Congrats Bernhard! Our 2020 Short Screenplay Winner!

1) Where did you get the idea for your screenplay?

Some ideas were inspired by real life events that I experienced. After a couple of rewrites however, I had to cut many of the original scenes, because I realized they were not the main thrust of the story. 

2) How many screenplays have you written?

So far, I have written four feature film screenplays and over a dozen shorts, ranging from one to just under 110 pages.

3) Why do you write?

Some artists paint or draw, some compose, some sculpt, I can’t do either of those things, so I write ;)

Writing has been a part of my life since I was sixteen. It’s a way of expressing your thoughts and feelings and ideally, bring them closer to a wider audience.

4) What’s your favorite and least favorite thing about writing?

My favorite thing about writing is the possibility to create different worlds.

From a technical standpoint, when I realise all the turning points are right on the money, and they work as they are supposed to, and the ending brings it home, that’s something you look at as a writer and think to yourself, "this could actually work." Of course, you never know. Writing in general, and writing for film specifically, is very subjective and one wrong turn can ruin the entire endeavour.

My least favorite thing about writing is starting at the first blank page knowing that you have a hundred plus blank pages to fill. Whereas in my head, the screenplay is already finished. I have all my characters lined up, know where the turning points will be and where the story will ultimately end. Then I actually have to write it.   

5) What are your ultimate writing aspirations?

To entertain. This, in my view, includes all aspects of entertainment--whether it be to make the audience laugh, cry, or be scared, depending on the story.