MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Frank Kelly

An interview with screenwriter Frank Kelly regarding the Screenplay Search Writing Competition.

A: My supernatural drama screenplay, Iris, was the Grand Prize winner of the Screenplay Search Screenwriting Competition and received Recommend coverage from the reader.

Iris is the story of a police officer, haunted by the tragic death of his wife and a group of children in a horrific school bombing, who must determine if the terrifying hallucinations he experiences are the result of his traumatized mind or genuine visitations from the spirit world, warning him of another attack.

A: I entered this contest seeing a track record of success from the previous winners, and also for the feedback.

I also entered the script in the Reel Authors Break Out Screenplay Contest, where it was the Thriller/Horror Genre Winner.

It was also a finalist in the Writemovies International Screenwriting Contest.

A: Absolutely. Jason there had been in contact with me throughout the process and since!

A: Tough to say, because I worked on it simultaneously with other scripts, but I would say I probably spent a year or so in total from concept through the final draft that I submitted to the contests. I would also say I went through at least 10 drafts before submitting.

A: I used Final Draft to write the script. I also used Totally Write (which I believe is now called Contour) to help with structure.

A: I try to write everyday. Whether in my head or on paper. Some days it could just be one page, other days 20. Depends if the muse is chatty :)

A: Absolutely. I will usually listen to music or read to get the creative juices flowing again. Music definitely help. I try to choose a particular album or piece of music and listen to it only for each script I'm working on. So when I put on the music it brings me back into the story.

A: Career wise, I've been a graphic designer for the past twenty odd years. But I've been writing since I was a kid. I've only recently decided to focus on the writing and hopefully make a career shift. I have several other scripts written, and was fortunate enough to option two of them this year.I have yet to write a television script, but it is definitely on my list!

A: I do live in LA.

A: I'm working on rewriting the two scripts that I've optioned right now, in addition to polishing up Iris, and hoping to land a manager. I've got several more scripts on my desk eagerly awaiting their next rewrite!

Posted Saturday, December 15, 2012