Hailing from Taiwan, Wei-Che Hung is a London-based screenwriter, filmmaker, and novelist. He took the top spot in Filmmatic's Season 9 Short Screenplay Awards for his Hans Christian Andersen-inspired thriller "The Duckling", and was kind enough to give us some insight into his writing habits and aspirations.
1) How long have you been writing?
I started my writing journey when I was around 10 years old and haven’t stopped since. During college, I had the opportunity to work as a contracted author for a publishing house for three years, producing several novels. It was also during that time I developed an interest in screenwriting.
2) What screenwriting training have you received?
I had no formal screenwriting training before studying for my Master’s at London Film School (LFS). The experience there has been invaluable in crafting my writing and storytelling skills.
3) What writing habits work for of you? Do you write in short or long shifts, at scheduled times?
I prefer writing at a coffee shop, usually the Starbucks near my place. When my schedule is clear, I tend to spend six-ish hours there in the afternoon. I’ve found this routine to be the most effective for my writing.
4) What is your day job, and how does it influence your writing & project choices?
I’m currently between jobs after just finishing my Master’s. This gives me plenty of time to focus on my writing. With job hunting as my only distraction, I can dedicate myself fully to working on my scripts.
5) Our judges loved “The Duckling”, how would you describe the project to our readers?
I’m so glad you enjoyed the story! Simply put, “The Duckling” is an action-packed thriller with the following logline: A former inmate is triggered by memories of participating in a jailbreak as he reads a bedtime story to his daughter.
6) “The Duckling” has a heavy and unique premise; how did you land on the
concept?
Apparently, “The Ugly Duckling” by Hans Christian Andersen was a strong reference for my short script. After rereading it a few months ago, I was inspired to draw a parallel between the duckling’s escape in the fairy tale and the protagonist’s prison break in my story. By juxtaposing these two storylines, I aim to create a thrilling and engaging narrative that also explores the deep emotional bond between the father and daughter.
7) What are you working on now? What do you plan on writing in the near future?
I’m currently working on the second draft of a new feature, which is a mind-bending neo-noir thriller film. Having developed this story for some time, I am now focused on further revisions.
8) Where would you like to be writing-wise, and career-wise, in 3 years?
As mentioned, I’m a recent screenwriting graduate from film school. While I know I still have much to learn, I hope to maintain my current thirst for knowledge and passion for storytelling as I continue to grow as a screenwriter. In the next few years, it’d be great if I could establish myself as a full-time writer in either the TV or film industry. Currently based in London, I’d also welcome the opportunity to work in the industry in the States!
9) Any advice for those about to write their first short or feature screenplay?
From what I’ve learned, it’s crucial to bring one’s own voice into the story. In an interview, a filmmaker I look up to mentioned that it’s important to find an idea or concept that distinguishes you and hang onto it. “You have to find something only you can do that maybe other people couldn’t do,” he said. “That’s what’s going to distinguish you if you can do it successfully.” Writing with one’s own unique voice can be incredibly rewarding. This is something I kept in mind while working on “The Duckling,” and I hope it proves helpful to fellow screenwriters as well!
Congratulations once again to screenwriter Wei-Che Hung, our Season 9 Short Screenplay Awards Winner. All contact and script requests for Wei-Che will be forwarded to his attention.
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