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.
Expiration Dates
Written by Gregg McBride
What motivated you to become a writer?
The opportunity to change someone’s mood (or perspective) with a unique story is something I learned to rely on from a very early age. I grew up in a very abusive household; so the opportunity to “escape” through storytelling was as healing to me as it was to others around me.
Starting on a blank page is not easy- where does your creativity come from?
For me, it’s all about an arresting first image. What will get everyone’s attention (the reader of the script, the eventual audience, etc.)? And how can I instantly surprise and intrigue them after introducing the image? While I want the surprises to titillate, I also want them to come from an organic place. The more relatable a story is initially, the more fantastical places it can be taken to (once you hook your audience).
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 yes. I always intend to write with the goal of not worrying about what anyone else might think when reading my script. But invariably I think about marketability, audience and even minor things like scene length and page count. It’s a yin and yang process for me.
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 romantic comedy “Expiration Dates” reinvents the genre while also celebrating it. It takes a wacky scenario, proves it could actually happen and then sends the unique characters on a path that will lead to very unexpected places.
How has your experience been with screenwriting contests for this project so far?
I have yet to enter it in any contests. But have had great results with others I’ve entered and am always grateful for the experience and feedback.
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?
Believe in my vision. I know that sounds boastful and crazy. But I know I’m tapped into something that will resonate on a very profound level with audiences.
Do you have any website links for your writing, credits, background, etc that you would like to share?