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Scriptapalooza TV Interviews Pilot Winner Jason Bright

Jason Bright
1st Place winner
Pilot category


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

The story is based on a friend of mines true life story. We are working on a book deal as well. It's kind of a "Erin Brockovich" and "Bewitched" together. Fortunately there's nothing like it on TV right now and the timing seems appropriate.

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

About a month and a half. Completely finished in two months. This is the first TV script I've written. Up until now I've only written features so it took a little while to get it exactly the way I wanted it. Plus, I had to stay true to Tracy's life story so I couldn't add anything to help the flow or add humor or drama where needed. Fortunately, her story is great by itself.

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

Yes, this is the first television script. I actually just finished a sitcom version of the story as well. I did however practice the format by writing a "West Wing" spec.

Scriptapalooza: Have you entered other screenwriting competitions?

This is the first competition I entered.

Scriptapalooza: Why did you enter Scriptapalooza?

I had a good feeling about Scriptapalooza and it has a good list of sponsors. There are a lot of competitions out there, but this one struck a chord in me so I decided it would be the first one I entered.

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

I'm currently working on "That 70's Show" and "That 80's Show" and got the call I won at lunch last Friday. It was a great way to start a three day weekend.

Scriptapalooza: Advice to other screenwriters?

Advice to other writers: 1. Move to LA. Don't even bother if you can't. 2. Don't get pulled into buying book after book on "how to write" Just get one of the stand by books and keep your money. 3.Just because one or two people may not like your idea or story, don't get discouraged. All you need is one or two people to like it and cut you a check. Everyone's imagination and tastes are different. Some people just won't get it. 4. Be prepared for a fairly bad existence for a while. 5.Get a job in the industry. You learn what will sell and what is a waste of time. I've worked as Bob Rehme's director of development and worked over at Jerry Bruckheimer's. You meet other people in the business as well as agents and managers. You also learn what agents and managers are professional and a pleasure to work with (Nicole Clemens, Tammi Chase) and which ones are legends in their own minds (no names). Although there is no shortage of less than desirable people in Hollywood, there are also some extremely nice people who will help. It's amazing what can get done over "drinks."

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

I'm a poli-sci major from SMU so I'd love to write for the "West Wing", but my politics differ from Aaron Sorkin although I have a great spec of the show. I'd love to write for "Buffy", "24", "Alias", "CSI", "Undeclared" "The Agency" or travel back in time to write for a Michael Mann show. I loved the stylized look and feel of "Miami Vice" and "Crime Story" growing up.

Updated: 03/19/2002

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