Interview:

While growing up in Airdrie, Canada, Alicia Prince decided to be either an olympic gymnast or a filmmaker. Shortly after competing on the provincial gymnastics team however, Alicia found both bones in one forearm broken and quickly moved on to plan b.

Alicia pursued art classes and conferences throughout high school, and, at age 17, was made a California Art Scholar for her achievements in animation. Since then, Alicia has had short films screen in several festivals, both big and small.

Upon news of placing second in the Golden Brad’s Short Script contest, Alicia temporarily lost the ability to speak. Alicia is currently in her third year of film school at Columbia College Hollywood in Tarzana, California.

Is "Created, Not Born" your first script? If not, what else have you completed?

“Created, Not Born” is one of about 5 or 6 short scripts I have completed. My completed shorts range in themes from learning to appreciate family members, to attempted suicide to spoofs on reality tv. But that last one is pretty rubbish, so it might not count.

Why did you write "Created, Not Born"? And how long did it take you to write it?

I wrote “Created, Not Born” after a screenwriting class that addressed stretching ourselves as writers by writing scripts with two or three well developed characters instead of multitudes of flat characters. It was originally quite different, but took about three weeks from start to finish.

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

I do not have a routine or method for writing. I sometimes see a scene in my head then build up a story around that, and sometimes the story is built around a character or place I’d like to explore. Either way, I prefer to type - my brain moves faster than my hand with a pen

What inspires you to write?

Anything and everything can end up inspiring me to write. I’m currently working on scripts where one is based on a dramatic documentary about a devastated town, and the other, a sentence my uncle said while joking over dessert. Learning to pull inspiration from everywhere has enabled ample variety in what I write about.

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

I am passionate about art, human rights, music, skiing, global politics and Americans spelling “donut” like “doughnut”. We’ve got to stop you, donut.

What influenced you to enter the Movie Script Contest?

A professor and good friend of mine encouraged me to enter my writing in contests in order to gain experience. I had heard of The Golden Brad Awards positive reputation, which led to the choice of The Golden Brads.

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

Screenwriting contests allow screenwriters more exposure, experience and motivation. Without worthwhile contests like the Golden Brads, talented screenwriters would have far more trouble building a resumé and getting noticed. Screenwriting contests are essential for screenwriters in starting and continuing their careers.

Who is your favorite screenwriter or writer and why?

My favourite (screen)writers are: Judi Ann Mason, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Jessie Nelson and Yann Martel.

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

Keep writing. Write and write and write, and then write some more. It’s the only way to get better.

What's next for you?

I plan to work my way onto a few films as a crew member this coming season, and finish up some screenplays. All while at film school of course.