MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Laurie Johnson

An interview with screenwriter Laurie Johnson regarding the Christian Screenplay Writing Competition.

A: I entered a one hour television spec script entitled TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL: "Tools of the Trade" which won the Grand Prize. This particular contest was open to all forms, not just feature scripts. My TV spec was actually based on the first feature length script I'd ever written. Because of the story's religious nature, I didn't think it stood a chance in Hollywood and quickly adapted it as a sample TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL script. Since THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST, however, I've been feverishly reworking the original script.

"Tools of the Trade" is the story of a struggling savvy stockbroker, Rita, who befriends a former pastor, Paul, who helps save not only Rita's job, but her soul.

A: Being a Christian and a writer it was natural for me to want to enter this contest and be judged by my Christian peers. Film is a powerful medium and I see it as a great venue for winning souls.

This particular script I also entered in the teleplay competition for the Austin Heart of Film Competition 2002 and it made it into the second round judging, which is the top ten percent.

I haven't entered it into any other contests, as most require a feature script. I have rewritten the feature upon which it was based and am entering it in this years Nicholl and Austin Screenplay competitions.

A: The contest itself fulfilled its obligations, presenting me with a plaque and a check for five hundred dollars. It also gave me six months of free web publicity with Inktip and I was posted in Inktip's publishing as well. I haven't been picked up by any agents as a result of winning, however.

A: I didn't receive any feedback from the contest, but then, it wasn't part of the terms.

A: Having my script posted on Inktip has given me a great deal of exposure and has resulted in getting my work read, mostly by small independent directors. A director for the Christian Broadcasting Network in Kiev, Ukraine, even requested to read my original feature script upon which my winning teleplay was based. So far, no takers.

A: I'm a financial accountant/stockbroker by trade, but retired (at 35) to raise my family, two boys, and started screenwriting to keep my sanity. I have degrees in accounting and psychology, but no formal writing education other than workshops and working personally with Richard Walter, UCLA's screenwriting chairman. Richard was my script consultant on another project, OPERATION ARARAT. I've been writing for eight years now and have written seven features and two television scripts. I've placed in other competitions as well with some of them. My favorite, QUEEN OF SHEBA, based on the Biblical character, made it to the top ten percent of the Nicholl Fellowship. Most of my time I spend rewriting, but I try to write one new script each year. My biggest help to keep me going is my Memphis screenwriting group. They give me feedback which is invaluable and provide a great support network.

A: I'm originally from Minneapolis, but moved to Memphis eight plus years ago and love it here. If I were to find success in writing, however, I see it as a great benefit to live in the LA area, for networking and making contacts. I love the Newport Beach area and would love to be neighbors with Dean Koontz so I can meet his dog, Trixie. Those of you who get his newsletter know what I mean.

A: I'm entering contests as always and have started a new script entitled, THE ANOINTED. With the success of Mel Gibson's film, I'm hoping it will open a few more doors for me in my religious themed realm.

Posted Saturday, April 17, 2004