Scriptapalooza Interview with Contest Finalist Barbara Schwartz

Why did you enter Scriptapalooza TV Writing Competition?

To see how my script compared with other scripts and if I placed, to help me gain entry into the business. Also, their entry fee wasn’t too high.

Have you entered other TV competitions?

I entered Square Magazine’s competition with my newest spec, SEX AND THE CITY. I think we find out sometime in February.

Now, you didn’t actually win the competition; you were a finalist and you still received career making opportunities?

Yes! A development executive at Klasky Csupo requested to see all the finalist scripts. I sent him a follow-up thank you note and mentioned my other writing samples. He read my other spec, we exchanged emails, went to lunch and then he recommended me to another development exec for a couple of her projects.

What was your experience with the founders of Scriptapalooza?

They definitely want to promote their winners. They made it clear to me that that’s why they’re doing this: to help writers break into the business. I’ve also heard that they do live readings of the winning scripts.

Did you find that just saying you placed high in the competition opened doors other than the ones Scriptapalooza opened for you?

I sent out a round of query letters mentioning my finalist status and I think it helped get me a number of responses.

Would you recommend this competition to a friend? Why or why not?

Absolutely. The Scriptapalooza TV Competition gave me my first break.

What was the best aspect of the competition?

They were great at each elimination stage of the competition. They didn’t just post the winners with no explanation. They posted the quarter and semifinalists, so you could put that on your resume. They also made a point to thank all the entrants. Believe me, that makes a difference.

What was the best aspect of the competition?

They seemed very organized and professional.

What did you not like about the competition?

Waiting for the announcement!

OK, so let’s say your development deal leads to a full-time head writer job. And now, you are in a position to recommend writers for the writing staff…would you look at the Scriptapalooza TV winners and finalists?

Don’t jinx me! But I do think it’s a great way for development execs to discover new writers who are not in their circle of contacts.

Your development deal didn’t happen overnight, right? You were announced a finalist on February 15, 2000 and this development deal with Klasky Csupo started happening in August. What are your feelings about this and the amount of patience and tenacity you had to have to stay positive and moving forward?

It does help to be patient and have no expectations. You keep writing and then when something comes out of left field like this did, it’s a very pleasant surprise.

So, patience is the key? Any other keys you’d like to discuss and pass onto other writers who haven’t gotten that first big break?

I’m so glad I had a decent follow-up spec to give to Klasky-Csupo. If I didn’t, I would have blown a rare opportunity.

What’s your advice to other Scriptapalooza winners and finalists?

I don’t know if I have any advice, but I can say that sending a few short emails as a way to keep in touch with my contacts worked fantastically for me.

Will you remember Scriptapalooza when you receive your 1st Emmy?

As I said before – don’t jinx me! But I’ll definitely remember Scriptapalooza when I get that first paycheck.

Updated: 10/18/2000

Additional Contest Info: Scriptapalooza TV Writing Competition