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Screenwriter Interviews
MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Tim Westland
An interview with screenwriter Tim Westland regarding the MoviePoet/Short Writing Competition.
Q: What's the title of the script you entered in this contest, and what's it about?A: The title is: Better Be Good.
It's about a young boy who finds Santa's lost bag of toys in a nearby forest. His first thought is to return it, but his big brother has other ideas.
A: This was the one contest of the year at MoviePoet.com where there was no requirement other than the 5 page limit. So we could write any story we wanted.
No, I have not entered this script in any other contests.
A: Heck, yes.
Chris Messineo, the admin, programmer and all around good guy who created MoviePoet.com has put together an amazing site and even more amazing contests.
Results are always shown on time.
A: I wrote the script in a couple of hours. I suppose I put in a tweak or three up until the deadline.
I don't usually outline for a 5 page script. I get the idea and let the script go where it takes me.
A: I use Final Draft. There are other applications, but this one works the way I need it to. It helps me write faster.
Q: Do you write every day? How many hours per day?A: Do you want the truth or a lie?
I don't write everyday. I also don't feel guilty about that. If I'm not feeling it, then I know I won't write my best.
When I'm working on a project, I'll write anywhere from one to five hours. after that, my butt falls asleep so I have to take a break.
A: Don't hate me people, but I never get writer's block.
Q: What's your background? Have you written any other screenplays or television scripts?A: I've written two features and a number of shorts in the 5 to 15 page range.
For MoviePoet...
First Place for "Better Be Good"
Honorable Mention for "The Magic of Faith"
Finalist for "HandyMan" Round 1 of 3: Logline Contest
Honorable Mention for "C.A.R.L."
Honorable Mention for "Sexagenarian" (aka Tarnation)
For NYCMM 2008...
First Place, Round 1 for "Balls Out" - A Surfing Mockumentary (and my favorite script to date - the ending still makes me tear up)
A: Just south of LA... in Orange County. Close enough if things go my way.
Q: What's next? Are you working on a new script?A: I have three scripts, all features, in the works.
I'm turning 'Better Be Good' into a feature.
I'm writing an adaptation (as an exercise) and an original Sci-fi horror flick.
Posted Wednesday, February 24, 2010
