MICHAEL CHEN

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1. What is your screenplay about?

The premise is about five friends who manage to stay together as a group, regardless of the separate paths they take as individuals. My attempt was to have each episode/teleplay as such, where the stories go their separate ways but weave together in the end. Sort of like an invisible magnet that pulls them back together in the end.

2. Why did you decide to write this screenplay?

I had this idea in my head for a while, and felt that I should give it a shot when reality television and prime time game shows were all the rage. I've always been a fan of sitcoms and knew that someday they would make their comeback.

3. How long have you been writing screenplays?

I began writing when I was eighteen.

4. What is you all-time favorite film? (name only one)

Futurama.

5. What artist in the film industry would you love to work with?

John C. McGinley

6. How many screenplays have you written?

I have written no screenplays to date. I have written a handful of teleplays in my time writing.

7. Ideally, where would you like to be in 5 years?

Ideally, it would be nice to be a show runner for a sitcom. I have a hard time giving up the lead with ideas and direction, so that seems ideal for me. But at the same time, I'll be happy if in 5 years I'm sharpening pencils and getting mocha's for staff writers.

8. Describe your process; do you have a set routine, method for writing?

I try to write everyday and often late at night, when all the household chores have been done. This way I have nothing else on my mind; nothing else on my "to-do list". Also, as I primarily write comedy, I don't write if it's feeling forced as often it's not as funny.

9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

Well, growing up in Canada, hockey is in your blood. I recently moved out to Vancouver Island and keep saying that I'll learn to kayak as there are some great areas around where I am. I should probably learn to swim at some point too.

10. What influenced you to enter the WILDsound Script Contest?

I had known about this contest for a little while now. I had read from other past participants who have received very good feedback which I think writers need, so I decided to enter, for the feedback. So many times, writers enter contests or competitions, and all they get back is a rejection email sent to the masses. You don't know why you weren't selected. You don't know if your writing is weak or strong. You don't know where you can improve upon (because you submit your work as you think it's pretty darn good!) Having feedback from industry pro's is really vital to learning how to craft your work. It's not the same when your Mom critiques your work, pats you on the head for a job well done then makes you a peanut butter sandwich.

11. Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?

Get involved with a local writing group if you can. It sounds lame but it works...for me at least. Share and discuss your ideas. Get feedback. Know if your work is being well received and going in the right direction. I know some people are hesitant to share their working progress with other writers, but the people I've encountered have been honest with their comments which can only make my writing stronger.

Michael Chen, Michael Chen