Interviews

The Spec Script Library

Screenwriter : Drew Rogers

'Neighbors still talk to each other'
in Magnolia, Arizona,
USA

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What is your passion?

Finally, a real question. My passion is to advocate creativity. I believe that too many people stifle themselves because they are afraid of rejection. Rejection is a given most of the time, but it shouldn't stop you from doing something original.

What is your greatest fear?

My greatest fear is that I will never reach a point in my life when I can say, "I am truly content." I also fear that the Olsen twins might get another show.

What does adversity do to you?

Good question! For quite some time, I've written stories, and I made a decision to do everything I could to get published and recognized. I've written a couple of books, written albums worth of songs, and developed "The Freelancer" in addition to writing articles for my local paper. Adversity has hurt me, but I always come back strong and with a vengeance to do the best I can. I believe that perseverance will pay off.

What is your best quality?

Empathy. Without empathy, characters and stories are boring. I try to put myself in other people's shoes to better understand how they would feel in a certain situation.

What is your worst quality?

I constantly strive for perfection. That's why I write scripts and songs alone. In fact, that's how the concept for "The Freelancer" came about. I thought that I could write an entire season of a show, but I didn't know if I could find writers to continue the job. Then, I decided that the show would simply last one season. That would be the gimmick: one season, then it's gone. Since other shows try to plan too far ahead and lose their charm, this show would simply shoot for twenty-four episodes. Of course, a season two is always possible...

What irksome habits to you have?

(Laughs.) You're getting a little personal. I guess I do watch too much TV, and I listen to odd bands instead of Bush and No Doubt. I also read the comics every morning.

If you could have your time again, what would you do different?

I would not waste any time trying to write for other shows. Originality stays, but imitations fade away.

What would you change about yourself? About others?

At this point, I would change my luck. (Laughs.) If I had luck, I would have been published several times, and "The Freelancer" would be raising eyebrows. I also think that everyone needs to be honest. Nothing comes from apathy.

How important is goal-setting?

Very important. I always have lists of things to do, plots to finish, stories to write, and places to send them. I'm very organized when it comes to writing.

What goals do you have?

I want to get "The Freelancer" on the air, get my book "Why Doesn't the Caged Bird Shut Up?" published, record and release an album with my band, The Property of Helen (named after Helen Hunt), become a recognized humor columnist, meet the writers on "Millennium," and appear as an extra on that show.

What is your ultimate goal?

To be known as a writer.

What heros do you have?

Glen Morgan, Darin Morgan, James Wong, Dave Barry, Mrs. Veach and Mrs. DiCiccio (two of my teachers), my family, Helen Hunt, Gillian Anderson, Sting, Chaucer, T.S. Eliot (the man guy in "The Freelancer" is named after him, but goes by Scott), Jesus, Monty Python, SNL, Sarah Michelle Geller, and anyone who tries to make a difference.

What inspires you in others?

Though the world is mostly made of jerks, I'm inspired by the good in people.

What inspires you in yourself?

I am not very inspiring, but I do try to go that extra mile in everything I do.

What will be written on your headstone?

Life's a laugh, and Death's a joke.

What does success mean to you?

Going to sleep every night with a smile on my face.

How do you measure success?

In yards. (skipping some. I don't have much time.)

What is it about screenwriting that gets you fired?

I love the fact that I can imagine the coolest scenes and plots, and they can be performed on TV within weeks.

What is your favorite pastime?

Hacky-sack.

What is your favorite motto?

Questions remain...but so do the answers.

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If you would like to contact Drew Rogers
please mail him

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