What’s your name? Where were you born? Where do you live? And what’s your hobby?

My name is Bobby Bridges and I was born and currently reside in Portland, Oregon. My hobbies are working out and playing video games.

Where did you come up with the concept that just placed as Finalist in the screenplay contest? How long did it take you to develop it into the screenplay it is now?

The concept for my script, “Bone Appétit” came from a few things. The first being the popularity of food carts in the food scene here in Portland, Oregon. The second being the fact that mushrooms are eaten by 10% of the population in the United States… and mushrooms are more closely related to human beings than to plants. Pair that with a conversation I had with a friend about cannibalism and out came the pilot.

From concept to finished draft, can you take us through your screenwriting process?

1. Usually the concept is born from me asking myself a “what if”, or a “how would” question.
2. From there I create a broad outline regarding events surrounding the concept.
3. Since I’ve produced and directed films, I begin to see scenes and characters in

   my head.

4. Once I have those, I begin to create and write down my character’s backstories and their relationships to one another and others.
5. I then create a more detailed outline with plot points.
6. After all of that, I begin writing the script.
7. Once finished, I read it. Give it a day and then read it again. I have someone else read it (script coverage service, or my wife) and take a day with the feedback (usually at a park or by the ocean).
8. I rewrite it.
9. Repeat 7 and 8 until my script feels finished.

When did you realize that you wanted to become a screenwriter?

I realized it after I wrote, produced, directed and starred in my first feature film (super challenging/fun). I have always been a storyteller, from making up stories to tell my kids at bedtime, or creating unique scenarios in conversations with my friends. After writing my first script (feature film) I realized that I loved the experience of continuing to grow and get better. When I finished that script I wanted more, so I kept creating stories.

Who are your biggest filmmaking/screenwriting influences? What about their style do you like or borrow?

I am a big fan of Jordan Peele. I like how he challenges genres. I have always been a writer that considered the social impact and relevance necessary in my stories, especially since it plays a large part in my daily existence. I was just really ecstatic to see that someone else, Jordan Peele, was operating in the same realm.

Have you ever been obsessed with a movie or TV show? If so, which one? Why?

GLADIATOR! The writing, the directing and both Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix did an amazing job with portraying their character’s journey. I literally would watch it every time after school and on the weekends with a gallon of ice cream.

What’s your favorite moment in cinema history? Why?

This question is not fair, lol. There are a lot of moments, but since I was asked about my movie obsession… I’m going to have to go to a scene in Gladiator. In this particular scene Joaquin Phoenix had to physically kill his sick father while expressing his love for him. I love that scene.

Who’s your favorite character in cinema history? Why?

My favorite character in cinema history is Alonzo Harris (played by Denzel Washington) from “Training Day”. I loved the depth of Alonzo Harris. I feel like he was the first relatable bad guy for the Black community and him playing a cop just foreshadowed that he was bad (as it relates to the relationship between the Black community and law enforcement).

If you could talk to anyone from any era, who would it be and what would you ask them?

I would want to speak with my dad’s parents. They passed long before I was alive and I would want to know their stories and experiences.