WRITER PROFILE
It’s always great to get together with a large group of writers and investors and keep up to date on what’s new, the screenplay contest, any recent deals, new dealmaker contacts, agents or managers that are looking and simply encouraging everyone to keep going after every dream in this difficult industry. For the hard working writer we want to do as much as we can to continue the exposure and word of mouth in the investment circles of the industry. Another way we do this is with writer interviews that we send far and wide and showcase at all possible meetings and markets.
We want to encourage your writing spirit, motivate you and again give you the accolades you so deserve.
ONE SWELL FOOP
Written by Barry Brown
What motivated you to become a writer?
My father loved language though he only had a sixth grade education. He and his father told stories all the time. I’ve found that writing gives me a sense of completion nothing else does.
Starting on a blank page is not easy- where does your creativity come from?
A strong feeling, or a strong feeling linked to an image, or an idea that leads to strong feelings and images. A short script of mine was a finalist for the National Playwright Conference, TV category (no longer extant). It grew from a single vague, but strong image. Jack Palance was extremely interested in a supporting role, but backed away when there was no financing.
Do you write projects knowing that so many other factors need to happen to get it to screen and does that come into your project creation?
I just write what draws me and do my best to make it perfect. No one offers to pay for my work, so it’s done for itself, and my skill grows through the process. I seek originality in truth. However, since films are corporate ventures with many specialists who have years of experience, and producers who have financing to obtain, AND the script is a blueprint, not a flesh and blood reality until produced, one would be childish not to work with the team.
What is your dream for this project and what other ancillary revenue do you think it could generate?
Both scripts submitted, ONE SWELL FOOP, a wild farce, and THE DARKLING GAME, fantasy for young adults with crossover to ages above and below, have solid potential for theatrical, streaming, and TV studio avenues. My dream for both is to have them produced, one hopes, by people who love the stories. I can’t ask for more.
How has your experience been with screenwriting contests for this project so far?
THE DARKLING GAME was semifinalist for two competitions last year and quarterfinalist of one this year. No one has shown interest. ONE SWELL FOOP is in the tradition of the Marx Brothers, where you love it or hate it. Although I haven’t found the ones who would love it, I know they’re out there, because it’s a damn funny script.
If you could stand in a room full of investor partners looking at many projects what would you like them to know about you and this project?
Both projects have specific audience potential, appealing especially to the large youth market. As for me, I work hard, am flexible and skilled, and I work well with people who want to do a good job. Unfortunately, I inherited dyslexia (visual and aural), which is one reason I became a writer. It’s akin to having a bad stutter, only it’s the brain stuttering.
Do you have any website links for your writing, credits, background, etc. that you would like to share?
Not really. No one has shown interest in the existing one, [email protected], so I’ve stopped putting up work on it, using it only as an email central for possible writing projects.