Interview:

Francis DiClemente is a writer, photographer and video producer in Syracuse, New York. He received a bachelor’s degree in communications/journalism from St. John Fisher College in Rochester, New York and a master’s degree in film/video from American University in Washington, DC.

Is "Automat: An Interpretation" your first script? If not, what else have you completed?

It is my first serious attempt at a narrative script. I wrote some student scripts in film school. In addition, I have written some non-fiction/promotional video scripts as part of my position as a video producer.

Why did you write "Automat: An Interpretation"? And how long did it take you to write it?

I have always been inspired by the paintings of Edward Hopper, and I think his work is dramatic in nature. The painting Automat served as a springboard for the story. It took me a few weeks to write the first draft and a little longer to write the subsequent drafts.

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

It varies. Most of the time for me the idea begins with an image or a character. And then I like to sketch out the characters and make a loose outline. I generally write longhand in notebooks and then do a second draft on the computer.

What inspires you to write?

I am not so much inspired to write as I am compelled to write. But I take inspiration from the people and places around me. I really love to find story ideas amid ordinary surroundings.

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

I am passionate about photography, hockey and football, music, art and reading fiction.

What influenced you to enter the Movie Script Contest?

I read the abstract on withoutabox and it seemed like a great contest.

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

I feel screenwriting contests are more worthwhile if they include connections with industry professionals, particularly literary agencies. For me, and probably for a lot of screenwriters trying to break into the business, the top priority is to get an agent. Without an agent, you can’t get your script in the door.

Who is your favorite screenwriter or writer and why?

Cameron Crowe and Scott Rosenberg. For fiction, I like Raymond Chandler, Thomas Wolfe, Herman Hesse and Joyce Carol Oates.

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

Just to keep working and don’t give up.

What's next for you?

Well I will continue to work full-time producing and editing academic and marketing videos at Syracuse University. In my spare time, I will be working on editing my poetry collection, writing some short stories and more scripts. I may also try to adapt Automat: An Interpretation into a feature screenplay (or full-length play).