A Glimpse into ‘To Err’
In the quietude of a post-apocalyptic world where the remnants of humanity have faded into oblivion, an android yearns for a sensation it can never truly experience. This is the essence of “To Err,” a thought provoking screenplay written by Derek Romrell that delves into the complex themes of desire, existence, and the boundaries between reality and imagination.
Romrell traces the origins of “To Err” back to his undergraduate days at BYU-I. He reveals that the initial draft was born on a whim, with a considerable portion discarded to give rise to the screenplay’s current iteration. The narrative draws inspiration from the Gnostic Gospel’s tale of Adam and Lilith, offering a unique perspective on rebellion and the pursuit of a world beyond reality.
The screenplay’s main character, Adam, evolves through the refining process transforming from a lover to a platonic partner in a dance between human and robot elements. Romrell acknowledges the pivotal role played by actor Dave Martinez in bringing Adam to life, capturing the delicate balance between humanity and artificiality.
“He (Dave Martinez) understood the fine line between human and robot I was trying to find, and executed it beautifully.”
For Romrell the journey of screenwriting comes with its challenges. He emphasizes the need to treat it as a job, acknowledging the days when inspiration flows seamlessly and the ones where the creative process feels like stumbling upon unexpected obstacles.
“The trick I’ve learned is to get past one hour of “bleh” writing, which usually primes the pump for some decent, fun writing after.”
Yet amid the challenges, Romrell finds joy in the bookends of the creative process – the exhilarating moments of initial inspiration and the satisfying sense of completion. He reflects on the necessity of keeping the writing process enjoyable to produce quality work.
“To Err” is an exploration of the human condition, a narrative that invites filmmakers to ponder the boundaries of reality. As an official selection in the Utah International Film Festival, scheduled for February 12-17, the screenplay is brought to life in the short film.
Romrell welcomes filmmakers interested in optioning his screenplays or collaborating on new projects to reach out through various platforms. From email (derek.romell@gmail.com) to social media, he extends an invitation for potential collaborators to connect with him, emphasizing his love for well-written characters and stories that linger in the minds of audiences.
