Screenwriter Interviews
MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Jerry Wennerstrom
An interview with screenwriter Jerry Wennerstrom regarding the Telluride Indie Writing Competition.
Q: What's the title of the script you entered in this contest, and what's it about?A: "The Predator and the Prey"
Based upon a true story of two young Czech men's bold escape, in 1981 to Austria, over the heads of communist border guards, down high tension (380,000 volts) wires during a rainstorm.
To walk the distance would take about an hour and a half, but because of circumstances they were on the wire for four and half hours.
A: Gut level feeling first, and then after checking it out found it to be affordable and well received by other screenwriters.
Entered Final Draft International Screenwriting Competition - good review but didn't place. Semi-finalist American Accolades screenwriting competition.
A: Very satisfied with the administration. Well organized and all deadlines were met. And all awards that were promised were received. Mike Carr, the owner, is a fantastic host and treated everyone well - no sour grapes anywhere...class act.
Q: Were you given any feedback on your script? If so, did you find the feedback helpful?A: Feedback was given both written and verbally and was very valuable. Helped me to go ahead and keep writing.
Q: Has your success in this contest helped you market your script? Were you contacted by any agents, managers or producers?A: Producer contacted me and optioned the script.
Q: What's your background? Have you written any other screenplays or television scripts?A: BS in education. Spent 30 years as a dental hygienist and started writing screenplays in 1997. I use to see films on the average of five times a week, and I'd rant how bad most of the H'wood stuff was. A friend challenged me to do better and so I taught myself.
I've written a total of 15 SPs.
A: Although I am American born I now live in England and have no plans to move to LA.
Q: What's next? Are you working on a new script?A: I'm now adapting a very unique vampire tale titled "Vampire Lover" written by my good friend Susan Zoon. And I've always got 4-5 SPs started.
Posted Sunday, January 11, 2004