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Scriptapalooza Interviews 2007 TV Contest Winners

Scriptapalooza interviews their 2007 TV Competition winners Gregg Sargeant & Robert Florio, Kristin Layne Tucker, Ross Berger, and Claude McIver:

1st Place winners - Reality Category
Gregg Sargeant & Robert Florio

How did you come up with your story idea?

I had been developing reality TV concepts for some time and was very closely monitoring the sea of new reality TV. I realized that something very unique and outrageous was the only thing that would spark the interest of networks. I was trying to figure out the common denominator in this new era of reality TV, when it dawned on me... there was none. So where could I set my show, that would create an environment that no one had explored? That was when it hit me...Underwater, and the original concept for "Search for Atlantis" was born.

How long did it take you to write it?

I wrote the original concept in 2 days and the series then went through an extensive period of research and development with my writing partner for the next three years.

Is this the first script you have written ?

I have developed over 30 reality TV concepts and have written three feature film scripts. I presently have one of them in studio development.

Why did you enter scriptapalooza?

I entered Scriptapalooza to hopefully seek out interest for an outstanding and unusual reality series concept like no other - and to garner serious interest for representation for my writing partner, Robert Florio and myself.

1st Place winner - Sitcom Category
Kristin Layne Tucker

How did you come up with your story idea?

Honestly, I don't know where any of my ideas come from; they just appear. I like to think they're divinely planted seeds.

How long did it take you to write it?

It took about a week to write, then a day or two more to clean it up.

Is this the first script that you have written?

No, I got my Master's in Screenwriting from the University of Texas, and I had to write a feature every semester. As for TV, this is my second spec script; I wrote an "Everybody Hates Chris" a few weeks before I started this one.

Why did you enter Scriptapalooza TV?

I'd known about the contest for a while, and I thought it'd be an excellent way to gain exposure. Plus, I felt that if my script made it to one of the later rounds (finals, semi-finals) that might lend me some credibility and motivate people to read my work.

If you could write for any TV show, which would it be?

The Office—-without a doubt. It's one of the few shows that have ever made me laugh out loud. The writing is phenomenal, the characters are colorful and layered, and the store lines are fresh and original, not the same recycled sitcom plots.

1st Place winner - 1 Hour Category
Ross Berger

How did you come up with your story idea?

A HOUSE M.D. script is so heavily embedded with medical jargon and scenarios that I sought the advice of a neurologist, who gave me a list of diseases that can be easily misdiagnosed -- a common device in a medical drama. In addition, I needed to find a series of treatments that were visually captivating in order to stay loyal to the show's style. Subsequently, my research led me to a disease called Guillain-Barre Syndrome -- and there I had my eureka moment.

But the medical aspect is secondary to the show's characters' internal journeys. So I wanted to focus on a character whose emotional terrain had been sparsely explored. I chose Dr. Cameron simply because she is one character who seldom wears her heart on her sleeve.

At the time I was interested in writing the script, the war in Iraq had, once again, taken a turn for the worse. I then wondered if their could be a connection to the war and to Dr. Cameron. Eventually, I settled upon a storyline that was both currently relevant and emotionally challenging.

How long did it take you to write it?

I wasted an entire week on the outline when I discovered the premise I wanted to pursue had already been written for the show. I almost scrapped the project after that.

Then, I started over, found something that had not yet been done on the show, and went from there. From the second outline to the last draft, the whole process took me about 4 weeks.

Is this the first script that you have written?

I'm a playwright, so I had numerous plays I had written beforehand. As for TV scripts, this spec is my fourth, not including a pilot I wrote earlier this year entitled Anarchyland, which I am really proud of.

Why did you enter Scriptapalooza TV?

I had known about Scriptapalooza's screenwriting competition for many years, and I always wanted to take part in it as soon as I had a feature-length screenplay under my belt. The upshot is: I never wrote that screenplay as I got sidetracked with spec-writing for television. So imagine my surprise when I discovered earlier this year that Scriptapalooza also had a TV writing contest. I submitted my spec script a month and a half later.

If you could write for any TV show, which would it be?

Admittedly, some of the best written shows have either gone off the air this season (e.g., The Sopranos) or will be ending their runs permanently next season (e.g., The Wire, The Shield, Battlestar Gallactica, Friday Night Lights). That said, there are still some gems on network and cable television, namely Rescue Me, Heroes, Law & Order, and Dexter. But coming from a playwriting background, I would jump at the chance to write for David Mamet on The Unit.

1st Place winner - Pilot Category
Claude McIver

How did you come up with your story idea?

I wrote Olympus while in film school, in a TV writing class. I originally wanted to write a family drama about three brothers, each with names related to (primarily) Greek mythology, who are trying to find what's important for themselves in life. The characters did most of the work for the rest.

How long did it take you to write it?

Since I wrote it for class, I used the entire semester to write Olympus, with several weeks devoted to story ideas, outlining and general pre-writing.

Is this the first script that you have written?

I had written one feature-length script and many short scripts before Olympus, and have since written a several spec TV scripts and original pilots.

Why did you enter Scriptapalooza TV?

I was ready to get my work out there and have it judged on a broader scale, with other aspiring writers, and Scriptapalooza seemed like a great venue. Having my pilot place first, and my spec of The Office make it to the semi-finals was obviously more than I thought would happen for my first competition.

If you could write for any TV show, which would it be?

I have my sights primarily set on comedy, and would give my left arm to write for Saturday Night Live. (You hear that Lorne!) 30 Rock, The Office, Entourage, Lost, and Torchwood are all close seconds.

Updated: 09/18/2007

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