[Watch the video interview on YouTube here]
Film Courage: What has motivated you to submit to screenwriting competitions in the past?
Collin Watts, Screenwriter: I think it was another way to get potential eyes on your script.
If you place in a contest, it’s just another little small thing to say that if you’re sending somebody an email,
Hey, this script was a semi- finalist.
Hey, this script was a finalist.
It’s just more ways to add to your script to get people to look at it honestly.
Sometimes contests will have feedback for your script that you can get.
I think it’s just another avenue to try to get eyes on your screenplay.
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Film Courage: When you were submitting to competitions, did you have those particular competitions in mind while you were writing your script?
Collin: No, I think there’s several contests that are kind of known as the big ones.
Then you’ll find something that’s more specific.
If it’s for an action screenplay, I don’t really think of that stuff until the script is done and then that becomes another avenue, another door to potentially open a contest.
I think whether it’s a contest to open a door or pitching somebody online.
I always just think of it’s more doors to try to open.
I think that contest will give you just another way to get eyes on your screenplay.
Also, have some sort of evaluation of how others, like don’t take it to heart, but if it is moving forward in contests and stuff.
You have something and they can be a way to get meetings as well.
Some of the major contests, if you place in those or advance in those, I think a lot of managers look at those things.
I’ve had some friends who won contests.
They got meetings with managers, agents and that’s how they kind of got in the game, especially the contests like the Nicholl, that’s kind of a career changer…(Watch the video interview on YouTube here).
About:
Collin Watts is a Los Angeles based screenwriter with a focus on creating genre films with a personal touch. Originally from Illinois, he is a graduate of Florida State University and the UCLA professional screenwriting program.
Collin began his career by writing several successful short films that premiered in over 30 festivals worldwide including “The Wretched” and “Sunnyvale” which both premiered at Screamfest Los Angeles. Four of his feature scripts placed in top screenwriting contests including the Austin film Festival, the tracking board top ten, and the Cinestory Foundation.
Collin wrote his first feature, “HOT SEAT”. The film was released theatrically in 2022, and starred Mel Gibson, Kevin Dillon, and Shanon Doherty.
In 2023, he wrote and produced “THIS LAND,” a topical horror film that was released on VOD from Terror Films.
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