For me, it all started with a dream.
It felt so real that I told everyone about it — and they said, “You should turn this into a movie.”
That’s how I ended up writing my very first screenplay.
At the time, I had absolutely no idea how to write a script.
I just opened Word and poured out my emotions.
Writing quickly became my escape, especially while dealing with my illness (idiopathic epilepsy).
Maybe that’s why my stories always carry a bit of truth and soul.
3 people like this
I wrote short stories in elementary school and middle school, Debbie Makima. I started writing scripts after I found part of the Office Space script online during computer class in 12th grade. I liked the way the script was written. It wasn't like the short stories I was used to reading and writing. I read one or two articles about screenwriting, then wrote my first script.
2 people like this
Maurice Vaughan
That's awesome, Maurice! Thanks for sharing your story, that's exactly what I was hoping for when I started this discussion. It's interesting that you began by not conforming to the norms. Did that "off the beaten path" approach continue to influence your writing afterwards?
2 people like this
You're welcome, Debbie Makima. It did. A lot of things I do (how I outline, how I pitch sometimes, etc.) are off the beaten path.
4 people like this
When I was on vacation in France, I heard this wild story, Spielberg offering a million dollars to anyone with a brilliant idea for his next film. Sounded like pure bullshit to me. I rolled my eyes, turned off the radio, and went back to reading Schindler’s List.
Years later the irony of all this sudenly hit me hard. I didn’t just want to read another Holocaust story, I wanted to write one, meaningful, controversial.
Then I remembered a chilling passage from Treblinka: a German officer’s family accidentally boards the wrong train, not headed to their husbands / fathers promotion party at SS headquarters in Posen, but to the death camp he indirectly helped design. Within thirty minutes of arrival, they're gassed. No records. No witnesses. Non.
The Final Solution is a Holocaust drama that flips the lens inward: what happens when the machinery of genocide swallows its own architect? The story explores complicity, identity, and irreversible loss. Think Son of Saul meets The Pianist, but told from the unthinkable perspective: the perpetrator turned desperate father.
3 people like this
Debbie, I am sorry to hear about your epilepsy. The great thing is that you discovered a creative outlet. I am dealing with an incurable lung disease, but still enjoying life. I only started my current creative journey in April with a happy accident. Best wishes from an American in Germany.
3 people like this
Rutger Oosterhoff 2
Rutger, what an intense and profound creative journey you've described! It's fascinating to see how a spark of thought on vacation can evolve into such a deeply rooted and important project. The evolution of your idea, moving through personal irony to arrive at such a daring narrative about the Holocaust, is an incredible testament to the power of creativity. Your description of the 'perpetrator turned desperate father' is particularly striking. Thank you for sharing such an honest and powerful story.
3 people like this
Wyman Brent
Wyman, thank you so much for such a touching message. I'm truly sorry to hear that you suffer from an incurable lung disease. It's incredibly inspiring to see how you continue to enjoy life and embrace a new creative journey despite everything. I strongly relate to this need to express and find joy through creation, especially when health is a challenge. I send all my best wishes for your journey and your health. Thank you for this beautiful connection and for sharing.
2 people like this
If others walked in your shoes for one minute, they couldn't take it. No one knows the pain of others. "You look so GOOD!" Arrgh.
2 people like this
Jon Shallit
Thank you so much, Jon, for such a powerful and empathetic message. You've truly hit on something very real: no one can truly know another's pain, but simply acknowledging it, as you do, is a huge support. That's why I wanted to start this discussion, so we could connect and understand each other a little better. Your message goes straight to my heart. Thank you so much.