KATRINA NA​FICY

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 PictureKATRINA NAFICY
How did you discover The Santa Barbara International Screenplay Awards and how did you decide to enter this contest among all the others?
I found the Santa Barbara International Screenplay Awards through FilmFreeway. The awards were highly rated and seemed like a fun place to have my work reviewed!

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 love storytelling! I feel like I have tired storytelling in every form, except a feature script, so I decided to give it a shot. I’m a huge movie lover and had an amazing time creating characters that evolve and change in a longer format setting. My story was inspired by my deep fascination with death and assisted suicide. Assisted suicide is a controversial topic that I feel like is not spoken about enough. I also love comedy, so I wanted to throw the two themes together and create something dark that you can laugh at.

What is your typical writing routine? How do you structure your workday to stay Productive?
I NEVER wait for motivation. I carve out two hours a day to write. Sometimes it's completely useless, but sometimes I end up writing for 10 hours straight and building something beautiful. Always stick to a routine, no matter how badly you don’t want to.

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 me about 2 years to write my script. I spent the longest time on the outline and characters. I wanted the world to feel lived in and real. Once I had the outline locked, I got to have fun and fill in all the blanks. It’s like completing a very hard puzzle.

How do you handle writer’s block or moments of doubt (we all have them) during your creative process?
Honestly, my husband is the biggest help during those times. Sometimes, when you’re doubting yourself and don’t feel good enough, it’s amazing to have someone there who cheers you on and inspires you to keep going.

What tools or software do you find essential to your workflow as a screenwriter?
I’m a huge Celtx.com lover. Could not live without it.

Where do you see yourself in five years as a screenwriter?
I am hoping to bring several of my stories to life!

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 hope we can use AI to aid in our work, but not completely replace our jobs. I'm dyslexic, so having help from AI can be super beneficial when it comes to spelling and grammar issues, but I think the beauty of writing is that it is created by humans living human experiences.

What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
The Truman Show. That movie has everything I want a movie to encompass.

What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you Have?
Always believe in yourself. If you have a story to tell, someone will want to hear it.

Where can the world find you online? (Social media links, etc.)
On everything as @notkatrinaa