Internal Ululation is about a family living in a post-apocalyptic type world. It is told through the mind of the main character Adam, a 14 year old that was born after an event that has turned people into "creatures of the walking dead". Humanity is in shambles. After only four years, the infection had spread so much that the government nuked and bombed all the major cities. The people that were lucky enough to still be "alive" live in isolated pockets amongst themselves throughout the world.
The story starts off at the end of winter in the mountains of Colorado. Adam and his parents, George and Ashley, are preparing their yearly trip into the caves of the mountains so they can have shelter during the warmer months, when everything unfreezes. Along the way, George comes across a radio transmission that tells about a military compound has been set up about 30 miles south of them, for refuge and shelter from the dangers in their new world. He tells Ashley about it and they fight about what they should do. Should they go into the caves like they have in the previous years, or should they move back into some sort of society? Ultimately they decide to get Adam's new world perspective on what they should do, which splits the family up.
After being severely beaten out of rage from his father because of his viewpoint on the situation, Adam and his mom go to the compound leaving George behind, not knowing what will become of him. At the compound Ashley struggles to incorporate Adam into the new type of civilization as she herself tries to move on from the past 14 years of depression and isolation. As summer continues, Adam slowly becomes engulfed into a world that that he doesn't understand how to live in. In the end, Adam finds a new level of serenity and decides to try and find his father in the caves. He leaves during his mother's wedding ceremony in search for his father and doesn't return back to the compound.
2. Why did you decide to write this screenplay?
I was taking an intro to Radio/Television/Film writing course and my first assignment was come up with a feature length story to pitch to the class within the week. Ultimately it was this story that I came up with. I had always wanted to write a "zombie" film, and while this story is really a "zombie film without zombies", I wanted to follow through with it so I did.
3. How long have you been writing screenplays?
I started when I was about 16 or 17, and now I am just about to turn 22, so about 4 to 5 years.
4. What is you all-time favorite film? (name only one)
There are so many different ones in each genre, but I grew up watching the original Star Wars trilogy constantly.
5. What artist in the film industry would you love to work with?
Viggo Mortensen has become one of my favorite actors.
6. How many screenplays have you written?
Including this one, three total. I also have written 4-5 sorter works and right now I have four feature length ideas I'm writing on.
7. Ideally, where would you like to be in 5 years?
Graduated from university and still writing no matter what. I'd also like the possibly having one of my ideas actually made of course. Other than that, I'd also like to be playing music.
8. Describe your process; do you have a set routine, method for writing?
It usually takes about a year total, and I like to write in a text document and then move the story over into screenplay format using script software. It helps with editing to retype it all. It takes a long time, but I think it works best for me. Then after that, I just think about it constantly and edit it a lot. It helps to come up with an idea, write it down and think about it a month and if it still stands well to me, I will put it in. I like to keep a separate text file with a "chapter" type listing that reminds me of what happens chronologically in the story, and that way I can also look at transitions and story development within the time frames of the 3 or 5 acts. When I write I like to listen to music that fits the "feel" of the story, or at least the feel of the story in my eyes. It helps a lot and keeps me inspired.
9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
I'm a big video game player. I also love to listen to music, play guitar, and to watch Movies, TV and basketball.
10. What influenced you to enter the WILDsound Script Contest?
To get feedback on the story.
11. Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?
Always keep writing, write something you would want to see and keep it meaningful to yourself.