Tobias Tobbell
What’s your name? Where were you born? Where do you live? And what’s your hobby?
My name’s Tobias Tobbell. Born in Essex, UK but now living in Kent, UK. Subsequently, with two young children hobbies have all been set aside for now. So, the mind-clearing relaxation takes precedent in rare spare moments (watching TV, listening to audiobooks, maybe some exercise).
Where did you come up with the concept that just placed you as a Finalist in the screenplay contest? How long did it take you to develop it into the screenplay it is now?
Children of Earth has been floating around since 2012, so it’s taken a while to get here. Initially, it was a combination of two ideas. First wanting to get into a parent-child relationship when that relationship is founded on a lie. Second, wanting to pair that with a claustrophobic environment is not what it seems to be.
From concept to finished draft, can you take us through your screenwriting process?
Once I had the initial script outline I made a model of the complex so I understood the geography of the characters’ very specific home. Drafts were slow and completed around other commitments. I like a lot of feedback from readers for ongoing objectivity, particularly with a story that relies on a clear understanding of backstory and setting. Moreover, the character development became more three-dimensional over the course of several drafts.
When did you realize that you wanted to become a screenwriter?
I was pretty young when I started writing. It was an escape and a way to explore things that bothered or fascinated me (issues that have evolved since!). I love writing film script formats and I like the bare-bones nature of scripts over prose.
Who are your biggest filmmaking/screenwriting influences? What about their style do you like or borrow?
Early on a solid influence was James Cameron, for the world-building and big, concept-driven ideas with great characters at the heart. Also the Coen brothers for their pitch-black take on the thriller genre. Likewise, Jordan Peele is a more recent influence, for the tone (and again darkly comic take) of his films. So, as you can see I tend towards writer-directors as I’m a very visual writer, with design, shooting style, and editing style thought-out as I write.
Have you ever been obsessed with a movie or TV show? If so, which one? Why?
I get obsessed with whatever I’m currently watching. Currently Succession for the dark, family drama with horrible characters that I really like watching even though it’s dark.
What’s your favorite moment in cinema history? Why?
I’m an absolute sucker for big twists and almost never see them coming. I really enjoy how they make you undo and replay everything you just saw in a moment. So possibly the Shawshank Redemption escape when you combine it with the utter relief that he’s finally out of that prison, and that his relentless hope and decades-long objective paid off. Great scene.
Who’s your favorite character in cinema history? Why?
Annie Wilkes in Misery. It’s awesome to watch her flip from simple and jolly countrywoman to a terrifying monster in an instant. In short a well-deserved Oscar too.
If you could talk to anyone from any era, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Me, circa 19 years old and ask ‘what the hell’s going on with that hair?’
Steve Brody
What’s your name? Where were you born? Where do you live? And what’s your hobby?
Steve Brody, Ph.D., psychologist, in COVID protective mode (pic). From Brooklyn, NY, to Cambria, CA. Fav hobby: screenwriting (What, minus points because it’s a hobby? I gotta make a living.)
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?
My brother and fellow screenwriter suggested it, and I love “the green things” as Rumi would put it. Moreover, “You are lost. The forest knows where you are. You must let it find you,” In short one of my fav meditation/hypnosis lines with clients. Took a month or two to develop Last Tree Standing into the brilliance it is today.
From concept to finished draft, can you take us through your screenwriting process?
What, you want blood? No, actually, I really enjoyed the entire screenplay outline formation journey.
When did you realize that you wanted to become a screenwriter?
I’m still working on that one.
Who are your biggest filmmaking/screenwriting influences? What about their style do you like or borrow?
Kurosawa…does anyone know who that is anymore? Oh, and similarly that guy who did Star Wars.
Have you ever been obsessed with a movie or TV show? If so, which one? Why?
Star Wars because Yoda’s my guy.
What’s your favorite moment in cinema history? Why?
When Luke takes off Vader’s mask. Classic adolescent journey…seeing his father as just a flawed guy.
Who’s your favorite character in cinema history? Why?
Yoda. Hey, I’m really into Zen.
If you could talk to anyone from any era, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Jesus or Rumi…possibly Ram Dass (we corresponded back in the day). I’d ask how you get to “No self, no problem?”
