AZURE D. OSBORNE-LEE
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​Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
I live in New York City.
 
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 knew I wanted to write a genre script about Black people in the South. I thought about what topic I wanted to write about and settled on mermaids! It sort of grew from there. I started researching where mermaids were most likely to appear in the Southern US and settled on Cape Fear, North Carolina as a unique and compelling location.
 
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’ve been working on my script for a couple of years now. I started with the idea of the genre aspect and then started exploring location, characters, and more. I actually went on a road trip to visit my family in Texas in the summer of 2022 and on the way back to New York City I stopped in the Cape Fear region for a couple of nights. I wanted to get the vibes of the area. I visited produce stands, a local museum, and I took a lot of pictures!
At the time I was working with post-it notes on a flipchart, so I loaded those into the car with me. I also took a lot of notes in my notebook.
 
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
I started out as a poet when I was a kid. I became a playwright in my mid-twenties. Now I’m developing my writing for the screen. I would love to get staffed on a show. But I’m also interested in selling my pilot, selling a screenplay I’m working on now. The sky’s kind of the limit. I’m just trying to catch some air now.
 
Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
I am constantly inspired by my friend Aurin Squire. He was my playwriting teacher, and it’s been amazing to see him grow into an amazing screenwriter. He’s so prolific. It’s kind of uncanny.
 
What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
That’s a tough one. My all-time favorite movie is “Labyrinth.” As far as tv shows go, my current favorites are “What We Do in the Shadows” and “The Peripheral.” I’m really sad “The Peripheral” was cancelled, but I’m hoping it might have further life in the coming years.
 
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
I’d say just keep working at it, and don’t be afraid to show your work to people so you can get feedback.
 
What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?
Like I said, I’m also a playwright. My play “Crooked Parts” is going to be produced at the Obsidian Theatre Festival in Detroit, MI this summer. I’ll also be performing in a couple of dance shows this summer. Check out my website for more details: azureosbornelee.com

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