Screenwriter Interviews
MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Phil Mell
An interview with screenwriter Phil Mell regarding the Monterey Writing Competition.
Q: What's the title of the script you entered in this contest, and what's it about?A: American Cowboy takes place in 1969 when the nation is divided and at war in Vietnam. Charlie Cooper, a rough-around-the-edges cowboy decides to rodeo full-time after losing his job and marriage... with one goal in mind -- make it to the Calgary Stampede and win the gold buckle. Along the way, he picks up a dog, meets an American Indian hitchhiker and competes against a younger, silver-spooned cowboy who slept with his wife.
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 the Monterey contest because of the many positive things I heard about it and also because I originally hailed from Salinas, California, a rural town near the Monterey bay.
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 contest is very professional and everyone affiliated with it has been nothing but helpful and supportive. I received my cash prize as told and it was sent to me shortly after receiving word that I won the "on-location award" for best screenplay.
Q: Were you given any feedback on your script? If so, did you find the feedback helpful?A: I did not receive any feedback, but was told that I should be proud of the writing. Those few words go a long way, in my book.
Q: Has your success in this contest helped you market your script? Were you contacted by any agents, managers or producers?A: Winning the contest has given me the courage to submit my work to more contests and to begin looking for an agent for representation. As of yet, I have not been approached by any agents, managers or producers.
Q: What's your background? Have you written any other screenplays or television scripts?A: I have been writing screenplays seriously for ten years now and have completed five feature length scripts. In addition, I have also produced three short films, one of them currently in post-production.
Q: Do you live in Los Angeles? If not, do you have any plans to move there?A: I live in North Hollywood, California.
Q: What's next? Are you working on a new script?A: I am working on a new idea... one that may possibly be centered in beautiful Monterey Bay.
Posted Tuesday, May 13, 2008
