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Scriptapalooza Interviews One Hour Spec Category Winner Steve Salada

Steve Salada

(1st Place Winner of the 1 Hour Spec Category)

Scriptapalooza: How did you come up with your story idea?

A: I was having writer’s block while writing a spec feature and my girlfriend suggested writing a tv episode as a diversion. I have been watching Smallville, and that night I pitched her two ideas for episodes. She picked the one she liked best.

Scriptapalooza: How long did it take you to write it?

A: Three weeks. I gave myself your deadline – the late entry deadline for scriptapalooza tv.

Scriptapalooza: Is this your first script that you have written?

A: No. I have written several spec features. But this is the first television episode I have ever written.

Scriptapalooza: Have you entered other screenwriting competitions?

A: Yes. I have entered them all.

Scriptapalooza: If so, have you been successful?

A: Only marginally. I was a semi-finalist in Scriptapalooza a few years ago with a script called Robin ‘N The Hood. I made quarter-finalist in a few other competitions with other scripts.

Scriptapalooza: Why did you enter Scriptapalooza?

A: When I decided to write a tv episode, yours was the only contest I considered. My experience with your contest, and the list of previous winners lead me to believe that Scriptapalooza is one of the few contests that judges stories based evenly on writing, character and entertainment value. Scriptapalooza isn’t afraid to place an episode of Buffy at the same merit level as an episode of Law and Order.

Scriptapalooza: Advice to other screenwriters?

A: Since I really don’t consider myself to be a successful screenwriter (yet), I feel a little hesitant to advise other struggling writers. But there is one thing I have learned. There is no one successful path towards writing. I am certain you will not find your own writing voice in the pages of someone else’s “how to write a screenplay” book. Just write and write and write.

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

A: Shock. As I mentioned above, this was my first attempt at television writing. I am grateful and elated that my screenplay was chosen.

Scriptapalooza: If you could write for any TV show, which one would it be?

A: There are many shows that interest me. I would love to write for the West Wing, Six Feet Under, Smallville or Scrubs.

Updated: 03/21/2003

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