Screenwriter Interviews
MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Karen Buckton
An interview with screenwriter Karen Buckton regarding the Moondance Writing Competition.
Q: What's the title of the script you entered in this contest, and what's it about?A: "Green is Good" is the name of a fictional environmental protection organization whose CEO cares more about image and making money than protecting the environment. It's a workplace sitcom with several external locations due to field trips. The name of the pilot episode I entered is "Bigfoot". Two research scientists work on a project to reduce the number of annoying houseflies in the world. Kazza breeds flies with extra large feet so they'll stick more readily to flypaper. Trent creates a super sticky glue for use on the flypaper. Other episodes are about more attractive animals and plants, human genetics, climatology, etc.
Q: What made you enter this particular contest? Have you entered any other contests with this script? If so, how did you do?A: I started entering competitions only this year. I entered Moondance because of the many different categories it offers and I won the episodic TV category. Also I was a finalist with the same "Bigfoot" script in The Writers Place Screenwriting Competition.
Q: Were you satisfied with the adminstration of the contest? Did they meet their deadlines? Did you receive all the awards that were promised?A: I was very happy with the administration. The results came out ahead of deadline. It's too soon to tell about the promised awards.
Q: Were you given any feedback on your script? If so, did you find the feedback helpful?A: I didn't request feedback.
Q: Has your success in this contest helped you market your script? Were you contacted by any agents, managers or producers?A: Not yet, but my fingers are crossed big-time!
Q: What's your background? Have you written any other screenplays or television scripts?A: I am a scientist so I'm writing about what I know in the "Green is Good" scripts - and if I don't know I look it up on the net. Apart from the many sitcom formats I've written, I have also completed four feature length versions with the same characters, locations etc. I love writing comedy and I was an amateur stand-up comic for several years - mainly just to get a feel for what works - talk about instant feedback! You develop a tough skin.
Q: Do you live in Los Angeles? If not, do you have any plans to move there?A: I live in Queensland, Australia, but I'd love to spend some time in LA.
Q: What's next? Are you working on a new script?A: I'll keep plugging away with the "Green is Good" scripts because the ideas keep flowing and the environment provides massive scope for story lines. I started work on an historical drama but the comedy kept creeping in. I've decided that writing comedy is who I am and what gives me the greatest joy as a writer.
Posted Wednesday, August 6, 2008
