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Semifinalist: Best Script
 

At Amazon Studios

 
 
 

My Work at Amazon Studios

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More About Me

As the son of a hardworking teacher, I found escape from the struggles of the south side of Chicago through the films of Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and The Shaw Brothers. Inspired to reach for the stars, I dedicated myself to learning the rules of writing so that I might find my own place amongst my favorite films. I studied martial arts, not only for the discipline but to better understand the martial arts film genre, never mastering any, but utilizing the differences in each and adopting a learned technique into the perfect opportunity.

Having been a journalist throughout high school, I used these skills to hone my writing craft allowing me to complete my first screenplay with little trouble. My second screenplay has been a love affair that spawned as an adaptation to Luc Besson’s LEON. Another one was my take on the Hero's Journey; often characterized in successful films such as Star Wars and Harry Potter.

My writing background also includes journalism, having been a writer for New Expressions Teen News Paper, Writer and Junior Editor for DuSable High schools Award Winning Panther Press newspaper. I have self published several short stories and poetry. I am currently working on an adaptation of one of comic book writer Wes Hartman’s stories.

My first professional writing credit was in 2010 "Enter The Zombie" by Antarctic Press. I was responsible for the story concept.

My second writing credit is as a published author for the "Eiko" novelization under the Aisle Seat Books imprint.

I am a semi finalist in the first and second Amazon Studio contest for my screenplay "Eiko".

I am a contributing journalist on the Entertainment Buddha website (www.entertainmentbuddha.com)

I am also a producer, director and photographer.

As a film maker, it is my desire to tell new stories, that nobody else is telling in a way that only I can tell them. I’ve been a story teller for years, and now I have the means, the ability and the desire to create and film the best stories possible.

As a screenwriter I don't pull any punches. If the world is a violent and bloody place then that's what I portray. Too many writers try to soften their stories to fit in; and I think that is doing a disservice to the audience. I simply tell the story as it should be told.
 

Reviews I've Written

Asphalt John (Careful Who You Screw With), Richard's Original Draft

1 out of 1 people found the following review helpful:

One of the best I've read so far

Overall Recommendation:
5 stars
 
Premise:
4 stars
 
Story structure:
5 stars
 
Character:
4 stars
 
Dialogue:
5 stars
 
Emotion:
4 stars
 
March 28, 2011
Pretty awesome and one of the best action movies I've run across since my own. It was very easy to follow, very fast paced. It was cliche and did remind me of Shane at the end. The twist was kind of cool. In a way this film was like Down and Out in Beverly Hills meets Rambo...sort of. A fun film with very easy to follow visuals. A great presentation worthy of my time.

In regards to the cliche. Yeah I kind of figured that someone like Celia and someone like John...well you know. Saw it coming a mile away. This also reminded me of the original screenplay for Hancock but that isn't a bad thing. Anyway keep up the good work.

I also loved the shaky hands. Read it and you'll get it.
 

74 Hours, Dan's Original Draft

2 out of 4 people found the following review helpful:

Pretty Good Dan. Entertaining

Overall Recommendation:
4 stars
 
Premise:
4 stars
 
Story structure:
5 stars
 
Character:
4 stars
 
Dialogue:
4 stars
 
Emotion:
No rating
 
March 07, 2011
I won't bore with a long review or anything like that. I will say that I enjoyed 74 hours. Though for some reason it made me think of Commando at certain points; I still found it enjoyable enough to get it a solid four stars. Good job. Can't wait to see what else you come up with.
 

EARTH SHAKER, Richard's 2nd Draft

1 out of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Mess with the bull, get the horns...great movie.

Overall Recommendation:
4 stars
 
Premise:
5 stars
 
Story structure:
4 stars
 
Character:
5 stars
 
Dialogue:
4 stars
 
Emotion:
4 stars
 
February 02, 2011
I had to take a deep breath when starting Asterius. I knew it was going to be something I would either really like or really hate. As soon as we start we are thrust in the midst of a archaeology expedition that doesn't bode well for the two main characters Naomi Slokum and Douglas Hackett. They are professionals; but they don't really shake off that whole Tomb Raider vibe. In Asterius's case that is a good thing. It doesn't feel like Tomb Raider to me; and I am a big fan of the series game and movie wise. Richard takes it someplace else; more akin to Indiana Jones. The story continues on after some of the workers die but they still manage to get what they came for. This is where the story starts to slow down; but that's also not a bad thing. It begins to build up like a soda fizzing up until it spills everywhere. I have not finished it; but I get a really strong vibe that things will get worse for Naomi and Douglas before it gets better. I will complete the review once I complete the script; but so far here is what I think.

