MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Mona Miller

An interview with screenwriter Mona Miller regarding the Action On Film Writing Competition.

A: Escape from Sumatra. It's a family oriented action adventure movie about a group of kids, either orphaned or separated from their parents, during the Japanese invasion of Sumatra in World War II. The young people are from different ethnic backgrounds, and they have to overcome their own prejudices to work together and deal with the many perils in their lives.

A: "Action on Film" seemed to fit this particular script very well. Also, the entry fee was lower than other contests. I've entered "Escape from Sumatra" in only one other competition and never heard back, so obviously I didn't place.

A: I was quite satisfied. They met their deadlines and I got my "Most Ambitious Script" award. (I was also nominated for "Best Adapted Screenplay.") The Writers Awards dinner was a lot of fun. I was lucky enough to have a scene from my screenplay used for one of their filmed readings, but they did all the readings in a terribly flat way, which I thought was a big mistake. I think they're planning on changing that for future competitions. There are so many great actors in LA - no reason to give flat, expressionless readings on the theory that then there's a level playing field!

I did hope that the contest administrators would do more to promote the winners, but the administration of the contest itself went very smoothly.

A: No feedback given.

A: Unfortunately, I've not been contacted by any agents, managers or producers, but I certainly add that this script is an award-winning script in my queries to those people.

A: I'm a practicing lawyer who's written since childhood and I've turned into a writer who practices law on the side. (Finally!)

I've written multiple screenplays in different genres, including sci fi and romantic comedies, and written spec scripts for Northern Exposure and Monk. I'm also a playwright and have written many plays.

A: Yes, I live in LA.

A: Yes, as usual I'm working on multiple things at once, including a new movie script about an amazing, intrepid woman who really takes on the system in her battle to keep the "Serengeti" of California in its pristine state.

Posted Wednesday, June 17, 2009