Interview:

Mark Cowling is from Essex, UK. A computer science graduate, he dreams of a career as a professional film/ TV writer. Mark has the distinction of winning two major short script competitions in a row; even more remarkable considering he has only ever completed two shorts.

Is “The Trouble with Mrs. Tibbs” your first script? If not, what else have you completed?

The “Trouble with Mrs.Tibbs” is just the second short script I’ve completed, although I’ve started and abandoned many other short and feature length screenplays. My first completed short script, “The Other Me” won the British Short Screenplay Competition and is currently is production.

Why did you write “The Trouble with Mrs. Tibbs” and how long did it take you to write it?

I thought it would be something I’d enjoy watching. And enjoy writing. It took about two weeks of sporadic work.

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

I make some rough notes, a detailed outline, and then write the screenplay. I don’t deviate from my outline or rewrite much, if at all. But I’m not sure I’d recommend this process to other writers since it’s probably the reason so many of my ideas don’t get past the note taking phase. Being able to write a quick exploratory first draft, without having all the answers, seems like a good way to develop an idea, and a technique I’ll try when I tackle my first real feature script.

What inspires you to write?

Well written stories, in whatever medium. Oh, and constant, crippling guilt that I’m not making the most of my time and putting more effort into something I enjoy.

What influenced you to enter Movie Script Short Contest?

It’s a competition I’ve only heard good things about and one prize certainly worth winning.

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

They are very useful for writers prone to periods of extended laziness since they provide a deadline and reward to work towards. Finishing highly in a well regarded competition will also help an inexperienced writer persuade agents/producers to take him seriously. It doesn’t matter how good your writing is if you can’t convince anyone to read it.

Who is your favorite screenwriter or writer and why?

The Coen Brothers. I think their script for Fargo borders on perfection – substituting a heavily pregnant cop in place of a cliché-ridden, hard boiled, loose cannon detective was a stroke of genius.

Also, Diablo Cody. Even if you don’t like Juno (what’s wrong with you?), any high profile screenwriter has to be a good thing.

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

Keep writing.

What’s next for you?

A full length screenplay or two. Wish me luck.