Interviews

The Spec Script Library

Screenwriter : Mike Shields

Mike spent the frist thrity-two years of his life in North Hollywood,
but now lives in Redondo Beach, California

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What is your passion?

Acting. I'm writing stuff right now
with myself in mind for the lead role.

What is your pride?

That would have to be my two children,
Amanda almost 4, and Scott is twenty months
as I write this.

What is your greatest fear?

That everytime I make love to my wife will be the last time.

What does adversity do to you?

I'm sure others have answered this, saying, whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. I went through a time of virtual homelessness, and I made it through that.

What is your best quality?

Ability to pick things up quickly.

What is your worst quality?

Inability to take criticism.

What irksome habits do you have?

None that I'd care to admit to.

If you could have your time again, what would you do that is different?

I'd get a degree in acting and film making, instead of Computer Science. From USC no less.

What would you like to change about yourself? About others?

I'd like to lose about thirty pounds.
And I think everyone else should as well ;)

How important is goal setting to you?

Not very. I kinda take my life as it comes. However . . .

What goals do you have?

To act.

What is your ultimate goal?

To act for the rest of my life.

What heroes do you have?

Batman.
People have done worse with the kinda money
Bruce Wayne has. He chooses to put his life on the line everyday,
and take no reward for it. Of course, he is
a fictional character....

What inspires you in others?

Ability to make me laugh.

What inspires you in yourself?

Ability to make others laugh.

What will be written on your headstone?

He came, he was here, and he left...

What does success mean to you?

Being able to do what I want, when I want,
and not having to answer to anyone.

How do you measure success?

One dollar at a time.

What are your pet hates?

Well, I'm allergic to cats....

What are your pet loves?

Well, I always say, love your pets, just don't LOVE your pets....

What do you think of pets?

If I could start a kennel breeding Chow Chows, I would.

When are you happiest?

When I'm making others around me happy.

When are you hardest to please?

Almost all the time.

What has been your most embarrassing moment?

Don't really have one.

What's the most exhilarating thing you have done?

Skiing Mammoth Mountain.
Also Alpine Meadows.

What is it about screenwriting that gets your fired?

Doing it on company time.
Oh, you mean my fire??? I'd say that deep down,
I'm a control freak, and this is the ultimate way
to express that need.

What screenplays have you written?

Diamond in the Rough
and Diamond is Forever, which the second sequel.
I've got the first sequel and several other scripts
in various stages.

What is your favorite pastime?

Any sport. I have an extremely diverse background,
and can do and play several things well.

What is your favorite motto?

All for one, and one for all.

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If you would like to contact Mike
please mail him

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