Simon Allen

Screenplay Semi-Finalist, LISP 2nd Quarter 2020

- Can you please tell us about your daily life?

I’m actually a trained actor who worked in the industry for nearly 10 years before taking a break in 2016. Now on a day to day basis I work in sales for a corporate travel company.

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

Not as often as I would like if i’m honest. Finding the time and the quiet space with kids and a full time job is somewhat challenging.

- How does it feel to have your work recognised?

I feel immensely proud in all honesty. This is a story I cam up with around 6/7 years ago and to finally have it on paper and to have such positive feedback is rather rewarding!

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

Where do I start? I think in terms of a screenplay you need to know in your mind how the story pieces together. Like any story you must have a beginning, middle and an end. The challenge is to then piece the three together.

-  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?

It’s inspired by my own personal experiences with family members who suffered with Dementia. I didn’t put pen to paper so to speak until around 2 years ago.

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

Regular feedback is key. Use friends and writers that you trust will give you constructive feedback no matter how harsh it may seem at first. It’s very easy to get offended when your work is seemingly torn to pieces, but all it will do is improve the screenplay each time you write another draft.

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

I wouldn’t know I’ve only just started. Any advice?

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

If you love film and have a good idea then why not!