Screenwriter Interviews
MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Dani Lyman
An interview with screenwriter Dani Lyman regarding the L.A. Comedy Scripts Writing Competition.
Q: What's the title of the script you entered in this contest, and what's it about?A: Escaping Phoenix. When Phoenix discovers her boyfriend's famous ex is back in town, she "accidentally" kidnaps the sexy starlet, setting in motion an outlandish media frenzy, a competitive feud between the local law and the FBI, and the arrest of her bewildered boyfriend.
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 entered because it was solely a comedy festival. I thought my script would be more appreciated as well as have strong competition in the genre.
I also entered the FADE IN contests and I'm currently a semi-finalist.
A: I loved this contest! They delivered on all their promises and have even been helpful answering my questions after the win!
Q: How long did it take you to write the script? Did you write an outline beforehand? How many drafts did you write?A: It took about ten months to actually write the script, however I thought it through for a year before that. I'm awful with outlines. I made one, but that's isn't really what wound up on the page. I wound up writing a really tight first draft and making minor changes to it later.
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 wrote it on Final Draft and I also have Movie Magic Screenwriter.
Q: Do you write every day? How many hours per day?A: I write for a few hours several days a week. When I'm not writing, I'm usually toying with the idea in my head.
Q: Do you ever get writer's block? If so, how do you deal with that?A: I do get writers block and it sucks. I usually find inspiration by watching something in a similar genre or tone to what I'm trying to write. Also, having conversations with people who I find funny often helps me with dialogue when I'm struggling.
Q: What's your background? Have you written any other screenplays or television scripts?A: I've only written shorts before this. I have a writing partner, Jenna Scarborough, and we have written and produced several short films, a webseries and we are currently finishing our first spec script.
Q: Do you live in Los Angeles? If not, do you have any plans to move there?A: I do not. I would like to some day.
Q: What's next? Are you working on a new script?A: I've just begun writing a new comedy feature and I also just wrapped acting in my first feature film!
Posted Thursday, April 28, 2011
