MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Julie Bergh

An interview with screenwriter Julie Bergh regarding the Worldfest - Houston Writing Competition.

A: CSI: Too Little, Too Late. First of all, this is based on an actual event, which really pulled some triggers. In this story, Grissom and his team are given a case that is eerily similar to another crime scene that just happened in Fort Worth. They're stuck between a rock and a hard place when the Mayor puts pressure on them to quickly solve it and potentially put an innocent person behind bars. The guilty ball rallies between several characters - including two children. It's one that keeps you in suspense until the very end.

A: I read MovieBytes regularly. The report cards are very helpful - crammed with a lot of great info! I happened to have a script that was ready to go and the deadline was getting pretty close, so I thought "why not?" Their report on Worldfest looked good and the entry fee wasn't way out of whack.

This contest was the first landing spot for this particular script. I took home the Platinum Remi Award (1st Place) so now I need to find a place to put it, which I'm sure won't be too difficult since it's my very first award!

A: It was VERY professionaly run. They emailed me the very day that they were scheduled to begin winner notification. Actually, at first I thought it was a hoax (guess I was kind of leery) so I called the office and they laughed. They said that they wouldn't send the announcement to me if it weren't for real. The gentleman on the other end of the phone was very friendly and professional, looked up my name and the script's title in his computer and reassured me that I had actually won. Whew! The Awards Ceremony was great and yes, I did get my award as promised. Great job Worldfest!

A: Actually, two seminars were given by a great director named Jon Scheide. He did a great job and actually went one on one with people that brought in their scripts! He spent at least fifteen minutes on each. It was invaluable! Jon, if you're reading this, THANKS!

A: Well, the festivities ended yesterday, so let's give it a little time. I DID meet a lot of producers, directors, etc.

I truly believe you need to put yourself out there and force yourself to smile and introduce yourself to new people. I think that for a lot of writers, we're in "our own world" so much that stepping out of our comfort zone can be a little tough - but it is worth the effort!

A: Background, hmmm? I'm a mother, a wife and a business owner. My time is pretty limited - but I really do squeeze in as much time as possible to write. I have taken several courses for both screenwriting and television writing - PLUS it seems as though I'm constantly reading and researching.

Like everyone else out there, I have several screenplays, teleplays and pilot scripts in limbo. I need to go and get them and either work on them or toss 'em.

A: Right now, I don't live there. But I'll keep my options open. Besides, flying is fun!

A: More writing. I'm currently working on a tv pilot/MOW.

Posted Monday, April 26, 2004