SEAN McLAUGHLIN
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​Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
Lincoln, California
 
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 originally wrote a portion of this script, In The Valley of the Braves,  as a novel.  Then I got hooked on screenwriting and decided to do it that way.  I was inspired by a couple of movies,  A River Runs Through It, and Holes.
 
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?
It took about a year.  I started with FADE IN and then as it got  complex,  I wrote an index but soon abandoned it as I kept adding twists and turns to the story.
 
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
I’m dying to see my scripts made into movies! It's on my bucket list and it's my only goal in life right now.  I've written synopses for 4 other scripts and I'm  more than halfway finished on one of them.
 
Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
Tarantino and the Coen Brothers are my heroes.  They write amazing scripts and make them come to life.  There are also people who broke into the film business and they were the lucky ones,  but I know they worked hard for it.  I admire their chutzpah!
 
What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
OMG there's so many! Is like asking what's your favorite song?!
 
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
You're going to feel the sting of criticism. Ignore it  but listen to constructive feedback. Believe in yourself and in your work.  Learn from the pros and get all the training you can.  Submit all the scripts you have,  but be sure to double,  triple check them.
 
What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?
I'm writing about the downtrodden,  the disadvantaged,  the underdog her heroes that deserve to be hard and seen by all of us.  We can learn from them and they pick us up when we need inspiration.