Screenwriter Interviews
MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Eric Carlson
An interview with screenwriter Eric Carlson regarding the Acclaim Film Writing Competition.
Q: What's the title of the script you entered in this contest, and what's it about?A: Long Overdue. With the Battle of the Bulge as a backdrop, "Long Overdue" is a fictional story about big band leader Frank Ernest who comes to the front lines for a couple of hours to entertain the troops - a risk he takes to provide a much needed boost to his career. But a broken down jeep forces him to hitch a ride back to headquarters on a slow moving supply truck. After a few wrong turns, Ernest, an African American truck driver, a female correspondent, a medic with three wounded patients, and an accused deserter with his escort all become trapped behind German lines. To survive the harsh weather and pursuing Germans, Ernest and the others must learn to overcome conflicting agendas and personal prejudices. And one must make the ultimate sacrifice to save the others.
A: I read the very positive comments about the contest on Moviebytes. And I can tell you this contest absolutely deserves those high ratings! Long Overdue has also placed in A Feeding Frenzy, Red Ink Works, and the International Family Film Festival.
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 was superbly run. The ink "was hardly dry" on my e-mail notification from Frank Drouzas when I was contacted by Ink Tip to post my script, and my prize money arrived shortly thereafter.
Q: Were you given any feedback on your script? If so, did you find the feedback helpful?A: The feedback I was received was great, and showed that my script was really read and reviewed in great detail. I would highly recommend this contest to those writers who want real feedback, timely notification, and excellent followup. Put Acclaim on your "must submit" list!
Q: Has your success in this contest helped you market your script? Were you contacted by any agents, managers or producers?A: It's too early to tell yet, but I have already received hits on Ink Tip. The printed logline will go out in the October InkTip magazine. I know this win will add significant credibility to my script.
Q: What's your background? Have you written any other screenplays or television scripts?A: I've written several screenplays during the past three years: True North which has placed in 12 contests including a win and a second place; Long Overdue which has now placed in 4 contests including this win; and Space Race which I have just completed - and I will submit it to a few contests over the next several months.
Q: Do you live in Los Angeles? If not, do you have any plans to move there?A: I do not currently live in Los Angeles but I have the flexibility to move there for the right opportunity!
Q: What's next? Are you working on a new script?A: I've begun an outline of my next as yet untitled script, and I hope to have a first draft completed by December. I'm also co writing another script. So many ideas, so little time!
Posted Thursday, August 28, 2008
