Part 1.

I knew we wanted to be screenwriters........

When I was in the third grade I became obsessed with Shane Black’s The Monster Squad, and would repeatedly screen that movie for all my friends during sleepovers. One day in class we were given a ‘creative writing’ assignment and while everyone else wrote about what they’d packed for lunch that day or their favorite pet, I wrote a cheap knock-off of The Monster Squad featuring my classmates. I don’t think my teacher - a nun - was too thrilled. But from then on I knew I wanted to write stories for movies.
 

I know I've succeeded........ 

Success is relative, but I think I can say “I’ve made it” when I’m able to comfortably leave my day job and write full-time!

 

My inspiration to write Holmes.....

I’m a crime noir junkie and happened to be reading a lot of Walter Mosley and Dashiell Hammett books a few years ago (and also catching repeat viewings of Blue Velvet) when I got the idea for a different, modern take on a Sherlock Holmes-like character: An African-American kid from the projects who picks his cases from newspaper ads.

Part 2.

FilmMakers Magazine: What inspired you to write?

George Nicholis: My love of movies, comic books and fictional stories that transport me to another time and place.

FilmMakers Magazine: What did you do to prepare yourself to write your first script?

George Nicholis: I didn’t do too many conventional exercises to prepare for my first script – it was sort of a trial-by-error effort which in turn caused an onslaught of unnecessary drafts. Now I complete detailed outlines for every script so I know exactly what happens before I sit down at my keyboard. But I always try to leave enough room to improvise.

FilmMakers Magazine: Is this your first script and how long did it take you to complete?

George Nicholis: HOLMES is my third feature-length script and it probably took me about nine months to complete from initial idea/concept to final draft.

FilmMakers Magazine: Do you have a set routine, place and time management for writing?

George Nicholis: Since I have a nine-to-five job, I write in the evenings and on weekends. I don’t try to reach a certain page-count on a daily basis and I don’t always write every day. I typically map out scenes in my head before I sit down to write it.

FilmMakers Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests are important for aspiring screenwriters and why?

George Nicholis: Absolutely! For anyone who doesn’t have connections in the entertainment industry, I think it’s crucial to submit to screenplay contests. I’ve been fortunate enough to work in the entertainment industry, but I still submit to contests because for me it’s proven to be the easiest way to get the decision-makers to read my work.

FilmMakers Magazine: What influenced you to enter the FilmMakers International Screenwriting Awards / Screenplay Contest?

George Nicholis: I usually choose screenplay contests with prize packages that include distributing winning scripts to agents/managers/producers. Cash prizes are always great, but my main goal is to gain representation. So Filmmakers fit the bill.

FilmMakers Magazine: What script would you urge aspiring writers to read and why?

George Nicholis: I try to read a lot of Black List scripts when I can get my hands on them partly because they’re solid examples of the kinds of stories Hollywood is looking for but also because I might learn a trick or two stylistically from them. One that I read recently, Ryan Condal’s GALAHAD, is pretty neat.

FilmMakers Magazine: Beside screenwriting what are you passionate about and why?

George Nicholis: I’m passionate about my family, friends and of course my lovely fiancé.

FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter and Why?

George Nicholis: I really like Shane Black. Just read his draft of Lethal Weapon and watch Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang. Prime examples of why.

FilmMakers Magazine: Name the director you would love to work with and why?

George Nicholis: I’m a big fan of Alexander Payne. I love how he can take characters that should never gain sympathy from an audience, yet he infuses them with life and humor and low and behold, sympathy.

FilmMakers Magazine: Name the actor you would love to work with and why?

George Nicholis: Robert Downey, Jr. always holds my attention, no matter what film he’s in (yes, even FUR). He can switch from melodrama to comedy in just one facial expression or physical gesture. And – he never once looks like he’s trying to act. It seems so natural.

FilmMakers Magazine: Any tips and things learned along the way to pass on to others?

George Nicholis: Everyone says it and sometimes it can make you gag. But keep writing! If you love to write and keep doing it, you’ll get better. I’m not saying write every day, but write often. Read as many books as you can get your hands on. Not only will it help inform your stories, it will also improve your prose.

FilmMakers Magazine: What's next for you?

George Nicholis: I’m submitting my latest script, a revenge-thriller called BIG BAD WOLFE, to screenplay contests and I’m working on my next script, a comedy.

FilmMakers Magazine: Where will you be five years from now?

George Nicholis: I hope to have a manager and an agent and to continue writing original spec scripts for as long as I can.