MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Nina Knapp

An interview with screenwriter Nina Knapp regarding the Southwest Writers Writing Competition.

A: The script is titled "Four Women and A Horse." It's about the preservation of a way of life for a young female rancher, and saving an even older part of western history - a small band of wild horses. Coming to her aid are three unlikely allies - three women from New York who only wanted a nice, quiet vacation at a guest ranch. Against them is the drought-ridden land and a powerful rancher with designs on spreading his sphere of influence.

A: I am a member of SouthWest Writers so I knew their reputation for these contests. This is the first writing contest I have ever entered, and I did so to get the critique given to all contest entries. I hoped for feedback on my script format, the characters and storyline. I never dreamed I would win first place! I also entered the script in the Writer's Digest 72nd Annual Writing Competition and received honorable mention. And, by the way, I did get excellent feedback on the script, and currently working on a re-write.

A: I was very satisfied with how the contest was ran, and impressed with how well they stayed true to their deadlines. I was also quite pleased with the extent of the critique on the submission. The winners were announced on the date they had advertised, and it was a very nice presentation to the winners who were present. Tony Hillerman was the guest speaker on that day.

A: The feedback I received covered areas such as the openning/hook, settings/descriptions, dialogue, characters, cinematic sense, mechanics, genre, and the treatment. I was given some great suggestions on where I needed to improve the story.

A: So far, the wins have not helped in the marketing of the script, and there have been no contacts. But, this was not guaranteed as a part of winning in the screenplay category. I am hopeful that when I complete the rewrite I will be able to convince an agent or producer to give it a read.

A: Recently, I finished a 32 page script, with talent attached (dependent on funding). It is a romantic comedy with lesbian characters. I am currently looking for financing on this film.

During the past few years of studying and practicing screenwriting I have written "shorts" that I have filmed and entered in film festivals. Two have been selected for screenings in festivals, including the Austin Gay & Lesbian International Film Festival in 2002.

A: Currently, I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico and love it here. However, I have been giving consideration to a move to the Los Angeles area. I suppose the final decision will be made when I find representation for my writing. I am very interested in writing for the one-hour sci fi/fantasy action programs on TV, and I know this would require a move to LA.

A: Besides the rewrite for "Four Women and A Horse," my main focus will be to get the lesbian short produced. It's title is "20 Ways" (shortened from "20 Ways to Kill Your Lover").

I have also started an outline for a sci fi script with a female protagonist.

My interest is in writing stories whose leading characters are women of any age and background, and not just lesbian characters.

Posted Thursday, June 24, 2004