David R. Flores
Winner of the 4th Annual Hollywood Nexus Screenwriting Contest

Tell us a little about yourself:
I'm a film graduate of the University of Miami. I've worked in various forms of production from preproduction (as a freelance illustrator and storyboard artist) to post production. I moved out to Los Angeles several years ago to pursue screenwriting.

What awards, contest placements, sales, options or other recognition have you received to date?
Along with my 4th Annual Hollywood Nexus win for CONTROL; ALT; DELETE, another script, BLOOD AND STONE: THE CURSE OF THE CAMAZOTZ was a semifinalist in the Open Door Screenwriting Competition.

How did you get started writing screenplays?
In college. I wrote a several short scripts around that time, and my first feature length screenplay.

What interests you about screenwriting, and, for you, what's the best part of screenwriting?
The story telling aspects of it: taking a bunch of jumbled ideas and turning them into an organic, entertaining story. The most thrilling feeling for me as a writer is when I nail a solution to a problem I invariably encounter with any script I write. And then there's those moments when I'm writing and I find my groove -- nothing beats that.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced in screenwriting and how did you overcome it?
Self-doubt: those times when the idea well is depleted or I can't figure out how to fix my story. It can be very disheartening. But, I've learned that if I stick with it, and don't give up -- maybe just by taking some time to clear my head and look at it from a different angle -- I can usually discover a unique approach that pushes me over the hump.

Any new projects you'd like to tell us about?
I'm just starting a rewrite of a script I recently completed called GOOD TIMES WITH TSUNAMI. It's a dramedy about a retiree who must pick up the pieces of his life after his wife dies. The retiree reluctantly befriends a crazy neighbor nicknamed Tsunami, who makes it his mission to help him. I'm also in the beginning outline stages of another script.

If you could give one piece of advice to other screenwriters, what would it be?
Rewriting is the key. Sometimes it takes many drafts and ruthless elimination of scenes, dialogue and characters that you love for the story to work as a whole; but, in the long run it is well worth it. I've personally learned so much from the process.

Read an excerpt of David's screenplay, "Control; Alt; Delete", on the Hollywood Nexus Screenwriting Contest website.