RICK RAUSCHENBACH
 RICK RAUSCHENBACH
How did you discover The Wiki Screenplay Contest and how did you decide to enter this contest among all the others?
I began my screenwriting adventure, after several years of family research uncovering some amazing characters and stories. As my stories began to take form, I realized that while living outside of Hollywood it was going to be a challenge to get noticed. I created accounts with Film Freeway, Stage 32, and Coverfly. This exposed me to the 1,000’s of contests out there. I had recently completed my first project’s pitch deck and I decided to get some feedback. The Palm Springs International Screenplay Awards seemed prestigious, affordable, and the event date was near. Where do you live (City, State, or Country)? I live on the Olympic Peninsula, along HWY 101, in Brinnon Washington. Your script stood out among hundreds of others. What was the inspiration for your story and why did you write a script instead of a short story or a novel? What inspires your overall journey into screenwriting? Funny you should ask. After discovering this family history, I did start to write a novel. I got about 2-3 chapters done and stopped for the next 3 years. I just got too deep into the weeds and eventually urged myself to try to pump out 120-page screenplay instead. I love movies, TV shows, and felt my story has great bones. I KNOW…. If I was placed in a room with 3-5 industry savvy writers and producers, that we could take my initial efforts to the next level. They would catch the same fever I did, and using their professional industry skills, be able to covey it visually. If you have produced a Pitch Deck, Sizzle Reel, or Trailer, what was that process like for you? Did you have professional help or has it been a DIY task? How long did it take to produce? Yes. I created and submitted a Pitch Deck. I basically combined my synopsis, logline and the elements of a pitch into a PowerPoint slide show. The visuals I used included actual family photos, historical scenes & locations, and images in the public domain. How do you decide which stories to tell, and what draws you to these particular themes? I’m an old man. These stories reflect REAL lives. The struggles, failures, and achievements of people and endeavors that came before us. I truly feel that if I can’t tell these stories, they will be lost forever What is your typical writing routine? How do you structure your workday to stay productive? Hit and miss. As a first-time screenwriter I spend as much time learning the art of storytelling and screenwriting, as I do getting the story on to paper. I’m not seeking a career here I’m swinging for the fences. How long did it take you to write your script...and what is your writing process? Do you outline...use index cards...white board...or just start with FADE IN? Hell, is it ever really done? I think I started during the Covid Pandemic, maybe in 2022. I’m still going over rewrites, incorporating feedback from contests, trying to apply lessons. I initially settled on the SAVE THE CAT beat sheet format and 3 Act structure. I segregated events of the story into a timeline, main characters, etc. I used index cards, cork board, butcher paper on an easel. I’d print and edit copies with a red pen. How do you handle writers block or moments of doubt (we all have them) during your creative process? Writer’s block, doubts, rejections, unfavorable reviews… just find the silver lining. Look for the work around. Seek an alternative method. Never quit. Every NO is one NO closer to YES. What tools or software do you find essential to your workflow as a screenwriter? SAVE THE CAT, Fade In, Google, Ancestry.com |
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How do you approach competition entries, and what have you learned from participating in these contests? Which contests have you entered...and how has your work been received overall? Have those contests been helpful to you in your writing?
As a Hollywood outsider, I’m regulated to contest submittals and unsolicited query letters to get my story in front of people. Since 2023, I’ve submitted my work to 27 contests, placed as Honorable Mention or above in 19 of them, for a success rate of 33%. My feature length historical drama “Bridge of Sighs” won the 2023 Los Angeles Film & Script Festival. Can you share a specific challenge you've faced in your screenwriting and how you overcame it? Ignorance. Screenwriting is unique. Couple that with aspects of storytelling, and I spend hours researching. Where do you see yourself in five years as a screenwriter? Hmmmmnnn, I would hope to be represented, sold something, still writing, in production? �� What is your ultimate ambition as a writer? I want “Created By/Written By” credits, a research stipend, and a cameo in any show of mine that is produced. The film and television industry is constantly evolving. How do you see the role of screenwriters changing, especially with the rise of streaming platforms and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence? Have you used A.I. in your writing; if so, how have you used it? I’m just struggling here, trying to keep my head above water. I’ll leave that discussion for the industry professionals. I did try A.I after my daughters suggested it. Found it had some use to offer suggestions, but I found its capabilities wanting. I spent more time fixing problems it created than improving my work. What advice do you have for aspiring screenwriters or filmmakers? If young and sincere, move to L.A. Don’t forget your struggles if you make it to the top, keep an eye out for others you can assist. What else are you working on that the world needs to know about? (links to your projects?) Currently, I have my feature length, historical drama, period piece “BRIDGE OF SIGHS”. Also, an adaptation of it into a limited TV series pilot, titled “THE DANDY”. It also has the accompanying pitch deck that I submitted to Palm Springs contest. I’ve also started writing a World War II epic, “VMF-322: OKINAWA”. Where can the world find you online? (Social media links, etc.) Stage 32- Stage 32 (info/links to my 3 projects there) Spotify Playlist for Bridge of Sighs/The Dandy- Jack Dandy |
