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Screenwriter Interviews
MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Donna Adams
An interview with screenwriter Donna Adams regarding the ScriptVamp/Attention Grabber Writing Competition.
Q: What's the title of the script you entered in this contest, and what's it about?A: The title is "The Night Angel - Realism" and it's actually part of a triology. I haven't yet completed the first draft of this (up to page 70+), but I've already prepared notes going forward for the upcoming parts. In a nutshell, it's about a female scientist who's world is suddenly altered once her sister is murdered (kind of has a comic-book hero edge as well). I would love to say more...but you'll just have to wait and see! ;)
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 it's like no other. What's great is that it gives you as the writer the opportunity to see what others think of it right out of the gate. This is the first contest I've entered for this particular script since it still is a work in progress!
Q: Were you satisfied with the administration of the contest? Did they meet their deadlines? Did you receive all the awards that were promised?A: I was very satisfied how the contest went and am looking forward to receiving the other prizes such as the rebate with Venice Arts (I'm actually working with them right now for another screenplay that was a 3rd Place Winner in another competition).
Q: How long did it take you to write the script? Did you write an outline beforehand? How many drafts did you write?A: It's still a work in progress. I can easily say I got the idea around end-November, wrote an outline over a few days, and started typing it out at the beginning of December. How many drafts? I'm still not finished...lol! Seriously, I plan on completing the first draft within the next ten days (i.e. around Jan 20 let's say). The shortest period it ever took me to write a first draft was 18 days (back in May 2010).
Q: What kind of software did you use to write the script, if any? What other kinds of writing software do you use?A: I use Final Draft.
Q: Do you write every day? How many hours per day?A: I try my best to work at writing let's say about 5 times a week. During the week, it can be anywhere from 1 to 3 hours per day, and on weekends about 3 to 5 hours. This includes not just typing it out, but writing ideas for future projects as well as preparing outlines for upcoming works.
Q: Do you ever get writer's block? If so, how do you deal with that?A: I've never had writer's block since I only started writing screenplays as of March 2010!
Q: What's your background? Have you written any other screenplays or television scripts?A: My writing background has always been there, I just never looked at it seriously or did anything about it until 2010. So in less than one year, I've completed 3 screenplays and have numerous "works in progress".
Q: Do you live in Los Angeles? If not, do you have any plans to move there?A: I'm from Montreal, Quebec. As far as moving to LA, don't really see myself keeping permanent residence there for a long period of time.
Q: What's next? Are you working on a new script?A: Let's see, well, I have to finish this one first! Then I'll start working on parts two and three of the trilogy. I also have notes/outlines prepared for about another 6 screenplays as well as ideas for 2 TV pilots.
Posted Wednesday, January 12, 2011
