What’s your name? Where were you born? Where do you live? And what’s your hobby?
Cheryl Lewis Maryland. New York City. Photography
Where did you come up with the concept that just placed as Finalist in the screenplay contest? How long did it take you to develop it into the screenplay it is now?
The concept is based on my actual experience in the entertainment industry. Recalling memories and incidents, it took one sleepless night to develop it into the screenplay.
From concept to finished draft, can you take us through your screenwriting process?
This one was mostly ‘stream of consciousness’. I would talk into a speech to text notes app. Next, I would go back over it and construct the text into proper sentence structure. Then I would re-type it into screenplay format adding any story elements that were needed. Each time I re-type the screenplay, I would discover something new. Add or take away.
When did you realize that you wanted to become a screenwriter?
When I notice the lack of diversity & representation and the un-educated stereotypes that filled the stories that were being written. Stopped hoping for someone else to do it.
Who are your biggest filmmaking/screenwriting influences? What about their style do you like or borrow?
George Cukor & Billy Wilder.
Intelligent wit in writing. Humorous & relatable direction with just a touch of exaggeration.
Have you ever been obsessed with a movie or TV show? If so, which one? Why?
“Diva” a 1981 French film.
Roller-skating in your loft, car chase, the color palette, reflection shots, a beautiful talented Black Women is center stage, the Opera.
Who’s your favorite character in cinema history? Why?
If you could talk to anyone from any era, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Bob Fosse & Gordon Parks
Time management.
