What’s your name? Where were you born? Where do you live? And what’s your hobby?
Jessica Wei. Tacoma, WA. Bay Area, CA. Doodling.
Where did you come up with the concept that just placed as Finalist in the screenplay contest? How long did it take you to develop it into the screenplay it is now?
Inspired by my experience moving to the deep south during a formative time in my life, and making sense of it now.
A year? Or Two? Is it done?
From concept to finished draft, can you take us through your screenwriting process?
It’s not pretty. But it’s what worked best for me, for this script. Scenes on scenes and letting the characters come through. Using many books/resources for rewriting.
When did you realize that you wanted to become a screenwriter?
During my first screenwriting class with Adam Tobin at Stanford.
Who are your biggest filmmaking/screenwriting influences? What about their style do you like or borrow?
I have big crushes on Steven Soderbergh for his bold creativity, and David Fincher for his meticulous masterpieces. Kind of broad descriptions, but I think they’re geniuses.
Have you ever been obsessed with a movie or TV show? If so, which one? Why?
Little Miss Sunshine
What’s your favorite moment in cinema history? Why?
If you could talk to anyone from any era, who would it be and what would you ask them?