IndieWire: First off, congratulations on the massive success of "THE LAST SCREENWRITER". Alan, what inspired you to write this screenplay?
Alan Nafzger: Thanks! The initial spark for the story came to me unexpectedly. I was attending a screenwriter conference, and the energy and passion from all the attendees made me reflect on the journey of a writer in the ever-changing landscape of Hollywood. That's where the seeds of "THE LAST SCREENWRITER" were sown.
IndieWire: It's intriguing how screenwriters have started sharing their journey. How did you go about pitching your idea?
Alan Nafzger: I approached it as a storyteller. I started by sharing how I came up with the idea, giving them a feel of the setting with a twist. I took them through the setup, the intense second-act climax, and even shared the resolution. Many advised against revealing the ending, but I believe that if they like it, they’ll read it.
IndieWire: Many aspiring writers fear networking. Any tips?
Alan Nafzger: It's natural to feel that way. I used to be apprehensive about it too. But attending film festivals changed my perspective. You get to see incredible films, meet a ton of people, learn about their projects, and attend panels and Q&As. The key is not to rush in. Listen, engage, and when you share your story, it's not just about selling but connecting.
IndieWire: Speaking of networking, we've noticed your active presence on social media. How has that played a role?
Alan Nafzger: I won't deny it; social networking is a powerful tool for screenwriters. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have made it possible to reach out, share work, and get feedback in ways we never imagined before. Although I started off skeptical about Facebook, it proved to be a goldmine for connections.
IndieWire: Twitter seems to be your forte. How did you master it?
Alan Nafzger: (Laughs) Master might be a strong word. But yes, Twitter is straightforward. It's concise, and if done right, it can be impactful. I follow people whose work I admire, share funny or intriguing content, and maintain a healthy mix of personal and promotional tweets. Timing is crucial too. For instance, Sunday nights are golden for reaching a wider audience.
IndieWire: There's a buzz about your YouTube pitch. Could you tell our readers about it?
Alan Nafzger: Oh, that was an exciting experiment! After finishing my script, I decided to pitch it via YouTube, with a twist. Using sock puppets, I narrated the essence of "THE LAST SCREENWRITER". The response was overwhelming. I think it resonated because it was genuine, creative, and showed my passion for the story.
IndieWire: Before we wrap up, any advice for budding screenwriters?
Alan Nafzger: Richard Bach once said, "A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit." Rejections will come, but keep honing your craft. Attend conferences, network, engage with your audience online, and most importantly, never stop writing.
IndieWire: Inspiring words, Alan. Thanks for sharing your journey with us, and we're eagerly waiting for your next project!
Alan Nafzger: Thank you! It's been a pleasure.