MIKE MORERO

​Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
Born and raised in San Diego, 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?
Funny enough, this particular story started with the title. I was talking with a friend and the play on words was amusing to me so I noted it down. Over the next couple of months, I kept thinking about it and the story ideas kept coming to me and it eventually snowballed into a first draft. I always knew I was writing this as a pilot. I am a huge fan of how TV shows have evolved and I want to eventually contribute to that evolution.
 
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?
This script took a few months of noting down ideas and plot points and probably 3 weeks to finish the first draft. I typically will start with a rough outline for each scene and start writing it out once I feel like I have a hold of the story and where it's heading. I can't jump around from scene to scene so I start and the beginning and keep writing until I hit a block and work it out.
 
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
I ultimately want to write and direct my own projects. I've had an interest in filmmaking my entire life and have made a handfull of shorts throughout the years. I am more interested in self-producing my own shows locally than moving to LA and joining a writer's room and working on other shows. I know how important of a process that is for so many working professionals, and I commend everyone who's able to do it, but I plan on taking a different path.
 
Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
There are SO many writers and shows that continue to inspire me. I try to watch as many pilots as I can and typically don't go too much further than that unless the show really grabs my attention. I am more attracted to the darker comedy/ dramedy shows that can arc a good story over a few seasons as opposed to someone taking a 90-minute movie and stretching it just to fit that medium.
 
What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
What a loaded question! Honestly, there are way too many shows that have come out in the last 10 years that I love. Shows like Barry, The Bear, Ted Lasso, Severence, and The Righteous Gemstones are a few that come to mind on my long list of favorites. But I'll always hold a place in my heart for the James Bond franchise as well.
 
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
I hate to sound cliché but writing something you want to watch yourself has been great advice that I have taken to heart. I learned pretty quickly that not every idea is strong enough to hang a story on, and not every story is strong enough to carry a pilot or series. Always look for the unique story in everyday occurrences and write down the ones that catch your interest. If you keep thinking about it weeks or months later then you just might have something worth writing.
 
What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?
I'm constantly bothering my wife and kids thinking of new ideas that would make for an interesting story and I have half a dozen projects started that I keep bouncing around on. They range from BMX riding LDS members, to millennials running the Mob. I'll definitely submit them all as I polish them out.

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