ANITA LARA
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ANITA LARA

Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
I lived in Palm Springs for several years and recently moved to Banning, California (located 30 minutes west of Palm Springs).

Your script or media entry stood out among hundreds of others. What was the inspiration for your project ?  
I am the first generation of Mexican immigrants.  My project, ROSA, was inspired by the true events of my mother’s life.
 
How long did it take you to write your script...and what was your development process?  
The initial draft of this project was completed in 2016.  The initial re-write passes included effort to eliminate repeated scenes and strengthen the story structure (i.e. plot points).  Later re-writes focused on developing stronger character arcs (for both protagonist and antagonist), developing dialogue that also worked to strengthen understanding of the character, and sharpen action lines.  I have always believed that writing is like molding clay. The process is never really complete. I estimate that I have completed 12-14 re-write drafts on this project. I am sure there are many more to do. 

What is your ultimate ambition as a writer or filmmaker?
I believe I have always been (and will be) a story-teller. After working several years as a clinical psychologist, I am privileged to now devote all my time to developing my craft as a screenwriter. My ambition is to secure representation and ultimately sell my screenplays to interested parties. 

Which film directors or screenwriters inspire you? Why?
As a film director, I am in awe of Steven Spielberg. His mastery of storytelling and blending the ordinary with extraordinary is unparalleled. Spielberg has a gift of using visual shots and lighting to allow the audience to be drawn into the emotional movements of the characters. It is nothing less than genius.
As for screenwriters, I am mesmerized by the work of Taylor Sheridan.The slow/fast pacing of movement throughout a scene, use of voice overs, and superimposed dialogue upon action is the best I have read.  He has an uncanny way of using each word (whether through action, dialogue, or scene description) to help the audience understand the character. 

What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
My interest in movies and television is broad-based.  I became enthralled with the work of a psychologist by watching re-runs of the Bob Newhart Show and Frasier. Forest Gump is one of my all-time favorite movies. The story follows the progression of a character across his lifetime and transitions/voice-overs are done so brilliantly.   Little Miss Sunshine is a brilliant example of screenwriting that mixes deep psychological themes against a backdrop of comedy while never sacrificing one for the other. I am also partial to stories that are inspired by or based on true stories.Taylor Sheridan’s  Sicario or Aaron Sorkin’s The Newsroom stand out in this regard.  

What advice do you have for others hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?  
I would advise every screenwriter to work at developing their craft and to create a story you want the world to know. I find that contests are a way to gain affirmation that time spent in this sometimes-lonely world of writing is worth it. 

What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?
I just completed a thriller, BLOOD AND BETRAYAL; the story of a police officer haunted by personal loss and over-zealous investigative reports who team up to solve a string of organ-harvesting related student deaths in Mexico, only to find themselves caught in the crosshairs of human trafficking, corrupt police, and the cartel.  
I  am currently working on a horror feature, CONTRITION; the story of a grief-stricken mother who seeks redemption for the deaths of her two daughters only to find herself captured in the inescapable nightmare of a malevolent force. 

Where can the world find you? (Website, IMDB, etc.)
I can be reached at: [email protected]

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