Creative Writing Alumna Finds Success in Screenwriting Part I

I recently found an advertisement on Facebook for a TV Series called FREE SKATE. Of course I clicked on it, eager to see if this “figure skating” series would create a realistic skating atmosphere. I was happy to find the writer had a skating background, but even more ecstatic to discover she is an Emerson alumna. Another figure skating aficionado and a writer exists!

Caitlin McCarthy graduated from Emerson in December of 1994 and currently teaches high school English at an inner-city vocational public high school in Worcester, Massachusetts. Since graduating, Caitlin has established herself as a screen writer, winning 60 awards and nominations at international film festivals and labs. Her three projects provide a wide spectrum of topics and stories. WONDER DRUG tells the story of DES (diethylstilbestrol), a drug given to pregnant women from 1938-1971 to reduce the risk of miscarriages that was discovered to lead to a rare vaginal and testicular tumors in the children. Following a Pharma executive, feminist doctor, and a newlywed over decades, WONDER DRUG brings to light the world’s first drug disaster. Caitlin also wrote RESISTANCE, which is based on the life of Vera Laska, who was a Czechoslovak resistance fighter for three years, a political prisoner in Auschwitz, and Nazi death march survivor. Caitlin’s television series FREE SKATE follows an Olympic figure skater who’s competitive career has ended due to injury and has joined a touring figure skating show.

Despite being at a film festival, Caitlin was kind enough to put aside some time and answer some questions for this blog. I am happy to report that WONDER DRUG won “Most Likely To Be Produced” at the 2010 Action on Film International Film Festival this week. What follows is a portion of the interview.

Did you do your thesis in screenwriting or is that the genre you fell into? (In the program now, it is rare to do a screenwriting thesis although every 2nd year there is a screenwriting workshop in the summer and I think every spring in LA.)
My focus was long-form fiction at Emerson — specifically, young adult fiction. I studied under Jack Gantos, who was/is the rock star of that genre. I also took a poetry class with Bill Knott, and a short story class with Elizabeth Searle. Elizabeth served on my thesis committee at Emerson, and years later became a friend of mine through PEN New England. I’m one of the contributors on her blog “Celebrities in Disgrace.” While I never took a screenwriting class at Emerson, I spent the summer at Emerson’s Maastricht campus, where I wrote the “script” for the school’s coverage of the biennale arts festival. I treasure the fact that Emerson encouraged and enabled me to try different types of writing. That flexibility served me well at school, and allowed me to think outside of the box after graduation. Because of Emerson, I became fearless in my writing. I’ll try anything now!

From the work you have produced, it appears teaching does allow you time to devote to writing. Is it still hard to fit it in or do you find yourself doing most of the writing over the summer breaks?
Teaching is demanding, especially at an inner-city public school. But where there’s a will, there’s a way. I always do something “writing-related” each day, whether it’s working on my own projects, reading someone else’s script, attending a screening, or brainstorming and outlining future screenplays. During the summer, I really dive into my projects and travel to film festivals. But if a terrific event pops up during the school year, I’ll figure out a way to be there.

Your scripts WONDER DRUG and RESISTANCE are stated to be “in development” with a director. Does this mean they are on their way to being filmed and produced?
Yes, I have amazing talent interested in WONDER DRUG and RESISTANCE. Acclaimed independent director Tom Gilroy (SPRING FORWARD) has expressed interest in directing WONDER DRUG; and up-and-coming UK director Si Wall (THE DINNER PARTY; MARBELLA NIGHTS; ANGIE) has expressed interest in directing RESISTANCE. All that’s missing for both of these projects is the financing. Once the financing is in place, these projects will immediately head into pre-production.

What is the next step for these screenplays?
Financing. It’s all about the Benjamins! In this economy, you have to think creatively to attract potential financiers. For example, on August 17 in New York City, I’m holding a live staged reading of select scenes from WONDER DRUG. Tom Gilroy will direct the reading, and incredible stars from film and TV will star in it, including: Emerson grad David Alan Basche, Alysia Reiner, Peter Hermann, Jessica Blank, Erik Jensen, Lucy McMichael, and Jeff Pucillo. Top producers and elite cable channels have already RSVP-ed. The reading is open to the public, so interested folks can RSVP to wonderdrugrsvp@gmail.com or visit www.wonderdrugthemovie.com for more details.

These days, it’s not enough to write a great script. You have to get it out there — host staged readings, enter quality screenplay competitions, apply to screenwriters labs, attend screenings, network at industry parties, you name it. You need to be an artist *and* a businessperson. Sitting at home and thinking pure thoughts won’t cut it. No one will ever discover you at home.

What advice would you give to writers starting out with a screenplay?
Early to bed, early to rise, work real hard, and advertise! Follow those steps and you’ll be on your way. You can’t get around all of the hard work that goes into writing. The entertainment industry is a marathon. Be in it for the long haul. I truly believe that work conquers all.

Here at Emerson we have been told many times from different departments the networking of past Emersonians. In an e-mail you called it the Emerson Mafia. How did you come in contact with fellow Emersonians Alicyn Packard and David Alan Basche for the staged reading of WONDER DRUG?
I connected with Alicyn Packard through an organization that’s lovingly called The Emerson Mafia. My screenplay RESISTANCE, formerly known as VERA, won the first ever MafiaFest, held in Los Angeles. It was an event where Emersonians submitted screenplays, feature-length and short films, videos, etc. and competed for awards, just like a film festival. My screenplay received a live staged reading of select scenes at MafiaFest, which featured Alicyn. I was blown away by her performance — so much so that we stayed in touch and I asked her to appear in the Los Angeles live staged reading of select scenes from WONDER DRUG this year. Alicyn is a star!

