Interview - Screenwriter Mark Perlick

Mark Perlick is the writer of the Sci-Fi screenplay contest winning script, CAVE DWELLERS. Logline: In the near future, a young doctor risks incarceration for using Medicines from Extraterrestrials for healing in place of conventional allopathic medicine.

After the competition win, we spoke with Mark about the story and the journey to this win.

How did you first become interested in a career in screenwriting?
In college, my major was Electrical Engineering. I became interested in theater after taking a couple of theater classes. That led to my involvement as an actor in local theaters. That led to writing short plays, which were performed before an audience. When I moved to California for work I followed my passion and started writing screenplays.

Who or what inspired you to write this particular story?
The Day The Earth Stood Still.

What movies or filmmakers would you consider your greatest influences as a screenwriter?
Directors: George Stevens, Mike Nichols, Mel Brooks, Blake Edwards, Stanley Kubrick, David Lean, Billy Wilder. Screenwriters: William Goldman Movies: Dr. Strangelove, Bridge on the River Kwai, Producers, The Wild One.

How much planning and outlining went into your process of writing this script?
I foolishly didn’t outline this script and kept rewriting it.

What advice would you give to aspiring screenwriters who are working their first script?
Follow your dreams despite all the negativity that comes with screenwriting.

Congrats to Mark Perlick on his competition winning screenplay!