Sophia Carpenter

History, 2025

Venture. Two corporate astronauts scout a planet for an absence of life.

Why do you feel this publication is important?

I think highlighting screenwriters in a publication like this is important for screenwriters to showcase their original work, especially at a time when exploitation and fears of AI replacement run high. It also places an emphasis on the art itself, and encourages GMU film students, or just those that enjoy screenwriting, to work towards honing those talents.

What are the inspirations behind your screenplay?

I’ve always had a fascination with space and humanity’s role within it, especially as it pertains to our penchant for centering ourselves in an infinite universe. What constitutes “protectable” life, and who are we to say what that is? If we can commit the inherent violence of colonization on our own people, on our home planet, is there any doubt that alien life would be even less of a priority? As the richest of us plan to die in space after depleting the planet of its natural resources, it got me thinking about what would happen if those same faceless corporations ruled the stars.