MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Greg Daubenspeck

An interview with screenwriter Greg Daubenspeck regarding the Cinestory Writing Competition.

A: THE PIPER

Against his mother's orders, 12-year-old Jack Browning leaves his younger brother Nate at home alone. When he returns and finds the front door shattered and Nate missing, Jack must venture into the underworld to save his brother from the Piper.

A: In 2004 my first feature screenplay BROKEN HEARTLAND was a CineStory Finalist. I was invited to attend the writer's retreat in Idyllwild, California. The experience was amazing, so I was eager to enter CineStory again.

In addition to placing in CineStory 2008, THE PIPER was also a Finalist in UCLA's Screenwriters Showcase and a Second Rounder in Austin.

A: I was more than satisfied with the administration of CineStory. They were both professional and encouraging. The experience far exceeded my expectations.

A: At the writer's retreat, I received extensive notes from working professionals in the film industry. I was placed with four mentors who read my script. They each spent two hours objectively discussing my project (and future projects) in great detail. The one-on-one meetings were invaluable.

A: Cinestory has a special place in my heart. When I attended in 2004, the support and encouragement I received at that year's retreat gave me the courage to apply to UCLA, to move to Los Angles, and to continue pursuing my dreams.

A: Now in my final year at UCLA as an MFA candidate in screenwriting, I have been given an amazing opportunity. Since entering the program, I have completed seven feature screenplays and one TV spec, most written in less than nine weeks, an accomplishment I would have previously thought unachievable.

THE PIPER, my entry into CineStory 2008, was written in a workshop at UCLA.

In addition to taking a full course-load at UCLA, I work as a Teaching Associate for Writing Programs, where I teach English Composition. I've also lead sections of a screenwriting workshop as a TA for Screenwriting 130C.

For the 2007/2008 academic year, I acted as the Administrative Assistant to the Screenwriting department chairs, Richard Walter and Hal Ackerman.

Prior to attending UCLA, I taught a variety of English, writing, and theater courses at the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Community College, and Broward Community College in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

I have a BA in English and theater (double major) from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and an MLA in writing from Oklahoma City University.

A: Yes. I live in L.A.

A: I'm always writing. When I'm not writing, I'm thinking about writing.

Posted Friday, December 12, 2008