WRITER PROFILE
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The Lutetia Paradox
Written by A.J. Ferrara
What motivated you to become a writer?
I grew up loving science fiction. Superman and Batman were my go-to favorites as a kid and I’d argue with anyone who would listen, that Superman would beat Batman every time. I also became obsessed with the UFO phenomenon and actually was on the Project Bluebook mailing list.
I loved telling stories. I was the only kid in the neighborhood that could hold a sometimes annoying, running conversation about Betty and Barney Hill, the couple that was said to have been abducted by aliens in New Hampshire in September 1961.
When I got to St. John’s University, I took creative writing courses and one of the first things I learned was “write what you know.” Done! So, my obsession became my inspiration for numerous sci-fi short stories and articles about the latest UFO news.
A career in television advertising, and then starting my own health club business kept me writing ad copy and business plans, but I never gave up the dream of becoming a screenwriter. I took a number of courses at Hal Croasmun’s Screenwritingu.com which were invaluable. I wrote whenever I could. I brainstormed ideas, collected and read an endless array of UFO research. My research on Project Paperclip was key to elevating the high concept for The Lutetia Paradox. When I sold my businesses eight years ago, I knew the time had arrived to make the dream a reality – and I had notebooks filled with high concepts, ready to go for it.
Starting on a blank page is not easy- where does your creativity come from?
I’ve realized that my best concepts come from my right brain. Yes, they’re often based on specific UFO research or some conspiracy theory, but without fail, a full-length movie will play out, either in a dream or in a meditation. The Lutetia Paradox was originally based originally on a dream I had while on vacation in Paris. It happens every time and once I have the concept, the rest just seems to pour out, sometimes so quickly that I’ll write a full treatment before the outline.
Do you write projects knowing that so many other factors need to happen to get it to screen and does that come into your project creation?
I believe I’m unique in that my extensive business background led me to learn about the producing side of the business as I was honing my writing skills. I have created pitch decks and business plans for a number of my projects. I’ve received write-for-hire projects and was also recently hired as a co-producer for an independent film, where I brought the line producer, helped create the budget and wrote the business plan to raise financing. So, I always consider all these elements in my own writing, especially in the sci-fi genre, where I can get very creative with plot points, with an eye toward keeping costs in a range of where I feel the budget may best work.
What is your dream for this project and what other ancillary revenue do you think it could generate? Please include script title in reply.
The Lutetia Paradox is a time travel journey from present day New York to 1943 occupied Paris. I wrote the project, knowing this would need a larger budget and a good amount of CGI. Rather than try to cut back, I embraced the plot and created some elements that I believe have never been seen on-screen before. My dream is to connect the project with a producer or studio that sees an opportunity to create an action sci/fi piece that is exciting and unique.
How has your experience been with screenwriting contests for this project so far?
I’m excited about the potentials because the 2021 Capital Fund Screenwriting Competition was the first contest this script was entered in and to be recognized with this award is a huge step forward
If you could stand in a room full of investor partners looking at many projects what would you like them to know about you and this project?
The most important thing that you need to know about me is that, like Hyman Roth, I always make money for my partners. I joke, but the truth is that I view any film production exactly like any other business in which I’ve been involved. The primary goal is to deliver the best possible ROI to our investors. So, my job is to fully collaborate in creating a beautiful film and to assist in finding the best elements, the most marketable cast and the best possible tax credit/ rebate state that fits the plot, in order to minimize risk.
Do you have any website links for your writing, credits, background, etc that you would like to share