Screenwriter Interviews
MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Mauriel Joslyn
An interview with screenwriter Mauriel Joslyn regarding the 20/20 Writing Competition.
Q: What's the title of the script you entered in this contest, and what's it about?A: The script is Fellowship of Death and it's about a group of British World War I pilots who think a cursed piano dictates their fates in combat. It's sort of Ghost meets Dawn Patrol.
Q: What made you enter this particular contest? Have you entered any other contests with this script? If so, how did you do?A: I was attracted to the contest format. It was a little different because they post a checklist of 20 points a script must meet to advance. This was very helpful feedback right away. I have entered the script in about 4 other contests and it always made either the quarterfinals or semi-finals, but seldom did I get any feedback.
Mind was one of 8 who met the 20 points.
A: The contest just ended but so far they've been super. I was immediately assigned an agent to represent the script and they have been in contact by email regularly.
Q: Were you given any feedback on your script? If so, did you find the feedback helpful?A: The feedback given since the contest ended has been minimal but as I said it is just over. I believe the website said there will be further comments.
Q: Has your success in this contest helped you market your script? Were you contacted by any agents, managers or producers?A: Too soon to tell, but it certainly gave me a positive outlook for the script's potential by meeting those 20 points and winning.
Q: What's your background? Have you written any other screenplays or television scripts?A: I come from a non-fiction history background, and have 5 published books to my credit, and one in progress. I decided I loved the storytelling technique of screenplays -- and I believe a good true story can also be a great film. That is my goal. I have written 4 screenplays, and a second one was also entered in the 20/20, becoming a finalist.
Q: Do you live in Los Angeles? If not, do you have any plans to move there?A: No, I live in rural Georgia and no plans to move unless it becomes absolutely necessary. I have of course been to L.A. and it is great for a short time. But my family and my grounding is in Georgia.
Q: What's next? Are you working on a new script?A: Besides the book in progress, I have started a new script. This one is a time travel.
Posted Thursday, September 30, 2004
