Sean Slater is a name you will definitely be hearing a lot more of. His script THE DEVIL AND DICK GREGORY has all the ingredients of being a major hit and was actually the first script that got a producer attached after we announced the slate of Gauntlet Endorsed scripts at our big private event.
Who is Sean Slater?
I'm an actor-writer-producer born in the UK and raised in Oakland, California. Some films of mine include narrative features such as "Empire Gypsy" and "Man at the Door". And also documentaries: "Target: St. Louis", "Target: Philadelphia" and "Scarf Face" (available on Amazon and Tubi). I hold an MA from NYU and live with my family in Southern California.
Can you tell us about your background?
I had been making films and documentaries independently for years but in 2021, during the pandemic, I had to take a step back. So I wrote a script I'd been researching for years called "Long Live John Africa!" which ended up winning several contests including the Shore Scripts Feature Prize. The prize money allowed me to spend some time focusing on another idea which became "The Devil and Dick Gregory" which won the ScreenCraft True Story contest, a silver PAGE award and eventually made it to the ScriptHop Gauntlet.
What made you want to become a screenwriter?
Reading Paddy Chayefsky's script for Network.
What is your favorite film and favorite TV show?
JFK and Deadwood
Do you have a favorite screenwriter/filmmaker?
Frank Capra
Favorite movie snack?
Red vines
What was your strategy for breaking into the industry?
Cold queries and contest submissions.
How many screenplays have you written?
About ten.
What is your favorite genre to write?
I love historical drama, dark comedy and thrillers
What is your process?
I start with a lot of research and try to develop and outline. Then go scene by scene until I have a first draft. Then, I rewrite over and over.
Any tips for other up-and-coming screenwriters?
Keep writing.