RICH GREENBERG

ALSO ON SITE

1. What is your screenplay about?

My script overlaps several genres but basically is a love-story thriller. It touches on themes of redemption, mercy, fate, and second chances.

After Serenity centers on the story of a homicide police officer trying to get by in the wake of a broken marriage. His life spirals downward when his ex-wife, a woman he once loved but now despises, is murdered by the same killer he's chasing. Months later, flattened by the conflicting emotions surrounding his ex-wife's murder, and after taking a leave of absence from the force he receives a disturbing message - a tape recording from his deceased wife that seems to come from beyond the grave. Through a series of inexplicable events he's given a bizarre but precious opportunity - not only a second chance at catching the killer but a second chance to right the wrongs of his life and fall in love again with his wife. Unfortunately, though, it seems he can only have one at the expense of the other...

2. Why did you decide to write this screenplay?

I've always been a big fan of the thriller genre and was looking for ways to put a twist on the conventions of those kind of stories. I'm also a big sucker for a great love story and I liked the idea of combining the violence and edge of a brutal thriller with the hope and pathos of romance.

3. How long have you been writing screenplays?

I've been writing scripts for about 8 years.

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

Totally unfair question.

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

Cate Blanchett

6. How many screenplays have you written?

About 10.

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

Probably younger, smarter, and more successful then I'll end up.

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

My day job is writing so I hit the laptop every day either on my own time or someone else's. It always starts with an idea, an outline, and then rewriting, rewriting, rewriting.

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

Politics, sports, my dog, and of course my beautiful wife.

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

Frustration with the Hollywood system.

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

Don't accept rejection.

Rich Greenberg