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Screenwriter Interviews
MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Carl Roth
An interview with screenwriter Carl Roth regarding the Valley International Writing Competition.
Q: What's the title of the script you entered in this contest, and what's it about?A: The winning script is called "That Feeling of Flying" and is about a thrill ride and roller coaster junkie, Christopher Aldrich, who is diagnosed with cancer. He and his long-time companion, Jimmy, and their 3 best friends decide to take the road trip that Chris has always wanted to take - to ride all the best coasters and thrill rides in the country. However, Chris' health declines before they get very far and they must all come to terms with Chris' imminent death. Flying, however, is a story about the joys of living, not about the certainty of death.
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 entered this contest as it is in my area. I live in the Los Angeles area and wanted to take part in as many of the festivals I entered, as possible. I got lucky that I didn't have to go far for the awards ceremony.
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: The administration of VIFFI (the San Fernando Valley Int'l Film Festival) was outstanding. Headed by Randy Salter, they (he, in particular!) were always available to answer questions and help with the process. They have a real love of film there and are eager to help new film makers and screenwriters get noticed. Nothing but kudos for VIFFI.
Q: Were you given any feedback on your script? If so, did you find the feedback helpful?A: They do not give feedback, but winning Best Screenplay was feedback enough, don't you think?
Q: Has your success in this contest helped you market your script? Were you contacted by any agents, managers or producers?A: I have been contacted by agents and producers with interest in my screenplay. Of course, we are still going through the reading process, but I haven't had anything concrete come of it....yet. It's a big deal just to have them come to me now, instead of the other way around!
Q: What's your background? Have you written any other screenplays or television scripts?A: I came to California over 20 years ago to write and get into "the business". However, as happens with many people, I had to put food on my table, so I ended up in the business world, with hardly the time to think, let alone write. Fortunately, I was laid off my job a couple of years ago and sat down at my computer. Within 6 months I had 2 completed scripts. I have written numerous short stories, and a stage play, as well as my other script, "Fading Genes".
Q: Do you live in Los Angeles? If not, do you have any plans to move there?A: I live in a suburb of Los Angeles; Duarte - about 10 miles east of Pasadena.
Q: What's next? Are you working on a new script?A: I am working on a couple of new scripts. One is about road rage, a very pertinent subject in Los Angeles at the moment. It is, however, a black comedy, akin to "Serial Mom". Some would argue it's in poor taste, but if John Waters ever let that stop him..
Posted Monday, May 9, 2005
