LEW OSTEEN
​

 Picture
Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
Sacramento California, USA
 
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 love to write and particularly love to write fantasy and SiFi.  ELVIS MUST DIE popped into my head as a fun thing to write. I wrote it first as a short story which I do with a lot of my screenplays. It helps with plot and character development.
 
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 am a compulsive writer and when I get an idea I sit down and start writing. The first Draft is just to get it going. ELVIS PRESLEY MUST DIE was written over a period of weeks because I always write several drafts then let them ferment. I use Final Draft for my screenwriting format.
 
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
I have never had a real goal except to simply enjoy the act of writing. When asked by anyone to explain why I write: I say it is simple:  If, at 3 AM you are cuddled up with a warm body in a toasty bed and you break away to go write something that comes to mind - you are a writer.  
 
Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
My screenwriting hero is Billy Wilder because he was a great writer as well as Producer. On TV it must be Norman Lear for the same reason.  
 
What is your all-time favorite movie or television show? 
M.A.S.H for TV and, as a movie.
 
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
 (1) Use rejection as inspiration. (2) Accept editing for grammar and formatting and to some extent on your storyline - but never betray your core idea. (3) If you smile when you type the last line, you have a winner!
 
What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?  
2 New screenplays with an AI theme (me and every other screenwriter lol) A volume of poetry and polishing a book manuscript on the End Times.