What’s your name? Cristol Johnson  Where were you born? Philadelphia, PA USA

Where do you live? Middletown, DE USA

And what’s your hobby? Fine Arts, Writing, Reading, Stand -Up Comedy, and Sitting at the Beach!

Where did you come up with the concept that just placed as Finalist in the screenplay contest?

I had a bad dream one night, that I was the main character, and l let people convince me to use my powers for evil. I thought someone should turn this into a movie. I waited and waited and waited. No similar movies. So, I figured out how to do it myself.

How long did it take you to develop it into the screenplay it is now?

I began putting the ideas on paper November 2022.  It is still under re-write for formatting and professional use. As an artist it’s hard to know when to put the paint brush down.

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

Since this was a dream, I knew the story. I created a story map.  I Identified the characters. I figured it would be cool to have them live close to me. I sat in their neighborhoods and listened quietly for their squabbles. I wrote ideas in notebooks, on the backs of receipts, napkins and post it notes. I also followed ScreenCrafts Develop your Comedy Script in 15 days to organize the beats.

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

I realized I wanted to become a screenwriter when I decided I wanted to watch the movies I was writing. I also had so much fun writing, and visiting with the characters.

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

I am a huge fan of Dark Comedy. For this project I was influenced by Film Noir. Alfred Hitchcock movies were on my watchlist.

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

I love Beetlejuice. Why, because of the comedy, shenanigans and the artsy style the movie.

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

I don’t have a favorite moment, but I like the total history. All of the genres, the smell of popcorn in the theater, and the way we complain about the price of a large soda. I also love evenings in socks with no plans and several options to choose from to trade two hours of my life with someone else’s.

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

Scooby Doo. Each episode Scooby was the catalyst who helped the gang solve the mystery all within thirty minutes.

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

We almost can now, with Artificial Intelligence. I’ve been asking all types of questions all hours of the day and getting very useful responses.