SETI is about a group of misfit NASA scientists who are supposed to patrol the skies for extraterrestrial activity...but instead spend their time thinking up get-rich-quick schemes to fix their neglected station.
This screenplay starts when the new intern breaks the coffee machine controlling the station, and the crew have to enter a duct-tape prom competition so they can get the money to fix it.
2. Why did you decide to write this screenplay?
I wrote this screenplay because I thought the idea of NASA scientists as underdogs was really funny! I like that juxtaposition and wanted to write something where you were rooting for the losers--laughing as they fail, but still rooting for them nonetheless.
3. How long have you been writing screenplays?
I've been seriously writing screenplays for a couple of years, majoring in writing for TV and film in college.
4. What is your favorite TV show of all-time?
Star Trek--I love the whole series. I especially liked the humor that underlined every episode. There's something goofy about human interaction and how we deal with the unknown, and the series never shied away from it.
5. What artist in the industry would you love to work with?
I would love to work with Tina Fey--her ideas are always fresh and funny, and she isn't afraid to ramp up the wackiness in order to get a laugh.
6. Who was your hero growing up?
I didn't have one hero growing up, but was influenced by many people, the first and foremost being my amazing family.
7. Ideally, where would you like to be in 5 years?
In five years I would like to be a staff writer on a sitcom, or an SNL-type sketch show.
8. Describe your process; do you have a set routine, method for writing?
I generally start by thinking up jokes and characters, or weird situations characters could fall into. After a couple of outlines (with more and more jokes) I write the first draft, then revise from there. The jokes really spur the rest of the writing.
9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
I'm a giant SF nerd (if you couldn't tell), so I love reading or watching anything about space!
10. What influenced you to enter the WILDsound Script Contest?
WILDsound has a great reputation and was one of the few respected writing competitions that allowed writers to submit TV screenplays.
11. Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?
Just keep writing--if you truly love it, nothing will be able to stop you.
FESTIVAL INFO
CREATIVE IDEAS
