Interview:

I’m America’s only ex-CIA rocket scientist, stand-up comic, screenwriter. While working on a degree in Engineering Physics I had three student internships at the Space Station Division at the CIA. After school, I worked as an aerospace engineer specializing in orbital mechanics and space mission analysis. But then I got laid off so of course I became a stand-up comic.

I also write movie reviews for horror/thriller fan site, FeoAmante.com. That’s what got me started thinking about writing scripts of my own.

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

I’m half-way done with my seventh feature script. All are either horror, sci-fi/horror or thriller. Bait was my first short.

Why did you write “Bait” and how long did it take you to write it?

I wrote BAIT because a director friend of mine wanted to make a short. It took about two weeks to write.

He liked what I wrote but thought it‘d be too expensive for him to make.

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

The key is quiet. Everybody out of the house and turn off the damn TV.

What inspires you to write?

I write movie reviews and most movies are just awful. I just want to make some good movies.

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

I’m a space geek. I love anything to do with the space program.

What influenced you to enter Movie Script Short Contest?

I heard good things on the message boards.

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

When you’re a Hollywood outsider trying desperately to get noticed, a contest credit can make you stand out.

Who is your favorite screenwriter or writer and why?

I don’t have one.

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

Don’t try to direct from the script. Write “I’m just saying” not “I’m just sayin”. How the dialogue gets pronounced is up to the director and actor, not you.

What’s next for you?

Keep on writing until something sells. Then write some more.