NICK FRANCO

ALSO ON SITE

1. What is your screenplay about?

In the Shadow of Greatness is about a legendary actor who is overweight, past his prime, and broke. He is given one last chance to redeem himself by the studio that fired him years before. His estranged daughter is now a top executive at the studio and she is responsible for putting together his comeback. He has one year to lose enough weight to star in what could be his last great role. He moves in with daughter to help him lose weight and, he hopes, to reconnect with her on a personal level.

2. Why did you decide to write this screenplay?

This screenplay was greatly inspired by Marlon Brando--both the actor and the man. The story showcases the main character's legendary impact on acting as well as his squandered talent. Brando's acting contributions, much like that of the main character, are greatly overshadowed by his embarrassing personal life. This screenplay allows the Brandoesque character to correct the mistakes he has made in the past.

3. How long have you been writing screenplays?

I have been writing screenplays for twelve years.

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

My favorite film is On the Waterfront.

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

I would most like to work with Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, Francis Ford Coppola, Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Gene Hackman, Judd Apatow, John C. Reilly, the Coen Brothers...and the list could go on.

6. How many screenplays have you written?

I have written seven screenplays.

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

I would like to be a working screenwriter with an established creative outlet to nurture a variety of story ideas.

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

I generally spend about a month formulating ideas for a story, outlining the structure and characters in a notebook. From there, I begin typing out the story in a fast paced manner that can take anywhere from a week to a month to complete. The rest of the time is spent editing--editing can sometimes go on indefinitely. Especially with a screenplay, characters can always be more fleshed out, scenes can be tighter, and dialog can have a more naturalistic flow.

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

I am extremely passionate about painting. I am a professional artist who has shown in numerous galleries in Colorado, Texas, & Arizona. I work in an Abstract style that has been written about in two Phoenix publications.

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

I first saw the advertisement on MySpace and when I read about the creative opportunities, I knew that this was a rather unique contest.

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

Criticism can be the most valuable thing you can receive from others. However, it is important not to let the ideas of other people influence your work more than you do. Stories were meant to be heard and seen, so your work should always be interesting and somewhat relatable. But your writing must come from a personal place that is unique to your thoughts, feelings, and interests.

Nick Franco, Nick Franco