ANDRES MEJIA

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ANDRES MEJIA

What inspired you to write a script rather than a novel or short story?
I have to look back at the growing pains that the black and brown and immigrant communities faced, especially leading up to this current administration. Lluvia De Peces(Rain Of Fish) directly calls out the immoral dehumanization of these communities and paint it in a way that can be best told through Film. There’s a lot of emotion and spectacle that can be explored through a visual story and a screenplay helps bring that to the forefront. Also, who doesn’t love to write ‘INT.’?

Was there a specific film, TV show, or personal moment that first made you say, “I want to write like that”?
There are a lot of examples of engaging and powerful storytelling in films. If I had to draw from one inspiration, it would be the
dialogue in Manchester by the sea written by Kenneth Lonergan. Its dialogue comes off as so layered and authentic and adds
unspoken history between characters.

What’s your writing routine like? Do you follow a strict schedule, or are you more intuitive about when and how you write?
It’s been incredibly beneficial for me to write in different settings/atmospheres. I write best when I’m in movement, whether
that’s on a train, pacing around my room, or breathlessly recording voice memos on the treadmill. I believe in writing what
you know, so I try to learn more than I write. Once I’m in front of paper, I write until the idea runs out. Then I freewrite. The
thoughts flow, sometimes meaningless, but other times connective. It’s always been important for me to act out dialogue and read it aloud to myself. If I sound unconvincing, I know something’s gotta change!

When you're starting a new script, how do you shape your ideas? Do you use outlines, beat sheets, or dive right into scenes? What inspires your scripts? Characters? Plot? Theme? Action?
I always begin with a scene/moment. From there, I expand on that thought until the lines become uninspired. Then I draft outlines, have brainstorming sessions with a cowriter or peer, and begin forming better structured and believable stories.

How do you handle writer’s block or those inevitable moments of self-doubt?
It’s incredibly necessary for me to live life, interact with people, and step away from the pen. If I can’t write in that moment, maybe I can feel. Feel anything! And if I can feel, then I can form a subconscious thought that can prove beneficial to a
narrative sometime in the future.

What tools—software, methods, rituals—do you consider essential to your writing workflow?
A live-editing document is important, one that I can mark up and organize with other drafts. I also heavily rely on voice memos.
Sometimes I’m out and about and need to put down a thought as quickly as possible. I can’t begin to tell you how many files in my phone are dedicated to crazed and threadless rants. It’s 12,033.

Do you write with production realities in mind, or do you let the creative vision lead first and adjust later?
I’ve always been a very visual writer. It’s hard for me to not imagine the shots/movements/performances when I write. I think it
helps influence my syntax/stage directions. However; it’s key to NOT write camera movements into the actual script. That can be left for margin comments and notes.

When a scene isn’t working, what’s your go-to strategy for fixing it? Rewrite, workshop, walk away—or something else?
I try to focus on a different part of the story. What would it sound like? What songs would the characters have in their playlist? What were the characters doing before the plot? These bits of history and character building help me gain a better understanding of their personalities and how they can move the plot forward.​
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How many scripts have you completed? How many have you started and not completed (we all have those)...and why are they still unfinished?
I’ve held off on some scripts due to viability. At my level of filmmaking, I only have access to so many resources, so it’s important to work with what I have. Some of my larger scope projects are going to be saved for later, when I feel like it’s the right time to take that step.

Have you earned recognition in this or other competitions? What’s your strategy when submitting your scripts, and how has contest feedback shaped your work?
I’ve earned recognition in competitions outside of scriptwriting: video scholarships, grants, and film festivals. I’ve had a role
in writing for each of those, and am proud to have worked hard enough to vindicate my journey. I also yearn for rejection, it
can be such a powerful tool for growth! If I’m not given feedback on my work, I ask for it. 9 out of 10 times I get a response.
It’s always proven to be worth it to ask.

Have you done anything at this point to promote yourself or your writing (besides entering online contests)? If so, how would you gauge the effectiveness of those efforts?
I like giving back to storytellers in my community and empowering youth to dabble in writing. I graduated with an Education degree from my University and often go back to host workshops with students there. Besides the fulfillment of seeing writing ‘click’ with someone, I enjoy the distribution of knowledge. I think our world could hold more space and opportunities for artists.
Besides workshops, I regularly maintain my instagram @andres_a_mejia and update it with new and old projects I’m working on. I’m not shy about sharing my journey and showcasing the progress I’ve made.

Have you pitched to producers or taken meetings yet? What have those experiences taught you about the business side of screenwriting?
I have pitched to producers! It was a steep learning curve for me. Thankfully, I’ve gotten Lluvia De Peces off the ground and am
beginning production for it. If there’s one thing about pitching you should know beforehand—DON’T guess with numbers. Come prepared with an estimated budget, timeline, length... Even if those elements change, you don’t wanna guess numbers otherwise you’ll look unprepared. Focus on feasibility and marketability just as much as you do story.

What do you see as your greatest strengths as a writer? Your greatest weaknesses?
One of my greatest strengths is writing convincing dialogue and a lived-in world. One of my greatest weaknesses is starting.
Getting words on paper can be such a chore!

How do you balance your writing with your “day job”?
Sometimes it feels like crafting a story and working my ‘day job’ work in tandem. I’m very introspective about life and enjoy human interaction, so if a moment stands out to me, it might end up in a script of mine... or some semblance of that moment will. At the same time, I find it extremely important to remain present with people. You don’t want your personal relationships to become transactional or one-sided. After a while, balancing the creative flow within personal or career life doesn’t feel as cloudy.
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What message or emotional response do you hope audiences walk away with after experiencing your work?
I hope audiences can see a reflection of themselves in my work, whether it’s through the common human struggle or the ties to a specific cultural narrative. I’m positive that the stories I write mean enough to me that it will stand out to other people. Film can be such a powerful tool to connect and spark conversations—and if it goes as far as to make a powerful historic message, I see that as a success.

What are you working on right now the world needs to know about?
My next film: lluviadepecesshortfilm.com I’m building this story around the humanitarian need for empathy... in a world that seems to increasingly promote villainization of minorities.

Where do you see yourself five years from now as a screenwriter—and how do you plan to get to that place?
I see myself writing more features, getting to collaborate and work with other industry professionals to maintain a vibrant and
growing artistic community. For now, I’ll continue to write and produce short films, hopefully stepping my way up the ladder to get recognized by larger companies. I want to continue the truth in my storytelling and scope of my work. Regardless of the failures and successes in my path, I’m going to keep on MAKING.

What advice would you give to any aspiring writer hoping to follow in your footsteps?
Dedicate time to living your life as much as you are crafting your stories. Oftentimes, the best narratives come from lived
experiences—whether that’s at work, school, gatherings, or solo trips! You’ll get a better sense of connecting with people and
how to create stories that people will relate to.