LAETITIA NGUYEN
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Laetitia Nguyen

How did you discover The Santa Barbara International Screenplay Awards and how did you decide to enter this contest among all the others?
I received a newsletter from FilmFreeway, and I dream of living in Santa Barbara so I saw that as a sign!
 
Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
I currently live in New Caledonia, a small French island, next to Australia in the Pacific Ocean.
 
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?
The script is based on my true story and autobiography “My Solo Wedding in Santorini: Or How I Saved my Life”. My fiancé left me before our wedding, and I decided to marry myself instead. I want to give hope and courage to people, and share my experience  with the best audience possible, and Film and TV seem to be the next steps.
But I didn’t know I would love screenwriting so much!
 
How do you decide which stories to tell, and what draws you to these particular themes?
I try to talk about topics we don’t see enough on the screen.
 
What is your typical writing routine? How do you structure your workday to stay productive?
I’m very disciplined, I set time specific time during the day to write, but I do it in different locations depending on my mood: my favorite café, in a park, at home…
 
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 usually use a notebook and handwrite any idea that comes to my mind, I spend some time dreaming about the characters and some scenes, I need to embody them first. Then I just start with FADE IN.
 
How do you handle writer's block or moments of doubt (we all have them) during your creative process?
I have amazing mentors and coaches who support my projects and are incredibly helpful.
I meditate and exercise a lot too.
Nature is the best for my inspiration too and especially the Pacific Ocean.
 
What tools or software do you find essential to your workflow as a screenwriter?
I use Final draft, nothing else specific.
 
How do you approach competition entries, and what have you learned from participating in these contests?
I follow my intuition, that’s it!
I learn more about people in the industry, and also I love the feedback for the script.
 
Can you share a specific challenge you've faced in your screenwriting and how you overcame it?
First, English is not my mother tongue, so it demands extra attention from me.
Then, this is my very first screenplay and I had no clue about writing a TV pilot!
It took me lots of efforts to start from scratch.
 
Where do you see yourself in five years as a screenwriter?
Being recognized in the industry and maybe some awards! Being a finalist here is already a great start!!
 
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
Move people and empower them to love themselves and live their dream 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?
We should see this as an opportunity to improve and expand our talents to rise above.
 
Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
Nancy Myers. I love the complex psychology of her characters and the intertwinement of their relationships.
 
What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
The Holiday. I am never tired of watching it.
 
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
Believe in yourself!
Then, surround yourself with great people who support you and your project, and try to find a mentor in the industry.
 
What else are you working on that the world needs to know about? (links to your projects?)
I’m currently writing on a feature and a musical based on my book “My Solo Wedding in Santorini”.
 
Where can the world find you online? (Social media links, etc.)
My website: www.blogaboutl.com
Instagram: @blogaboutl

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