What motivated you to become a writer?

I did not choose writing, writing chose me.  Even as a child I had an overactive imagination so writing was an outlet for my dreams. I went on to become a print journalist and a magazine editor and went on from there to writing documentary films.

Starting on a blank page is not easy- where does your creativity come from?

Imagination plus a firm grip on reality. Usually a character inspires me and sets me on a journey powered by my imagination.  No matter how unreal the adventure I will take my character on it must be grounded in reality.  I also have a need to create laughter so naturally I write comedy.

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?

Unfortunately I am not that practical, when a story takes hold of me I need to write it.  Having been a journalist for many years and tied to current events as well as being locked into reporting facts I now allow my creative juices to flow unhindered, although I am aware of the practicalities of budget restrictions and location advantages and that creating characters that will appeal to actors is a sensible way to go.

What is your dream for this project and what other ancillary revenue do you think it could generate? Please include script title in reply.

When I wrote Knowing Valentine a gay Eurasian hairdresser I happened to encounter in a salon while having my hair done inspired me.  He was an outrageous guy and following the imaginary story of his life led me to write this script. Knowing Valentine has attracted attention from the outset.  Twice optioned by a leading Australian producer; an honorary mention from Screen Australia, and then in 2017 your judges named it as in the top ten most fundable scripts

For that honour you awarded me a half-our telephone discussion (international phone) with a helpful and encouraging Film Funding Executive.  Yet this script with an Asian lead, which should hold a strong attraction for a co-producer anywhere in the world, a story that could easily adapt to any country or environment with a casino still languishes in my bottom drawer waiting for a Producer to take an option on it and get it made.

How has your experience been with screenwriting contests for this project so far?

I was a winner in your Capital Fund Competition in 2017, a finalist with Screen craft Comedy Script Competition. Entering these competitions has boosted my confidence in this project.

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 think this project has enormous appeal to an international audience.  It is funny, it is comedy, and the world needs to laugh, particularly now and probably always. The characters are global, the gay boy, fashion, the Jewish family, the Russian crooks, gambling, embroiled in a rollicking, unpredictable storyline.

Do you have any website links for your writing, credits, background, etc that you would like to share?

I have taken to writing novels, satire is my genre and I write under a pseudonym CHILLI KIPPEN.  I have a novel about to be released in the UK entitled THE CHEF WHO MADE ONIONS CRY (a Goldfarb Adventure).  The first in this series – The Captain Loves Caviar – was released in 2016. Both books are written with screen adaption in mind.  My website is www.chillikippen.com