MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Clark Childers

An interview with screenwriter Clark Childers regarding the Gimme Credit Writing Competition.

A: "The Garden" - A reporter interviews an elderly eastern European couple about the tragic loss of their teenage son in Vietnam. His missing body and his decision to leave without saying goodbye left behind wounds that time won't heal. There is a darker side to the story. For over thirty years, the husband has hidden the truth behind their son's disappearance. A secret kept out of love for his wife whose life depends on the possibility that her long lost son will one day return. She passes time playing cards and going to movies with friends, while her husband, day after day, only tends to the garden.

A: This is the first and only contest I have ever submitted to. I chose this one because it appeared to very legitimate and it had a "Super Short" category. At five pages, "The Garden" is an awkward candidate for most short story competitions. I also liked that the people behind GimmeCredit genuinely want to help fledgling writers get credit, something we all need so much. Thank you guys.

A: They did everything as promised. All announcements were on time and they get back to any correspondence in no time.

A: The feedback given to me by the judges was very useful. More importantly, I was given an open invitation to email them if I needed any advice or if something happens with one of my projects.

From the start, they have been nothing but professional and personable.

A: I haven't had time to approach any of my agent/manager contacts, but I predict having won this competition will positively affect any industry executive's perception of me and my work.

I have not actively pursued representation. Luckily I've made friends who have helped get my writing seen, but now that I have multiple scripts to shop, I know it's time I to find an agent. Anyone looking for new clients, please contact me through the website.

A: I was born and raise in Corpus Christi, Texas and graduate from Brown University in 2003 with a degree in English literature and creative writing. My inspiration to write screenplays came from my late grandmother's unpublished historical novel about the Galveston Hurrican of 1900 - the worste natural disaster in American history. For nearly forty years it sat in a closet until I discovered it and adapted it to film. That's when I knew I wanted to write screenplays.

Since that first project, I have written several screenplays - a biographical drama base on the life of the first female Secret Service agent and an action adventure fantasy along the line of "Indiana Jones". The script for hire I am not at liberty to discuss.

I also have created an original thrity minute comedy about the trials and tribulations of five assistants who all work for the most ruthless producer in all of Hollywood.

Last but not lease, my first children's book "More Snow for Kids" just went to print with 40,000 books presold. It will be released October 8th in HEB grocery stores throughout Texas.

Visit www.texassnowbook.com for more information about the children's story.

A: Yes, I live in LA. Like I said, I'm originally from Texas, but have lived up and down the east coast and abroad, including Washington D.C., London and Paris. I completed undergrad at Brown in spring of 2003, and moved straight from Providence to LA later that fall. I've been here three years without a single regret. I love LA.

A: I'm working on several projects. The Secret Service woman biography needs revision and there is another children's book in the works.

My main focus is trying to get into television. I would love to be a staff writer on a show.

In my free time, Sally, my cocker spaniel, just got signed at a canine talent agency. She will soon be featured in television, film and print advertisements...I hope.

Posted Tuesday, August 22, 2006