MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Brett Nelson

An interview with screenwriter Brett Nelson regarding the Split-Screenplay Writing Competition.

A: "Time's Square N' Central Park." It's about a married couple that celebrates their 20th Anniversary in Central Park. The husband takes his wife to very spot where he proposed to her and asks for a divorce.

At the same moment, not too far away, a man admits to his longtime girlfriend that he’s cross-dresser and a young man tells his younger sister and parents he’s gay, while introducing his gay lover.

From that moment, they all strive to understand divorce, sexual identity, acceptance, and personal independence in their lives.

The results of those circumstances eventually bring them all together and take them from the park to Times Square.

A: I entered this contest from hearing about the great feedback from fellow writers. Many screenwriters tend to overlook the free contests and enter the much larger and significant ones.

With this contest, it’s your peers and colleagues who judge your script and that’s the best feedback a writer can get.

I have entered this script in the 2004 “Words From Here” contest. I plan to enter TSNCP and my next comedy spec in other contests in 2004 and 2005.

A: I was really impressed with Chris Renzi's agenda on how the script contest worked. The rating system was easy to use and understand. If there was a problem or glitch, Chris fixed the problem immediately to avoid any review delays. The contest deadlines were met right on time.

A: Yes, I was given feedback that was extremely helpful and it also gave me the inspiration to write more projects throughout the year.

From some of the reviews, I was told that my characters were too clichéd. I respected the reviewers’ criticism even though they did not realize that the characters in the script were based on actual people. The character of Manuel, the older, gay Hispanic lover of David, was actually based on a guy that I saw while sitting in Central Park. This man was openly gay, twirling his hands in the air and shouting into his cell phone, wanting to know where the person he was talking to was at and why that person hadn’t shown up to meet him. The black, female character of Ronni Reese was based from a close friend of mine, everything from her language, the bobbing of her head and the snapping of her fingers. From this, I have learned that there are no clichéd characters, only clichéd, real life people.

Out of all the reviews and their high scores, one reviewer said the script made him “laugh out loud.” That very comment is the greatest score (and compliment) a screenwriter could get with a comedy script. I’m absolutely happy and ecstatic that my overall goal had been achieved… to get the reader to laugh.

A: A day or two after the contest winners were announced, I was contacted by a professional actor who wanted to “audition” for the role of David, the young, gay man who tells his family he’s gay while introducing his gay lover. It was hilarious. This actor sent his headshot and resume to me. He had informed his agent about the project. I politely told the actor, “I really have to get this sucker sold!”

It is great to see the recognition the script is suddenly receiving, especially since my former management tried to discourage me from writing it after I presented the vision of the story. I’m glad I listened to my instinct, kept on writing it, and dumped the management.

As of now, concerning agents, managers, and producers, my door is wide open. I am currently seeking representation in Los Angeles or New York. I also have other completed projects available. Any interested parties can visit my website at http://www.bretthowardnelson.net where they can read all my scripts online, including “Time’s Square N’ Central Park.”

A: I'm a former actor with over ten years experience in theatre, film, and television. I studied acting in and around the Seattle area and at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Pasadena, California. From all my experience in character development, drama, comedy, scene study, and script breakdown, the screenwriting process was an easy transition.

I have completed two true-life, docu-drama mysteries that would make great cable TV movies... "The Mystery of D.B. Cooper," and "The Black Dahlia Mystery." Check out my website for more info.

A: No, I live in Seattle. I lived in Los Angeles while attending drama school. It wasn’t pleasant, especially after being mugged and beaten by four guys. But if I got a good writing gig, sure… as long as I lived in a good neighborhood. I would also move to New York City in a heartbeat. I absolutely love NYC. I'm crazy about it. I would prefer that to L.A. any day.

A: I'm currently writing another comedy spec titled, "A Night at the Drive-In," that is almost completed. It would make a great, low budget, independent film. After sharing the first and second acts with some mentors, they agree this is my best screenplay yet and I agree. I will be entering it in contests along with TSNCP in 2004 and 2005.

After "A Night at the Drive-In," I am brainstorming ideas to write a sci-fi, a thriller, a horror, and more comedy scripts.

Posted Wednesday, May 5, 2004