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?

Charlie Ricottone: It is an absolute honour to have my screenplay selected as a finalist in the 7^th edition of ISC.

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

Charlie Ricottone: My story follows an African American doctor who is targeted by a murderous, radical group, as he is forced onto a quest to protect himself and his two young daughters. They find refuge with a mostly welcoming group in a decommissioned coal mine.

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

Charlie Ricottone: I love to create. Whether it’s writing, photography, idea generation and development, sculpture, or music, I derive much of my satisfaction in life through my ability to create.

NY Elite: What scripts have you written so far?

Charlie Ricottone: In addition to Refuge of Mine, I have written a spec script for a story inspired by Back to the Future, two thriller/horror shorts, and two one-page shorts for the Killer Shorts screenplay contest.

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

Charlie Ricottone: I tend to write adventure/thrillers that are stemmed from the main character suffering a major tragedy. I am also interested in writing crime/thrillers and dark dystopian thrillers.

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

Charlie Ricottone: The most important aspect to building a character is believability. As an avid movie buff, I mostly enjoy films in which the characters are believable, regardless of how farfetched the story or story world is.

NY Elite: What projects are you currently working on?

Charlie Ricottone: I am currently working on a female-led action/adventure/fantasy story.

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

Charlie Ricottone: I am a content writer on a marketing team by day and am afforded many creative outlets within my position.

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

Charlie Ricottone: Knowledge, hard work, and patience are the keys to success in this field.