Paul Root
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Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
Hollywood, CA. I’m a transplant from Washington state.
 
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?
A few things. I have a background in acting. I’ve always tinkered with writing. Read scripts in my free time. Just thought I would go for it. Adapting elements from my personal life, my family, basing the lead on myself. Telling this story in a novel form would be fun. I honestly just never thought of it. Honestly, it might work as a short romance novel with some rewrites.
 
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?
Since 2018 in this case. I use index cards for sure. I’ll break it down by act, and use five cards per act of what I want to happen. The bigger plot points and events, that stuff. Rewriting is a whole freestyle kinda experience. Way more flowy.
 
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
To be seen, and by that I mean read. I would love to sell or pitch a script/concept/idea post that being read part. I think I have the ability to entertain, would take that opportunity if given.
 
Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
Wow. How much time do you have? I’ll try to be brief, and stay current. Not my strong suit. TV: Bill Hader, Michael Schur. Film: Edgar Wright, Greta Gerwig. Writers that kind of take a basic situation, or character, and make it dynamic. The ability to make the ordinary EXTRAordinary through dialogue, circumstances, relationships, tension. They are all so great at that.
 
What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
Could go on and on here too. TV PERSONALLY I love Parks & Rec so much. Mary Tyler Moore show is GOATed. The Wire. Breaking Bad. Cheers. Lucy. Movies…I love RoboCop…no really. I’m sure it’s not that weird or controversial an opinion, but I just love Verhoeven. I love satire. I love genre. Cronenberg also way up there. I love John Hughes. I think ‘Uncut Gems,” and “Spider-Man into the Spider-Verse,” are my two faves over the last five years. I just love movies so much.
 
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
Be prepared to rewrite. I hope you really and truly love the work you’re doing…you’ll be doing a lot of it. (laughter. Wacky eyes emoji.) I’m really lucky that I still find joy in rewriting “Reset Button.” (piece submitted) I like to think it’s done, but until it’s out of my hands those tweaks are inevitable.
 
What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?
​The world? Probably not much? I’m recording a Film/Album discussion podcast with a friend that’s just getting some outside eyes on it recently, working on an adaptation of an old suspense tale, best way I can put it. Getting back into creative pursuits, chillin’ with the cat, and waiting for NBA basketball to come back.

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