MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Andrew Cannistra

An interview with screenwriter Andrew Cannistra regarding the Script P.I.M.P. Writing Competition.

A: “Hero of the Day” is an epic fantasy set in the world of comedy… When I decided to write a sword and sorcery story my goal was to write something different. So instead of the handsome hero saving the pretty princess, blah, blah, blah… I wrote a tale about a sidekick who must defeat his evil counterpart, save the world and maybe even get the girl: A hero, Speare Von Dalius (not a bright guy), and his ever-trusty sidekick, Fidel, ride forth to save the world from the hordes of evil. But when a fair Princess momentarily dazzles Fidel - he drops his guard. And it is Speare who literally gets the arrow shot through his heart, struck down by the wicked Rakx Bakxstabber. Thus Fidel, only a sidekick and he knows it, must begin an impossible quest to resurrect his hero, Speare, in order to vanquish an evil minion bent on world domination. But along the way he will discover what it takes to triumph on his own, even if that means he’ll always be thought of as the sidekick… So once again as trouble brews in the west hills and the ever-dopey Speare rides east. A true hero is needed to save the day - a hero like Fidel.

A: I have a friend who lists a script on Script P.I.M.P. and he recommended the site to me. I checked it out only to discover the contest. Having just finished an extensive rewrite on “Hero of the Day” I decided to enter it in its first contest. Glad I did. Recently I entered a few other contests Zoetrope, Script Expo and the American Screenwriting Competition … results to come later this year.

A: Yes, I was extremely satisfied. Script P.I.M.P. is a professionally run contest where I received what was promised and more. They have a unique awards/comedy show that was exciting, entertaining and a great place to network. The cash prize wasn’t so bad either.

A: No feedback was promised and none was formally given. But the people at Script P.I.M.P. did take some time with me after the awards show to chat. The questions posed were thought provoking and prepared me for the phone calls and inquiries I received.

A: Yes, several managers and producers have contacted me. Some seem promising… One seems very promising. Additionally I have queried several production companies citing the results and they have shown interest.

A: I have been writing like a madman for approximately eight years and belong to a weekly writers’ group. I have several film and television scripts in various stages of development… Isn’t that the stock line? It’s actually true - though my script “Jobbery” recently won both CineStory’s & Anything But Hollywood’s short script competitions. This is low budget indie-type script that I hope to direct. Here’s its very little pitch… It’s not just a job. It’s a robbery. I have also had success at American Accolades (top 15/top 3 drama category) and Make My Indie (top 20) with a supernatural drama recently re-titled “Jerusalem Slim”.

A: I live in Manhattan but would move to Los Angeles if that’s what it took. My wife’s already packing my bags… She’s the optimist and quite the packer.

A: First I need to finish the final cut on a little Indie feature film, which I wrote and co-produced. It’s called Persona Au Gratin or People with Cheese. (The title is currently in discussions). You can check out stills, info and a trailer at www.RedMonkeyFilms.com. Then I’m off to the CineStory writers’ retreat (www.cinestory.com) which sounds like a blast. I’m sure it will be a great learning experience as well as beneficial to my writing career. And as always I’ll keep plunking away at those keys, working on rewrites and creating new pieces, just to see where it may take me and hopefully… you.

Posted Tuesday, August 24, 2004