Natalie Gomez
COULD YOU PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO OUR AUDIENCE?
Hello there, I’m Natalie and I’m an aspiring screenwriter and producer born in the UK, England. My passion for storytelling/filmmaking started early on when I was introduced to ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’, adapted from Ken Kesey’s novel which was directed by the amazingly talented Milos Forman. The whole film just breathes pure energy, the story is raw and that well written you feel as if you’re actually there in the hospital watching the whole story unfold from a 1st person perspective. I would certainly say this is where I developed a passion for screenwriting.
During my mid-teens, I’d often find myself on IMDB researching production budgets and becoming fascinated in discovering filming locations on Google Earth, this is where I developed an interest in producing, so I went on to study Film & Media Production at University to gain knowledge within this specific field.
HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR THE SCRIPT?
I developed the idea for My Endeavour by using a very simple method of selecting 3 words randomly picked from a hat. I was taught this method by my scriptwriting tutor when I was a student at University.
I'll occasionally use this technique if I need to get the creative juices flowing. Other than that, I’ll generally go out on a drive, put some music on and let my mind do the rest.
PLEASE TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT THE WRITING PROCESS?
WHAT ARE THE REACTIONS AND COMMENTS YOU GET ABOUT THE STORY?
WHAT ARE THE REACTIONS AND COMMENTS YOU GET ABOUT THE STORY?
For this script, the 3 words I picked were Woman, Insecure, and Money.
I used my imagination firstly to create the theme being (Drama/Thriller), this was constructed around the word ‘money’, then I progressed this theme by exploring colours which would signify ‘insecurity’, these being reds and browns to signify violence then a pallet of darks to help signify death and isolation.
With the subject of the story being about the sex industry, I felt it was important to show maturity in my writing. I incorporated a parallel universe into the story which was a method used to provide the audience with exposition of the main character. This would also slow down the tempo of the story, allowing the audience to show great empathy towards the protagonist after we learn more about her ordeal. I also felt this would complement the ending and would be a great transition as we fade back into the main story.
WHAT ARE THE REACTIONS AND COMMENTS YOU GET ABOUT THE STORY?
WHAT ARE THE REACTIONS AND COMMENTS YOU GET ABOUT THE STORY?
WHAT ARE THE REACTIONS AND COMMENTS YOU GET ABOUT THE STORY?
My Endeavour has been well received in festivals and I am very blessed to have won 2 awards. I’ve had positive feedback on how suspense races through the story and how this holds itself throughout 14 pages of the short screenplay. I’ve also received comments regarding how vision is perceived in just a few lines of action, capturing the reader's attention and yearning for you to read on. Readers have also commented on how the detail continues into not only the actions of the characters but the speech/voices I’ve given them too as each scene progresses.
I've also received feedback regarding the atmosphere created throughout and how this constantly draws you into the mental and physical battle the protagonist is confronted with. One reader quoted “As the story progresses into an echoed world, we still feel the anguish of the protagonist knowing there is more tribulation to come, while recognising the outcome, you still feel the need to complete her fight. A fantastic short story and very well perceived”.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU IN THE FUTURE?
WHAT ARE THE REACTIONS AND COMMENTS YOU GET ABOUT THE STORY?
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU IN THE FUTURE?
I’m currently in the process of re-drafting a full feature-length screenplay which I developed back in 2013, but my passion still lies in writing/creating short films so I can further develop my skills and experience to become a Producer. I have a strong passion to become a teacher where I can pass on my skills, knowledge, and industry experience to help educate aspiring filmmakers. Teaching will require further training and I am very excited to start this new chapter as soon as possible.
Finally, I’d just like to say thank you for choosing my script as a winner for the February edition of the festival!