Interview:

Greg Austin lives in Russell Vale, NSW, Australia. He is a published author
of short fiction, sci-fi novels and screenplays, winning numerous awards and
earning great reviews for his work internationally.

His many life
experiences include working as a building foreman on major, capital city
projects, touring on his motor bike across the country and playing rugby,
have translated well into his stories.

Is”Separation” your first short script? If not what else have you completed?

Separation is my first short though I have written a feature called Fallen
City and another version, Last Haven that have also won or placed well in
international competitions.

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

Pure inspiration—just a flash of a thought, of a lone woman rocketing across
deep space. From the one page story I developed, the screenplay was done
in a week and then about a month or two of rewrites.

What are some advantages of writing a short script?

Shorts are great, you can get the idea out of your head and to a finished
project quickly—very enjoyable to write.

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

My wife Sue and our twins, Mikayla and Jarrett; watching movies, reading and
anything sci-fi.

What influenced you to enter Movie Script Short Contest?

This contest rates well against other major competitions, the exposure it
gives to producers, entry to the pitch expo and other promotional awards
make entering very worthwhile.

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

Absolutely, if there is something at the end of the tunnel other than a trophy, namely connections and the possibility for decision makers to see your work.

Who is your favorite screenwriter or writer and why?

There’s a few: Jane Goldman, Stanley Kubrick, Kurando Mitsutake, Neil
Gaiman, Robert Harris

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

Write on a theme that piques your emotions and keep at it. When the
manuscript is polished, try sending it out to a professional editor and
listen to their advice—it really helps.

What’s next for you?

Just starting another futuristic feature screenplay from a short story of
mine called Ritual, and finishing up a second edition of my debut sci-fi
novel, Fallen City, due to be released in 2011 by Zumaya Publications. I
will also be writing a screenplay called Fantasy Forest, taken from my
children’s novel published earlier this year.