DANA JACKSON
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Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
I'm a proud citizen of 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?
The inspiration for Reel Love was born out of a period when I asked myself, "What   could my 2nd Act look like?" I wanted to write a story about someone who is being guided by external forces and internal desires to make a life/career change.
I didn't consider writing Reel Love in any other format. I was focused on learning the craft of screenplay writing. So, a novel didn't come into play and the story seemed too complex for a short story.

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?
It took about two weeks to finish the outline. The rough draft of the actual    script was done in four weeks. Of course, notes and numerous rewrites    followed. For me, writing down the logline and expanding that into a scene-by-      scene outline works best.

What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
My objective is to become proficient in writing and pitching so an agent, producer, or studio will recognize of the worth in producing one of my scripts.
 
Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
 Two of the writers who inspire me are, Shonda Rhimes (Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, Bridgerton) and the late William Goldman (All the President's Men, The Princess Bride, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid). Ms. Rhimes because, even though her shows have large casts, her characters possess depth and individuality.  Mr. Goldman for his ability to write screenplays that    captivate you with their intrigue and intelligence.

What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
 This is a tough question because a lot of the time my mood dictates what I   watch. However, there are movies and shows that I watch whenever I come across them. The Book of Eli draws me in with its unique premise. Laura, with its theme of obsession, is a great example Noir. Abbott Elementary and The Bear are wildly different shows, but both are well written and hold my attention.

What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
            1) Keep writing.
            2) If you can, get an analysis of your script. A second pair of eyes is invaluable.     The notes may offer clues to what needs more development.
            3) Read the scripts of other writers. Seeing how others approach a subject may        give you a new perspective.
            4)Keep writing!

What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?
Currently, I'm researching the 1936 true story of Major Raymond "Rattlesnake James" Lisenba who, 1-month after he's convicted of 3-counts of incest involving his niece, goes on trial and is convicted of murdering his pregnant 5th wife. He's sentenced to death and is the last man executed in California by hanging. It has been noted it took Lisenba ten minutes to die.
I was attracted to this story because it touches on a lot of issues. Mental illness: Was Lisenba mentally ill or just plain evil?  Depravity: What triggers a person to abuse another person?  Also, with Alabama having used a new method of executing          inmates (nitrogen gas), the death penalty is once again a top topic for discussion.

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