The purpose and spirit
of the
Television Writers Vault has always been to
provide a protective measure of exposure and guidance to new
writers breaking into the industry. We hold great pride in one
very persistent writer, Jennifer Rowlett of Rockton, IL. who
was most recently discovered by Kingfish Productions, engaging
her in collaboration on one of her original reality-based
projects.
Jenny sat down with us
to share her experiences during this process and provide some
terrific insight for other writers working to gain access to
Producers via the TV Writers Vault.
Jennifer Rowlett -
Writer
Scott Manville:
What's your background, and what first
brought you to using our service?
Jenny Rowlett:
I am from Rockton,
IL, and up until two years ago, I was a hairstylist and a
massage therapist. My husband and I then decided that I would
stay home with our two children who are four and five. I've
always been interested in writing, but never found time. I
finally got myself to sit down and I've since written two
children's books, two short stories, and a concept for a
reality show. I came across your service by searching the
internet to learn how to protect my project, and that's when
I discovered
TV
Writers Vault.
Scott Manville:
How long were you a member of the TV
Writers Vault before being discovered by Kingfish
Productions?
Jenny Rowlett:
I was a member for one or two months before
Kingfish Productions had reviewed my project. Then it was
another month before they requested contact with me.
Scott Manville:
How many companies in total reviewed your
project?
Jenny Rowlett:
Four. Kingfish and I then made contact
with each other, but ultimately the project just wasn't what
they were looking for. I then decided to contact some
other production companies. Many said no, until I had one
reply. I then sent in a submission form but they declined
it. Finally, Five Star had some interest. They've been very
nice throughout the whole thing. They have been the closest
to making an offer.
Scott Manville:
It's been a wonderful process seeing your
progression from first creating concepts for television, to
now being a more savvy writer dealing with a multitude of
producers. What was it like first making contact with the
production company?
Jenny Rowlett:
Amazing! My heart just sank, and I knew it
was not over. I had come a long way, but I still have a long
way to go. Companies have told me no, but I'm still happy
that I got this far. It only takes one person to say yes, and
your whole career can change.
Scott Manville:
Did finally making contact with real
production executives change your perspective on the process
and struggles of marketing your projects?
Jenny Rowlett:
Yes. I never really knew how much of a
challenge this industry was until I actually got involved. It
takes a lot of time, but it can be rewarding in the end.
Scott Manville:
What can you tell us about your project,
and what was the process like in developing it?
Jenny Rowlett:
My project is a reality show based
on ex Playboy playmates and how they struggle with their life
now, compared to when they were in Playboy. It took some
research. First I had to find girls that had unique current
lives. Then I had to try to find their contact information,
{which was not easy}. I have four that are involved now, and
all of them seem like sweethearts. The whole process is
difficult and it takes a while just to have one production
company give you any interest at all.
Scott Manville:
What elements of the project are producers
most concerned with?
Jenny Rowlett:
Talent, money, and what the network would
want your project to be. If you approach a producer and tell
him you have an idea for a show, that's wonderful, but what
else do you have involved with it? The producers that I have
talked to want a packaged deal.
Scott Manville:
Those who don't know the TV Writers Vault,
or myself, may be interested in knowing your experiences in
dealing with me directly. Care to share?
Jenny Rowlett:
You have been wonderful throughout the
entire process. Actually, when I came across your website I
emailed you some questions, not only about your service, but
for some advise. You emailed back right away with answers. I
wasn't even a member, and that's what made me join. I knew
you had time for people, and you didn't push them away like
most companies do.
Scott Manville:
Thank you for that. I have fun with it, and
it's rewarding to see a new writer break through.
Just to this point
you've found more success and results than most struggling
writers. What qualities do you feel you have that helped your
project rise to the surface?
Jenny Rowlett:
I try to look at life and see what really
sells in this world. What are people interested in seeing.
You need things that will grab everyone's attention.
Men ,women, young and old. What kind of drama are people
fascinated by.
Scott Manville:
What blunt advice can you give
to new writers that are considering marketing their projects?
Jenny Rowlett: Patience, go with your instinct, and
have dedication for your project. My family thought I was
crazy to try this, but because some told me to give it up, it
made me try harder and focus more. That made me more
determined to make this work. The worst that could happen
would be having producers tell you no. You really won't know
until you try. I didn't want to spend my whole life wondering
if it really would have worked.
Scott Manville: Would you recommend the TV Writers Vault
as a tool for writers pitching television projects?
Jenny Rowlett: Of course! Producers would have never
given me a chance. They don't like "unsolicited" material.
TV Writers Vault is an excellent gateway through the industry,
especially if you are new and don't know where to begin.
Scott Manville: Were you concerned with the risk of
exposing your project to third parties, and did you take any
measures beyond what we already provide with electronic record
to protect your creation?
Jenny Rowlett: I was very concerned with the risk,
but I also knew that if I never talked to third parties, I
would never advance to the next step. There is always a
possibility that someone else may say "I had that idea",
but risks are a must in order to further your project. Your
service also helps protect projects.
Scott Manville: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate
our service, and why?
Jenny Rowlett: 10. Your service has respect for
members. This industry can be very cruel, and producers
can intimidate you. You find the time to help, even if your
schedule is very busy. You even emailed me back when you were
on you honeymoon! Some companies don't even want to give new
writers a chance, but new writers have a lot of good ideas.
Your doors are open to everyone.
Scott Manville: Do you believe Hollywood is a closed door
to new writers with "ideas"?
Jenny Rowlett: To a certain extent. I think you need
services like yours to open the door. Producers are willing to
listen, but they don't always want people to have their
information. Your service is wonderful because the producers
can look at the writers work, if they have any interest, then
they give you their direct information. They need to be
protected too. You not only help us, you help the producers
too.
Scott Manville: What has been your key inspiration for
pursuing your goals with Writing?
Jenny Rowlett: Probably my children, and just having
dreams. I want to show them that if you put your mind to
something, you can do anything. You may mess up along the
way, but you pick your feet back up and try harder. As far as
dreams, if you don't dream, you don't have anything to look
forward to in life.
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