Scriptapalooza Interviews One Hour Episodic First Place Winner Jennifer Mui
How did you come up with your story idea?
The thing with Boston Public is that there are often so many storylines
running at the same time. So, I knew I had to come up with a few plots that
would intertwine well. The hardest part, in fact, was to connect all of
these stories and make it flow seamlessly. In particular, I wanted to put
the Harvey character in a situation that is probably a little more emotional
than what he's used to.
How long did it take you to write it?
I'm not sure... maybe about a month?
Is this your first script that you have written?
It is my third script.
Have you entered other screenwriting competitions?
Yes. I have entered other TV writing competitions. So far, I have only
received results for this contest and the February 2001 ScriptapaloozaTV
competition. I am awaiting results from the other contests.
If so, have you been successful?
In addition to this win, I was a finalist in the February 2001
ScriptapaloozaTV contest, with my script for Roswell called "The
Metamorphosis." That was my first contest ever entered and my second script
ever written. I also just found out that this Roswell script reached the
first-round quarter-finalist level in the TV episodic category for the
Moondance Film Festival.
Why did you enter Scriptapalooza?
I had heard and read only good things about Scriptapalooza. When I was
searching for competition to enter, I tried to be very selective and choose
only the ones that seemed truly legitimate. I would recommend Scriptapalooza
to anyone!
Advice to other screenwriters?
Don't just watch the shows you are writing for. STUDY them.
How did you feel when you saw your name as one of the winners?
Complete shock. Then came disbelief, and then ecstasy. And it's only been
one day!
If you could write for any TV show, which one would it be?
I guess Roswell. If I can meet Jason Katims and pitch "The Metamorphosis"
and other ideas to him, before Roswell gets threatened by cancellation yet
again, I would be very happy. There are actually a few shows I would like to
write for, but as odd as it may sound, Roswell (Season 1) was the show which
inspired me to write.
Updated: 08/31/2001
