MovieBytes Interview: Heather Waters

An interview with Heather Waters regarding the Creative World Writing Competition.

A: Marlene Neubauer and I are the key sponsors for the 2nd Annual Creative World Awards. Marlene works as an independent producer and for over 15 years she has consulted in international film distribution for such companies Hyde Park Films, GreeneStreet Films, Pathé Distribution, Capella Films and Mobius Pictures. My own background ranges from the performance side of film to writing and producing for television. This year we are happy to announce a list of prominent sponsors including Inktip, Final Draft, Daily Variety, Sellyourscript, The Writers Store/Storylink, Syd Field among others as well as an ongoing partnership with Withoutabox.

A: Marlene and I share equal responsibilities as the directors.

A: We wrapped up our first year this past November and many scripts are circulating with several being looked at for management possibilities, five others so far for optioning. Further possibilities will develop as this year unfolds.

A: The first round of judging is done by hand selected, highly qualified readers and industry professionals. If the script advances to the quarterfinalist round, it will then be read by multiple industry professionals who determine which scripts advance to the semifinalist and finalist rounds. The top ten will be read by leading industry executives not only for potential consideration, but also to help determine the winners of the 2009 Creative World Awards.

A: In our competition, even early-round judges will read the entire script.

A: We're looking for original, well written, compelling stories. This year, scripts will be judged on the basis of separate genre categories in order to give the writers a fair slate to compete and more recognition in the end. All genres are welcomed.

A: At CWA, our job is to discover, develop and promote new talent. Through the judging review process and post award circulation, our winning screenplays and finalists loglines are sent to top agencies, major studios, managers, producers, and international financiers. We are pleased to announce that about a dozen A-list companies have also agreed to take a first look at our finalists. You can view this list on the homepage of our website.

A: Screenwriting is hard work. It takes dedication and passion. So take the time to hone your craft. See a lot of movies, read scripts (you can get many online), write every day. Allow your creative instincts to blossom. The industry is hungry for fresh, riveting stories. Contests are a valuable resource for independent producers and executives alike. They're also a great avenue directly in to the decision makers' hands. Most of all - have fun! The world is looking for the next great storyteller.

Posted Wednesday, January 14, 2009