Susan Klos

Screenplay Winner
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"Voices"

Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
 I live in Los Angeles, California, but I’m originally from Long Island, New York.
 
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?
“Voices” is a true story, based on actual events. It’s my story. My daughter’s and my son’s story. I tell people that 80% of what I depict happened, but it’s 100% true. When I first came to Los Angeles, I aspired to be a cinematographer. I think visually, therefore screenwriting came as a natural medium of expression for me.
 
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?
“Voices” was a cathartic way for me to come to terms with my daughter’s diagnosis of schizophrenia and the end of my relationship with the “love of my life.” I had never written a screenplay before or taken any classes. I read three-quarters of Syd Field’s book, Screenplay and started writing. No outline, no index cards, just ideas pouring from my mind onto the page. I had a first (and terrible) draft after a few weeks. I entered it in some screenplay competitions and received fair, but insightful, coverage and started rewriting. “Voices” eventually placed and won some competitions.
“Voices” was on the shelf for many years until 2021 when I decided to revisit and “dust” it off, especially since mental health issues had become more relevant during the pandemic. Landlines and message machines were a thing of the past, marijuana is now legal, and I had gained more insight into the struggles of those who suffer from severe mental illness. I was able to update, remove an extraneous character and polish my latest version to reflect the times we are living in now.
 
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
I’d like to see “Voices” come to life on the screen and be part of its production team.
“Voices” addresses several important social issues that are relevant today; not only mental illness, but suicide, guns, abortion, our broken health care system and single parenting. It’s about the tough choices a mother makes for her children, and herself. There is an audience waiting for this film.
 
Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
Diablo Cody - Her relatable, quirky and effortlessly funny screenplay, “Juno” holds a special place in my heart. I “feel” the characters she’s created and love her unique dialogue.
 The Coen Brothers - These guys have a way of creating extraordinary characters with witty, memorable lines. I love “Fargo” and “The Big Lebowski.”
 
What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
“Frida.” I relate to the heroine, Frida, and her struggles and fierce determination to overcome the obstacles life has dealt her. Julie Taymor’s crisp direction and cinematographic ambiance, combined with outstanding performances by Salma Hayek and Alfred Molina, create a fascinating portrayal of the world and times that Frida Kahlo lived in.
 
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
Rewrite, think. Rewrite, research. Rewrite and rewrite some more. Enter competitions that can give you coverage and/or analysis, hear what they say (even, and especially, if it’s not so good) and never give up on yourself.
 
What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?
I’m looking for representation for my screenplays and/or producer.
I’d also like to get “Voices” into the hands of celebrity mental health advocates like Glenn Close (she started a mental health awareness organization called “Bring Change to Mind”), Demi Lovato, Lady Gaga, Kristen Bell and Mayim Bialik. Their support for my project would go a long way to getting “Voices” produced.
I have another completed action/adventure/comedy screenplay about 17 year old best friends, “Cesar & Max.” Logline: Between getting into trouble at school and his disconnected relationship with his mother, Cesar, a Mexican American teenager, feels out of place in this world. When Cesar gets expelled from school with Max, his delinquent, privileged best friend, the two take off on a wild trip to Mexico in search of Cesar's father who he’s never met. “Cesar & Max” has also placed in several screenplay competitions.
I’ve started my third screenplay, “I Hate You: A Love Story” which I will “dust” off and revisit this summer.​

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