ANTHONY MCBRIDE
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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 SBISA while browsing Film Freeway and noticed that it was run by Robert and Suzanne McCullough who also run the Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards in which a few of my scripts have placed.  This and their webinars have made me enthusiastic about working with SBISA.
 
Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
Los Angeles, CA
 
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?
I wrote this script in conjunction with my feature script “Gods of the Forgotten” (which place as Quarterfinalist in the LAISC).   When I discovered that a woman covered the Korean War from the front lines, I thought such bravery should be researched and tlked about.  What I discovered was that this person was interesting and represented the qualities of most male heroes (if not more). So, me being a screenwriter decided that this would be a great star-vehicle limited series that would attract a top-level actress.
 
Telling stories that inform and inspire compel me into the world of screenwriting.  The Hollywood mystique and glamour also fuels my passion.
 
How do you decide which stories to tell, and what draws you to these particular themes?
I decided to tell stories by searching experiences and travels from my life and find stories related to them that could possibly have mass appeal.  Coming up through the Hollywood System encourages me to create material that attracts A-List collaborators.
 
What is your typical writing routine? How do you structure your workday to stay productive?
Well, I typically set aside one-to two months to write a script.  One week for concept creation; One week for plotting, structure and beat sheets; one week for scene lists and the final week for one page/synopsis and look book development.  The second month is to actually write the first draft of the script: first week-Act One; second week-Act 2A; 3rd week-Act 2B; fourth week-Act four.  I put my script away for two to four weeks then take it out to line edit.  After that, I submit it for notes through various agencies. I usually aim for two to three sets of notes.  After that, I start submitting to contests and festivals.
 
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?
This script was completed just before COVID, so things were a little hectic.  It took me about three months to get the script written. I used an outline, beat sheet and a scene list to write the script.  I stopped be a “Start at FADE IN” writer after my first script.
 
How do you handle writer's block or moments of doubt (we all have them) during your creative process?
Education, education, education!!!  Having taken numerous courses on structure, character, story, etc. has given me the tools needed to develop a solid process and practice that enforces confidence and destroys writer’s block.
 
What tools or software do you find essential to your workflow as a screenwriter?
A simple Microsoft Word document and Final Draft are suitable tools in screenwriting.
 
How do you approach competition entries, and what have you learned from participating in these contests?
I shifted from submitting to only Hollywood-based contests to International Film Festivals.  One, I already found a manager where most Hollywood-based contests are designed to do.  Two, my aim is to appeal to the commercial audience which includes international market where the international festivals can give me an idea of whether my material has international appeal.  Finally, most of the film / screenplay festivals are attended by major actors and film professionals.
 
Can you share a specific challenge you've faced in your screenwriting and how you overcame it?
One specific challenge was time.  Only time can tell and works as the best barometer of one’s commitment.  It takes time to learn proper screenwriting and it takes time and patience to navigate Hollywood.  My scripts have experience immense rejection from managers, producers and other industry professionals.  After a while, I finally got a manager.  After a while, my scripts have finally been getting placed in contests and festivals.  After awhile, I may be able to get my scripts to Spielberg.
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Where do you see yourself in five years as a screenwriter?
In five years, I expect to see myself as a working screenwriter that has sold numerous scripts and is respected among the industry.  Hopefully, my scripts aare in the production phase by Spielberg.
 
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
My ultimate ambition as a screenwriter is to be a full-time, working and well-p[aid screenwriter (writing for Spielberg) who has won numerous Oscars and awards for screenwriting.
 
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?
I see the role of screenwriters as becoming more important in filmmaking.  With the increase in budgets and financial expectations of movies (superhero, tentpoles), the story and setup of films will be crucial in selling tickets and winning awards making the screenwriter more essential to the filmmaking team.  Streaming will definitely be an outlet for more screenwriters to showcase their films and get paid work and will be a very helpful ally in Hollywood.  The use of AI will be constantly evolving and should not be ignored or combatted.  Studios and producers will look to AI to create quality scripts to streamline process.  However, I won’t look at this in fear but opportunity to use AI to help me create higher quality scripts in faster time than manually.  AI will not go away!!
 
Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
I’m inspired by and admire David Koepp, Eric Roth and Billy Ray (all are also UCLA Bruins—I went to UCLA Extension where I was first introduced to screenwriting) who have consistently produced some of the highest grossing, critically acclaimed film projects in the history of cinema.  This really inspires me to create high-quality material that reaches audiences throughout the world.
 
What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
I don’t have a favorite movie because there are so many movies that have impacted me.  However, some include: Saving Private Ryan, Jurassic Park, E.T., Star Wars, Titanic, Avatar.  I favor the “big” movies that win awards as well.
 
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
First, focus on learning everything you can about writing a great script. Structure, story, character, etc. are essential to a great script. Knowing these things will make script creation easier and effortlessly in developing the “Hollywood Classic”.
Second, be obsessed and passionate.  Screenwriting will have it’s dark night of the soul moments and the passion for movies will get you through them.  There will be times when you submit to festivals, OWAs and reps and get nothing but rejection.  Some of my most successful scripts were rejected dozens of times.
 
Third, DON’T BE AN ASSHOLE!!.  Be filled with gratuity and kindness and it will be returned to you.  Stay away from mean and negative people, that’s only a reflection of their skill and ambition.  You never who you’ll run into at the Trader Joes or Target.  When you get notes from someone, be grateful and thankful as they may be honest and can help you polish your craft.
 
What else are you working on that the world needs to know about? (links to your projects?)
Well, I try to write one feature script a year.  This year was when I wrote my first horror script “ABOLITION” which won another festival through FilmFreeway.  I’m planning my next feature for 2025 as I write this column.
 
Also, I plan on planning for making a short of some sort to send to festivals.  I’m assembling a group of people to help me develop and create a project that can be sent to festivals.
 
Here is a link to my profile on Stage32.  It includes my projects and achievements.
Stage32 Profile Link: stage32.com/tony1235
 
Where can the world find you online? (Social media links, etc.)
You can find me just about everywhere online.
Just look here:
Stage32: stage32.com/tony1235
Instagram: @mcbride2826
X: @inLAforGood
Film Freeway
International Screenwriters Association
Coverfly
 
REMEMBER…
 
Keep Writing and Don’t Be an Asshole!!!

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