ANGELA MANFREDI

Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
South Florida

How did you discover The Palm Springs International Screenplay Awards and how did you decide to enter this contest among all the others?
I discovered The Palm Springs International Screenplay Awards when I started looking into competitions. It caught my attention because of Palm Springs’ prominence in Hollywood history. Palm Springs has a certain…swagger. Then, I read about the competition’s founders. I knew my screenplay would be in skilled hands. Suzanne Herrera-McCullough and Robert L. McCullough are WGA-DGA-SAG members who lead a team of industry professionals. I read Robert’s book, “Stop Screwing Around and WIN Your Next Screenplay Contest!” I watched their “Where Hollywood Hides” YouTube channel. Suzanne and Robert’s approach works for me - supportive and substantive. Once I submitted my screenplay, I received detailed, actionable, resonant feedback. The insight exceeded my expectations.

Your script or media entry stood out among hundreds of others. What was the inspiration for your project?
My feature comedy, Middlescence, blossomed from my journey into midlife. There’s a vulnerability at this stage that caught me off guard. Fulfillment, authenticity, expressing myself fully and boldly - these are themes I’m exploring in real time and in my writing. Comedy with heart has always been my favorite genre. I set out to create that experience for others. Humor softens the edges of uncertainty. There’s a newness to getting older. Ever- changing technology, second-act romances, beauty products that flood social media feeds. (So many adhesives, so little time.) Deeper reflections arise, too. About purpose. About addressing physical changes. About nurturing aspirations we can no longer put on hold. I sparkled up my main character’s arc with a career-defining trip to Rome, a ride-or-die friendship, and a slow burn romance with a younger man.

How long did it take you to write your script or produce your pitch deck/sizzle reel/trailer...and what was your development process?
I used to write a singles humor column and news/features in a few hours or a few days. Screenwriting is different. The story unfolds. Going in, I composed a log line and outline - which also helped me establish structure. The engine/inciting incident remained intact. Other elements changed along the way.
My first draft took a few months. I got it to a place where I felt it was ready for analysis. I remained open to ideas/feedback throughout. Each version strengthened as a result.

What is your ultimate ambition as a writer or filmmaker?
My ultimate ambition as a writer is to create something memorable, meaningful, re-watchable. To bring people together over a shared experience. To connect us to ourselves and others. To be successful at this craft I love.

Which film directors or screenwriters inspire you? Why?
Many screenwriters and directors inspire me. The through line of their work: characters in which we see pieces of ourselves. I enjoy films that stay with us. That make us laugh. Think. Feel. I love when we can’t see the movie in the movie because we’re immersed in the story.
A few of my favorite filmmakers: Emma Thompson, Nancy Meyers, Ava DuVernay, Chloe Zhao, Dan Levy, Denzel Washington, Tina Fey, Nora Ephron, Steven Spielberg, Greta Gerwig, the list goes on…

What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
In a landscape abundant with content, there are certain films that not only deliver entertainment, but sentimental significance.
In my mother’s later years, I moved in to help take care of her. We’d sit on the flowery couch, mugs of hot tea and Vienna Fingers cookies close at hand. We’d escape into one of Mom’s favorite movies: Waking Ned Devine, The Thorn Birds or O Brother, Where Art Thou? In those few hours, there was comfort and connection that I cherish to this day.

How do you approach competition entries, and what have you learned from participating in these contests?
I submit to competitions that fit my genre. I read the rules, requirements, and reviews. I subscribe to their email and online content. For me, a screenwriting competition offers many benefits. It provides a deadline. It creates energy and focus around my work and moves my personal story forward. Competitions can generate connections and networking opportunities. There’s the option of feedback and analysis, which I find valuable.

What advice do you have for others hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
Keep going. Keep writing. Keep learning. Apply the feedback that resonates. (Not all of it will, but some will be game-changing.)
Also, I print out - and frame - every level of laurel I’ve received.

What else are you working on that the world needs to know about
Comedy Feature
Working Title: Shoes and Champagne
A bored, rules-following mall employee discovers that her former high school adversary works for a diamond smuggling enterprise. When she learns that she has unknowingly been part of the scheme all along, she must decide whether to report the crime – or cash in.
Book: The Dance Hotel of Palm Beach Set against the luxurious backdrop of Palm Beach, guests from around the world check into the Dance Hotel for a weekend retreat of Latin dancing. Think glamour, romance, self-discovery and salsa!

Where can the world find you? (Website, IMDB, etc.)
AngelaManfredi.com, Angela Manfredi on LinkedIn and angelamanfrediwrites on Instagram.