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.

DREAMLAND IS BURNING

Written by Michael Goedecke

What motivated you to become a writer?

It’s just something that came naturally.  I’ve always been a storyteller.

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

Sheer determination.  I always feel like it’s better to get it done than get it right; that’s what rewriting is for.  So I just start writing bits and pieces of scenes, dialogue, anything to get that page not to be blank. Some writers say the blank page scares them; not me.  I think the blank page should be scared of what kind of crap I might put on it.

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?

No, I don’t think you can approach it that way.  I just write what I’m passionate about, or really interested in.  I suppose it’s the same thing.

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

DREAMLAND IS BURNING was written as a feature, but I really think that adapting it to the limited series format would serve the story best. There could also be a documentary and educational resources developed as companion pieces. It’s the single deadliest racial incident in American history, and it’s almost criminal that this story isn’t more well-known.

Done right, it’s the kind of project that would bring additional attention and possibly accolades to the studio or streaming network that produced it.  Articles would be written about this show, and who doesn’t love free publicity?

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

I’ve had some success, but not to the level I had hoped. Despite numerous placements and one outright win, I’ve yet to see significant interest from any major players.

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?

I have a passion for this story and getting it to the screen.  I know it might sound pretentious, but this really is the kind of project that can win awards and, perhaps more importantly, make a real cultural impact, and maybe even make a difference.  And at the end of the day, quality projects make money…or lead to projects that do.

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

You can find me on IMDB (Michael Goedecke), my projects are public on Coverfly.com and I’m @mdgoedecke on Twitter.