Jason Peralta

Jason Peralta was born and raised in Queens, NY. Both parents were immigrants from the Dominican Republic. Cinema has always been his passion while growing up. During his late twenties, he realized his passion for writing and took a Screenwriting course at the Gotham Writers Workshop located at Times Square, NY. He read several books to sharpen his craft including Save the Cat by Blake Snyder and Invisible Ink by Brian Mcdonald. Through years of hard work and persistence, he reached Semi-Finalist for the Write Movies Winter 2020 Screenwriting Competition for his first feature "Quick Shot"  and became a 2nd place winner at the 2022 Horror Hotel Competition for his short script "Sword of Might." Today he continues to write more fictional stories while working as a Security Guard in a Hospital and also writes Blogs online about positive motivation. He has high hopes of one day becoming a successful writer like many of his idols, including Andrew Kevin Walker, Kurt Sutter, and Robert Kirkman.

Screenwriter Interview:

1. How did you discover your passion for screen writing? 

It took a lot of soul searching. I was in between jobs and I noticed my addiction to watching films. I also have a talent for recognizing great films. I would read manga, Graphic Novels, and movie Scripts as any aspiring writer does. One day I decided to take the big leap and I went to the Gotham Screenwriting class in Timesquare, New York. I would never forget the moment I was in class and we all had to read the first few pages of our Script out loud to the class. Out of all the Scripts read, my Script was the only one that received a clapping ovation. So that was pretty encouraging. I've been writing fiction for over 10 years. I've been writing motivational blogs over 3 years. That really shows my commitment to the craft.

2. Who has been your biggest influence in the movie industry? 

My biggest influence would have to be Andrew Kevin Walker. After I read the Script "Seven" I was blown away. I promised myself I would become that level of great someday.

3. Who are two actors you would like to work with, why? 

I would like to work with Jason Statham or Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. I like writing mainly pop corn flicks and they have done their share of it in the past. I'm really impressed by it.

4. How many screenplays or scripts have written and or have produced? List titles please.

 I've written 3 feature Screenplays. The first is called "Quick Shot," the 2nd is "Arch Angel," and the 3rd is my most recent one called "Sting." I've also written 5 Short Films "Only Human," "Sword of Might," "Out of Time," "Osali," and "The life Once lived." None of my works have been produced yet but I've recently had some interest from the "Arch Angel" feature Script by a production company. They made me sign a release form and also the Synopsis of the story.

5. What are some pitfalls you've experienced in your career? 

Some of the pitfalls are losing Screenwriting contests, it's very discouraging when you do lose. Especially the really competitive ones which could open alot of doors for me. And having imposter syndrome like a I'm a fraud and just pretending to be a writer and not really being one, or a talented one at that; also the rejection too. I've handed my Script to countless people and it always goes nowhere. It just wasn't a good fit and I have to be patient.

6. What are your best experiences in your career?

Going to Film festivals and just networking. Talking with other film makers about our passion for cinema. Also being on a movie set was very interesting. I got to see how films are made and what it's like to work with actors and actresses. 

7. Are you independent or do you have a contract with a movie producer?

I'm an independent right now. I guess you can call me an indie and unproduced writer. 

8. What is your all time favorite movie or movies? Why? Would you change anything about the story plot?

I would have to say Gladiator is my number one favorite film of all time. It was so well done and so well written. Sometimes I find myself rewatching some of the scenes on YouTube. It's made me so excited that I've jumped out of my chair cheering on the main character. Any film that can do that, is just plain magical. No, I wouldn't change anything about the plot of "Quick Shot," I love it just the way it is. However, if it gets produced, they will be a lot of changes and I'm fine with that. You have to be a collaborator when it comes to making films and not stubborn Screenwriter.