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Screenwriter Interviews
MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Tony Shyu
An interview with screenwriter Tony Shyu regarding the Gotham Screen Writing Competition.
Q: What's the title of the script you entered in this contest, and what's it about?A: THE MACAU OMEN (Thriller) - An American reporter investigating a human trafficking ring in Macau, finds his wife dead and his daughter missing, and his investigation reveals he's been targeted by a religious cult.
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 have heard of the contest previously and the winning script gets $2500, that's a good prize and a good reason to enter. I have enter and placed 2nd of the Honolulu film festival, 3rd of A night of horror film fest, and finalist of Slamdance, CWA, Gimme credit, and Filmmakers screenwriting contest through out the last few years with this script. But this is the first time it won the first place.
Q: Were you satisfied with the administration of the contest? Did they meet their deadlines? Did you receive all the awards that were promised?A: Yes. Since I have just won, i have not received the prize yet. But they have contacted me to let me know that the award certificate and cash will be mailed to me in the next couple of weeks.
Q: How long did it take you to write the script? Did you write an outline beforehand? How many drafts did you write?A: Four years so far. Yes. I outline, of course. It's crazy not to outline. I can't remember how many drafts, but I'm certain it is between 50 to 100 drafts.
Q: What kind of software did you use to write the script, if any? What other kinds of writing software do you use?A: Final draft. Just Final draft.
Q: Do you write every day? How many hours per day?A: Five or six days a week. 4 to 5 hours.
Q: Do you ever get writer's block? If so, how do you deal with that?A: No. Sometimes I get facebook block- Wanting to see everyone else having a fabulous social life while I slave inside of my cave.
Q: What's your background? Have you written any other screenplays or television scripts?A: I started out as a commercial director. I made my transition when I wrote and directed my first feature film called Tequila body shots and was the film was sold to LionsGate.
Q: Do you live in Los Angeles? If not, do you have any plans to move there?A: I grew up in Los Angeles and I still have a place there. As far as live? I travel a lot to Asia and back.
Q: What's next? Are you working on a new script?A: Yes. I'm bursting with ideas and working on three different scripts right now. I love it. If any good managers and agents are interested out there. I would love to send you the new scripts.
Posted Thursday, October 18, 2012
