Freshman journalism major Michael Frank is an aspiring film writer who has kick-started his career by writing a screenplay. Maybe one day you’ll see it on the big screen, but before that happens let’s take a look into how it all began!
What made you interested in writing a screenplay?
I’ve always been interested in film ever since I was a little kid. Movies have always just interested me and affected me. I’ve just always wanted to write a screenplay sometime in my life. I thought why not now.
What’s the general plot of your screenplay?
It’s about a high school film club that goes on a road trip to save their club. Their president, Christopher Pope, gets called into the principal’s office and is told that the school is going to shut down the club unless they can do something before spring break. They decide to take a road trip to a film festival in Colorado, making a movie of their experiences along the way to enter into the festival.
Do you have any favorite movies that inspired you to write a screenplay?
Definitely. The Way Way Back, The Breakfast Club and Rushmore.
If you could cast anyone as the lead in your screenplay whom would you choose?
I would want to cast a young Johnny Depp as the lead role. Someone that is actually young right now that I would cast is Logan Lerman, the guy from Perks of Being a Wallflower.
What was the most difficult part of the writing process for you?
The most difficult part of the process was combining character development with plot development. It’s really difficult to keep the characters changing as the plot also moves along. You can’t just come out and say that this is happening with a character. It’s all revealed in dialogue, and it’s hard to keep it realistic, but also interesting.
What’s your favorite part of living in SLO?
It’s definitely the weather and the hiking. I love to be able to go up into the hills and just get away from everything or hike with friends.
What’s your ultimate dream job?
My ultimate dream job would be writing for a television comedy such as The Office or Parks and Rec.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I would live in the place where I grew up, Ventura, CA. I want to travel throughout the world but I’m happy where I have lived so far.
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
The best advice I’ve ever been given is that in order for a relationship to grow, you have to put effort into it. If you want something to happen or for something to flourish, effort is the most important thing. My best advice to the world is if you want to do something cool in your life or do something to be remembered, don’t wait until your older. Get started right now. You’ll be amazed at what you can do.