Interview:

Phil Yuhas, Orange, CA. I'm originally from Pittsburgh, PA, where I earned my BS degree in Business Administration, and then promptly moved to California to take the logical next step into screenwriting. While I've enjoyed life in Orange for several years now, I proudly maintain a strong Pittsburgh connection. One town tough and blue-collar, the other named after a fruit. Both great places.

Is "Golddigger" your first script? If not, what else have you completed?

I've written approximately six short scripts and six feature scripts. Somewhere in the middle I wrote "Golddigger." Two of my shorts have been produced: "Calgero's Day Off," shot in Italy, directed by Alex Melli and produced by Suktion Production; and "Praying on the Rain," produced by the Idyllwild Arts Academy. I've never sold a feature, but have had fair success in contests, including Nicholl (semifinalist and quarterfinalist), Page (finalist) and CineStory (semifinalist 3X).

Why did you write "Golddigger"? And how long did it take you to write it?

Years ago, I saw a wonderful short film called "The Lunch Date," about how prejudice influences our perception. It stayed with me. "Golddigger" plays on the same theme, but in this case it's prejudice against gorgeous women. (Not like I know many gorgeous women, though.) I'd say I worked the script through in my head for about two weeks, wrote it in about two days...and then rewrote it sporadically over the next two years.

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

I tend to be a streak writer, going at it intensely for days/weeks, then taking off big chunks of time (sometimes too big). But I am disciplined about outlining thoroughly before beginning the actual script.

What inspires you to write?

Many things inspire me. But once immersed in a script, more than anything, I'd say my characters inspire me. They become almost real to me, and I feel a duty to help them fight their way out of my head. Sometimes it's a great pleasure to bring my characters to life on paper, but other times it's more like, "Dude, get out of my head."

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

Peace, love, random acts of kindness, good beer, the Steelers, and my pet rabbit, "Annabelle." (Hey, Clint Eastwood has a pet rabbit.)

What influenced you to enter the Movie Script Contest?

Everything I had heard from other writers about MSC was good to excellent. The prize package was attractive, but the ultimate prize of getting produced was what tipped the scales for me.

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

Absolutely. Contests offer recognition, exposure and sometimes feedback, as well as the potential to meet people in the industry. But it's wise to research any contest before entering, they do vary greatly in quality and value.

Who is your favorite screenwriter or writer and why?

All time, Billy Wilder. He was so versatile, full of heart and had a great sense of humor. I love his movies. And from what I've read, he was a pretty cool guy.
Contemporary, Cameron Crowe. For the same reasons I like Billy Wilder.

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

Keep writing: Many of us writers have a deep-seated desire to do what we do; to give up is to die a little. My most frustrating day of writing is still a better feeling than when I shut it down and say I can't do this anymore. Be dissatisfied: Meaning don't love a script so much that you won't attempt to make it better. Pour over your scripts and be hyper-critical in the rewrite process. Stay balanced: Find and maintain a good balance between writing and everything else (work, leisure, family, friends). You'll fall down less and get up faster.

What's next for you?

I plan to keep writing and keep being dissatisfied, while keeping my balance. While blindfolded and standing on an elephant. There you go, writing is like a circus act.