Screenwriter Interviews
MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Thomas Manning
An interview with screenwriter Thomas Manning regarding the 20/20 Writing Competition.
Q: What's the title of the script you entered in this contest, and what's it about?A: It's called, "SuperKill Theatre Presents: A Trilogy of Death and Dying Horribly". The story, as implied by its title, is a trilogy: A horror anthology in the vein of 'The Twilight Zone' and Stephen King's 'Creepshow'. The three stories, 'Dark Matter', Momma's Boy' and 'The Super-Killers' all have twist endings, and the three tales are woven around a connecting story that ties everything together by the end.
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 because the fine folks at 20/20 have made a habit of trashing my screenplay submissions over the years. But their detailed criticisms have helped shape my writing. 'SuperKill Theatre...' was also a 2008 Shriekfest Competition Finalist.
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: In addition to other prizes, a winner of the 20/20 is awared agency representation. As of now, that ball hasn't started rolling yet, and I'm still waiting to hear from an agency. Any agency!! Please!!!
Q: Were you given any feedback on your script? If so, did you find the feedback helpful?A: The feedback was negative. They judges loved it and hated it. But, as it turns out, 'SuperKill Theatre' is a damn good story, and the judges recognized potential in it, despite the fact that, story-wise, it's not their cup of tea.
Q: Has your success in this contest helped you market your script? Were you contacted by any agents, managers or producers?A: As of this writing, NO! Holy Moly! What's a guy gotta do around here to get an agent?
Q: What's your background? Have you written any other screenplays or television scripts?A: I'm working on my 11th horror screenplay. Most of what I've written has gone on to become contest Finalists, Semi-finalists, and have received Honorable Mention.
Q: Do you live in Los Angeles? If not, do you have any plans to move there?A: I live in NY, but I will go where the work is.
Q: What's next? Are you working on a new script?A: Yep! Another supernatural thriller entitled, 'Captured On Film'. What's next for me is hopefully gaining agency representation. I won two screenplay competitions in 2008, so hopefully 2009 will bring more success.
Posted Monday, January 12, 2009
