My newest interview is with filmmaker Lance Sadia, based in Los Angeles. We talked about which film influenced him to become a filmmaker and his process for writing a script. Lance wants to be the best he can be in the industry, which is something we all should strive for in our lives.
Introducing Lance…
What do you love about your life right now?
Understanding how lucky I am, and my relationship with God.
You’re a screenwriter, a director, and a producer. That’s some creative talent right there, Lance. Your passion for filmmaking goes back to your college days. Was there a particular film that influenced you to become a filmmaker?
If there was one film that stood out that not necessarily sparked my drive to be a filmmaker, but one that pushed me to be so ambitious, I would definitely say the film October sky
I watched and loved your film, The Ordeal, starring Chris Wenchell. I understand it’s heading to film festivals. What inspired you to write it?
The film, The Ordeal, was not really a story I wanted to tell in particular as a filmmaker. It was specifically tailored to be shot on my own. I actually wrote two screenplays prior to writing The Ordeal, and I had the intention of making those films, but after scrutiny on the script breakdown, I realized it wasn’t so doable on my own. I put those on the shelf and began working on The Ordeal, which was going to be crafted so that I absolutely could shoot it despite financial burden or what have you.
Which is more fun: being a screenwriter or a director?
Directing! I hate sitting in one spot for too long. To be completely honest, there really isn’t too much fun. Fun was 10 years ago. This is about being the best I can be. If I have fun along the way, great.
You shared a concept cover for your most recent script, The Bad Trip, a horror film, on Instagram. Have you finished the script, and is that the next film your company plans to produce?
The horror script The Bad Trip was actually one screenplay I wrote prior to The Ordeal with the intention to shoot it on my own. But again, after closer analysis, I realized I was taking a bigger bite than I could chew to try to film it all on my own.
Tell me about your process for writing a script, from idea to page. Like, do you write the script in a notebook or go straight to screenwriting software?
My writing process always starts with music. I hear music that creates some kind of scene in my head, and from that scene, I can build a story, usually a scene that represents the ending, and I work from there. From that, I go from pencil to paper and start writing chronological chapters on the main context of each scene.
Do you have a favorite screenwriting software?
Final draft
If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it, what message would you want to convey to millions? What would it say and why?
“Drop the anger.” I mean, come on, just imagine a world without anger.
We have all experienced failure, and sometimes success follows. Do you have a favorite failure?
If there is one failure in my life that I could say was the biggest learning experience is that I realized I can’t handle alcohol. Being sober these days/ alcohol free- I came to the conclusion how much drinking took away from my potential. Some people can do fine with alcohol; I’m not one of them.
Describe yourself in one word.
Philosopher
Thank you for reading my interview with Lance. Follow him on social media on Instagram.
Read my review on his film, The Ordeal: here.