Screenwriter Interviews
MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Karen Rouse
An interview with screenwriter Karen Rouse regarding the Spec Scriptacular Writing Competition.
Q: What's the title of the script you entered in this contest, and what's it about?A: It's called The Closer: Copycat. Ultimately, the show revolves around Brenda's interrogation skills. It started me thinking - what if Brenda had to interrogate herself? This idea developed into a story about identity and how we view ourselves. And given the title, it wouldn't be complete without a Kitty subplot...
Q: What made you enter this particular contest? Have you entered any other contests with this script? If so, how did you do?A: Copycat was a finalist at Acclaim & TV in February and one of only a handful of TV specs that made it through to the semifinals in the Writemovies International Writing Contest. First place in the Spec Scriptacular is its highest achievement.
I like TVWriter. Larry is genuine and encouraging and has established a community for people who are trying to break into the industry.
A: The announcement was made last week and I have already received an e-mail regarding the distribution of the prizes.
Q: Were you given any feedback on your script? If so, did you find the feedback helpful?A: I didn't request feedback for this script but I entered the contest last year with a CSI spec, which made it to the semifinals. Larry e-mailed me feedback personally, which I then applied to my Closer spec and it seemed to do the trick!
Q: Has your success in this contest helped you market your script? Were you contacted by any agents, managers or producers?A: It's still early days but contest placements definitely help you stand out. It's a competitive industry so anything that you can add to your pitch is beneficial.
Q: What's your background? Have you written any other screenplays or television scripts?A: I started in theatre - I took a Modern Drama Studies degree in London then wrote a few stage plays. I turned my hand to film and TV writing in 2006 and have since been building my portfolio.
Q: Do you live in Los Angeles? If not, do you have any plans to move there?A: I'm from the UK and currently divide my time between London and Providence, RI. If I was offered work in LA, I'd work in LA.
Q: What's next? Are you working on a new script?A: I'm currently revising one of my screenplays, a psychological thriller, called The Lie Detector. An early draft made it to the quarterfinals at Page International last year but it now needs polishing before I send it out again.
Posted Wednesday, April 30, 2008