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.

SWITZERLAND

Written by Gretchen Somerfeld

screenplay contests

What motivated you to become a writer?

Writing has always been my primary way of expression. I’ve been involved in dramatic writing since I was 11, when I wrote my first play. I also directed and produced it with a cast of 36 — and was suspended from 6th grade and told I was arrogant for having kids cut class to rehearse.

Starting on a blank page is not easy- where does your creativity come from?

For me, it’s typically about theme. Something I want to say about the human condition. And this is what keeps me going throughout the process — always coming back to the theme. Knowing that I’m getting to make my little stamp on the world through my work.

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 came out of NYU, and have been in the indie film scene for awhile, so I’m painfully aware of all the factors that need to fall in place. In indie film it comes down to the holy triumvirate of Director/Actor/Financing. I’ve had 1 out of 3, and 2 out of 3 several times over the years, but I still need the 3 out of 3 home run to see a film get shot. I’ve received two Alfred P. Sloan grants and The Writers Lab distinction (funded by Meryl Streep & Nicole Kidman) — among other honors — so I think that has helped in getting producers/financiers to take my projects seriously.

What is your dream for this project and what other ancillary revenue do you think it could generate? Please include script title in reply.

My dream for “Switzerland” is to see it done at a low-enough budget that some creative control can still be maintained. I have a very talented French director attached, who’s collaborated with me on the script, and who has a very specific vision for the film. As far as revenue, I think this is a film that has crossover appeal to a larger audience and could do very well in streaming/cable.

How has your experience been with screenwriting contests for this project so far?

This is a recently completed screenplay so this is one of the first contests I’m submitting to (along with Slamdance and Austin — festivals that champion independent film).

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?

Switzerland is a brand new project, has a very fresh voice, and is my best work to date. It’s a comedy-drama that could be made for a price with a tour-de-force role for an A-list actress. I have a terrific up-and-coming director, Didier Béringuer, attached — and money can be made as it can be done for a price and probes very human, universal themes.

Do you have any website links for your writing, credits, background, etc that you would like to share?

I’m in the process of building a website. I also teach a screenwriting workshop called Writing From Character which can be found at: fb.me/writingfromcharacter

9000 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90069

[email protected]

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