In another edition of my script reading blog series, I had a great time interviewing Rob Nelson. But first, a word from Rob.
Rob:
Hello. My name is Robert Nelson. Friends and family call me Rob. I am the creator of "Home Grown Horrors," a series of scripts that takes inspiration from legends and folklore from my home state of North Carolina. These scripts will be published in both paperback and Kindle edition books on Amazon. The first script in the series is titled "Hell Hound." It is based on the legend of the "Demon Dog of Valle Crucis," which was published in February 2025. The next installment in the series will be based on the legend of "Lydia, the Phantom Hitchhiker" from Jamestown, NC. The title will be "Phantom Hitchhiker." The third book will be based on the legend of "The Beast of Bladenboro." It will be titled "Vampire Beast." The series will consist of roughly ten, possibly twelve books in total.
Along with "Home Grown Horrors," I have created a Paranormal Reality Series called "Legend Trippers." The paranormal team of investigators consist of myself and two close friends. Our team is called E.P.I.C (Eastern Paranormal Investigation Company). Our goal is to investigate and film the same legends as showcased within the "Home Grown Horrors" script books. The first episode in the series will be filmed at the site of Lydia's Bridge. The episode is in direct correlation with the "Phantom Hitchhiker" script. Filming will commence sometime in April/May 2025.
About Rob:
Rob Nelson is an experienced screenwriter who has been crafting screenplays since his teenage years, working across the Action/Crime, Horror, Sci-Fi and Thriller genres. Based in Lewisville, North Carolina, Rob has written his home state into a few of his scripts, most notably "Aberration" and "Home Grown Horrors: North Carolina * Hell Hound*. He has a wide range of screenplays under his belt and is known for his ability to bring all manner of characters to life, with witty dialogue and immersive detailed action. His dedication and versatility have earned him accolades from other creatives, film festivals and fellow writers. Rob is often called upon for his writing and editing skills, with over a decade of experience as a sought-after script and book editor, growing into an independent venture that's helped elevate numerous personal projects to award-winning status. In 2022, he transitioned to publishing his screenplays in both Kindle and Paperback formats. He's also ventured into song parody writing. Rob's goal is to continue evolving his craft and become a widely known talent, behind the camera as a Director, in front of the camera as an on-air Paranormal Series host and Podcaster, and behind the scenes as a Screenwriter and Editor, while always remaining open to collaborations that fuel his passion for storytelling.
How did you get started in the industry?
I started in the industry as a screenwriter. After collaborating and cowriting several scripts with other writers, I decided to offer my services as an editor. Being a published author, and honing my skills pouring over my own scripts prior to publication, it has allowed me the confidence and skillset to offer my services to others.
What inspired you to become a script reader/writer?
The inspiration to become a script reader/writer came from my love of movies. It is rewarding to see not only my own ideas on paper, but close connections/collaborators as well. It is gratifying to know that I can take my experience and help someone along their own endeavors.
What makes a movie great?
It doesn't matter about the genre, the director, the writer, the dialogue, etc, it is the story itself that has to grab my attention and pull me in. Any movie that can do that is a great one. The film has to captivate the audience, leaving them wanting more well after the movie ends.
Do you prefer television or movies? Why?
I prefer movies personally. TV shows are great, but movies are meant to be an escape from everyday reality. Movies are a way to forget about the daily stresses of life for a couple hours. We are drawn into the worlds of the fantastical, relieving our stress, anxiety and concerns. Even for just a little while, we can immerse ourselves in the action, drama, humorous and scary worlds that movies have to offer.
When you read a script, what do you base your feedback on?
I base feedback on attention to detail. Characters, locations, action lines and scene headings are integral to the overall plot of the story itself. These factors need to set the narrative for the whole story, elevating the reading experience to the next level.
Where do you notice writers struggle the most with their scripts?
The heroes journey, the dilemma faced, the end outcome is what most writers struggle with. The first, second and third acts need to mesh cohesively. Outlining the whole story can help alleviate most issues. However inspiration can hit at any moment, drastically changing the course and the whole narrative dynamic. Keeping the overall tone, feel and consistency is key to the story arch. You cant have a strong first and second act if the third act is weak, or vice versa for that matter.
How do you know when a script is ready to be sent out to the professionals in the industry?
Multiple drafts are sometimes needed in order to successfully complete a script. Each draft needs to be read, reread and edited multiple times. Grammar, spelling, punctuation are all must haves, but also the action lines and dialogue have to make sense and fit each scene accordingly. Sometimes trimming or even lengthening a script is necessary to achieve the preferred page count an format.
What's one piece of advice writers should hear?
No matter what a writer does, no matter how long a writer labor, no matter how many rejections a writer receives, the goal is not to give up. The minute a writer gives up, it is the minute that writer loses. A writer will receive 100 "no's" before receiving an eventual "yes." Keep pushing!
If you could change one thing about the film industry, what would it be?
We need more independent productions. More creatives need to stand up to the gatekeepers, stand behind their work, push for more creative control. Hollywood needs to be investing in smaller budget and/or new material, not spending millions on rehashing tired old franchises. Seek out new talent, new material. There are plenty of fresh, inventive scripts in the world that need to be taken seriously.
Do you have a favorite genre you enjoy reading?
Horror is definitely my favorite genre. It's fun to be scared and entertained simultaneously. Horror movies are cheaper to produce, and can more often or not, have a huge return on investment. The genre itself has made a comeback. It's had a resurgence and coming back strong.
What was the best script you've read?
Predator by Jim and John Thomas. This Sci-Fi Actioner inspired me to write "Monstrosity." I wrote this script as an Homage to this classic film. I believe that if Monstrosity were to ever be produced, it could go toe to toe with the original Predator and in it's own right become an Action/Horror classic.
Are you currently working on any scripts?
I am currently writing the follow up installment to my "Home Grown Horrors" script book series. The first one has already been published and is titled "Hell Hound." It is based on the legend of The Demon Dog of Valle Crucis, NC. The next script is based on the legend of "Lydia, the Phantom Hitchhiker. The story originated in Jamestown, NC. Lydia will be followed by "Vampire Beast." This story will be based on the legend of "The Beast of Bladenboro," which originated in the small town of Bladenboro, NC.
I am also currently developing a Paranormal Reality Series that I call "Legend Trippers." The goal is to film the proof of concept episode in April/May 2025. This episode will coincide with the scripted story of Lydia, the Phantom Hitchhiker. The series itself will explore legends and folklore around the great state of North Carolina.
If you'd like to take part in the script readers blog series, please reach out to me!