Interview:

My name is Mike Dragoo from Portland Oregon.  I've always been intrugued and fascinated by the art of show business and especially the skill and talent of comedy.  If there's something more interesting than what makes something funny, I'm not sure I know what it is.  I've always dreamed of making my life's work in the world of comedy and I hope I'm getting closer to that all the time.
 

Is “KNEW ALL ALONG” your first script? If not, what else have you completed?

Knew All Along is one of three scripts I've written. 

Why did you write "KNEW ALL ALONG? And how long did it take you to write it?

The idea for it started when I met someone who worked as a telephone operator for a psychic line.  The woman I'm speaking of had awful bleach blonde hair, was 50 pounds overweight, and spoke with a heavy New York accent even though shoe lived in Oregon her entire life.  After knowing her for a few days, I thought there has to be a story here.  And so Knew All Along was born.  The script itself has no markings of that woman except for the inspiration to write it.  It took about 4 weeks to write and then many revisions after that.  Writing is rewriting. 

Describe your process; do you have a set routine, method for writing?

My writing process is really to sit down and begin.  Once I start a script, I write it all the way through and then step away.  Starting and stopping doesn't seem to be my method.  I only take breaks between revisions.

What inspires you to write?

Comedians have always been my inspiration to write. 

Do you feel that screenwriting contests are worthwhile for writers and why?

Screenwriting contests are a great way to find exposure for someone's writing.  The people reading and judging the scripts know what to look for and know what an audience really wants to see.  And that will help the writer in knowing where his work stands inside the business and with and audience.

Who is your favorite screenwriter or writer and why?

Comedians have always been my inspiration to write.  Woody Allen is the greatest comedy writer the world has ever seen, Jerry Lewis is a king.  Groucho Marx, Steve Martin, Billy Crystal, Jerry Seinfeld.  How am I not supposed to look up to these guys and admire their talent?

Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?

What's next for me I don't know.  I hope future success for my scripts and for me.