SEAN LAWRENCE
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Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
I live in Burbank, 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?
Simply put, I decided to write a movie that I would want to see. I wish I could say I always followed that advice, but it took me a surprisingly long time to realize that was a path I should follow. I’ve always loved both westerns and heist films (though, truthfully, this script is more of a con than a straight up heist) and thought blending them together could make for a fun film that I would enjoy writing.
I learned a long time ago that when I have a story to tell, screenwriting just comes easier to me. That’s not to say this one couldn’t exist in novel form (and the idea has crossed my mind), but the story felt more cinematic and it just felt right to do a script first.
 
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 has been the longest gestating project I’ve ever undertaken. It started about 10 years ago, but I couldn’t figure out how to make it work in the way I wanted. So, I set it down and moved on to other ideas. Every so often, I’d pick it up and try again only to hit the same roadblock as before. Finally, I realized the problem was I had too many loose storylines going in too many directions. I started trimming and focusing on the core of the story. If a scene or character didn’t serve that purpose, they were either removed or retooled so that they did. During this process, the path to the finish line became clear and I found myself trying to write fast enough to keep up with the movie playing in my head. When I have a strong grasp of the world and characters, I don’t usually outline much. I let the characters guide me. Sometimes, I will write down bits of information, sort of like a cheat sheet, but that’s more just data so I don’t mix up a character’s age or relation to another. On occasion, I will write out a rough back story for some of the characters if I feel I need to get to know them better, but not always. Most of the time, I just start writing.
 
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
The ultimate goal is to be a full time writer, crafting stories and living in a creative headspace.
 
Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
There are so many, it’s hard to choose! I’ll do my best though. Here are some of my inspirational heroes: Quentin Tarantino, Aaron Sorkin, Taylor Sheridan, Joss Whedon, JJ Abrams, Lawrence Kasdan, Shane Black, the Safdie brothers, Baran bo Odar & Jantje Friese (“Dark”) and a host of others I’ll be kicking myself later for not including. In one way or another, they all told me it was okay to trust myself and the characters whose words I heard in my head and wanted to find their way onto the page. They also told me to trust my passions and always ask if what I have could be better.
 
What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
The original Star Wars movies are the reason I chose to pursue a career in film. There are many, many other films I truly cherish, but the story of Luke, Leia & Han are what started it all.
 
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
Be true to yourself and write what you would want to see on screen. That will reveal a certain level of honesty, though scary as it might be, that can come through on the page to the reader. I always ask myself if I’m passionate about my story. If I’m not, why would anyone else be?
Once you’ve settled on your story, you have to challenge each and every aspect of it. Have you seen that before? Is it a stereotype? Is it worth trying to flip that stereotype on its head? Would the story still work if I removed this scene/character? The more you do this, the stronger your script will become and the more chance it has to stand out.
 
What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?
I’ve been working on a script revolving around a vigilante but told from a different angle and perspective than we’re used to seeing. It’s got some interesting and complex characters that I’m enjoying exploring.
I also have a novel in the works. It’s a series of interconnected short stories about a minor league baseball team.

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