Michael Cooper, LISP 4th Quarter 2020 Official Selection, Short Screenplay

LISP 4th Quarter 2020 Official Selection, Short Screenplay, 'Bloodline' by Michael Cooper

Can you please tell us about you and your daily life?

I am semi-retired and spend my day writing and composing music

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

About 2 years ago as I was determined to write about my maternal grandmother and her sad life in the 1930's

I have won 6 awards already with this screenplay!

How does it feel to have your work recognised?

Very proud indeed.

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

Best thing is telling your story to people and the hardest thing is to maintain the discipline to carry on till the end!

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?

As previously mentioned, I discovered many secrets about my grandmothers chequered life and her struggle through 1930's Germany during the phase of NAZI Euthanasia Programme. I worked on the story for a year.

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

Unless you have a real story to tell then make sure your reader is immediately intrigued at the beginning.

What's the best thing and the hardest thing about festivals/competitions?

The best thing is the number of outlets available to submit your script.

The hardest thing is to second guess what genre/material will be accepted.

Lastly, do you recommend writers to give it a go LISP?

Absolutely - Great festival and great communications.