ERIN DONOVAN
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ERIN DONOVAN

How did you discover The Santa Barbara International Screenplay Awards and how did you decide to enter this contest among all the others?
I joined FilmFreeway and read about the contest there. I thought the commitment to fully read all submissions was refreshing and honest. Also, I really appreciated the fact that the evaluations were done by professionals. Those two factors made it stand out to me among other competitions.
And btw, I’m so glad I did. The feedback I received was incredibly helpful—highly detailed, thoughtful, very professional and clear. It offered constructive advice, while the overall message was extremely encouraging. This is obviously an organization that loves story, loves writers and are generous in expressing all that.
 
Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
I split between London and Los Angeles.
 
Your script stood out among hundreds of others. What was the inspiration for your story and why did you write a script instead of a short story or a novel? What inspires your overall journey into screenwriting?
 
The inspiration for the story began with a minor obsession I had for the Varsity Blues Scandal, and also my best friend who was an underpaid piano teacher to a lot of rich people’s kids. I mean, sure, what Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin did was wrong, but at the same time… I got it. When it comes to your kids, good people go wacky. The idea that one wrong impulsive move (on behalf of your kid!) could send you into a life of crime – it struck me as very funny.
As for my journey into screenwriting, I began as an actor. I started writing because it seemed more proactive than waiting for auditions. But I soon realize what I loved most about screenwriting was getting to play all the roles, even if it was just in my head. (Sad, as I look at that! Ha!).
 
How do you decide which stories to tell, and what draws you to these particular themes?
I usually have a backlog of stories I’d like to write. So, it’s a question really of prioritizing what I’ll focus on next. The litmus test is if I can’t stop thinking about it. I love character driven stories about relationships, normally my scripts end up revolving around family. It’s not a conscience thing (I’m sure a therapist would have a hot take for me), but family dynamics and themes around becoming “your own person” always work their way into my scripts.
 
What is your typical writing routine? How do you structure your workday to stay productive?
I write every day—pretty much. It started when my kids were in school, I was working, so the only time I could write was super early. I try to get in at least four hours. It’s amazing how even if you’re not “feeling it” if you just start, you get into it.  
 
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?
I’m in a fantastic writing group which imposes a deadline, so the actual writing of this particular script was probably something like 6 weeks. But that doesn’t account for the lead up to getting ready to write something. I normally noodle with an idea for a long time. I’ll make notes, write character bios and backgrounds, scene ideas, etc. I do like to outline, and I use index cards for a general shape. So, when the actual writing begins, I can go fast. Try to, anyway. This is my “formula” I use based on words of wisdom I read from Aaron Sorkin, Stephen King, and William Goldman.
 
How do you handle writer's block or moments of doubt (we all have them) during your creative process?
Oh God, nothing worse than “writer insecurity.” In my experience it’s even worse than acting insecurity. When/if you find a way around that, please tell me!  
I think probably you just have to do it, write anyway. Write through it, and then share your work, get feedback – that part’s scary too, but indispensable. It takes some courage, you’re very vulnerable when you share your work, so I guess you can pat yourself on the back for that.
 
What tools or software do you find essential to your workflow as a screenwriter?
I use Final Draft. And online thesaurus sites.
 
How do you approach competition entries, and what have you learned from participating in these contests?
I’m a big proponent for competitions—a couple of them really jumpstarted things for me several years ago. But you have to be selective, decide if you’re looking for feedback (to me, super important), or if there’s a conference, a fellowship or retreat attached – I think those are especially great for honing your writing as well as networking.
 
Can you share a specific challenge you've faced in your screenwriting and how you overcame it?
Coming from an acting background, I found writing dialogue to be the “fun” part. But story structure was -- and is -- way more challenging to me. My learning curve has been haphazard – I never went to film school. But I read a lot of books, listen to writing podcasts, and go to any screenings or conferences I can where writers are giving talks. Along the way I learned about structuring, doing tons of work before actually writing the script. I also think the learning process with writing never stops. I’ve written a lot of scripts by now, but’s still a mystery to me. Whenever I start a new script I always think – Now, how do I do this?   

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Where do you see yourself in five years as a screenwriter?
I really want to have had a film released and/or TV show picked up. I’m visualizing, lighting candles and writing affirmations for that.  
 
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
The dream would be to sit in a theater and hear the reactions – laughter, fear, sadness—to something I wrote. As a theatre actor, I used to love the immediacy of feedback from an audience. I love it when someone says, “I love what you wrote because I experienced that.” I want to be able to reach people, to affect them on many levels with a story I write. That’s the ultimate.   
 
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?
I think everyone, but writers especially, need to be entrepreneurial. The good thing about writing is you don’t need anyone’s permission to do it. I don’t think you can wait for someone to give you an opportunity. You need to think of ways you can do things yourself – write a micro budget film and do it. Think like a producer. Get a tribe of people around you with similar goals. As for AI, the antidote to that is developing your own voice.
 
Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
James Graham – whether it’s his play DEAR ENGLAND, or his BREXIT movie, his work stays with me for days and weeks. If that’s not a sign of great writing…
 
Vince Gilligan – for the BREAKING BAD pilot alone, the teaser! Character driven thriller with a lot of dark comedy… is there anything better than that?   
 
Jesse Armstrong – to this day I don’t understand how he got me rooting for those awful people in SUCCESSION. But I think about his writing a lot.
 
Aaron Sorkin – I was lucky enough to work on THE WEST WING, doing background voices. It was like going to film school. His ability to write incredible characters, his imagination for drama, voice for comedy, his understanding of story structure, his dialogue…all breath-taking.
 
What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
WITHNAIL AND I, by Bruce Robinson. ALMOST FAMOUS, by Cameron Crowe. NINE DAYS, by Edson Oda. Sorry, that’s three. Can’t do Sophie’s Choice.
 
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
I’d say write a lot. Write every day, find your own voice, and do that. Sure, it’s competitive but there’s only one you. Give yourself permission to write a vomit draft, a “for-my-eyes-only” draft. Then just fix it! Make it the best it can possibly be. Make it as “you” as it can be. It can be helpful to imagine who you’re writing for—a specific someone who loves your work, who’s going to really get it, appreciate it, laugh or cry – as you’re writing. There’s an expression I love: A professional is an amateur who never gave up. Just don’t stop.
 
What else are you working on that the world needs to know about? (links to your projects?)
Glad you asked. I’m working on a family dramedy feature, MAKING GOD LAUGH, set in Ireland. It’s based on a story a friend told me about trying desperately to sell a crumbling family home to pay for care for his aging parent…but getting stymied when a colony environmentally protected newts moved into their dilapidated swimming pool (And who fricking builds a pool in Ireland??). Here's a link: https://www.makinggodlaughthemovie.com/

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