Alex Avila
​

Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
Austin, Texas (USA)
 
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?
I currently have two feature-length scripts, both of which have performed well in major scriptwriting contests nationwide. One I got the idea from a popular song I heard. The other was based on a news story that I read. I’m not only a writer but a filmmaker, as well. So, short story or novel was never a serious consideration. One of my newer scripts will be my third feature film. The other is a family sports drama (the type I’ve seen on Disney+) told from a Latino point of view.
 
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?
The writing part of what I do usually goes quickly. But as an academic with a PhD and a former award-winning journalist, I learned to prepare well in advance of writing. I do get motivated by stories I hear and come across. But research is always a major part of the process for me. I tend to do lots of research. I don’t write a word until I’ve researched so much that the story starts to take shape in my head and the dots begin to connect by themselves. Consequently, after the research, outlining is the next step. I never start writing until I know where the story is going. But the actual writing (the last step in the process) comes quickly. For example, I started writing “The Reserve” in March of 2020 and by October of 2020 it was a “Second Rounder” in the Austin Film Festival.
 
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
I am a storyteller. My ultimate ambition is to tell my stories to audiences. I’d like to earn enough money from this to continue doing so. There is always another story to work on.
 
Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
I am principally old-school in that I appreciate a self-contained film. That is my ideal as a writer/storyteller. While I appreciate the episodic nature of how content is produced today (“This is Us” was particularly inspirational), I don’t aspire to tell episodics.
 
What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
My usual response to the “what is your favorite” question is that it depends on my mood. I love and appreciate the classics [Citizen Kane, Casablanca, All About Eve, Bridge on the River Kwai, Chinatown, The Godfather (I & II), Amadeus, Raising Arizona, Shawshank Redemption, Forest Gump, The Lord of the Rings (Trilogy), Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Silence of the Lambs, etc., etc.] How do you pick from such a list? I watch all kinds of movies, even ones I don’t like. I learn from them.
 
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
Contests are great and can be extremely insightful for writers. The best part is getting the feedback from qualified readers. A good writer is always wanting to improve both the story and his or her craft. Good critical feedback is an essential tool for improvement. I don’t enter a screenwriting contest expecting to win representation or getting discovered as a writer. I enter for the constructive feedback. A dedicated writer can use that feedback to improve the story and improve his or her craft as a writer.
 
What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?
I have taken one of my screenplays (Cerebral) from Development to Pre-Production and it will become my third feature film production. I had an entertainment manager in early 2022 but am currently without representation. I can’t wait for things to happen. I am always pushing forward with my storytelling. Next up is a feature film project (psychological thriller) from a well-researched, multi-award-winning script.

---