Sam Iwata
"Liu"
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Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
 I am currently located in Shanghai, China.
 
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?
 Although there’s still a long way to go with much to improve, thank you for your encouraging compliment. Even though I shoot TV commercial projects for a living, as a filmmaker, I have always dreamt of watching my films on big screens worldwide. This is why I decided to shift over to the film industry in the direction of a writer-director.
Inspired by a simple concept, "Live the life your heart desires," I decided to write "BREAKING FREE," a story on how a young biracial man overcomes his complex identity in a light-hearted manner.
 
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?
 As I'm new to screenwriting, I spent one and a half years studying and learning while writing "BREAKING FREE."  I created a big idea before squeezing it into a logline. After pitching to friends with valuable feedback, I will continue researching and developing characters accordingly.  At the same time, by borrowing guidelines from SAVE THE CAT, the planning of the story structure is mapped out on the glass wall in front of my desk to rearrange and reorganize quickly as please.  Then, once I am familiar with my characters' backstories, I will observe them living freely in the world I created from a distance without judgment.
 
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
 My ultimate ambition as a writer is to witness my masterpieces and share them with the world on big screens one day.
 
Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
This is a tough one, as I respect many writer-directors worldwide.  Honestly, I will have to go with Kurosawa Akira, as his spirit truly enlightened me profoundly, and I am just fascinated by how Christopher Nolan brought his work to life.
 
What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
 Undoubtedly, it will be “The Godfather.”
 
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
I do not believe I am in a position to judge or offer advice, as every individual is unique with different writing styles. As I mentioned above, I was new to screenwriting while working on "BREAKING FREE," where I learned from my failures to develop my creating processes.
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What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?
 A new project is also currently a work in progress, "METEMPSYCHOSIS," a full-length Thriller Mystery based on my awarded short film, and initiated the development of the upcoming project, "ALTANTIS," a full-length Urban Fantasy.
My name is Sam Iwata aka LIU, kindly please refer to my IMDb Profile (http://imdb.me/sam) for your reference, as I will truly be honored with the gratitude of your ample support.

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