Vu Mai
(Best Short Film Script - Fall 2022)

Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
San Diego, CA, USA
 
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?
My main inspiration was struggling through motherhood during times of hitting rock bottom. I have always wanted to direct a film and writing my own script enabled me to do that.
 
 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 me 6 months in total to finish my script. I first started with a general outline and then a plot synopsis and then finally the script.
 
 What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
I would love to continue writing films – my next project is hopefully a feature film.
 
 Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
I enjoy Quentin Tarantino and Guillermo Del Toro.
 
 What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
I have a few – Se7en, Handmaid’s Tale, Trainspotting, Snatch.
 
 What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
Write from your heart, write what you want to see, write about what makes you laugh/cry/angry.
 
 What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?  
​I am working on my first feature film!

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