What’s your name? Where were you born? Where do you live? And what’s your hobby? 

Hi, my name is Christopher Goodenough. I was born in Plymouth, England and I currently reside in Jewett City, Connecticut. I love writing, creating new worlds and populating them with interesting characters. I also enjoy making short films and building props. 

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? 

Grey man came from a survivalist concept where a person lives in plain sight but is never really seen. 

From concept to finished draft, can you take us through your screenwriting process? 

I’m kind of quirky in that I don’t use an outline or have any real sense of where the story is going to take me. I start with a concept (or a title) and I just write until I come to “The End”. I revise from there until I feel like the story is finished.

When did you realize that you wanted to become a screenwriter? 

I’ve always been a writer as far back as I can remember. I started on an old manual Royal typewriter and grew up learning how to use the “next” technology. 

Who are your biggest filmmaking/screenwriting influences? What about their style do you like or borrow? 

I love writers that write “smart”. Aaron Sorkin, David E. Kelly, Shonda Rhimes, Taylor Sheridan. When writing I always try to think of how they would write a scene, action, piece of dialogue.

Have you ever been obsessed with a movie or TV show? If so, which one? Why? 

Anything written by the above. I find their works respectful of their audiences and their plot lines/characters intriguing. 

What’s your favorite moment in cinema history? Why? 

Aaron Sorkin’s opening monologue to The Newsroom delivered by Jeff Daniels is a master class in writing/acting. It upends our idealistic notions and delivers truth to power.

Who’s your favorite character in cinema history? Why? 

Matt Damon in Good Will Hunting. You never judge a book by its cover!

If you could talk to anyone from any era, who would it be and what would you ask them?  

Robin Williams. Are you okay?