Due to his actions during a daring rescue, young Deputy Sheriff McGee follows in his late father’s footsteps by being selected to receive the department’s Medal of Valor.

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?

Viral is about a young sheriff’s deputy who performs an act of great bravery, only to reveal a deep-set fear in a very public way shortly thereafter.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

The genre is drama (although the scene is from a feature script I’m working on that is a horror/comedy).

3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

I think the story, brief as it is, concerns an important topic – social media shaming – and would provoke thought and discussion.

4. How would you describe this script in two words?

Highs / Lows

5. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?

I have probably seen Blade Runner in its various iterations more times than any other movie.

6. How long have you been working on this screenplay?

I started working on the feature script which forms the basis of this short script about three months ago. After writing this scene, I thought it would be interesting to turn it into a short script.

7. How many stories have you written?

I’ve written dozens of short stories, two novels, five feature scripts, three tv pilot scripts, and several short scripts.

8. What motivated you to write this screenplay?

I was asked to officiate my niece’s wedding last summer, and a friend said that sounds like an idea for a movie. Somehow, that led to this short script:)

9. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

I think the main obstacle to finishing this script was my hesitation to declare the script finished and enter it in a festival/contest

10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

In addition to writing, I am passionate about music, literature, languages, and trying to be a positive part of my community.

11. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?

I had read good things about the festival and decided to enter Viral in it for that reason.