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Screenwriter Interviews
MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Cody Carson
An interview with screenwriter Cody Carson regarding the Wildsound/TV Writing Competition.
Q: What's the title of the script you entered in this contest, and what's it about?A: The script is called Rust and it's about a jaded former detective, Paul Rust, who is brought back into an investigation that seems almost identical to the one that sent his life spiralling out of control years earlier. Whilst confronting the demons of his past, Rust also has to cope with his ex wife and her engagement to a shady character with ties to the criminal underworld, as well as his teenage daughter, who is teetering dangerously close to a life of pills and booze that he knows all too well.
Q: What made you enter this particular contest? Have you entered any other contests with this script? If so, how did you do?A: The opportunity to see a reading of my script is a great prize, so that was the main reason. I enjoyed seeing it come to life and it's helped me find areas in the script that can still be further improved upon. The promotion by Wildsound after winning the competition has been cool as well, especially for an aspiring writer trying to get their name out there.
I've entered a few other contests recently but have yet to hear back on those as the announcements come later this year.
A: Couldn't have been happier. I received everything I was told I would, when I was told I would. Matthew does a great job.
Q: How long did it take you to write the script? Did you write an outline beforehand? How many drafts did you write?A: Well I always write an outline beforehand but I find that usually goes straight out the window by about the halfway mark because I've ended up writing something I didn't plan on writing, that takes the script in a different direction. I completely lose track of the amount of drafts I write. I start the script, delete it all and start again countless times before completing a full draft. Probably a terrible method but that just seems to be how it works for me right now.
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 use Final Draft. It's the only software I've used since I started writing and I don't see any reason I'd change.
Q: Do you write every day? How many hours per day?A: I wish I could say I did. But I don't. My day job involves 13.5 hour shifts, so my writing is done on my days off. But if I'm working nights, I can get a lot of planning/outlining done, which I'm sure my manager would NOT be pleased to hear.
Q: Do you ever get writer's block? If so, how do you deal with that?A: Definitely. I come away from my script and usually read. Either books or other people's scripts. That usually helps. Going to the gym. Walking my dog too.
Q: What's your background? Have you written any other screenplays or television scripts?A: I've written a few other scripts. One of which made it into the top 13% of drama scripts at the BBC Writerswoom in 2014. Another which was shortlisted by a production company after a nationwide competition.
Q: Do you live in Los Angeles? If not, do you have any plans to move there?A: No I live in Glasgow,Scotland. I write my scripts based in the UK and don't have any intention of moving any time soon.
Q: What's next? Are you working on a new script?A: I'm just about to get started on my first feature length script which I'm really excited about. Just trying to keep developing my writing and hopefully start making some real progress over the next year.
Posted Sunday, August 9, 2015
