MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Tara Iarusso

An interview with screenwriter Tara Iarusso regarding the NYC Midnight Writing Competition.

A: Imprint

In a war-torn future, a wounded soldier returns home to put the past to rest.

Our young heroine is forced to make gut-wrenching decisions when she finds her father in crisis amidst war and a crumbling government.

A: This contest makes you flex your muscles! You have 24 hours to write a script based on a subject and genre they randomly assign you. The genre for the final round was science fiction and the subject was,"trespassing". It was fun to look at that suject from different angles.

It forces you to fight your way out of a delightfully creative corner. It was a challenge and I was proud to do so well.

I have not yet entered it into another contest but am considering my options. It's a soft sci-fi drama with a strong female protagonist. I'm researching which contests would be perfect for it.

A: Yes. They are quick and helpful. They adhered to their deadlines, up to the minute. I am waiting on one final prize, but I know it's forthcoming.

A: I was not given any feedback on my script. But, I have plenty of writers in my life to provide that!

A: Not as yet. It's a short script which makes it less attractive. It's better to put your features out there, as far as representation is concerned.

I will be looking into getting it produced or perhaps re-working it as a feature. That should generate more opportunities.

A: I'm a native New Yorker. I currently teach filmmaking and screenwriting at the university level.

I have written several shorts, a few of which have placed in other competitions (American Gem and Cinestory). I have also written a couple of features and an original television pilot about a haunted boarding school.

A: I live in Miami but I am not opposed to living in Los Angeles at some point. Austin, TX. is more attractive though; it has a fantastic vibe. Austin is a great city for the arts, particularly film and music, I see a future there.

A: Part of my prize from NYC Midnight is a certificate for a course at Writer's Boot Camp which I am very excited about! I am preparing myself for that course.

I am working on rewriting my original television pilot and also a coming of age feature set in my hometown of Mt. Vernon, New York. Next year I will work on directing one of my scripts or producing for my husband, who will direct one of his scripts.

Posted Monday, December 3, 2007