WRITER PROFILE
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1999 TRIP
Written by Robert Mirek
What motivated you to become a writer?
I’ve always been enthralled by the unparalleled ability films have to impress their settings, characters, stories and themes on me. The inspiration for me to write screenplays was probably sparked when I experienced the scene in “Walk the Line” when the record studio producer asks Johnny Cash if he had the chance to sing just one song. A song to sum everything up about his journey on this earth. Would he sing the same old song? Or would he sing something different; something real? How believing in your own voice and vision is the type of song that truly saves people. That was probably the most powerful moment in any film that I felt was speaking directly to me and I wanted to explore if I could create moments like that for others.
Starting on a blank page is not easy- where does your creativity come from?
Inevitable inspiration from incredible filmmakers: Lynch, Fincher and Sheridan are some of my favorites. My personal creativity is fueled by any ideas that dawn on me for unique feature length screenplays that I would like to experience in the visual medium with the true theater experience. When I have a strong idea that consists of what I feel are the essential ingredients of storytelling: characters, setting, plot, theme, tone, genre; that recipe carries me to and through the finish line of a full length master draft every time.
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 try to write marketable projects that I am interested in seeing myself that are comparable to profitable films that have all earned box office profits over their budgets. I definitely understand the delicate nature of a film’s budget and all that goes into producing a script in order to bring it to life on screen. I value the importance of being adaptable in life in order to reach the best outcomes, so I wouldn’t be opposed to refining a script with producers in order to work within budget parameters.
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 dream for this project, 1999 TRIP, is have it optioned or purchased for production and assist in whatever way I can in executing the most optimal production within given budget parameters in order to deliver audiences a bold and original character driven drama experience with a sci-fi touch. I am confident this film can be produced on a reasonable budget, free of the need to construct complex sets, requiring only simple special effects; while leaning on actors and performances to drive the story. While this screenplay is meant to be able to stand on its own, there is definitely franchise potential in the form of prequels and or sequels or even a streaming series based on the nature of the content and how the story is left without absolute certainty in reference to closure.
How has your experience been with screenwriting contests for this project so far?
I’m honored to say the Capital Fund Screenplay Competition HOT 100 List is the first industry radar 1999 TRIP has hit, having just recently been put into circulation.
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 would ask them as a premise for a movie: What would you do if you had the chance to revisit one of the best times in your life? What choices would you make? Would you show restraint? Would you go all in? Would you try to change things? Or would you just observe and leave them as is? Now would you still make the trip if there was no guarantee that you could return? 1999 TRIP is more than a story. It’s an experience, a ride with the characters to a time not often visited. A year before Y2K. Just before wars on terror, before social media and before smart phones. My name is Robert Mirek and it was my vision to craft the most authentic, compelling, character driven screenplay I could, incorporating all of the aforementioned themes, that takes place in my magnificent hometown of Pittsburgh, PA. Though be careful if you join Gabriel and Cal for the ride. You may never be the same.
Do you have any website links for your writing, credits, background, etc. that you would like to share?
https://www.networkisa.org/profile/robert-mirek
Top 100 in the 2021 Virtual screenwriting contest Table Read My Screenplay Genre Competition for Mystery/Crime/Thriller (LAND OF THE DYING FIRE)
Creative Screenwriting Unique Voices Screenplay Competition 2021 Quarter Finalist (LAND OF THE DYING FIRE)
Capital Fund Screenplay Competition 2021 HOT 100 List (1999 TRIP)