Exclusive Interview with Phil Hollins – Writer
Phil’s a screenwriter whose experiences comes his personal life, military career and education. In the Air Force, Phil’s career involved assignments as a law enforcement flight chief and in Korea as the Air Force’s Noncombatant Evacuation Operations (NEO), program manager.
Upon retirement, Phil was the bioterrorism and pandemic preparedness program evaluator where he trained a myriad of public & private sector agencies on disaster mitigation. He later served as a state on-call disaster recovery rep where he conducted FEMA damage assessments on properties impacted by natural and manmade disasters. Phil has a M.A. in Liberal Studies in Borders with an emphasis in Migration, Health & Cultural Identity from Arizona State University where he studied film analysis, taboos in text, and creative writing. He also has a M.S. in Disaster Preparedness Executive Leadership, from Grand Canyon University and a B.S. in Social & Criminal Justice. He enjoys writing on social issues across many cultures.
NY Glam: What projects are you currently working on?
An action adventure trilogy about ancient Nubian (Kush) royalty with my co-writer, John McCarney.
NY Glam: What makes a film great for you? Are there certain qualities that make a film better for you?
I believe great stories are the ones who follow their own path rather than try to reinvent something that’s already been done.
Stories that teach me something new or show a better of doing things. This can be in the form of the writer’s storytelling or the subject matter they are talking about.
NY Glam: As a screenwriter, what is the most important aspect of building a character?
Make them easily distinguishable from one another. If you were to hear a script’s dialog without seeing the names, will you be able to tell the difference. Define their flaws and then create an arc where we see the character experience growth.
NY Glam: How important is for you being a finalist at International Screenwriting Competition –ISC?
I’m extremely honored to be an ISC finalist because they care about the type of social impact stories that I love to write. And it is an excellent platform to display your writing skills among some of the most talented writers out there.
NY Glam: Top 3 favorite projects that you have been involved in?
I’m always creating stories that push the envelope. My favorite so far are “Blackballed” about a Black FBI agent who helps a former white supremacist leader go into hiding, upon learning the leader’s daughter’s heart transplant came from his late son. Next is “Obadiah” which is in the vein of Pulp Fiction. Lastly is an international crime story that centers on my time in the military.
NY Glam: Do you express yourself creatively in any other ways?
Listening to music and helping others writers see opportunity in the face of adversity. Whether that’s in table reads, story building, or even real life, you offer ideas that they haven’t considered.
NY Glam: What advice would you give to someone who wants to have a career in filmmaking?
Don’t give up. Storytelling takes time, practice and imagination. Join table read groups to hone your craft. With determination, revisions, and a solid premise, you can create a world you’ll be proud of.
NY Glam: What can we expect from you in this actual year?
Preparing for film festivals, screenwriting competitions and story pitches.
NY Glam: Where can everyone keep up with you to learn more? …social media…website
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-hollins-1a7976139
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