DANIEL PRESSEY
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Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
Napa Valley, California, United States.
 
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?
Carpet Guys was many years in the making, inspired by my uncle Billy, a perennial entrepreneur with a tireless work ethic. From being an orphan and selling newspapers at eight years old to night shifts as a teenager and many years spent carpet cleaning well into his 80s, my uncle Billy's incredible life and pursuit of happiness are fit for the big screen. I chose to tell his story as an inspirational comedy because of the humor surrounding carpet cleaning and Billy's unwavering professionalism in his craft.
 
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?
Carpet Guys was my first script, which took many years to complete, as my day job, owning a Wine Retail company, keeps me busy; however, I never stopped thinking about my script. My process began with Fade In, and as I poured the stories of my uncle Billy's life onto the page, the screenplay began to take life. Throughout my process, I watched many YouTube tutorials with tips and tricks for screenwriting and adjusted and arranged the storyline and structure along the way.
 
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
I'd like to see Carpet Guys on the big screen, honoring my Uncle Billy and inspiring other entrepreneurs not to give up on their dreams, regardless of age and ability. I've been fortunate to succeed in the wine industry through hard work and persistence, and I plan to apply the same to my screenwriting.
 
Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
I wrote Carpet Guys with Will Ferrell in mind as the antagonist, taking inspiration from his comedies and writing style.
 
What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
I've watched The Wedding Singer more than any other film, partly because my wife and I didn't have cable for our first couple of years of marriage, and watching it became part of our weekly routine; however, it never grew tiring. 
 
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
I recommend watching a lot of YouTube tutorials on storyline, structure, and everything in between.  I firmly believe that college isn't for everyone and that you can succeed through hard work and become an expert in your field through experience and perseverance. 
 
What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?
I just completed a thriller/mystery screenplay called Emerald Court, inspired by some of my crazy neighbors and propelled by imagination. 

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