AE GUAAKER
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How did you discover The Santa Barbara International Screenplay Awards and how did you decide to enter this contest among all the others?
I discovered the Santa Barbara International Screenplay Awards on the ISA website, and it struck me as a good fit for my manuscript. The competition’s focus and reputation aligned well with what I’m aiming for with my project, which made it a great choice to showcase my work.
 
Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
I live in the UK.
 
Your script stood out among hundreds of others. What was the inspiration for your story and why did you write a script instead of a short story or a novel? What inspires your overall journey into screenwriting?
The Hulder, a mysterious human-like creature from Norwegian and Scandinavian folklore, has often been overshadowed by the more well-known troll, which has been featured in a plethora of TV-shows and films. The Hulder carries a reputation that is as intriguing as it is questionable. In folklore, her dual nature allows her to perform acts that can be both genuinely kind and arguably malicious, a complexity that makes her a fascinating character to explore. She is typically portrayed in a two-dimensional way and her world has remained largely unexplored. I felt it was time to give her story the depth and attention it deserves.
I chose to write a script because it provides a structured framework that drives the story forward, almost like an engine. A script serves as a set of ‘water wings,’ offering guidance and keeping the story on course. With short stories, you’re essentially inventing a new way to reach the shore each time, and that level of open-ended creativity is quite challenging for me.
 
I often find inspiration through conversations with people. Small details from everyday stories catch my attention, and I build scenes or story arcs around them, letting these moments shape the narrative.

How do you decide which stories to tell, and what draws you to these particular themes?
I’m drawn to stories built around complex dilemmas, unsolved mysteries, and moral gray areas—situations without clear answers or easy solutions. These themes allow me to dive into ‘what ifs’ and examine the ripple effects of choices and circumstances, often creating stories that challenge the audience to wrestle with their own judgments. It is this exploration of uncertain territory that sparks my creativity and, more often than not, leads to compelling storytelling.
 
What is your typical writing routine? How do you structure your workday to stay productive?
I write in the evenings after finishing my day job. I usually draft a couple of scenes, then I go for a brisk walk in woods to let the ideas simmer. By the time I get back, my thoughts are refreshed, and I jot down new ideas right away before they slip away.
 
How long did it take you to write your script...and what is your writing process? Do you outline...use index cards...white board...or just start with FADE IN?
It took me about six months to write the script.
I usually start with a basic outline in a Word document, which quickly grows as ideas come to me. I begin writing scenes as they become clear in my mind, often out of order, focusing on what feels most vivid at the moment. Then, I mentally review the story repeatedly, checking for plot holes and refining the flow. I keep cycling through this process until the script feels complete.
 
How do you handle writer's block or moments of doubt (we all have them) during your creative process?
When I hit a creative block, I like to take a walk through the nearby deer park and woods. The quiet break from the everyday rush clears my mind, and by the time I’m back home, I usually find myself filled with new ideas ready to be written down.
 
What tools or software do you find essential to your workflow as a screenwriter?
I use WriterDuet and Word for my screenwriting projects.
 
How do you approach competition entries, and what have you learned from participating in these contests?
I look for competitions that emphasise fantasy, adventure, and lore, but I don’t limit myself to Norwegian or Scandinavian ones, as I have both Norwegian and English versions of the script. I also seek feedback from time to time, which has been invaluable in refining and enhancing the script's overall impact.
 
Can you share a specific challenge you've faced in your screenwriting and how you overcame it?
At first, I struggled to take advice from more experiences screenwriters, but once I learned to trust that the person knew their craft and offered sound guidance, I became more open to listening and weaving their insights into my writing.
 
Where do you see yourself in five years as a screenwriter?
In five years, I envision myself having completed two or three scripts that have been optioned by major studios. I hope to see my work resonate with audiences and contribute meaningfully to the film industry.
 
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
My ultimate ambition as a writer is to create scripts for HBO.
 
The film and television industry is constantly evolving. How do you see the role of screenwriters changing, especially with the rise of streaming platforms and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence?
The emergence of numerous competitive streaming platforms drives these services to prioritise projects that can attract new customers. They need to seek out projects with a distinctive IT factor that are poised to create a buzz and go viral and hopefully usher in a new era of excellent film and television productions.
 
While artificial intelligence can be useful for research and as a proofreading assistant, I believe it falls short of replacing screenwriters. Those who think otherwise seriously underestimate the complexity of storytelling and the nuances of audience engagement.
 
Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
I find great inspiration in the works of Elmore Leonard and Scott Frank, particularly their collaboration on Out of Sight (1998). Each scene in the film stands as a compelling story in its own right, showcasing their mastery of character development and dialogue.
 
What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
My favourite movie is ‘American Psycho’ and my favourite TV-show is Game of Thrones.
 
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
Conduct thorough research. Real individuals possess a multitude of interests, skills, quirks, and ideas. By exploring these aspects, you can draw inspiration to create complex, three-dimensional characters that feel relatable and authentic.
 
What else are you working on that the world needs to know about? (links to your projects?)
I am currently writing the sequel to Trust Me, titled Find You. Additionally, I am developing a Scandi Noir film script set in my hometown in Norway, drawing inspiration from The Killing (2011), which is based on the original Danish series Forbrydelsen (2007).
 
Where can the world find you online? (Social media links, etc.)
My ISA link: https://www.networkisa.org/profile/ae-guaaker

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