Dylan Matthew Arnow
What’s your name? Where were you born? Where do you live? And what’s your hobby?
My name is Dylan Matthew Arnow. I was born in Brooklyn, New York but raised in Queens, New York. I live in Los Angeles. My hobbies include writing, listening to music, going for walks, and also catching up on television shows.
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?
I decided to binge every single James Bond movie back to back within 5 days because I’m a madman, haha. Around day 2 during the Moore films, I started conceptualizing the idea of a Bond parody cranked all the way to ten. Within 3 days I was done with the first script outline and over a month whipped up a couple more. Afterward, it reached the current state it is in.
From concept to finished draft, can you take us through your screenwriting process?
Sure! First I have little plot points or jokes I write in Google docs. Overtime when there’s a ton there, I begin with a screenplay outline. Even though normally I like to fully outline before I start the script. But the excitement for the idea made me skip to it before finishing outline act 3. And the problem was visible in the first draft. I have friends and other writers read it and give their feedback. I do this a couple of times, submit it for coverage on sites, and then when the feedback is really good I ready to submit it to competitions.
When did you realize that you wanted to become a screenwriter?
Well, I decided to pursue filmmaking when I was out of high school, and even before that as a child, I was writing short stories or ideas in a little notebook of mine. But honestly, I fell in love with the craft and process of it when I moved out here to Los Angeles last summer. One positive thing about the pandemic is it has given me time to focus on my writing. It truly keeps me happy and going.
Who are your biggest filmmaking/screenwriting influences? What about their style do you like or borrow?
My biggest influence on screenwriting is John Hughes. I just get so much inspiration at how quickly he turns out a screenplay story structure and tries to emulate it. I mean the guy wrote Home Alone and Ferris Bueller’s Day off at separate times in a weekend, like what! Haha. I also try to emulate the style of structure from Dan Harmon and follow his story circle. I find it helps me really push myself and develop a great story.
Have you ever been obsessed with a movie or TV show? If so, which one? Why?
I go through phases when I’m obsessing over one show or movie at a certain point in my life. At 15 it was Scott Pilgrim vs The World because I thought it was the coolest movie I’d seen.
What’s your favorite moment in cinema history? Why?
One of my favorite moments in cinema history is probably the final chase scene from the original Halloween. I can’t think of another scene that still, to this day scares me. Carpenter executed that scene with such tension and dread whenever I watch it every Halloween. I can feel my skin crawl and my nerves going, even though I know the outcome.
Who’s your favorite character in cinema history? Why?
Without a doubt Marty Mcfly from Back to the Future. I can’t think of another movie character that I’d pick if I had a chance to be them. Michael J Fox’s portrayal of that character is so electrifying and relatable at the same time. To me, he’s the coolest character in movie history and that’s why I choose him.
If you could talk to anyone from any era, who would it be and what would you ask them?
I’d talk to my grandfather on my mom’s side. He was born in 1899 and for obvious reasons, I never met him. I’d love to just chat him up about my lineage and how life was like back then growing up in the 1900s.
Ian Gregory Trutt
What’s your name? Where were you born? Where do you live? And what’s your hobby?
Ian Gregory Trutt. Born in Decatur, GA, and currently residing in Marietta. Theatre and film are hobbies that I’d like to turn into full-time work. Moreover, I also enjoy music and sound design.
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?
I was inspired by my Puerto Rican heritage and the ongoing debates around the renaming of Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day.
From concept to finished draft, can you take us through your screenwriting process?
In this case, I was able to pen a few lines of dialogue and finish with character development, then dove into extensive research. It was important to me that the story be rooted in some historical accuracy even while introducing comedic and modern elements.
When did you realize that you wanted to become a screenwriter?
I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to write screenplay outlines.
Who are your biggest filmmaking/screenwriting influences? What about their style do you like or borrow?
Edgar Wright for his use of sound and storytelling in the edit. The Coen Brothers for comedy beats and composition. Tina Fey for dialogue.
Have you ever been obsessed with a movie or TV show? If so, which one? Why?
Most recently, “She-Ra and the Princesses of Power” and the acclaimed “The Haunting of Hill House” both struck me, the earlier with its complex and unforgettable characters and the later for its impeccable use of structure and long takes.
What’s your favorite moment in cinema history? Why?
It’s not necessarily the best shot or profound moment in cinema, but “A Knight’s Tale” is one of the only movies that can make me laugh constantly then make me cry every single time William goes home to see his dad.
Strong runner up: the last courtroom scene from “My Cousin Vinny.” My fianceé and I can quote this entire scene word by word.
Who’s your favorite character in cinema history? Why?
This is impossible to answer for me, but the most recent character to completely captivate me would have to be Catra from “She-Ra.” Noelle Stevenson takes what looks like a kids’ show and provides an unflinching look at childhood friendships, love, and shared trauma that has kept me watching video essays on Catra and this show for months.
If you could talk to anyone from any era, who would it be and what would you ask them?
If I could make a pit stop on my way through time, though, I’d go punch Christopher Columbus in the face before having lunch with someone like Da Vinci or Socrates.
