Bradley Gamborski, Screenplay Semi-Finalist, LISP 2nd Quarter 2020

Screenplay Semi-Finalist, LISP 2nd Quarter 2020

Can you please tell us about your daily life?

- My daily life at the moment has been pretty boring due to COVID-19, I haven't quite been able to do most of the stuff I usually do. Back in normal times, though, my daily life consisted of being around family and friends with most of my days visiting my mom and sitting with my boyfriend getting feedback on my ideas of writing and talking about life and our plans for the future. My absolute favourite thing is going to the movies with my boyfriend, because we both have very different ideas on what a good movie is and have great discussions on what we like and dislike about the movie we've seen. 

When did you start writing? How often do you write? 

- I've been interested in writing and been writing for most of my life, but didn't really professionally and career wise start writing for stage and screen until about three years ago. I often write at least once a week to try and get my ideas out when I can. My first screenplay 'Tiger Tale' I wrote about two years ago and was my first full feature film, which had won me two awards at a couple small festivals. 

How does it feel to have your work recognized?

- It's so amazing, I am very grateful to be able to share my stories with the world and I have much more to come in the future. 

What's the best thing and the hardest thing about writing a Screenplay? 

- My favourite thing about writing a screenplay is being able to create a world that is all made by me, and controlling almost exactly what you want to see on that silver screen. I always aim for my screenplays to be created for the big screen in hopes for large audiences to view them. The hardest part for me is creating transitions and finding the right way to get from point A to point B. I always find myself creating beginnings and ends and struggling to find a way to get that middle stuff to where I want it. 

How did you come up with the idea for your LISP selected screenplay? Is there a story behind your story? And, how long have you been working on it?

-'Hunting Rabbits In A Winter Storm' was an idea I had after my biggest fear of being stranded in my car in a snow storm. There really is no back story other than that. I created the rest all on my own creativity and came up with the idea based on fears and some other made up stuff. It only took me one night to really sit down and push the idea to life and I created it in about 3 hours. 

Can you please give us a few tips about writing a short screenplay?

- My advice to fellow screenwriters is that writing without a clear plan is a mess, make sure you always plan out your ideas before you write. Another thing is also that if you have an idea write it down and don't forget it, inspiration can come from anywhere so always keep a note book on you. My biggest regret is when I have a weird dream that I could imagine as a movie and then forget to write it down. It feels like a missed opportunity and you just don't know when you'll get an idea like that again. 

What's the best thing and the hardest thing about writing competitions? 

- The best thing is that you get the recognition you deserve if you place in the top, and it's always fun the see what judges and audiences have to say about your hard work. The hardest thing is just getting over the nerves of feeling like it won't be good enough, just do it and always keep trying. 

Lastly, do you recommend the short story and Flash Fiction writers to give it a go on screenplay writing and LISP?

- Absolutely! This competition has given me the recognition I need to help get me noticed and give me encouragement to want to keep writing.