DANIEL PERO
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Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
I live in Tampa, Florida.
 
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 chose a script, because I am more of a visual person. I understand the format, the pacing and the entire process of writing a movie.
Dire Straits II: Venganza is a sequel to Dire Straits, which takes place on Mackinac Island, MI and the region. So, it’s an extension of the original story. My character had more to say; her life was interesting to me and she had a story worth telling that I felt was entertaining. She had a lot more adventure in her life to experience.
Having spent time on the Island and at the Grand Hotel for conferences, I was struck by how easy it would be for terrorists or some outfit to assault a conference there. Do something nefarious. There was never any real security; the island has a small police force; there are no cars; and it’s isolated.
The original idea for Dire Straits occurred around 1992. I wrote a script then, but the story evolved over the years, and I revisited it a couple years ago. With rewrites, Dire Straits was a 15 month process. At that point, I knew my characters, felt I had an action story with them, and the script for Venganza flowed naturally. It took about five months to write and rewrite and rewrite and rewrite.
 
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 started Dire Straits II in December, 2023. It took over a year to write Dire Straits.
I do a lot of research. I talked to former military commanders, special forces guys who now consult on movies, old state police buddies. Their input helped me better structure my stories and action scenes. I try to get my dialogue accurate, so I spend a lot of time listening. I researched military jargon and phrasing so my characters had  true and accurate voices
I always write an outline on Word. Cut and paste. I used to do index cards before computers.
Walking is part of my creative process. When I walk, I think out loud. I write notes on my iPhone, even complete scenes, if they come to me. I’ll write any time of day, but I enjoy mornings with a cup of coffee. It’s quiet.
Sleep is important. Some of my best ideas come when I’m sleeping.
Let me add, my wife is incredible.  Her support, willingness to read drafts, offer critiques and input, and her endless patience, has made all the difference to me. Knowing she supports what I love to do keeps me going.
 
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
I enjoy the creative process. I am retired, so, I have a lot of opportunity to write. I have many ideas I believe would make entertaining movies, so, I hope I am able to keep writing for many years.
Obviously, I’d like to see one of my scripts made into a film, but I’m also realistic.
Hollywood is a closed shop for writers without agents, and I don’t have an agent. And you can’t even speak to one unless you have a referral or some connection. When I wrote my first script in 1977, there was an agent directory listing agents who would accept unsolicited material. I found two. It’s not that way today.
It is what it is. It makes writing easier, because I have no expectations.
 
Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
Rod Serling was an incredible story teller. His Twilight Zone episodes still move me. Quentin Tarantino’s dialogue is the best.  Larry Kasdan and Woody Allen.
I love action movies, like the Equalizer films and the Liam Neeson franchise, but I don’t really follow who writes them.
 
What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
I loved Miracle about our 1980 Olympic hockey team. Watched that game live at a Chinese restaurant in DC.  I still cheer for those guys every time I watch it. Midnight in Paris by Woody Allen and Body Heat are two of my favorites.
 
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
As Hemingway said, just write. Enjoy the process of being creative. Don’t worry about competing. You can only control what you write. Don’t be afraid to rewrite and rewrite and rewrite, to toss some of your best stuff if it doesn’t keep the movie moving forward. That’s a big problem I have. I tend to over write. I cut nineteen minutes from the “final draft” of my script that was just recognized by the Santa Barbara judges. All good stuff…all unnecessary.
I enjoy the competitions and the feedback I get on my writing. The critiques have made me a better writer.
 

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