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?

Jaik Andino: Elated. Skited. (scared + excited) Perhaps a sprinkle of relief. I started writing this film 7 years ago after 3 nightmares. The 3rd one I found myself in my bathroom on the floor and didn’t know how I got there. Dazed and confused, I said, ok god, it’s time to go do this. I’m taking a leap of faith in 2022 to go live my dream! I spent many nights, weekends, vacation time outside of work on this story (not to mention how scary that nightmare was!) and to be selected means the world to me.

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

Jaik Andino: It’s a coming to age buddy romantic comedy about to childhood best friends, Jaik and Wyatt and their quest for love. Callie, the Matchmaker and Maeve, the assistant, organize dates for them but both fail spectacularly, earning poor reviews in the post-date survey. Wyatt receives feedback that he is not ‘woke’ enough and Jaik receives feedback that he is not ‘masculine’ enough. They clearly do not understand as Jaik suggests wearing camo pants for the rest of his life while Wyatt reacts that he only sleeps 5 hours a night.

They set off on an epic adventure that leads to unexpected places. With monster trucks, horseback chases and a huge secret, Jaik & Wyatt will find themselves in situations they were not prepared for. Through it all, they’ll discover the beauty to be found in life, friendship, and with any luck, in love.

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

Jaik Andino: Jaik Andino is an alumni of the Second City Acting Conservatory in Chicago. Jaik began pursuing his dreams as an actor, writer, and producer after spending 18 years as a global consultant working with corporate executives. Jaik hopes to use his work in entertainment to highlight experiences growing up as a minority, his pursuit of love, the corporate world and his global travels to tell real stories.

Jaik is a first-generation American who can bring his unique perspective to bear on any project he joins. His personal mission is to communicate complex stories about the crossroads of identity through relatable drama and comedy. Andino wants to tell stories that are equal parts educational and inspiring.

Of his work, Andino has said, “I want to be able to create and bring stories to life that reach into the soul, demand discussion and ultimately bring people from all walks of life together through the woven thread that binds us all, our emotions.”

NY Elite: What scripts have you written so far?

Jaik Andino: 2nd Date is Jaik Andino’s writing debut and first feature film as an actor.

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

Jaik Andino: I have always been very eclectic in taste and it would be a dream to write a horror and a sci-fi movie.

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

Jaik Andino: I like to build the character up from childhood including where they grew up, who raised them, what did they like, where did they go to college, who was their first love. What is their favorite food, smell, color and so on. I have a bank of questions and try to build all aspects of a character to be a real living person in the real world.

NY Elite: What projects are you currently working on?

Jaik Andino: I have started working on a character study story on Alexander the Great. I’ve also been continuing to focus on acting and pursuing a career in the field.

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

Jaik Andino: Acting and stand-up comedy. I also enjoy creating visual art that is representative of various aspects of the story.

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

Jaik Andino: Don’t overthink it. All entertainers started with a vision and passion. Only some go for it. And the others that did not, likely overthought it.