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.
The Last 90
Written by Chris Robertsson
What motivated you to become a writer?
I don’t know really. It just became my personal outlet as a teen, to write. I wrote a lot of poetry at the time and read a lot of poetry like Robert Frost. I also read a lot of Stephen King Books, Dean Koonts and Anne Rice. I decided I wanted to tackle larger stories. I also was and still am a huge fan of film. Big influences are Martin Scorsese, Sergio Leone and Francis Ford Coppola. I started to learn screenwriting. Completely different than writing a novel for sure but very fun and rewarding as well. A good story is a good story either way.
Starting on a blank page is not easy- where does your creativity come from?
It’s always there. I almost have too many ideas. The creativity stems from life all around me. I could get an idea standing in line at the grocery store, reading an article or talking to someone. They just pop in my head. The trick is to know which ones are worth investing the time into develop into a real story.
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?
No. Not really. If I want to write a story I will write it regardless. I have to enjoy it and love it. I feel that if I stay true to myself I will find a fan base that feels the same about my stories. I have had a few scripts that were deemed too controversial or expensive to produce. No problem. I can always turn the story into a novel. I focus on the story first. Of course I know there are certain things to keep in mind when writing a script for sale. I just try to not let that hinder me because the story might make a great book as well.
What is your dream for this project and what other ancillary revenue do you think it could generate? Please include script title in reply.
My current project, The Last 90, is a horror story. Literally the last 90 minutes of someone’s life. Each page equals a minute of time thus the script will be 90 minutes. My dream would be to get it made and on the big screen nationally and internationally of course. I believe it will catch on quickly like the Crank franchise, albeit nothing quite like The Last 90 has been done yet. Very fast paced, gritty, shocking and a hell of a ride. True horror fans will appreciate it.
How has your experience been with screenwriting contests for this project so far?
I have not submitted it yet to any contests. A have had success making the finals with other projects before. I’m going to focus hard on selling this one and pitching it everywhere I can.
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? If they want to make a lot of money than make The Last 90. It can be filmed on an extremely low budget and have high impact on the film audiences. The horror genre in film definitely needs a kick in the ass. I feel the super natural films had a good run now let’s bring back the slasher flicks.
Do you have any website links for your writing, credits, background, etc that you would like to share?
These are still a work in progress and I admit I am not the best at keeping my social media, etc status updated.