MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Karol Silverstein

An interview with screenwriter Karol Silverstein regarding the One in Ten Writing Competition.

A: My script is called "You're My Best Friend." It's a quirky dramady about sisters who are very close but nearly break apart for good along with their divorcing parents in the summer of '75. An actress friend described the script as "Almost Famous" meets "Thelma and Louise" meets "Stand By Me." Ok -- so that's confusing, but when you read the script, you "get it."

A: The script was accepted in the IFP/Los Angeles screening writing lab and developed there. It was a quarter finalist in the Writer's Network contest, and I've entered it in a couple other contests (alas - with noplacements). I entered the One In Ten contest because that contest highlights scripts with positive portrayals of gay/lesbian characters, and I feel it's chances were good. Contests which have specific parameters like that are always helpful when you're dealing with an unusual, "commercially challenged" script.

A: I thought they were awesome. The winners were posted on their website at midnight the day they said they'd announce winners. My prizes were sent promptly, and they actually added a couple more prizes after the fact; it was like the contest that "kept on giving." As a third place winner, submission was not supposed to be a part of my "prize package," but they ended up submitting the script to a couple places anyway. I really appreciated that.

A: I was given brief feedback and found it interesting and helpful.

A: Unfortunately, the third palce win hasn't made much of a difference. I had a couple poeple/places contact me and request the script -- but nothing came of it. I don't blame the contest though. My script will be extremely difficult to sell or get made due to many elements in the story. I knew that going in. I'm hoping to raise money and get it made myself, probably on DV. It's that type of project.

A: I did a Producing Fellowship at AFI back in 1990 and worked in the film/TV industry for a few years after that. I've been writing and reading script professionally for the past 12 years. I sold a bunch of ultra-low-budget teleplays to cable TV a few years back. My other spec script, "Rachel's Season," has placed in numerous competitions. I'm also a member of a theater company that has performed some short pieces of mine.

A: I've been in LA for the past 13 years and intend to live out my natural life there. I love it.

A: Currently, I'm working on a romantic comedy script and am submitting several children's book manuscripts. I'm also hoping to option an award winning picture book (from 1967) and adapt that in the near future.

Posted Thursday, January 29, 2004