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Scriptapalooza Interviews TV Contest Winners

Scriptapalooza has interviewed their TV competition winners Erica B. Peterson, John Raucci, Guy Borgford, and Andrew Colville.

Erica B. Peterson
1st Place Winner - Sitcom Category


How did you come up with your story idea?
I really enjoy the madness Liz has to deal with especially when it's something she really has no control over. I wanted to make sure Jack, Jenna and Tracy all had something so absurd going on that it would almost feel unbelievable and in reality would be. I am also addicted to those shows about addiction so I wanted to incorporate that with Jenna's persona because she's already addicted to getting as much attention as possible so the fact she would put her health in danger just to become more popular and receive more attention seemed fitting. With Tracy I actually wanted to see more of an emotional side which as you find out he has a hard time coping with. Then with Jack the idea of him dressing up as a dictator and attending a ball with other NBC big wigs as dictators just made me chuckle on multiple levels. With 30 Rock it really allows you a freedom to go pretty far out, it's like animation, and get away with some really crazy and fun stuff. So essentially I thought of all the crazy stuff I would like to see happen and prayed to multiple gods that it would work.

How long did it take you to write it?
The first draft took about 2 weeks but that doesn't include rewrites I would do for a few months to follow. I still look at it and want to re work a line or change something - I guess that's normal.

Is this the first script that you have written?
No, my first script was an Entourage which I hope never sees the light of day...I should probably burn it. I've written a Family Guy, a Simpsons, and now I am working on an Office and an It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia script - the later two I am writing with my brother - he's the brains of the operation as where I'm just the eye candy - but it seems to work just fine.

Why did you enter Scriptapalooza TV?
A friend of mine at work told me about Scriptapalooza so I entered my Simpsons last year and placed in the Semi Finals and thought I could do better. I really want the chance to have my work read and hopefully that take me to the next level of having a career as a Sitcom writer.

If you could write for any TV show, which would it be?
I would actually have loved to write for either Arrested Development or Extras but a currently airing show would definitely have to be It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. I absolutely love the character of Sweet Dee - especially when she does physical comedy, she is my hero.

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John Raucci
1st Place Winner - 1 Hour Category


How did you come up with your story idea?
I wanted to write an episode bridging seasons 2 and 3 and create a new antagonist for Dexter, following Doake's death. I thought it would be interesting to have Dexter serve his brand of justice to a high profile individual, someone with political power and influence.

How long did it take you to write it?
I finished outlining in a week and wrote four drafts. I outline my scenes on 3 X 5 cards and move them around, this helps to visualize the story. The whole process took roughly five or six weeks and I have great readers who always improve my writing.

Is this the first script that you have written?
I have written a full-length screenplay and two other teleplays. I'm presently outlining two new teleplays.

Why did you enter Scriptapalooza TV?
Scriptapalooza received good reviews and it's endorsed by Robert Mckee.

If you could write for any TV show, which would it be?
Dexter, Supernatural, It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia and Heroes. Really, any opportunity to work with experienced writers willing to mentor me.

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Guy Borgford
1st Place Winner - Reality Category

How did you come up with your story idea?
I live and breath music-related programming and ideas for the company I work for. This idea stemmed from a clear and unadulterated obsession.

How long did it take you to write it?
1 night. The idea had been in my head for months.

Is this the first script that you have written?
This submission was hardly a script bot more of a concept around a media business plan - good shows are a dime a dozen, programs that have artistic and creative merit that actually make money are hard to come by.

Why did you enter Scriptapalooza TV?
I believed that this concept would place well, if not win. I've worked in media for eons and know that networks and cable companies are in business - the art is secondary to the almighty dollar.

If you could write for any TV show, which would it be?
David Letterman or Saturday Night Live.

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Andrew Colville
1st Place Winner - Pilot Category

How did you come up with your story idea?
A friend mentioned how his parents were trying to get back some of their family property in Serbia. It got me thinking about other places where this might occur and other sorts of people who might be trying to do this.

How long did it take you to write it?
The first draft took a couple months, which is probably why subsequent drafts have taken even longer to correct the mistakes. I keep revising it, and sometimes I'll even wake up with dialogue and type it before I forget.

Is this the first script that you have written?
No, but it's the first pilot. I've written some specs of existing shows, I'd watch a lot of episodes and even re-type produced scripts to get a sense of how the characters talked. But writing a pilot is much harder because you're creating the characters. The training wheels come off and you fall a lot, though ultimately it's more rewarding because it all comes from you.

Why did you enter Scriptapalooza TV?
I wanted to get a neutral reading, and remembered Scriptapalooza as being a great contest from when I'd been an assistant at an agency.

If you could write for any TV show, which would it be?
I wish I could go back a few years, when the Sopranos, Wire, The Shield, Six Feet Under, ER, West Wing, and Battlestar Galactica were all on the air. My favorite show is Mad Men, I love watching it and also listen to it in the car by plugging the ipod into the radio. The dialogue is so good it even works as a radio play.

Updated: 04/21/2009

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