Alan R. Baxter
SHRIEKFEST INTERVIEW
Alan R. Baxter
2006, 2007, 2014 Screenplay Finalist & 2015 Screenplay Semi Finalist
DG: What is your name and company URL?
AB: Alan R. Baxter, http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1433225/
DG: What is your specialty…filmmaking or screenwriting?
AB: Screenwriting. More specifically, writing for television.
DG: What are you currently working on?
AB: A thriller/mystery series set in a small rural town in Florida. Think True Detective meets The Killing.
DG: Oooh, sounds cool. Who do you consider your mentor and why?
AB: Irvin Paik. He was an assistant editor on the show, “ER.” At the time, I was a post PA and eager to learn the ins-and-outs of editing. He went above and beyond to teach me, including meeting up outside of work. I will never forget his kindness and generosity
DG: That is great! Why do you think the horror/sci-fi genres have such a large following?
AB: Sometimes the real-life horrors are too much to handle. These genres allow people a safe way to tap into these fears and be entertained.
DG: So very true! What do you love most about this business?
AB: I love the shared enthusiasm and passion for film and TV
DG: That is so very true! What do you dislike most about this business?
AB: People who talk the talk, yet don’t have anything to back it.
DG: I hear ya! What career accomplishment are you most proud of?
AB: My reps took out my pilot and I had a bunch of meetings at companies. For my first meeting, I remember sitting in the lobby and just admiring all the posters: Terminator 2, Aliens, The Walking Dead. I thought to myself, “This is pretty freakin’ cool.”
DG: Yes, it is!!! Any advice you’d like to give newbies?
AB: Join a writers group. It really forces you to push yourself and hone your craft. Plus, everyone is really supportive.
DG: Great advice! Anything else you’d like to say?
AB: Don’t forget to live life. Spend time with your family, travel and meet new people.
DG: I agree!, so important! Enjoy that adorable little baby! Thank you Alan! It was great chatting!