What’s your name? Where were you born? Where do you live? And what’s your hobby? 

Pablo Sternbach. I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. My hobby is playing the piano.

Where did you come up with the concept that just placed as Finalist in the screenplay contest? How long did it take you to develop it into the screenplay it is now? 

The concept was created by Nico Casavecchia when he developed a virtual reality short film named “Battlescar”. We’ve worked with him and Mercedes Arturo on the screenplay for two or three years.

From concept to finished draft, can you take us through your screenwriting process? 

The process was singular since it was developed following the guidelines and spirit of the original short film, based on its characters and story. We discussed story lines themes, we developed those characters deeply and wrote draft after draft until we got to this version. 

When did you realize that you wanted to become a screenwriter? 

After writing many theater plays and weird experimental installations, I realized I wanted to become a screenwriter. I was drawn to write screenplays passionately, finding the perfect medium to develop my ideas. 

Who are your biggest filmmaking/screenwriting influences? What about their style do you like or borrow? 

Lots of them and none at the same time. But from the top of my head, I can think of Coen Brothers, David Lynch, and Charlie Kauffman.

I love their approach to characters, dialogue, and structure. 

Have you ever been obsessed with a movie or TV show? If so, which one? Why? 

I’ve been obsessed with The Sopranos and Better Call Saul.

The writing is just perfect. The characters and compelling and complex, and the way the story evolves is always subtle and surprising. 

What’s your favorite moment in cinema history? Why? 

The “I’m at your place” scene from “Lost Highway” and the “No hay Banda” scene from Mulholland Drive are both moments that got stuck with me for a long time. Strange, compelling, and unpredictable moments.

Who’s your favorite character in cinema history? Why? 

The Dude from Big Lebowski and Barry Egan from Punch Drunk Love. They are deeply flawed, relatable, and lovable characters.

If you could talk to anyone from any era, who would it be and what would you ask them?  

Stanley Kubrick and John Cassavetes. I’d just ask about movies and let them talk forever.