Chit Chat with Jennifer Arzt

Here's the low down on Jennifer Arzt:

• She holds a MFA in Film, Television and Recording Arts
• She has pursued writing, directing and producing
• A few of her films have appeared in festivals in the United States
• She is THE Program Director for Script Frenzy
• She loves coffee and any food that her husband cooks

I would like to say thank you to Jennifer for taking time out of her busy schedule to do an interview with me. I cannot imagine how crazy the Script Frenzy office must be right now so I appreciate this.

How did the idea of Script Frenzy come together?

In 1999, Chris Baty started National Novel Writing Month, which has since grown into the largest writing competition in the world. Chris founded the nonprofit Office of Letters and Light in 2006 to run National Novel Writing Month and launch new events. Script Frenzy was the very first event launched by the newly formed nonprofit. In 2007, the curtains rose on the very first Script Frenzy.

Using each consecutive letter in the words "Script Frenzy", describe what the program is about:

Seeking
Creative
Release
In
Planning
Theatrical

Forays
Regarding
Entertaining
Neanderthals.
Zany?
Yes.

Why should someone signup to do Script Frenzy?

It's tough to find time to sit down and write a script without a deadline and no one holding you to it. Not only do we impose a deadline, we offer a huge support group of like-minded writers struggling with the same scriptwriting issues.

If you have a story–and I know you do–Script Frenzy helps you find the time to tell it.

Have you been able to participate writing a 100 page script? If so, how do you manage being the Program Director and trying to accomplish Script Frenzy?

I have! Every year.

It is always a challenge to write a script during Script Frenzy. But, I think that is true for everyone who participates! No matter what. We all have crazy schedules and when there are a few free nights in a row they feel like such a treat it is hard to convince yourself to keep at it and not just relax.

I always attempt to outline and be as prepared as possible before April. It hasn't happened yet, but somehow I always find a way to get to page 100.

What is a typical day in April like for you during Script Frenzy?

There is so much that gets packed into a day, I hardly know where to start. Before Script Frenzy starts I try to be as prepared for it as possible. There are the improvements to the website, new content development, soliciting of Cameos and sponsors, outreach, the planning and managing of the current year's design, pep talk writing, bug finding, coffee drinking, and if I'm lucky, I find time in the evenings for outlining and writing.

What is the most rewarding part of being the Program Director?

Helping people reach their goals. Even writers who don't hit 100 pages get something out of Script Frenzy. It is always so nice to hear how Script Frenzy had a positive impact on someone's life.

Script Frenzy, like NaNoWriMo, is run by donations. If someone is unable to donate but still wanted to help what could they do?

I think that first, I'd like to say that every donation means the world to us. Even $10. There is no donation that is too small.

That being said, we run on a lot of love and elbow grease. Folks can:

• Use GoodSearch.com and pick the Office of Letters and Light as their charity
  Get sponsored by friends and family
• Spread the word about Script Frenzy (We have flier to help)

Every little bit helps!

What is some advice you could give to new participants or people thinking about participating?

Keep writing. No matter what. After you finish the first draft you'll have an amazing understanding of process. Leave in bad dialogue and don't get hung up on a plot hole. Write past, over, and around story stumbling blocks. Often, after you've passed them, the answer becomes clear.

Remember, writing is rewriting. Use Script Frenzy to get to the end of your first draft. It is much easier to start draft two if you have draft one.

If you could be the main character in any movie, who would you be and why?

Edward from Big Fish because he lead a full, wild, and interesting life.