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?

Joe Leone: The finalist selection is a tremendous honor, alongside so many talented storytellers. I am truly humbled.

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

Joe Leone: THE PHANTOM COUNCIL is a Political/Sci-Fi/Thriller in the vein of The Man in the High Castle, Olympus Has Fallen, Terminator, and Raiders of the Lost Ark.

LOGLINE: After a mysterious shadow organization known as the Phantom Council aids a dynamic woman to professional and political success, she embarks on a remarkable journey to rid the planet of terrorism. However, the Council has other plans, as it conspires with the VP candidate to take her out and overthrow the country.

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

Joe Leone: I am an American Screenwriter with over 200 film festival/screenplay competition selection/awards in more than a dozen countries. My additional Industry related experience includes nearly 6 years as a Marketing Coordinator for Paramount Pictures Motion Picture Marketing, and a Story Analyst for Prelude Pictures and Kamin & Howell Entertainment.

NY Elite: What scripts have you written so far?

Joe Leone: Feature Film Screenplays – THE PHANTOM COUNCIL, COOP, and RETIREMENT ROAD TRIP. Short Screenplays – DIRE CONSEQUENCES, FARM CLUB, and HAIL SANTA

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

Joe Leone:  Showest and ShowEast product presentation and screenings for Paramount Pictures Motion Picture Marketing Administration. Participation in various film festival and screenplay competitions (nationally and internationally).

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

Joe Leone: Stories that inspire, educate, and entertain. I am open to all genres, but I am especially drawn to strong character-driven material.  

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

Joe Leone: To delve deep within the soul. To understand what makes a character tick. What drives them? What scares them? What inspires them?  

NY Elite: What projects are you currently working on?

Joe Leone: A Spy Thriller, and a Comedy.

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

Joe Leone: I’d like to believe so. I routinely try to take a creative approach in many aspects of my life. Problem solving, planning, forecasting, time management.  

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

Joe Leone: Don’t wait for inspiration. Seize every moment. Keep a notepad with you at all times. Send yourself a text when that idea light bulb hits you. Be original. Set yourself apart from the flock.