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Scriptapalooza Interviews Contest Winners

How did you come up with your story idea?

I think every guy deep down wishes they were Don Juan. To be able to get any woman you want, to be respected and feared, and most importantly to be cool at all times. But no matter how hard we try, women control the dating scene nowadays. I thought it would be funny to kind of take modern dating and move it back a few hundred years into 19th century Spain, and see what happens when the self-proclaimed greatest lover in the world falls head over heels in love with a girl who can match his wit and charm.

How long did it take you to write it?

About a year total including all the rewrites. I actually wrote the first draft in 1999 but came up with some new ideas and finished the final draft just a few days before I mailed it in to Scriptapalooza.

Is this your first script that you have written?

I've written 8 total but Don Juan is by far the easiest script I have ever written. Juan became a character that jumped off the page. Everytime I wrote myself in a corner, I would look at my WWDJD bracelet and ask myself "what would Don Juan do? And everytime the scene would get taken to a much different...but much better place. Now I want to write a sequel Don Juan 2: Electric Boogaloo.

Have you entered other screenwriting competitions?

I entered a few when I first started writing five years ago, but I had no real idea how to write yet. So this was the first contest I have entered since 1999.

If so, have you been successful?

No I was not successful...obviously the other contests' judges were not as wise as Scriptapalooza's (or maybe I was just a really bad writer...no, I blame them)

Why did you enter Scriptapalooza?

I had heard of Scriptapalooza and I knew it was a big time competition with a lot of respect in the industry. My goal was just to finish as a quarterfinalist so I could have something to put on a resume in my search for an agent. I had no aspirations of winning because I know how many talented writers enter this contest. But it appears my bribes to the judges actually worked.

How did you feel when you saw your name as one of the winners?

Shock, amazement, honor, humility, nausea, vomiting, bloating, followed by elation... I was just so humbled. Just to be named as a quarterfinalist alongside so many other talented and up and coming writers was an honor... everything after that was just gravy.

Advice to other screenwriters?

There are two things that every other screenwriter must do. Rule # 1. Just write- stop making excuses, stop reading books on writing and just write. In real life you don't always get what you want, but when you're the writer you are the God of the universe of your script. You make all the rules, you control everything that happens. You get to live life through your characters. You can make them fly, or give them super strength. You can write a scene where your character gets to make out with Sarah Michelle Gellar...basically writing is wish fulfillment in script form. It is the most cathartic thing in the world and even if you never sell a script, writing will make you happier.

Rule # 2- Once you start writing...don't stop. Yes screenwriting is a very tough field to break into. And even the greatest writers will hear no more than they hear yes. But story-telling is the world's second oldest profession. People will always want to hear good stories...and unlike other jobs, age, sex, and education don't matter...if you can tell a good story people will always listen. Writing is one of the few professions that will never become obsolete. They will never be able to replace writers with robots...or monkeys...or robotic monkeys...robotic monkeys...that's a genius idea, I'm gonna go write that down. Gotta go.

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How did you come up with your story idea?

The story idea was Cory's, a hopeless romantic. She grew up with a little girl with tourettes and it inspired her to tell a story about the girl finding the man of her dreams. We wrote the script together.

How long did it take you to write it?

We wrote the first draft in a couple of weeks, but worked on it on and off for about six months.

Is this your first script that you have written?

Yes, as a team. I also wrote Tombstone on a Harley (Quarterfinalist) Have you entered other screenwriting competitions?

Nicholls.

If so, have you been successful?

No.

Why did you enter Scriptapalooza?

The quality of the competition.

Advice to other screenwriters?

Don't get frustrated by notes. Check your ego at the door and solicit as many as you can from the most knowledgeable people you can.

How did you feel when you saw your name as one of the winners?

Shocked. Overjoyed.

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Did you ever think you would sell your script when you entered the competition?

No. I was hoping to win, or at least place and maybe get some attention for the script. Selling it was a pipe dream.

How did you come up with your story idea?

I wanted to write a story about love and revenge, but among young people. Setting it in high school seemed like a fun world to explore.

How long did it take you to write it?

About six months.

Is this your first script that you have written?

No, it was my second.

Have you entered other screenwriting competitions?

I entered the Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting.

If so, have you been successful?

Redumption was a Semi-Finalist in Nicholl's, placing in the top 30 out of over 6000 entries.

Why did you enter Scriptapalooza?

I entered Scriptapalooza because, unlike some other competitions, I felt it could give my script the exposure it needed.

Advice to other screenwriters?

Concept and execution are important, but a unique voice is what makes a script stand out from the rest. Do everything you can to cultivate your unique voice. Find what turns you on and go for it.

How did you feel when you saw your name as one of the winners?

Who's that guy? Oh, right...it's ME!

Updated: 08/24/2004

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