Rob Nelson- Master Script Writer (Interview 2024)

(Published: 2024/01/24 at 6:23 pm)

Edition Twenty-One – Week Twenty-One:

Written by: Mercedes Barreto

What is your motivation or inspiration when it comes to writing daily?

“The motivation I have for writing is being able to craft stories, characters, places and events in the hopes that what I bring to life on paper, so to speak, will entertain people from all walks of life, no matter their race, status, color or creed. The inspiration for writing comes from Movies and TV shows that I grew up watching and continue to watch even as an adult. I write scripts along the lines of films that influenced me as a child, teenager and now as an adult. The kind of stories that I craft are ones that, as a movie-goer, if I were to see a commercial or an advertisement for a film like the ones I inspire to write, then I would say to myself, “That is a movie I would like to watch.” It has to pique my interest, pull me in, and keep me watching till the end. The overall goal is to entertain the audience, and that is what pushes me to develop myself as a writer and hone my skills with each script project that I outline, develop, then eventually write.”

Where do you believe is the one place you write the most creatively, and why does this place create the flow within your creativity?

“The one place I believe I write most creatively is a peaceful setting, one that is serene, tranquil and relaxing. I do most of my writing at home, in my home office/writing room/game room. Home is the one place that is my sanctuary. My loving, beautiful wife supports me in my efforts in writing, along with our fur babies whom are very loving and bring me a world of joy. Working from home helps create and maintain my creative flow simply because it is a relaxing atmosphere. I write when time allows around family and work, but I try and devote time to both those areas of my life, especially much needed family time. Being at home relaxed, in those peaceful surroundings helps me to brainstorm, think of ideas, and approach new projects creatively.”

Is there something that defines your writing style? Why and how so?

“I do not consider myself to be an expert writer. Writing is like everyday life. You make mistakes, you correct, you move on, and hopefully try not to make the same mistake over again. I do however like to consider that there is one way to define my writing style, and that is when writing scripts, no matter what genre, I do not write direction or directional cues, such as SMASH CUT, CAMERA PANS TO, ANGLE ON, etc., etc. Those actions are for the Director/Directors, whatever the case may be. My job as a writer is to simply write. I write what is in my head and convey that on paper. I write the action and dialogue sequences as I see them unfold in my mind.”

What have been some recent writing achievements this year? How so?

“I wrote an Action/Horror/Thriller script in the fall of 2022 titled “Monstrosity.” This particular script combines elements and themes from several different films that I consider to be some of my favorite films. It also pays Homage to the original “Predator” from 1987. Quite a bit of inspiration came from the original film, and I credit Predator as the defining force behind why I chose to conceive the story idea and write the script for “Monstrosity.” Since writing the script, it has won several awards, placed in Honorable Mentions and Quarter-Finalists categories in various screen writing competitions and Film Festivals. Monstrosity has also been published as a Paperback and Kindle edition script-book listed on Amazon across all markets. I just recently completed an Action/Thriller script titled “Iron Mason.” It, like “Monstrosity”, is a throwback to films of yesteryear. Films like “Dirty Harry” and “Cobra” were influential in helping to craft this story. This script was written for my friend and acquaintance Keith Mason, retired-Rugby player from England turned actor.

I am currently collaborating with a close friend and fellow writer on a Horror script that combines the Zombie and Ghost genres into one. While this may not be an entirely new idea, it is an entirely new “take” on said genres, with films like “The Fog” and “Tombs of the Blind Dead” as inspiration.”

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When did you start writing, and why?

“I actually started writing when I was a just but a teenager in the late 80’s, but abandoned the process up until 2022, when I finally decided to stop letting “life” get in the way. I made a conscious decision to pursue a career in writing, regardless if it ever came to fruition or not. The old aspect of “It is better to try and fail, then to never have tried at all” adage sticks with me, and that is a constant reminder to push myself and never give up on pursuing my dreams.”

Where can we learn more about your scriptwriting, and why should we? What makes Rob Nelson’s writing style the most iconic?

“I am currently developing an IMDB page to showcase my writing projects. However, in the meantime, “Monstrosity” and “Iron Mason” are listed on the International Screenwriters Association website and on WriteSeen.com. My professional LinkedIn profile has posts related to my endeavors to showcase both of the above-mentioned scripts and to get the word out to interested parties that these two scripts are ready and available for production. I do not assume nor project my writing style to be the most iconic. I, along with my writing, do not try to mimic or make better than any other writer, professional or otherwise. I do not strive to be the best writer in the world. I simply write to make my style and myself better versions than yesterday. I just want to be the very best that I can be and hopefully entertain people along the way.”

Anything to add here?

“I have many script ideas that are in the planning stages to be written. The current slate consists of a variety of genres consisting of Action, Crime, Horror, Supernatural and Thriller projects. I have at least 15 planned scripts, with one of those being a TV pilot based on the Werewolf genre. I plan to write it as a series and have taken inspiration from the short-lived, but well-liked TV series “Werewolf” from the 1987 to 1988 TV season and the Kolchak: The Night Stalker TV series from the 1970’s.”