An interview with screenwriter Fred Perry regarding the Writers Network Screenplay & Fiction Competition Writing Competition.
Q: What's the title of the script you entered in this contest, and what's it about?A: CROSSINGS -- When a WWII vet and a troubled kid manage to pull off the impossible -- the abduction of a beautiful ghost from the old man's past -- time itself is turned on its head.
Q: What made you enter this particular contest? Have you entered any other contests with this script? If so, how did you do?A: Just saw it online, entered, won the 2000 contest. Script also placed in the top four in 2001 Hollywood Screenplay Awards.
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: Yes, until it came time to pay the award money. Although their site -- run by Audrey Kelly -- posted my script as a winner, she never came through. The Hollywood Screenplay Awards, however, was outstanding in every respect. Bravo, Janice Pennington!
Q: How long did it take you to write the script? Did you write an outline beforehand? How many drafts did you write?A: Four weeks for 1st draft. Wrote a rough outline. To date: five drafts, including recent update.
Q: What kind of software did you use to write the script, if any? What other kinds of writing software do you use?A: Used WORD. Currently using FINAL DRAFT
Q: Do you write every day? How many hours per day?A: I write daily when on project. 6-10 hours per day.
Q: Do you ever get writer's block? If so, how do you deal with that?A: Yes. When blanking,I go gold prospecting. It seems to blow out the webs.
Q: What's your background? Have you written any other screenplays or television scripts?A: Yes. Lots of assignments (7 produced films), plus a bunch of my own scripts. Also wrote three screenplays on assignment down in Mexico for Alfonso Arau, director of LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE and A WALK IN THE CLOUDS.
Q: Do you live in Los Angeles? If not, do you have any plans to move there?A: Nope. Just moved from that asylum after many years. Only go back for meetings, etc.
Q: What's next? Are you working on a new script?A: Am currently on assignment, co-writing/developing feature script with an un-named Greek producer. But looking to reactivate some of my solo stuff.