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LISP Film Festival 2023 Screenplay Official Selection, Unbrotherly Love by Nick Abdo
- Can you please tell us about you and your daily life?
I don't want to bore you.
- When and how did you get into writing?
I started writing while in college. I submitted a script to a Producer while attending Graduate School. He didn't buy the script, but hired me as an Apprentice Writer/Production Assistant on the show. After four months I was named Associate Producer of the show supervising the Post Production. From there I moved into Producing television and ultimately feature films. When I retired a few years ago (yes, I am old), I started writing again. I have completed three screenplays and a pilot. All have been well received in various competitions and festivals, including Best First Time Screenwriter, Best Screenplay-Feature and Best Music Inspired Screenplay.
- How often do you write? Do you have a working routine? And what inspires you to create?
I write when I get the inspiration. Not often enough. Breaking the story and writing the first draft is very hard and boring for me and takes ages. The rewriting process is what I like the best and do the fastest. Once I get the first draft down and have the character arcs progressing,I can complete a draft in a day or so. Finesing the dialouge is what I like best and enjoy the most.
- How does it feel to have your work recognised?
It feels good, but I'd rather have it read by someone that can advance it. I did well on some competitions only to later learn that they have several competitions changing the city name. It seems everyone seems to get an award of some sort. I'm not sure they even read them.
- What's the best and most challenging thing about writing a Screenplay writing?
Breaking a strong story.Keeping it fresh and making sure the characters develop and grow.
- How did you develop the idea for your LISP-selected script? Is there a story behind your story? And, how long have you been working on it?
I got the idea on a trip in Austria. There was an incident on the road that inspired what turned out to be a key comedy moment in the script. I then needed to get to that moment but had to make it real and motivated.
- Can you please give us a few tips about writing a Screenplay?
Keep it short. Don't be afraid to cut. Don't use more words than necessary. Keep the descriptions tight. Don't make it to flowery. Make sure your dialog flows and has a rhythm. Make sure all the characters have a distinct voice and not the voice of the writer.
- What's the best thing and the most challenging thing about competitions and festivals? Finding one that will help your in your endeavor. Too many competitions are just there to take your money and winning or placing will do absolutely nothing for you.
- Lastly, do you recommend the writers submit to LISP?
Because it is a not for profit organisation, they aren't doing it to make money. They seem to legitimately care about helping the writer.
