What’s your name? Where were you born? Where do you live? And what’s your hobby?
My name is v. I was born in USSR, now known as the Russian Federation. I have lived in the Urals in the city of Perm. Now I live in Canada, in the province of Alberta. My hobby is writing.
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 a contestant in a scriptwriting on-line competention. I was tasked to write a thriller according to a given logline: Parents leave a little daughter alone at home and an unexpected guest visits her. I thought the theme of blood feud and madness was best suited for a short thriller. I had one week but I wrote my first draft in 3 days.
From concept to finished draft, can you take us through your screenwriting process?
When you have interesting characters and a story that excites you, then the script is written by itself. There is a feeling that you are watching a ready-made movie. It remains only to record what is happening.
When did you realize that you wanted to become a screenwriter?
A few years ago. Before that time I wanted to become a writer. But I wrote my first script in school.
Who are your biggest filmmaking/screenwriting influences? What about their style do you like or borrow?
I realy like the irony if the Cohen brothers. Many American films are full of irony and self-irony. This quality appeals to me the most.
Have you ever been obsessed with a movie or TV show? If so, which one? Why?
My favorites are The Fifth Element and Dexter. I kike them because the strong and unusual characters create interesting stories. I would like to find the same character for my writing.
What’s your favorite moment in cinema history? Why?
The emergence of cinema. Without this, nothing would have happened.
Who’s your favorite character in cinema history? Why?
Charlie Chaplin. He could tell any story without words.
If you could talk to anyone from any era, who would it be and what would you ask them?
William Sheaksper. I would ask him how an inspiration comes and where to look for great stories.