Interview:

Douglas Stark/Glendale, CA -- I've just been given an award by DIRECTV
to shoot a short through a sponsored competition on Filmaka.com. I
was recently a head writer for "The Scary City" a horror web series
and, previously, wrote a couple episodes of "Law & Order." I've also
produced television, interactive projects, and written several feature
scripts.

Is "Hlf pSt nInE" your first script? If not, what else have you completed?

I've written several short scripts -- one I directed, "Do Not Disturb"
which was named a top short by FADE IN magazine a couple years ago.
Another short, "The Ward" is a Stephen King-like horror story and it
can be found on Inktip.

Why did you write "Hlf pSt nInE"? And how long did it take you to write it?

I wrote "Hlf pSt nInE" because I easily identified with the main
character, a writer, and his growing paranoia. It's easy to get cut
off from the world. To answer how long it took to write is not so
hard -- all my life.

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

No routine. I have kids. I'm writing this response after midnight.

What inspires you to write?

Great work. Other artists. But most of all, the people in my life.

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

Family, friends, being active and creative. And using every moment
when I'm outside the house or work to let my curiousity take me away.

What influenced you to enter the Movie Script Contest?

I thought it was a good contest from many comments on the web. And I
liked that the script could get made.

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

Some writing contests are worth it, others are not. Your mileage may
vary.

Who is your favorite screenwriter or writer and why?

Shepard. Never know how it's going to turn out.

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

Finish.

What's next for you?

DIRECTV short. A feature that will be the best thing I've ever
written. Making a sale.