AFF Vibes and Continued Inspiration

My last blog was about my experience attending the Austin Film Festival in Austin, Texas. The good vibes and inspiration carried over into 2026. I’ve gotten to know some people I briefly met at AFF. Two of them I met at an ISA networking mixer (International Screenwriters Association). Gotta keep attending mixers! 

“You’re a Script Reader!”

During the holidays, an industry friend, Todd Ocvirk, invited me to attend a holiday party hosted by FilmQuest Film Festival. Although their festival takes place in Utah, they throw mixers in LA to grow their community. Eventually, I hung out with Todd and his associates.

That’s Todd on the right. 👋🏻

At one point during the party, I was roaming around on my own. We were all wearing stickers with our names on them. Suddenly, someone called out, “Ross!” I spoke with this man and woman about my writing, directing and video editing. As I’m about to exit the chat, I handed Jim Cirile my business card. He reads the hyphenates and exclaims, “You’re a script reader!” Jim runs Coverage Ink with a whole staff of readers.

So, in January I tried out by reading a screenplay and giving notes (for free.) The company liked my notes and now I’m working for them on a freelance basis.

More of the Notion: You Never Know

Although I’m branding myself as a science fiction writer, you just never know when one of your scripts might be very timely. Many years ago, I wrote a screenplay inspired by two Iranian male teenagers looking to get themselves smuggled out of Iran into Pakistan in hopes of getting to America and the American dream. It’s called “American Quest.”

I threw this poster together with a logline. I know it should be more of a tagline. It’s at least a visual. 

With all the turmoil, protests and now war between the United States, Israel and Iran, I thought I should give “AQ” a little polish and at least be able to use it as a dramatic sample. One of the subjects I wrote about has hired a new writer to do something with it. I don’t know the details. My option ended many years ago. 

Israel and the United States have started a war with Iran.

Everybody pray for THE WORLD! 

Taking a deep breath.

Letting it out.

On with my newsletter. 

I continue to rewrite “Jordan and the Sphere,” a sci-fi story about a family inheriting a metallic sphere with supernatural features.

Other sci-fi oriented scripts I’m working on include “Modified,” “The Battle of Los Angeles – 1942” and “Rivals.”

A few movies I’m really looking forward to are Steven Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day” and “Godzilla Minus Zero.” I’m also excited about Ryan Coogler doing his own “X Files” TV show. (MUST. MANIFEST. WRITING. FOR. THIS!!!) Perhaps I’ll be writing a sci-fi TV spec script in the near future.

So, by now maybe you’ve heard about President Obama answering a question on aliens being real. When Trump is asked about it instead of saying ‘no comment’ he launches into how Obama shouldn’t be mentioning classified information. So, you’re telling America there is something there? And now Trump says he’s releasing a lot of classified files on UFOs and UAPs, aliens, etc. 

Which ‘D’ word are we getting? Disclosure or Distraction? 

So far, 2026 has been a total shit-show! It’s scary! We need stories to help us get by. Human stories. Funny stories. Even love stories. 

Another screenplay of mine I’m still working on is about two comedians sharing a similar schtick about relationships. It’s called “My Soulmate Died at Birth.” 

One of my guilty pleasures is “When Harry Met Sally” directed by Rob Reiner. Reiner was so talented. “The Princess Bride,” “Stand By Me,” “Misery.” That’s just a few titles. 

Robert Duvall (“The Godfather,” “Apocalypse Now”) and Catherine O’Hara (“Beetlejuice,” “Home Alone,” “The Studio”) are two great actors that made such an amazing impact. I share a lot about writing, but without actors and directors stories would not come alive. 

“I like writing because you can make things happen and turn out the way they never do in real life.”
– Rob Reiner

Creatives need the support of friends, family, fellow creatives and anyone who’ll listen to our madness. 

Here’s to making 2026 the best it can be!