Screenwriter Interviews
MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Frank Kelly
An interview with screenwriter Frank Kelly regarding the Screenplay Search Writing Competition.
Q: What's the title of the script you entered in this contest, and what's it about?A: My supernatural drama screenplay, Iris, was the Grand Prize winner of the Screenplay Search Screenwriting Competition and received Recommend coverage from the reader.
Iris is the story of a police officer, haunted by the tragic death of his wife and a group of children in a horrific school bombing, who must determine if the terrifying hallucinations he experiences are the result of his traumatized mind or genuine visitations from the spirit world, warning him of another attack.
A: I entered this contest seeing a track record of success from the previous winners, and also for the feedback.
I also entered the script in the Reel Authors Break Out Screenplay Contest, where it was the Thriller/Horror Genre Winner.
It was also a finalist in the Writemovies International Screenwriting Contest.
A: Absolutely. Jason there had been in contact with me throughout the process and since!
Q: How long did it take you to write the script? Did you write an outline beforehand? How many drafts did you write?A: Tough to say, because I worked on it simultaneously with other scripts, but I would say I probably spent a year or so in total from concept through the final draft that I submitted to the contests. I would also say I went through at least 10 drafts before submitting.
Q: What kind of software did you use to write the script, if any? What other kinds of writing software do you use?A: I used Final Draft to write the script. I also used Totally Write (which I believe is now called Contour) to help with structure.
Q: Do you write every day? How many hours per day?A: I try to write everyday. Whether in my head or on paper. Some days it could just be one page, other days 20. Depends if the muse is chatty :)
Q: Do you ever get writer's block? If so, how do you deal with that?A: Absolutely. I will usually listen to music or read to get the creative juices flowing again. Music definitely help. I try to choose a particular album or piece of music and listen to it only for each script I'm working on. So when I put on the music it brings me back into the story.
Q: What's your background? Have you written any other screenplays or television scripts?A: Career wise, I've been a graphic designer for the past twenty odd years. But I've been writing since I was a kid. I've only recently decided to focus on the writing and hopefully make a career shift. I have several other scripts written, and was fortunate enough to option two of them this year.I have yet to write a television script, but it is definitely on my list!
Q: Do you live in Los Angeles? If not, do you have any plans to move there?A: I do live in LA.
Q: What's next? Are you working on a new script?A: I'm working on rewriting the two scripts that I've optioned right now, in addition to polishing up Iris, and hoping to land a manager. I've got several more scripts on my desk eagerly awaiting their next rewrite!
Posted Saturday, December 15, 2012
