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Scriptapalooza Interview $10,000 Winner Chris Carlyle

How did you come up with your story idea?

The original story idea involved a young lawyer at a large law firm being harassed by an odd, perhaps dangerous, old man.  Despite the apparent imbalance of power, the lawyer finds himself increasingly helpless, and all aspects of his life begin to unravel.  This idea came from my own experiences at a large law firm.  Water, and other stuff, runs downhill.  On rare occasions, the firm would find itself in a case with some strange individuals.  Being the new kid on the block, the cases would inevitably end up on my desk.  The original idea came from my wondering what could happen if one of those folks turned out to be a little psychotic.  From there, other themes developed, the most prominent being the destructive nature of obsessive competition.

How long did it take you to write it?

Tough question.  The first draft of the script was completed over four years ago.  How much time went into that draft I really can't recall, but it was significant.  I struggled with the script on and off over the last few years, and it went through two major revisions.  It would be impossible to calculate the hours I've spent kicking the story around in my head.  

Is this your first script that you have written?

No.  Actually, this was my second script, though I've written others through the years that I've continued to work on it. 

Have you entered other screenwriting competitions? If so, have you been successful?

Yes.  A comedy of mine, Reversible Errors, was a semifinalist in the Nicholl Fellowships competition last year.  Incidentally, it was a semifinalist in Scriptapalooza last year, also.

Why did you enter Scriptapalooza?

The world is now flooded with screenplay competitions, and I've tried to identify the ones that carry some weight.  I think Scriptapalooza is in the top tier of competitions because of readers involved, and because of success and publicity it has enjoyed.  And, the money isn't bad, either.  

Advice to other screenwriters?

After years and many drafts, we sometimes get to a point where we can't even look at a certain script without becoming ill.  Alex Lord was like that.  Yet, I knew it had many strong elements, and if I kept digging, it might actually come together.  So, if you have a script on a shelf somewhere, one that you know in your gut is close but not quite there, force yourself to dust it off and take one more shot.     

Are you excited to use your new software from Screenplay Systems?

Very excited.  I've only had experience with one particular software, and I'm looking forward to discovering new options available from Screenplay Systems.

How did you feel when you saw your name as one of the winners?

I couldn't believe that someone hacked into the Scriptapalooza site to play this horrendous practical joke on me.  I kept getting off the site and then going back to it, certain that one time I would go back and my name would be gone.

What are you going to do with your cash prize?

I should buy my wife something to thank her for putting up with my ramblings about this script over the years.  Other than that, no real plans.  Since I live in Florida, I hope it becomes necessary to use some of the money for trips to L.A.!

Updated: 09/10/2002

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