Mark Higgins
What’s your name? Where were you born? Where do you live? And what’s your hobby?
Hi, my name is Mark Higgins. I was born in Motherwell Scotland. I live in Hamilton Scotland. My hobbies are screen and novel writing.
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?
I came up with the idea of watching American Pickers. So it took me a few months to write and rewrite the script outline into its present form.
From concept to finished draft, can you take us through your screenwriting process?
Usually, I come up with an idea, then write it down, edit, add, and subtract. I do this till I’m happy with what’s on the page.
When did you realize that you wanted to become a screenwriter?
When I wrote my first screenplay structure.
Who are your biggest filmmaking/screenwriting influences? What about their style do you like or borrow?
I’m a big fan of Aaron Sorkin and Ridley Scott. Their work is exemplary.
Have you ever been obsessed with a movie or TV show? If so, which one? Why?
Dexter, I loved the premise, the show was great.
What’s your favorite moment in cinema history? Why?
Tom Skerrit’s death in Alien, really pushed home the fact that you can have a strong leading female to carry the movie forward.
Who’s your favorite character in cinema history? Why?
The Terminator. I had never seen anything like it at the time.
If you could talk to anyone from any era, who would it be and what would you ask them?
If I could talk to anyone, I would talk to my dog’s Tag and Tess. They passed this year and ask them if they are happy over the rainbow bridge.
Sarah Farnam
What’s your name? Where were you born? Where do you live? And what’s your hobby?
My name is Sarah Farnam. I was born in the suburbs of Detroit, MI, and still reside here! Making comedy videos and posting them on TikTok is my current hobby.
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?
Before I wrote my script outline for NUCLEAR WAR, I was going through some personal heartbreak. Writing has always been therapeutic for me. So I thought I might feel better if I turned the experience into a comedy film script format. My feelings were so raw and the writing process so cathartic that I finished the script in a matter of days.
From concept to finished draft, can you take us through your screenwriting process?
“Write what you know” is a cliché, but I take it to heart! I usually start with something I know a lot about. Then I think about how I can take my experiences and knowledge and turn them into a story. I always write out a screenplay structure of how the pilot will look and what I envision happening in each act. Then I start writing. I usually start with dialogue (my favorite part) and add in the action later. The plot and characters often deviate from my original plan, but I like letting them do whatever feels natural at the moment. My last step is going back through each line and asking: how could I make this funnier?
When did you realize that you wanted to become a screenwriter?
I’ve known I wanted to write since I was in kindergarten. I went through a poetry phase, a novel phase, even a Taylor Swift-inspired songwriting phase. Moreover, after I began watching sitcoms, I realized TV scripts would be the perfect way to combine my love of writing and making people laugh.
Who are your biggest filmmaking/screenwriting influences? What about their style do you like or borrow?
My biggest influences are Mindy Kaling, Amy Sherman-Palladino, and Judd Apatow. I’m inspired by Apatow’s ability to write hilariously awkward characters and interactions and Sherman-Palladino’s badass female characters, witty humor, and frequent pop culture references. I love Kaling’s voice and her ability to craft female characters with stereotypically-feminine or “basic” interests AND depth – they can love One Direction and pumpkin spice lattes but also have layers, complex emotions, captivating things to say about the world…I notice a lot in TV that female characters are allowed to be either one or the other.
Have you ever been obsessed with a movie or TV show? If so, which one? Why?
I become obsessed with a TV show every week. A Good Place was my first obsession. I finished all four seasons over a long weekend. Since the show is full of captivating twists and sweet moments; I had to keep watching. Even Gilmore Girls interested me, considering I have a GG quote tattooed on my arm. So I grew up with the show and aspired to be as charming and hilarious and Lorelai Gilmore.
What’s your favorite moment in cinema history? Why?
I’d say the courtroom scene from Legally Blonde when against all odds, Elle Woods gets a confession and wins the case. It’s the ultimate feel-good moment, and my favorite scenes from movies and TV shows are the ones that make me feel happy and optimistic about the world. It’s also a great girl-power scene with the message I mentioned earlier: a woman can love pink and have tiny dogs AND be a successful attorney!
Who’s your favorite character in cinema history? Why?
My answer is from a TV show, and it is Midge from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. She may be the bravest character I’ve ever watched on TV as she bursts into the male-dominated comedy scene and is unapologetically herself. Also, she’s inspired me as a female comedy writer, and she cracks me up every episode.
If you could talk to anyone from any era, who would it be and what would you ask them?
I would die to have lunch with Mindy Kaling. She could read me the soup special and I’d take notes. Moreover, I’d love to ask about her writing process. Being the only woman on the writing staff of The Office (when it began), and what advice she has for another woman pursuing comedy writing