BARRY PUTT
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 PictureBARRY PUTT
How did you discover The Santa Barbara International Screenplay Awards and how did you decide to enter this contest among all the others?
I learned about The Santa Barbara International Screenplay Awards through Moviebytes.com. The fact that the contest was feedback drive appealed to me and prompted me to apply.

Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
I live in Somerset, NJ, which is not far from NYC.

Describe your journey into film or television writing? What inspires your overall journey into screenwriting?
I’ve always been drawn to scripted stories—the immediacy of the storytelling created a strong connection for me early on. I started writing in the episodic format because I loved how shows bring characters to life over time. I find it really engaging to follow characters as they grow and change. That connection to story and character is what pulled me into screenwriting and
continues to inspire me today.

Your scripts stand out among hundreds of others. What are the inspirations for your stories... and why do you write scripts instead of short stories or novels? How do you decide which stories to tell, and what draws you to these particular themes?
I’m drawn to stories about people who are often overlooked, because I want to show how much we all have in common. I choose stories that reveal something true about identity, resilience, or connection. Some are eye-opening, like Omeed’s Tapestries; others are empowering, like The Choir Singer; and some are both funny and meaningful, like my play Inside Out. What they all have in common is a character trying to stay true to themselves while pushing against the current.

What is your typical writing routine? How do you structure your workday to stay productive?
I work best with structure and routine. I usually spend part of my day outlining one story and another part revising a different one. I work in short sessions—about one to two hours at a time. This keeps things fresh, helps me avoid burnout, and keeps writer’s block away.
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How long did it take you to write your script...and what is your writing process? Do you outline...use index cards...white board...or just start with FADE IN?
Most scripts take me several months to develop through outlining, scene breakdowns, and then writing the script. The TV pilot and bible for The Choir Singer took me two weeks to write. It was all I focused on during that time.

Do you write with production realities in mind, or do you let the creative vision lead first and adjust later?
When it comes to TV scripts, I keep budget aspects in mind as I develop the story world, the number of characters, and the locations that will be included. Adjustments are made throughout the process as needed.

How do you handle writers block or moments of doubt (we all have them) during your creative process? What tools or software do you find essential to your workflow as a screenwriter?
The main tools I use are MS Word for outlining and a screenwriting software for script writing.

How do you approach competition entries, and what have you learned from participating in these contests? What’s your strategy when submitting your scripts, and how has contest feedback shaped your work?
I enter my work into contests that provide the most useful outcomes be that career advancement, a monetary award, or quality feedback. The contests I have entered so far have provided insightful feedback which has enabled me to further develop my scripts.

Have you pitched to producers or taken meetings yet? What have those experiences taught you about the business side of screenwriting?
I have pitched to producers on spec projects through a “speed date” format and have also written for a couple of low-budget TV shows. In both cases, I learned that preparation is key. I developed a solid pitch for the “speed date” format, which enabled me to discuss the core meaning of the project and why it will engage audiences. Similarly, on the TV shows, I regularly pitched episode ideas to the producers. I found that the more I understood the show’s world and characters, the better my ideas were—and the more likely they were to be accepted.

Where do you see yourself five years from now as a screenwriter—and what’s the one story you’re dying to tell before then?
In five years, I see myself in production on a feature film or TV series. At the top of my list are Omeed’s Tapestries and The Choir Singer—those are the stories I’m most excited to bring to ​life. If I had to pick just one to start with, it would be Omeed’s Tapestries. It’s a powerful story about identity and belonging that I believe needs to be told.
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What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
I want to tell stories that resonate with people and make them think about the world around them. Film and TV have the power to spark change and make a real impact. That’s the kind of work I aim to create.
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What message or emotional response do you hope audiences walk away with after experiencing your work?
I hope my stories help people see and appreciate each other more. That’s an important step toward building a kinder, more connected world. The film and television industry is constantly evolving.

How do you see the role of screenwriters changing, especially with the rise of streaming platforms and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence?
The industry is always changing, which means more kinds of stories get told and more people can see them. Writers now have new tools that can help them work faster and better. These changes are an asset in today’s fast-paced world.

Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
I get inspired by the journeys of the TV writers I went to college with. Learning about their different paths has helped me see that there’s more than one way to succeed in this business.

What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
There are a lot of shows I enjoy. When it comes to sitcoms, I’m a big fan of I Love Lucy—it’s my all-time favorite. I also really like The Nanny because it blends different styles of comedy so well within one story world. For hour-long shows, Homefront is one of my favorites. The writing is strong, and each episode finds innovative ways to tell the story, making you really care about the characters. I am also a fan of the 2024 series Tracker, which does a great job of combining the characters’ personal lives with the urgency of solving a new case each week.

What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
I recommend submitting to contests that align with your script’s themes and offer awards or opportunities that will genuinely support your goals as a writer.

What else are you working on that the world needs to know about? (links to your projects?)
I am wrapping up a revision of my feature-length screenplay Omeed’s Tapestries. It is about an Iranian, same-sex couple who seeks to migrate from their homeland to a country where they will be able to live a peaceful life as their authentic selves. A pitch deck is available upon request at https://www.barrymputtjr.com/contact

Where can the world find you online? (Social media links, etc.)
You can learn more about me and my work at my website www.barrymputtjr.com and on IMDB
at https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2104257/