RASHEL MERENESS
Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
I live in Los Angeles, CA Your script or media entry stood out among hundreds of others. What was the inspiration for your project ? I’ve always been intrigued by, or freaked out by, the whole “There’s a ghost in every theater” mythology. Plus, when I’m on a stage or backstage I feel like I can sense the energy of all the performers who stood there before. So the idea started with the concept of theater ghosts and all that residual energy, and it grew from there. How long did it take you to write your script or produce your pitch deck/sizzle reel/trailer...and what was your development process? The initial idea of these ancient characters haunting a modern production came to me many years ago while taking a UCLA Extension class, but the concept I had at that time wasn’t really working for me and I left it unfinished and untouched for some time. I pulled out the general idea for another class I enrolled in through the UCLA Professional Screenwriting Program and completely re-envisioned the story. From that point, I was able to finish it within about ten weeks. I started with an outline and then I started writing, but I actually wrote the beginning up to about half-way through, then wrote the final few scenes before I filled in the middle. I submitted the final script to the UCLA program contest was awarded the Best Screenplay award for the academic year. I have only made a few tweaks to the script after that, based on some feedback I received. What is your ultimate ambition as a writer or filmmaker? My ultimate ambition is to work as a writer/producer and see my characters come to life. They are so real to me, that I really want others to meet them. Which film directors or screenwriters inspire you? Why? Truly, I’m inspired by anyone who is out there writing and directing. The creative process really exposes oneself and both writing and directing are incredibly time consuming. I appreciate anyone who takes that on to bring entertainment to the rest of us. What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show? My favorite movie is probably “Midnight Run” with Robert DeNiro and Charles Grodin (written by George Gallo, Directed by Martin Brest). I love the characters and the way the story comes together. “What We Do In the Shadows” is coming to mind as my favorite TV show. It’s so clever. What advice do you have for others hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have? My advice to people entering contests is to find contests that seem to have the same vibe as your project. What else are you working on that the world needs to know about? I’ve got a comedy western pilot that I love, with a full pitch deck with a first season of ten episodes worked out. I also have a few other funny scripts that I’m just putting the final touches on, and one more serious “based on a true story” project that I’m just starting. Where can the world find you? (Website, IMDB, etc.) Right now the best way to reach me is probably email: [email protected] |
