A film by Justin Lader (Film B.F.A. ’06) has been nominated for “Best First Screenplay” at the 2015 Independent Spirit Awards.
Described as “more surreal than romantic with unpredictable results,” The One I Love stars Mark Duplass, Elisabeth Moss and and Ted Danson. The film premiered at the 2014 Sundance Festival.
The One I Love is Lader’s first feature film. Lader humorously describes himself as a “thriving writer/struggling waiter,” despite his recent success in the film industry.
Lader offered this advice to young film students: “The film industry is built on collaboration. This is especially true if you’re trying to break in as a writer. And being a writer, by nature, feels like a solitary endeavor. So, a job you essentially do all alone is juxtaposed with an industry built on personal relationships and group interaction. I’ve seen that really trip people up. So, I’d say, ‘Embrace collaboration.’ Always be writing. If you’re lucky enough to have people in your life that you trust to read your script and give you feedback, take advantage of it; don’t run from it. And try your best to surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. And the rest is a lot of luck.”
The Independent Spirit Awards are dedicated to independent filmmakers and celebrate real indie films. The awards ceremony will be broadcast live on IFC on February 21, 2015.