WRITER PROFILE
It’s always great to get together with a large group of writers and investors and keep up to date on what’s new, the screenplay contest, any recent deals, new dealmaker contacts, agents or managers that are looking and simply encouraging everyone to keep going after every dream in this difficult industry. For the hard working writer we want to do as much as we can to continue the exposure and word of mouth in the investment circles of the industry. Another way we do this is with writer interviews that we send far and wide and showcase at all possible meetings and markets.
We want to encourage your writing spirit, motivate you and again give you the accolades you so deserve.
Foreigner
Written by Alejandro Lalinde
What motivated you to become a writer?
Even though English was not my first language (it was Spanish), I have always been fascinated writing — from prose, to poetry, plays, and finally screenwriting which is an art form on its own. Having been a cinematographer in the industry for over 20 years — I felt writing was an outlet especially during COVID and Writer Strikes, and so it became more of a pursuit. Something to be creative and allow me to express ideas that sometimes cinematography cannot create.
Starting on a blank page is not easy- where does your creativity come from?
The News. The world around is extremely interesting and I take in as much daily news as possible from multiple sources, where my imagination can then take hold. It can be a story or a photo, or even a piece of art, or even a nonfiction story such as a documentary.
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 understand the obstacles but I have faith in story, but I cannot let it detract me. I just keep writing and wait for the editing process to sculpt it further. Either way, putting it down on paper, letting it dilute within my other thoughts, and past experiences brings me to figure out twists or scenes that can make a particular project or character special.
What is your dream for this project and what other ancillary revenue do you think it could generate? Please include script title in reply.
Of course to see it become a film — and breathe life via other collaborators like costume designers, prod designers, editors, etc. FOREIGNER is a film that desperately needs to be made and seen. It could very well generate ancillary revenue in terms of it being a novel, plus also a bedtime story which there is one within the script. There are other stories further down the line that could be told that fit into its world.
How has your experience been with screenwriting contests for this project so far?
It has been a difficult one since you are beholden to so many different readers with different perspectives and likes/dislikes so I always feel you have to be able to at least within the first 5 pages really reel in the reader to feel the action and lock him/her/they into the story. There are so many contests out there, and you just want to connect with people. Make them understand what is possible within cinema and storytelling. I feel that is somewhat missing right now.
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?
I am an immigrant. I want to connect with each one of you on in personal level. To understand each other we go to see movies because we want to be moved, motivated, and entertained, but also to create something that we cheer on. Something about our own existence, that we may not have realized. That bit of wisdom or a feeling that gives all hope. There is hardship in pursuing your own freedoms and some form of happiness. We all struggle with that in some form or another — but there is hope out there. FOREIGNER has all of that.
Do you have any website links for your writing, credits, background, etc. that you would like to share?
https://www.networkisa.org/profile/alejandrolalinde
Yes, thank you!