I connected with the amazing David Alan Basche through his wife, actor Alysia Reiner (SIDEWAYS). She starred with Steve Guttenberg (THREE MEN AND A BABY) in a live staged reading of select scenes from WONDER DRUG at the 15th Annual Hamptons International Film Festival. Alysia and I became friends after the reading. Then David and I became friends. Next month, both Alysia and David will star in the upcoming WONDER DRUG reading in New York City.

It’s a small Emerson world!

Have you had other experiences with Emersonians helping you?
Elizabeth Searle has been my biggest champion forever. It’s so important to have a touchstone like that, someone who “gets” your writing — and you as a person — and encourages you to keep going. Elizabeth is that person for me, and it’s an honor to have her on my side. I’m thankful that I’m now in a position to return the favor and champion *her* work.

What was it like watching WONDER DRUG being performed?
The first time WONDER DRUG was performed, I couldn’t believe it. We had a record audience at the Hamptons International Film Festival. The actors were incredible. I got to participate in a Q&A following the reading with my screenplay’s scientific mentor P. Harry Jellinck. The audience asked so many thoughtful questions — it was clear that WONDER DRUG’s subject matter touched them. Later that night, after the festival’s special party for filmmakers, people actually stopped me in the parking lot to say how much they loved the reading. I couldn’t have wished for a better experience.

You were in the Top Ten for the MTV/WIF TV & Media Outreach Program and a Quarterfinalist for the NexTv Writing & Pitch Competition for FREE SKATE. What was it like pitching your script to MTV developers? (Good luck for the October announcement of the NexTv Writing & Pitch Competition!)
One of the developers at the pitch is an Emerson grad. We’re everywhere!!

But seriously, I loved meeting with the folks at MTV. Everyone was smart, inquisitive, and respectful during my pitch — and I’m not just saying that because Doug Herzog, President of MTV, is an Emerson grad, too. They were great.

What advice do you have for screenwriters when pitching their scripts?
Think of the pitch as a conversation. Don’t memorize a speech. Instead, keep talking points in mind that highlight what your feature length screenplay or TV show is about. Focus on what’s at stake for the characters. Why should this story be told? What makes your project special? A pitch can last between 5-30 minutes — they’re short and sweet. Get in and get out. Don’t ramble!

Also, be ready for the people you’re pitching to stop you and ask questions. Again, treat the pitch like a conversation. Practice what you’re going to say with family and friends before the meeting.

All three of your screenplays/series have won several awards. Which was the most exciting? Which one opened up the most opportunities for you?
The Hamptons Screenwriters Lab was my big break — no question about it. I was discovered by Vanessa (Wanger) Hope. She selected WONDER DRUG as an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation script for the lab — a huge honor. Tom Gilroy and Josh Marston (MARIA FULL OF GRACE) were my lab mentors. Vanessa also selected WONDER DRUG for the only live staged reading of select scenes at the Hamptons International Film Festival. Tom Gilroy directed that reading, which starred Steve Guttenberg and Alysia Reiner.

Vanessa was WONDER DRUG’s first friend. Tom Gilroy has been WONDER DRUG’s best friend. Having someone as brilliant as Tom Gilroy mentor me long after the festival, and then express interest in directing the feature film version of WONDER DRUG, is a dream come true for me.

Some of those awards are for film festivals in Europe and Canada (I love Prince Edward Island.) Does this mean you have traveled abroad with your scripts? What was that like? Particularly in regards to RESISTANCE?
Whenever I can travel to a festival, I will! The furthest I’ve ever gone is Monaco for RESISTANCE (then known as VERA). The European response to that script has been overwhelming. Prince Edward Island has personal meaning for me, as I’m of Acadian descent. Some of my ancestors lived on PEI, so I was thrilled when RESISTANCE (then known as VERA) was a winner of the Audience Vote for Best Screenplay (Synopsis & Reading).

I’m actually answering the questions for this blog from Los Angeles, where I’m attending the Action on Film International Film Festival. WONDER DRUG is up for two awards: “Best Script” and “Most Likely to be Produced.” A scene from WONDER DRUG will also screen at this festival as a “preview” during a block of films.

I originally found you through a Facebook advertisement for your script stage TV series FREE SKATE. Has advertising on Facebook been helpful for your career?
Social networking is essential and cannot be ignored in entertainment. Screenwriters must build audiences for their projects at an early stage. (Of course, copyright your logline, synopsis, etc. first before posting anything online!) Advertising is always a good thing. If your project gets “fanned” by thousands of people, producers will take it more seriously, as numbers don’t lie. You’ll have proof that there’s an audience for your project.

It’s not enough for producers to like your script. There needs to be a return on investment for them if it’s produced. Having evidence of an audience makes it easier for producers to say “yes” to greenlighting your film.

If you would like to support Caitlin, become a fan of her scripts WONDER DRUG, RESISTANCE, FREE SKATE on Facebook. Let’s help our fellow Emersonian move her scripts from “in development” to “production.” Check back soon for Part II of Caitlin’s interview.

Tags: Alumni, Creative Writing