Creative Screenwriting Feature Screenplay Competition Grand Prize Winner Anthony Martinez On “The Day”

1) What was the initial spark that drew you to this story?

I wanted to explore how sports mirror real life; the triumphs, the pressures, and the bigger questions of identity. The Day asks what it means to stand firm in who you are when the world tests you. I was inspired by the way sports often reflect the larger struggles of society. Further, I wanted to explore what it feels like for a young Black athlete to rise to greatness while navigating the pressures that come with fame, family legacy, and expectations. At its heart, The Day is about courage, about asking, “What happens when someone chooses to stand firm in who they are, even when the world pushes back?”

2) Did you draw on other inspirations to build your story?

Yes, many. I looked to real moments in sports history, athletes like Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, and Colin Kaepernick who carried more than just the game on their shoulders. The greatest inspiration came from Shadeur Sanders and his current journey in the NFL. I also drew from films that use sports as a metaphor for life, like He Got Game and Any Given Sunday. Most of all, I pulled from history and culture, because I wanted this story to feel layered and truthful, not just about football, but about identity and legacy.

3) Is there a personal connection to your script that makes it speak to you?

Definitely. Growing up playing football from pop warner to high school, sports were more than entertainment in my community, They were opportunity and hope. I also served in the Marines and worked in law enforcement, which gave me firsthand experience of what it’s like to operate inside demanding systems. That perspective shaped how I wrote Moses Freeman’s journey, he’s not just chasing wins, he’s navigating what it means to stay true to himself when everything around him tests that.

4) How would you describe your personal brand as a screenwriter?

I focus on telling original stories that are both bold and universal. My writing often blends cultural history with cinematic, character-driven drama. Whether it’s The Day, Bleed the Bayonet, The Wages of Sin or Dead Homies, I aim to create work that’s authentic, thought- provoking, and entertaining stories that resonate deeply while still reaching wide audiences.

5) What were the major notes and draft iterations of your script?

Early drafts leaned more toward a classic underdog sports story, but as I developed it, I realized the script was about something bigger: the pressures behind the game. Later drafts layered in the family dynamics, the boardroom politics, and the way media shapes narratives around athletes. Each pass helped bring out the emotional stakes, so the audience isn’t just watching football, they’re watching a young man grow into himself.

6) What words of advice and encouragement would you give aspiring writers?

Tell the story only you can tell. Don’t chase trends, lean into your own voice and experiences, because that’s what makes your work stand out. And don’t be discouraged by rejection; sometimes it has less to do with your talent and more to do with timing. If you stay consistent, keep learning, and keep writing, your opportunity will come.

by Staff Writer

From our in-house editorial team.