What was the initial spark or idea that led to the creation of “The King Is Alive”?
I saw this movie a few years ago, “Elvis & Nixon”, which was a true story about when Nixon appointed Elvis as an honorary special agent, and I’ve heard for years conspiracy theories about Elvis not being dead and hiding somewhere. So, I thought, why not blend all this together and write an action/comedy flick about it?
What message or theme were you aiming to convey?
I think I try to convey the ideas of identity, legacy and the search for the truth in a world filled with deception and secrecy. I explore the themes of thrust, redemption and the power to believe in the seemingly impossible. This story challenges the audience to consider the boundaries between myth and reality, encouraging a deeper understanding of our heroes and ourselves.
Which scriptwriter’s work do you admire the most, and why?
Oh, there’s so many it wouldn’t fit here! I admire the works of William Goldman, Aaron Sorkin, Paul Schrader, to name a few. Even though Sorkin started directing a few years ago and Schrader occasionally directs, I’ve always paid a lot of attention to those who can write and direct, like Billie Wilder, Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson, Coppola, the Cohen Brothers, there’s so many. And I can explain why: Screenwriter-directors have the unique advantage of executing their vision as they see it, ensuring that the final product closely aligns with their original concept. Basically, they can interpret their own work for the screen, deciding on everything from casting to cinematography. At the end, the final product of a screenplay is a visual form and you have to possess a broad skill set to do both, period.
Which books or films had the biggest impact on you growing up?
I’m a child of the 80’s and 90’s. I’ve grown up on the Spielberg era, watching all those blockbuster movies in the theaters at the time, great memories. Movies like Back to The Future, that blend several genres. I think all that inspired me in my screenplays, and you can see that in “The King Is Alive”, there’s action, comedy, suspense, drama, mystery and the elements of a thriller.
Tell us about your writing journey.
My journey started with the movies I’ve mentioned before, growing up watching those great movies. Also, my dad took me to a movie set when I was about six, and that just blew up my mind. I’ve become an even bigger fan of the movies then. But I’ve started writing later in life, facing the common obstacles that every writer has to face. I decided to get into the festivals circuit to showcase my screenplays in January of this year and I’ve already won 20 awards for best screenplay in just two months! It started to generate some buzz and I’m getting asked about the status of some of my screenplays and being invited to festivals as well. I’ve just started into this business and I’m looking to sell screenplays and get representation. I’m still learning and perfecting my skills, like everything in life, we never stop learning and if you think you already know about everything, you will fail, that’s guaranteed. Every day I learn something new.
What do you think is the most important aspect of scriptwriting?
The most important aspect of it can vary depending on the personal philosophy, genre and the specific goals of a story. But I think the universal crucial element that makes scripts successful across all types of storytelling is character development. While aspects like structure, dialogue, theme, and pace are also vital, character development is foundational. A well crafted character can elevate a simple plot into a memorable and engaging narrative, that’s what I think.
What is your process for coming up with new and innovative storylines?
Every writer has their own process, that could be reading books, articles, traveling, listening to music or even life reflection. I’ve always been a very observant person, I like to pay attention to conversations, behaviors and dynamics. I think that helps to spark ideas for characters and plots. I read and do research on themes that attract me. Basically, your daily life and life itself surrounding you, can inspire and give you ideas. Keep your mind sharp and pay attention to all aspects of life and even that small detail will help when you get stuck on your story. And of course, when writing for movies you have to watch a lot of movies. I try to watch as many as I can, and I love to.
If you could write for any character or franchise, who would it be?
That’s a tough question! Memorable characters transcends their movies, Michael Corleone, Darth Vader, Indiana Jones, Forrest Gump, Ellen Ripley, Rick Blaine, there’s so many, and they have a profound impact on audiences around the world. I would love to write for any of those characters that became symbols within border culture. And of course I’m a big fan of the big franchises like James Bond, Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Rocky, Rambo, Mission Impossible, Marvel Cinematic Universe, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, among others. Recently, I found the John Wick series spectacular. It is hard for me to say which of the 4 movies is better. And it inspired me to write a western called Cody, which I can say improvising a tagline here, is like John Wick in the old west!
What are some unexpected joys you’ve found in your script writing journey?
That could be many. The power of touch lives through storytelling is a profound and rewarding aspect. Whether it’s moving someone to tears, inspiring change, making them laugh or simply providing escape and entertainment. Seeing characters come to life, discovering new voices and perspectives, creating a problem and solving in the story. The journey of script writing is one of continuous learning and personal growth. Sometimes we go into extensive research, diving into new subjects, cultures, and historical periods, making a process of perpetual discovery that can be an unexpected source of joy and fulfillment. Ultimately, creating something that could outlast and contribute to the cultural landscape is a powerful source of joy. The idea that our work can inspire future generations and become part of a cultural canon is both humbling and exhilarating.
What advice would you give to someone starting in this field?
I’m practically a beginner myself, as I’ve mentioned before, but I would say what most seasoned writers would say. Write regularly, every day if possible, develop a routine and practice. Treat it like a job, even if it’s your passion, that’s to create discipline. Learn the craft, take courses and workshops if possible, I learn every day, you have to study screenwriting, analyze scripts. Watch films, TV shows, especially about the genres you like to write. Embrace the feedback, share your work and learn with rejection, is part of the process, use it as a learning opportunity to improve your skills. Stay updated, the industry is always evolving. Learn about the industry so you can understand the business. Network and build relationships. Understand about copyright and how to protect your work. Embrace re-writing, the first draft is just the beginning, you will have to do it multiple times to refine your story, characters and dialogue. Last but not least, write what you love, focus on stories that excite you, as this will keep you motivated through the tough times.