Richard has an excellent grasp of how to tell a story; and tell a good one. His characters are vividly described in short sentences that tells you everything you need to know about them. Nobody seems the same as another. His set ups are spot on. His dialogue needs work at spots but that is a minor issue at the least. I am really excited to see how it all plays out.

So far it has the makings of a really good film.

Bravo
 

Into The Light, Mark's Original Draft

3 out of 4 people found the following review helpful:

A smart intelligent film that takes you on a trip thru time.

Overall Recommendation:
5 stars
 
Premise:
5 stars
 
Story structure:
4 stars
 
Character:
5 stars
 
Dialogue:
5 stars
 
Emotion:
4 stars
 
January 29, 2011
Mark Aguilar has written something that I feel is pretty epic. When I read it, I felt his passion for historical events. Nathan isn't the typical hero; but more of a hero of circumstance; forced back in time with his pregnant wife. As they realize and lie through one event and then forced into others they discover the mysteries of hidden and lost history (best I can call it) Luckily Nathan and Denise are smart people with knowledge of the past; but that doesn't make it any easier for them. They continue their role infuencing history through their actions while trying to get back home. This is where the big payoff is. Watching Nathan and Denise continue on and then what happens to them is heart wrenching. The films true payoff is in the ending. When you discover that the film was not just about Nathan and his wife; but in what they are responsible for.

This is a well written film and I commend Mark's use of the unknown parts of history. He has a passion for it and it shows.

Great story. Great Characters.
 

Broken Vessels, TMAC 's 3rd Draft

2 out of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Not my cup of tea; but a great story.

Overall Recommendation:
5 stars
 
Premise:
5 stars
 
Story structure:
5 stars
 
Character:
4 stars
 
Dialogue:
5 stars
 
Emotion:
3 stars
 
January 19, 2011
This isn't my normal type of story. It strikes me as a thriller/historical journey/drama. It starts off in one direction but unbeknownst to you it takes you in a different direction; almost like the characters in the story. I really liked it. I could see the Old Man played by someone like Anthony Hopkins. The young one could be played by someone obviously younger. This has a big screen appeal and the twist at the end is worthy if not surpasses M. Night Shaymalan. I was really wowed by the back and forth in between the two characters. This story could have a big screen budget and it could also be done by a indy film maker; willing to put in work. All in all I give it 5 stars.
 

Yesterday, Aaron's Original Draft

1 out of 2 people found the following review helpful:

An interesting story; but needs work

Overall Recommendation:
3 stars
 
Premise:
3 stars
 
Story structure:
3 stars
 
Character:
3 stars
 
Dialogue:
2 stars
 
Emotion:
3 stars
 
January 18, 2011
All in all Yesterday isn't a bad story. Aaron has good intentions but the majority o his problems come from what I feel is an unclear vision. It feels as if he has a lot of ideas but isn't clear on which ones he wants to use. Most of all he has a bit of trouble with who the story is really about. It switches from two different protagonist in a way that muddles up everything that is going on. I feel that he does have a good story on his hands, it just needs some polishing and fine tuning.
 

Favorite Movies

The Professional, Ninja Condors, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Ip Man, Dead Fantasy series, Legend of the Wolf, Drunken Master, Ong-Bak ,The King of the Kickboxers, Kick-Ass, TURBO,
 

Influences

John Woo
Tsui Hark
Monty Oum
Robert Zemeckis
Robert Rodriguez
Akira Kurosawa
Masami Obaari
Donnie Yen
Jarrett Lee Conway
Jackie Chan
Bruce Lee
 

Following

2 Projects

(Science Fiction and Fantasy, Action and Adventure) Hector X

(Drama, Action and Adventure) Mark C. Aguilar

9 People

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Semifinalist: Best Script
 
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