MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Adam Libarkin

An interview with screenwriter Adam Libarkin regarding the aTalentScout TV Writing Competition.

A: A spec of "That '70s Show" called "Happy Days are Here Again." Being that the show is set in the late '70s, I thought about what was going on around that time. The show "Happy Days" sprung to mind. Being that both shows are set in Wisconsin, I decided that "Happy Days" could have shot on location and thus would have crossed paths with the "'70s Show" gang. So the kids, Red and Kitty end up as extras in a crowd that will be cheering on Fonzie as he jumps the world's largest hunk of cheese. We learn that Donna has a crush on Potsie and Red has some previous acting experience, as one of the original "Little Rascals."

A: I entered this particular contest partly because of the timing of its deadline (I was ready to enter it, the deadline was upcoming), partly because of its relatively low entry fee and sizeable cash award for first place, and finally because of its moviebytes report card. Though not considered "top tier," as long as a contest is regarded as "professionally run," I feel it's worth a shot. My "'70s" spec had also been a finalist in Scriptapalooza and a 2nd rounder in Austin.

A: I was definitely satisfied with the administration of the contest. Communication was a little scant at first. I never received notification when the semi's were announced. I had to email them, but was replied to almost immediately. Finals were announced on time but I was notified that the announcement of the winners was going to be delayed, which was fine because at least I was told. I did receive the promised awards. Mainly the offer of management and the $1,000 prize money, which was given to me at a small ceremony by noted TV producer Bill Froehlich.

A: I was not given any feedback on the script specifically. However, Alex Ross, the CEO of ATalentScout, met with all the finalists before the winner was announced and during our discussion of my career, he offhandedly said something to the effect of, "...It's obvious that you can write..." The smallest offhanded compliment by anyone established in the industry is one heck of a confidence builder. No spec is going to be perfect, not even a winning one. And specs that win one contest can be tossed away by another, or might not "do anything" for an agent (like ICM, in my case). So I don't always trust feedback anyway. He did read two screenplays of mine and said they "needed work," which was expected. He offered to have his team give notes, which would be great, but I don't know that I can commit the time to properly rewriting them right now.

A: Being a TV spec, it's not about marketing the script. I can only hope that the entry of this win on my writing resume attracts some attention. Can't hurt. And whatever success I have in my career, I'd certainly attribute a small part to this, my first win. If I wasn't sure I was supposed to be a writer before this, I am now. And I can't expect to be contacted by agents or producers. Instead, I do the contacting, and the phrase, "I just won ATalentScout" will surly make its way into the conversation.

A: My background is watching A LOT of TV. No formal training otherwise. I have four other TV specs: Two "Bernie Mac's," a "Scrubs," and a brand new "Two and a Half Men," which will be coming to a contest near you. I've written tons of comedy sketches, which were performed back in Miami and now being done by a group here in L.A. I have a screenplay that was optioned by MGM/UA, but never produced, and I have a few that I'm writing with two partners. Yes, there's three of us.

A: I live in The Valley. Most consider that Los Angeles. Some don't. I plan to stay in The Valley. I hear Northridge is nice.

A: Well, at the risk of being seen as a traitor, I will admit that my partners and I just sold a reality gameshow to VH-1 and we're probably expected to do some work on that. As far as actual creative scripted material, I'm working on a solo screenplay based on an article from Casino Player Magazine. It's called "The Blackjack Ball" and it's an actual event thrown by a professional gambler (who wrote the article). I tracked him down and he loved the idea. I sent him a sample of my writing and he flew me out to write the treatment with him. I'm working a day job, so finding the time to write [for free] is tough. I'm also getting married and moving within the next two months, which doesn't help. But I love the project so it'll get done. My partners and I have a lot of projects under consideration around town so I'm hoping one of those drops a big bag of money on us. Then, I'll be able to write and live happily ever after. Or at least better than I am now.

Posted Saturday, April 17, 2004