Antoinette Fernandez is a multi-award winning screenwriter from Boston Massachusetts. She currently has 4 multi-award winning projects 7 Evils, Just By Chance, Out On A Limb, and “Still Got The Juice “ circulating throughout the film festival circuit globally . She continues to walk her path to success by creating stories with content of everyday life mixing truth with fiction for all cultures to enjoy. She is currently working on her documentary called (The Word Is Out – The Introduction 2 Still Got The Juice ) as well as an animated series called “ One Cruel Summer “ (Mason’s City) Antoinette remains humble, thankful and focused on bringing forth these projects to an audience on a major network.
How has being a multi-award-winning screenwriter made an impact on you personally?
Antoinette Fernandez: Honestly , it still hasn’t sunk in yet. It’s a very surreal moment… but I would say the only thing that has changed for me personally since everything has happened — would be, (NO FREE TIME TO SPARE). As much as I want to hang out — I know that if I stay home that’s 5 more pages I could write for an existing story or new story. The bar for me has been raised to a much higher standard than the previous years, and my workload has tripled . However I am so thankful for all the festivals who took the time to view my work and award as they saw fit.
If you could have one celebrity in your film who would it be and why?
Antoinette Fernandez: That’s an easy one.. Anyone who personally knows me …knows I absolutely love Viola Davis…. And WHY ? Her performances from How To Get Away With Murder, Get On Up, and don’t let me get started on her performance in Fences with Denzel Washington.. the scene when they’re in the back yard , and Denzel is telling her how he basically is tired of the relationship and she rips into him — she embodied that performance so much so I shared it on my page not to long ago as a reference of what excellence looks like in actors who not just embody their role but their skill to get to that kind of excellence. In acting.
Did you go to school for screenwriting or are you self-taught?
Antoinette Fernandez: I did not go to school for screenwriting nor would I say I am self taught for I had some amazing mentors — My aunt was a published author, I also had some great filmmakers in New York mentor me, though I do take writing courses online, I also read lots of books, one of my favorites is (Screenplay) by Syd Field. I love learning new ways to improve my craft.
What format do you use when you write a script?
Antoinette Fernandez: I use Final Draft — It is a user friendly tool … if you’re writing a script or tv show they have templates that you click on that formats it for you.
What are you most excited about as you flourish your career?
Antoinette Fernandez: I am most excited that I never gave up on me no matter the unfortunate times that occurred on my journey. I still kept going.
From your perspective, what is needed more in the film industry?
Antoinette Fernandez: More unity. I think as a whole if we all find a way to work with each other instead of against each other the films that could come out of being unified would be amazing.
Lastly, we would ask you, what feedback have you received from actors who portray characters in your scripts?
Antoinette Fernandez: Now, when I say this were they acting or were they telling the truth lol … Every actor that I ever worked with always expressed how unique my writing was and they felt it could help their career as an actor due to how intense the writing can be, no matter the genre.
Keep up-to-date with Antoinette Fernandez by connecting on Instagram @toni_filmmaker_fernandez/
Content: Tammy Reese
