NY Elite: Congratulations on being an ISC finalist. What does it mean for your work to be selected at the International Screenwriting Competition in New York? 

Cedric Shelton: This nomination means a lot. Especially to start the new year off, with being nominated for any award. I am truly thankful and blessed. 

NY Elite: Can you tell us about the work that you participated with at ISC? What is the story about?

Cedric Shelton: “I Am My Brother’s Keeper” is a comedy story about a man, is having some bad luck in his life. Wife cheated on him. Being fired from his job and forced to move back and start over from square one in his life. Someone from his past, reaches out for him , to guide him in a positive direction in life, and to gain his self confidence again. 

NY Elite: Can you tell us yourself and your artistic talents?

Cedric Shelton: I’m born and raised in Fresno, Ca. Both of my parents side of family have a creative and athletic background that carried on from generations. I fell in love with screenwriting years ago, when I was trying to have a sense of direction in life. I saw an episode of the first 48, and gravitated to the telegraph writing towards the end of the episode. And started practicing my own style of writing. Then had a screenplay in mind, and brainstorm on how to write this story from the beginning, middle, and end of the story. Which I name the title “The Comeback”.

NY Elite: What scripts have you written so far?

Cedric Shelton:I have written a lot others so far. “Thieve’s & Robber’s”. “Red Velvet “. “The Comeback “. “Dramactic”. The Importance of Life”. Just to name some.

NY Elite: Top 3 favorite projects that you have been involved in?

Cedric Shelton: My short film called “Dramatic,” which is out of the film festival circuit. “Learn His Story,” which I was Directors Assistant for one of my best friends first feature film. And writing my last screenplay I wrote which is Thieve’s & Robber’s.

NY Elite: What type of scripts do you want to write in your career?

Cedric Shelton: I mainly been writing a lot of Drama, Crime, and Romantic Comedy scripts. Genres that I can really relate to in real life.

NY Elite: As a writer, what is the most important aspect of building a character?

Cedric Shelton: For me. It’s to build this a character from the ground up. I think about what makes this character so significant that can have An impact in the story. Where are they now and what goals do discern individual would like to accomplish and what obstacles can overcome or in getting to their goal.

NY Elite: What projects are you currently working on?

Cedric Shelton: I am currently working on a political drama script. I have taken a break from this project to focus on other things but to also brainstorm on this story.

NY Elite: Do you express yourself creatively in any other ways?

Cedric Shelton: Well of course. Especially in life. I like to be the best version of myself each and everyday. And people in my life see this side of me. The most rewarding part of it all; is what can I do / or contribute to have an impact of someone else’s life. 

NY Elite: What advice would you give to someone who wants to have a career in filmmaking/writing?

Cedric Shelton: My best advice is to do it and to go after it! No matter what the circumstances is. Cut off people that do not support you or want you to do what they want you to do. Become a student in this industry to learn all of the knowledge and resources as much as you can. And don’t be afraid to take a step back to move 10 times forward. Lastly but more importantly. Pray about it and have faith.