Tyler Totten, LISFF 2026, Best International Short Screenplay

-When and how did you get into writing/filmmaking?

I’ve been in this industry now for 14 years mainly as an actor growing up in Louisville, Kentucky where I was in my first school play at the age of 10, “A Night Before Christmas” where I played, ‘The Jack in the Box’ I’ve only been screenwriting for two years now & have achieved a lot in a very short period of time. My first screenplay I wrote was Derby City which is based on a true story in my hometown Louisville, Kentucky of the first Black jockey to win the Kentucky Derby (Alonzo Clayton). Before writing it while living in Hollywood 10 years ago I had a project that I was so eager to get off the ground & I couldn’t tell you how many writers rejected me stating they had no interest or demanded a substantial amount of money. Since then between Derby City and its spin-off Hook ‘Em Horns which won Best Short International Screenplay I now have 6 wins and 13 nominations total including wins at last year’s Oscar-Qualifying Nashville Film Festival and the World Film Festival in Cannes. I couldn’t begin to tell you how grateful of my achievements thus far.

-How often do you write/create/ develop ideas? Do you have a writing/creative routine? And what inspires you to write?

Writing, creating and developing ideas for a screenplay all come at one time for me. Once I have an idea I take the time to decide when my begin date is going to be when I began embodying the story in Final Draft’s software then my own personal deadline. That deadline I hold myself accountable & thus far it’s worked out as I’m pushing myself. Once I began on the first date to begin the screenplay, it’s “three, two, one GO!” As for who inspires me to write I would definitely have to say Taylor Sheridan. The guy is not only talented as an actor, but as a producer, writer and director coming up with stories like Yellowstone where it’s centered around things he’s passionate about which is living on the ranch life as a cowboy. It’s very inspiring seeing his success as I’m going down the same route with my stories beginning with horses then moving on to professional bull riding then so on and so forth.

-How does it feel to have your work recognized?

An absolute honor say nothing more or anything less. Writers are not given enough credit in this industry especially in places like Hollywood. A friend of mine mentioned to me that I should submit my projects to the UK where is an amazing place for film makers outside of the states. And hey, my friend was right on that, so far, so good. There’s no better feeling in the world as an artist seeing your hard work being published.

-What's the best and most challenging thing about writing/filmmaking in your genre/form?

The most challenging I would have to say is seeing how the story began. My projects thus far that I’ve written are meant to be biopics. So, while writing these stories I still have the room to create my own characters and storylines, but obviously keeping it fictional. Writing a project that’s meant to be brought to life as a biopic is so much fun. Is it easy? Absolutely not. Is it fun? Most certainly. The amount of dedication you have to as a writer is making the commitment. As an actor I’ve been taught under the Stanislavski Method and screenwriting is very similar to the method of using your imagination.

-Can you please give us a few tips about filmmaking/ scripting/writing?

The advice I’m going to give is the same advice I give to myself. If you have an idea I know there’s an old saying to, “write it down” Does that work some writers? Sure and if that style works for you then continue. I on the other hand while I’m creating my story in my head I’m also typing my screenplay at the same time. Look at it like this, if you have an idea and you don’t input it in Final Draft, Writers Duet etc. Then in the end it means absolutely nothing. One thing you definitely don’t want to do as a writer is getting inside your own head. It’s your screenplay and you should do it your way. Just remember once those ideas begin flowing in your head get it in to your software. Remember something you can always go back & clean it up before your deadline and once that final day comes it’s time to close the book and prepare submitting to festivals.

-Lastly, do you recommend the writers/filmmakers submit to LISP/LISFF?

Absolutely and I’m very grateful the LISFF awarded me as this year’s winner for Best International Short Screenplay it’s truly an honor submitting my work outside the states particularly in the UK.