Interview with Screenwriter Jessica Sadler (OMISSIONS)

1. What is your screenplay about?

Omissions is about a couple—Waan and Chai—whose marriage is in strife due to infidelity. The story opens on an airplane enroute to Baltimore to meet Waan’s family for Thanksgiving. The couple openly fight on the plane and separate before leaving the airport. What follows is three character perspectives of the same night, the harrowing events of which lead Waan and Chai back together but with an understanding that secrecy is an ingredient for a long-lasting relationship.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Dark Comedy, dramady.

3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

There are laugh-out-loud moments from beginning to end, but, also woven into this three part narrative is an intimate glimpse into family dynamics and an unorthodox take on what it means to hold a romantic relationship together. There’re so many tiny storylines and symbols going on in the background—it was a lot of fun to write.

4. How would you describe this script in two words?

Unconventional wisdom.

5. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?

A tie between Predator and Edward Scissorhands, both of which are calling me to watch again.

6. How long have you been working on this screenplay?

I wrote this screenplay pretty quickly—within 1-2 months—to meet a film festival deadline. Then, I edited it several times afterwards for the next few months.

7. How many stories have you written?

I’ve written several stories, two screenplays, two novels, and I’m working on my third novel now.

8. What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?)

That’s tough. I think it’d be better to point to some of my favorite artists whom I listen to over and over—dvsn, Doja Cat, Kali Uchis. I’m a big RnB fan.

9. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

I had been dealing with chronic health issues at the time. I was in a lot of physical discomfort, but I was driven to finish the screenplay.

10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

I’m a spiritual person, so I meditate a lot. I’m also engaged in a lot of different exercises: jogging, strength training, Muay Thai, and boxing. I also draw when I find the time which hasn’t been often lately.

11. You entered your screenplay via FilmFreeway. What has been your experiences working with the submission platform site?

It’s been great. Super easy. I like the dashboard page where I can see which festivals I’ve submitted to will announce their results soon. Have a Gold membership has save me lots of money.

12. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?

I’ve had little formal training in screenwriting so getting feedback was/is important to me. The feedback I got from this film festival was very encouraging. I was happy to hear that other people were as excited about Omissions as I am.

Watch the Screenplay Reading: