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Screenwriter Interviews
MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter William Bienes
An interview with screenwriter William Bienes regarding the Red Inkworks Writing Competition.
Q: What's the title of the script you entered in this contest, and what's it about?A: A Bar Called Elegante - though more an ensemble piece, the logline reads: A disgruntled and cynical Cupid, tired of his thankless job, finds liquor, trouble and a few surprising definitions of love, in a bar called Elegante. Cupid wishes to feel love, but does not the time, so he begins to drink more. Theo (Prometheus) is the bartender, wishing to be left alone and live among man. Aphrodite (Theo's past love) is sent down to take corrective action with Cupid. Woven within the mythical side of the Elegante story, is the human side of love.
Q: What made you enter this particular contest? Have you entered any other contests with this script? If so, how did you do?A: Feedback - the contest offered quality notes and received an excellent report card on your website. I've entered this script in several contests, most of which I have not heard back from. I am a current semi-finalist in writemoives.com and soon enough I'll find out where I stand with the others.
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: I was very satisfied. Well done and well run. I received feedback from the director of the competition and quick responses to emails. I have received everything promised.
Q: Were you given any feedback on your script? If so, did you find the feedback helpful?A: Yes, and yes. The feedback was concise and affirmed my feelings about the script. It is a quirky premise, ensemble, character and dialogue driven script. Larry Myles saw everything I was trying to accomplish and explained the technical aspects better than I ever could.
Q: Has your success in this contest helped you market your script? Were you contacted by any agents, managers or producers?A: It has helped a great deal. I've had several hits on Inktip, and due to the contest directly, was contacted by a production company. They requested a copy of the script, and I obliged. I'm pleased with the exposure the script has garnered thus far, and feel that competitions are the way to go for me. I would rather take my chances and pay a sumbission fee than write the query letter. You can't beat the exposure of a solid placement, though not guaranteed such placement.
Q: What's your background? Have you written any other screenplays or television scripts?A: I just got back to writing 2 years ago after a 10 year hiatus. Marriage and children - they make you choose a vocation with a steady income. Having said that, I'd forgotten how much I really enjoyed writing. I have several scripts in the works, and just finished a short feature that I entered in a handful of competitions.
Q: Do you live in Los Angeles? If not, do you have any plans to move there?A: No, I reside in New Jersey. With close proximity to NYC, and technology being what it is, I don't feel that a screenwriter needs to be in LA - though it does have its conveniences.
Q: What's next? Are you working on a new script?A: I'm working on several scripts right now, though more focused on a romantic comedy. I enjoy having several pieces going at once; it keeps me from hating the primary piece with every fiber of my being. Having other ideas to explore at the same time calms my hatred of the current piece to only a few fibers.
Posted Thursday, June 16, 2005
