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Screenwriter Interviews
MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Billy Maddox
An interview with screenwriter Billy Maddox regarding the International Writing Competition.
Q: What's the title of the script you entered in this contest, and what's it about?A: It's called Grace's Pawn. I wrote it with Danny Russell. He actually had the original idea. It won the TV Drama category. It's the story of a magical pawn shop in Watts, and the generations of strong women who have been its proprietors, beginning with an African princess stolen in a slave raid over 200 years ago. It's soulful and supernatural. I hate to do this, but for any network execs out there, it's "Touched by an Angel" meets "The X Files". I hear they like short sentences.
Q: What made you enter this particular contest? Have you entered any other contests with this script? If so, how did you do?A: This one was new, and it had a category for original TV Dramas. It's the first contest for this script, but we may enter it in others since we had such a good response. Or we may quit while we're ahead.
Q: Were you satisfied with the adminstration of the contest? Did they meet their deadlines? Did you receive all the awards that were promised?A: Very satisfied so far. The contest just ended, so we haven't received anything yet. But I'm not worried. I trust everyone in Hollywood.
Q: Were you given any feedback on your script? If so, did you find the feedback helpful?A: No feedback is offered in this contest. I must say, however, that I recently received some strange feedback in another contest for a feature script. I was given coverage by two different readers. One loved the script so much it was embarrassing, and the other one hated it. I don't know that I believed either one, actually. I sure liked reading the first one, though. I called my mom, but she swears she knows nothing.
Q: Has your success in this contest helped you market your script? Were you contacted by any agents, managers or producers?A: I was contacted by a production company and met with a manager, but that's it so far. We have some contacts who will be more likely to read it with the win, however. I've only been writing the last year, so I don't have representation. That's the next step, obviously. That or a kidnapping.
Q: What's your background? Have you written any other screenplays or television scripts?A: I'm a failed actor. So, when I fail at screenwriting, I plan to executive produce. This is my only project thus far with Danny, but on my own I have written one feature, the obligatory two TV specs, and three other original pilots. Also several shorts, and a ransom note.
Q: Do you live in Los Angeles? If not, do you have any plans to move there?A: I live out here. But I don't aspire to.
Q: What's next? Are you working on a new script?A: I just wrote a one hour spec pilot in three days after this guy gave me the most brilliant idea I've ever heard. If I told you I'd have to kill you. If I sell it, I'll have to kill him.
Posted Thursday, August 19, 2004
