If I hadn’t mentioned it elsewhere, The Crimson Web of War novel started as The Crimson Web, a screenplay, written during a MFA course at National University (and taught by the ass-kicking Professor Skye K. Dent!). After the draft I wrote for the class, I cleaned it up a bit and entered it into four script contests. It made the quarter finals at the 2008 PAGE International contest and, though it didn’t place at Red Ink, Larry Myles threw the script a few props:
“I most definitely give you full marks for creating a gritty and entertaining story.
“Your basic premise is very appealing. I am impressed with your ability to expand a solid premise into a viable and entertaining story… the story is entertaining, as well as complete.
“I appreciate how you have found success in making the combination of story and characters matter. Amplifying a base idea into a solid premise takes patience and thought. Being able to translate premise into an entertaining story takes even more work. So with that in mind, I would like to take a moment to congratulate you on your story-creation ability…and reinforce the importance of generating an engaging premise.
“It is obvious the premise supporting THE CRIMSON WEB holds genuine value – evidenced by an abundance of energy and vitality found in both story and actions of the characters.
“A further positive note regarding the characters is also in order. The writer has drawn strong characters, and populated the story with a strong supporting cast. The cast performs well, adding to the story, while assisting in exposing both the attributes and frailties of the main characters.
“Also present is dialogue that comes at us as it should – ‘reel dialogue’ rather than ‘real dialogue’.
“I am not a fan of minimalist main character introductions – especially in strong-story, character-driven screenplays. And THE CRIMSON WEB is no exception. Preston drives this story. Through motivations, obstacles and goals – this is his story.”
Much thanks to Larry at Red Ink for the kind words. Since I decided to novelize the script instead of pursue Hollywood fame (and besides, if Hollywood likes the book, I’ll get paid twice!), I’ve not entered any further contests. But for more info on the contests I did enter, please visit my main site, www.catesbury.com, and look under Resources and Bio.
Thanks,
Mc
Hello there,
I had no idea that you were enjoying such huge success. You deserve it. You worked very hard and had an exciting, original screenplay premise.
I moved on to producing some projects, working on an ABC series, and also teaching a really wonderful TV development class for Cal State Northridge on the CBS Radford Lot in Studio city.
Don’t let anyone say that you have to choose between two loves. For me, working in entertainment is one. Teaching film, TV, journalism, new media is the other.
Reading your shoutout makes the latter all the more worthwhile. Don’t forget to repeat that when you’re picking up your Oscar.
Skye