STEVE HUFFAKER

Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
Pasadena, CA

How did you discover The Palm Springs International Screenplay Awards and how did you decide to enter this contest among all the others?
A friend recommended it for the quality of the coverage, and it lived up to that. It’s some of the most thoughtful, useful feedback I’ve received on this project so far.

Your script or media entry stood out among hundreds of others. What was the inspiration for your project ?
I was undergoing ketamine treatment for depression and had a vivid image of a giant satellite dish transmitting stories to people. That image stuck with me and eventually became a central idea in the film.

How long did it take you to write your script or produce your pitch deck/sizzle reel/trailer...and what was your development process?
It’s been in development on and off for about four years. It’s still evolving, but each round of feedback has brought it closer to the version it wants to be.

What is your ultimate ambition as a writer or filmmaker?
To continue telling stories that allow people to expand their sense of humor and sense of empathy.

Which film directors or screenwriters inspire you? Why?
Lately I’ve been revisiting the films of Rob Reiner & feeling inspired by the breadth and humanity of his work.

What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
Movie: I<3 Huckabees, Princess Bride, A Mighty Wind
TV Show: The Wire, Freaks and Geeks, White Lotus (Season 1)

How do you approach competition entries, and what have you learned from participating in these contests?
I’m relatively new to submitting, but I’ve learned how valuable strong feedback can be—sometimes even more than the placement itself.

What advice do you have for others hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
I decided to invest in feedback rather than wait for a ‘perfect’ draft, and that approach paid off. Even if a script isn’t totally finished, thoughtful notes can really accelerate its growth.

What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?
I attended the preliminary workshop for TorinoFilmLab’s ComedyLab about a man who lives five different lifetimes—each shaped by a different worldview.

Where can the world find you? (Website, IMDB, etc.)
I can be reached through my manager. More information is available at stevenhuffaker.com.