Anna Ebell
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Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
Tacoma, WA
 
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?
This is a very personal story. I spent time as a homeless youth as well as dealing with debilitating grief after the loss of my family. I wanted to shed some light on how some people find themselves on the street sometimes through no fault of their own and how debilitating grief can imprison you. This story is about finding hope and that not all obstacles are insurmountable.
 
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?
I began writing this script in December 2020. My process starts with the end and I keep asking myself “How did they get there?” I define my characters and what they represent to the story and their arc. Then I outline/write the main plot point scenes to capture the story arc. From there I type FADE IN: and let the characters tell me their stories.
 
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
To make films that speak to social issues that give people an emotional or inspirational response that will motivate us towards a better humanity.
 
Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
Gene Roddenberry. He pushed against the controlling narrative and promoted what a society could be like if it brought out the best in everyone.
 
What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
Well, I would have to say the Star Trek franchise. Though I am thoroughly enjoying “How to Get Away with Murder” and  “Lucifer”!
 
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
Don’t get discouraged. Listen to feedback and rewrite it till it wins. In the first round of festivals, my script made it to the quarterfinals. It lost the others. That told me the story had value but it needed work to go further. At the next year’s Festivals, it became a Finalist. It still needs work so hopefully, my next rewrite will become a winner.
 
What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?
I am writing a TV series based on a Proof of Concept short that won at a festival.

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