Matthew Webster

​Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
Well…for the past 11 years I’ve lived in New York City. But as of Aug. 1st, my wife and I decided to pack up our apartment and go on an adventure. August is Italy, September is Denmark and Norway, and then October through April is the Outer Banks in North Carolina. After that…who knows!
 
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’ve always loved world building. It’s one of my favorite things about being a writer. And one day, while I was sitting on the train in NYC, I got invited to my 10-year high school reunion. And I thought, if I go, how strange it might feel to, essentially, go back in time 10 years and see all those people again. And that’s when the idea hit. And I do this strange thing when I’m developing an idea where I have a conversation with myself in my notes app on my phone. I basically just start writing my thoughts down, but at the same time throwing in interjections and tangents. And eventually, by the end of my ride, I had enough ideas and “rules of the world” written down that I was excited to continue the work. 
 
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?
BACK actually started as a play. I wrote the play in 2017, then premiered it Off-Broadway in 2019 at the Rave Theatre Festival. It won a couple of awards and got a bit of attention from some folks in the TV world. They encouraged me to consider turning the story into a series. I worked on a pitch with them for the first three months of 2020…but then Covid hit. Things paused. After months of waiting for things to restart, they once again encouraged me to just sit down and try writing a pilot. (BACK is the first pilot that I’ve ever written.) Because I had been writing the pilot in my head for a year while developing the pitch, my first draft only took me 3 days. But that’s because all of the thoughts from the past year were finally able to spill out and be free.
 
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
This is a big question. I think my ultimate ambition would be to build a resume of great work that eventually allows me to have a development deal with a streamer or network. I would love to be in a position where I can generate ideas, find material to adapt, and support young, new writers (like I am right now) and put out high quality, character driven pieces. I have a lot of stories swirling in my head, and for a network or streamer to be like “yeah, we want all your ideas” …well that would be a dream come true.
 
Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
Damon Lindelof: I love the worlds he builds and adapts, and I love his tone. Joss Whedon: he jumps between genres in incredible ways that really inspire me. Plus, TOY STORY? I mean, come on. Phoebe Waller-Bridge: her dialogue, humor, and insights into human psyche never miss for me. Jordan Peele: he attacks huge themes and plays with horror in such refreshing ways. Michael Schur: he’s my comedy idol.
 
What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
The Leftovers. Especially season two. It just has everything that I love about a television show: great acting, great writing, a new world, a little magic/sci-fi, great score, diversity, big themes, huge questions. Yeah, I love it.  
 
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
Write something you love. And don’t be afraid to just start. Give yourself permission to just start writing.
 
What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?
I’m working on a half hour comedy with my best friend that’s bringing me a lot of joy right now. I’m in Rome working on a new play inspired by the gladiators at the Coliseum. And I’m heading to a quiet beach this fall for several months to hopefully finish up my debut novel Jay and the Contest.

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