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.
INTERMEDIARY
Written by LIZANNE SOUTHGATE
What motivated you to become a writer?
Spent my childhood in the pages of books. And when I got older and discovered there were just no job opportunities for Pirate Queens, well, I became the next best thing – a writer.
Starting on a blank page is not easy- where does your creativity come from?
Everywhere! A radio program inspired my first Nicholl placment script, DREAMS OF MICHELANGELO, an image from a dream kicked off INTERMEDIARY, a ‘what if’ idea brought Arthurian legend into the age of video games with THE LAST BARD, and an Irish rebel song turned into McCORLEY’S BROTHER.
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?
Sometimes. And sometimes I write to get them out of my head and make room for the next project.
What is your dream for this project and what other ancillary revenue do you think it could generate? Please include script title in reply.
Would love to see the steampunk struggle between girl and demon take place on the naturally noir streets of Portland and definitely see INTERMEDIARY spawning many graphic novels and other tie ins.
How has your experience been with screenwriting contests for this project so far?
I’ve place in the Nicholl Fellowships three times, as well as Page, Scriptapalooza, top ten on Roadmap, 3rd place Kairos (THE TRANSLATOR), Best script and Best Writer at Christian Film, as well as many others. In addition, the Young Adult Sci-Fi novel I wrote for a client – THE TRAIN FROM OUTER SPACE – won the Gertrude Warner YA Fiction award.
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?
Steampunk, demons and secrets coupled with the struggle to find one’s place in a changing world will appeal to the teen and young adult demographic. As a woman carrying the void of a lost twin and a former Catholic only slightly seared by the faith, exploring the darkness is always the most tempting path.
Do you have any website links for your writing, credits, background, etc that you would like to share?
I’ve sold a low budget horror screenplay, THE MASTER’S HOUSE and optioned a sci-fi pilot GAIA’S SHADOW.