when my wife started giving me her
“thumbs-up” on the scripts I wrote.
My inspiration to write MISSING LINK.......
was a Mother’s Day present to my wife from me and my ten-year old son. During
my trips to China over the years, I have seen a lot of changes. “Missing Link”
is a testimony to the rising influence of China in the world, and how one’s
identity is influenced by past heritage through genetics.
*****************************************************************
FilmMakers Magazine:
What inspired you to write?
Ricardo Mancebo: I am inspired by the need to express ideas and
feelings about observations in life, putting all the conflict and
emotions on paper, with my own view of life.
FilmMakers Magazine: How did you prepare yourself to
write your first script?
Ricardo Mancebo:
I bought
screenwriting software, learned how to use it, and then started
plugging away at the computer. The story was far from ideal, but I
felt a real sense of accomplishment after finishing the first script …
and then I leaned all about the re-writing process.
FilmMakers Magazine: Is
this your first script and how long did it take you to write MISSING LINK?
Ricardo Mancebo:
“Missing Link” is the
first short script I have written. Prior to this, I wrote two
feature-length screenplays—a drama and a romantic comedy. I
have also recently written a short thriller screenplay and a short
comedy/drama.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you have a set routine, place and time management for writing?
Ricardo Mancebo:
I try to write
during the weekdays late at night, between the hours of 12 a.m. and 4
a.m., when everyone’s asleep, so that I don’t disrupt my time with my
family. During this time, I let the clash of sleep, work, and
writing duke it out. Lately, writing has been winning out.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests
are important for aspiring screenwriters and why?
Ricardo Mancebo:
I do feel
screenwriting contests are worthwhile, as these can be great
motivators for completing a screenplay by a specific deadline. The
feedback and exposure is also key.
FilmMakers Magazine:
What
influenced you to enter the
American Gem Short Script Competition?
Ricardo Mancebo:
I entered the
American Gem Short Screenplay Competition because this is a respected
contest that is perceived to be highly significant within the
industry, providing invaluable opportunities for exposure, and
resources
for feedback if desired.
FilmMakers Magazine: What script would you urge aspiring writers to read and why?
Ricardo Mancebo:
The Godfather,
because of the cast of complex characters that resonates off the page,
and the multi-layered storyline they live … or die … within.
FilmMakers Magazine:
Beside screenwriting what are you
passionate about and why?
Ricardo Mancebo:
I‘m passionate about
spending more time with my family, pursuing philanthropic endeavors
one day, and finding more time to run.
FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter
and Why?
Ricardo Mancebo:
While I have no one
specific favorite screenwriter, I really enjoy Mr. Francis Ford
Coppola’s work. His ability to create characters with such
depth and insight provides a glimpse into the core their very beings,
where each character is watchable in his or her own right.
FilmMakers Magazine: Name
the director you would love to work with and why?
Ricardo Mancebo:
Name the director you
would love to work with and why?
One director would be Mr. Ang Lee, because brings a unique sensitivity
to
the screen with the stories he directs. He’d be very welcome to direct
“Missing Link.”
FilmMakers Magazine:
Name the actor you would love to work with and why?
Ricardo Mancebo:
One actor is Jack
Nicholson, because he can play anything, and seems to enjoy it.
FilmMakers Magazine:
Any tips and things learned along
the way to pass on to others?
