feature and even more ideas brewing for what he hopes to be a long writing career.

Is “T.G.I.F. Thank God It’s Michael” your first script? If not, what else have you completed?

No.  I have written a feature film, Hibernation.  I have also written a few other television spec scripts.

Why did you write “T.G.I.F. Thank God It’s Michael”? And how long did it take you to write it?

I spent about two months total writing this spec script, from conception until the final of about four drafts.  I have a strong desire to write for television, and knowing the only way to help achieve my goal is to continue to fine-tune my craft.  I felt The Office is a show that perfectly blends the line between humor and heart, which is the tone I write in.

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

I usually brainstorm and create a visual outline.  Having come from a film school focus in animation I have a strong understanding of visual conception, specifically the process of storyboarding.  I feel this is the best way to visually feel the flow of the story, and I can see right away if something will work or not before I’ve even written a word.  I then set out with a written outline and begin my first draft.  Once that draft is done, I begin my revision draft stages.

What inspires you to write?

I have a desire to entertain through storytelling, so screenwriting is the perfect outlet for me to express that.  It is a very therapeutic experience for me, and is a great way to come home from a long day and zone out.

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

I love film and television, watching and re-watching them and breaking them down to learn from them.  It’d be a sin if I didn’t mention my fanatic obsession with the Washington Redskins as well!

What influenced you to enter the Movie Script Contest?

I’ve heard nothing but great things about this contest and felt this would be a terrific opportunity for myself as I hope to build both a strong body of work and name for myself.

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

Yes I do.  I think they are invaluable as a young writer such as myself hopes to improve upon them writing.  The feedback, and exposure can be very rewarding.

Who is your favorite screenwriter or writer and why?

I’m very fond of the J.J. Abrams/Damon Lindelof Dynamic Duo.  They are both great storytellers that can take a popcorn franchise such as Mission Impossible, and ignite a bit of inspired and suspenseful storytelling not seen in typical summer fare.  They also know how to break the boundaries of the television medium and write a season of one-hour movies over 24 episodes.

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

Rather than sitting around complaining that someone’s criticism of your work is wrong, go back to the material and find if there’s any ways to re-write and prove them wrong.

What’s next for you?

I am hard at work on my second feature, a romantic comedy.  After I finish that piece I plan to hit the proverbial pavement to secure representation and gather some attention for my body of work.