Winning 1st Scene Reading: GOOD NIGHT, CRONKITE, by Rita Doyle Roberts

    Watch the Screenplay Performance of GOOD NIGHT, CRONKITE:

    CAST LIST:

    NARRATOR – Steve Rizzo
    CRONKITE – David Occhipinti
    CHERYL – Angelica Alejandro
    POOKY – Holly Sarchfield

Get to know winning writer Rita Doyle Roberts:

1. What is your screenplay about?

GOOD NIGHT, CRONKITE is a family comedy about a group of misfits.

When a bright, young girl coaxes a monster out from under the bed, her self-absorbed foster mom exploits him for showbiz fame, leaving the girl in the hands of a monstrous nanny.

All the characters are searching to fit in somehow, or trying to rebell against the norm.
The deeper theme which families could to talk about after seeing this film might be how private fears or insecurities can sometimes be healed when they are brought out into the open.

2. Why should this script be made into a movie?

I see it as an opportunity for people to laugh and feel. The WILDsounds reader comments for the first ten pages sums it up: Overall, this is a very strong and entertaining opening, which introduces the premise well, and hints at a larger and even more intriguing plot.

Also, a reviewer from the Colorado Office of Film Television & Media put it this way:
This is such a great family comedy! Love the premise: it’s recognizable, but fresh, something that an audience could really cling to… But the screenplay is full of character descriptions to die for, with other little moments of a strong comedic voice woven into the action/description… Pooky and the Nanny especially have such strong voices! All of the characters sound very distinct and unique from each other, and paired with those strong character descriptions, I could really picture the movie.

To me, it sounds as though this reader is writing an ad for any actor who really wants a distinct, comedic role.

My stories are for children and their parents — humor with deeper meaning for all ages. I want to honor the intellect of children, humor them into delighted squeals and belly laughs, give them a place to feel. I want to do the same for adults and then give families something to talk through after seeing this story on screen.

In this case, I’d like families to discuss what it means to be different from most people, how that often creates shyness or a retreat from interacting with others. We can all use a reminder about how to treat others who are unusual or unique. There is also a great deal to discuss about the choices that parents make for themselves and how they spend time with their children, or don’t see their kids much. I want kids to have an opportunity to recognize their moms or dads in Cheryl’s behavior and call them out, or adult children of narcissists to be able to tell their stories, “My mom was just like that, only she… ”

Even the antagonist has qualities to love by the end, the same as most people who hurt us. These are just a sampling of topics which are touched upon and the types of conversations that can happen after seeing a film like GOOD NIGHT, CRONKITE.

Everyone who hears about Cronkite or reads the script falls in love. People who have read only one or two scenes have contacted me out of the blue to say they can’t wait to see Cronkite costumes showing up at their door on Halloween. Cronkite, the monster, draws people in but then they feel for Pooky and long for Cheryl to come around to be a better mother. Nanny Ulla enters later in the script to become a villain everyone loves to hate! She, in all her hideous splendor, would also make a great Halloween costume.

3. How long have you been writing stories?

I’ve been telling visual stories my whole life and have spent 25 years as a fine artist — I’m a painter. I’ve really only been writing screenplays and children’s books since 2008.

4. What movie have you seen the most in your life?

Recently, I’ve devoured Little Miss Sunshine several times. Something about Olive’s unwavering determination and her family getting on board… it grips me every time.

As a kid, I had to see every Disney movie that came to my small town theater, but I rarely got a chance to see them more than once. I did watch The Wizard of Oz every year when it was on TV in the 60’s and 70’s. Those monkeys terrified me!

In sixth grade, I saw Young Frankenstein on a Saturday, then convinced my parents to let me go back and watch it again on Sunday. I was so taken with the comedic double meanings, sight gags and running jokes. Plus it was a scary thing made funny. That seemed powerful to me. And wouldn’t you know it, all these years later I’ve written a story with a comical, lovable monster.

5. What artists would you love to work with?

Disney and Pixar storytellers are at the top of the list. Brad Bird is an absolute hero. He said something in the bonus features on the Ratatouille DVD which made me want to meet him even more. It was something like, “So many people have greatness in them, it’s just a matter of coaching it out.” I love people who operate from that premise, regardless of the medium. That’s the sign of a true teacher or mentor.

It’s the same with stories — So many stories have greatness in them, it’s just a matter of coaxing it out. That’s what I see these animation studios doing.

There are actors I’d love to see in the roles of my script. This script could be great as an animated film, however while writing, I envisioned it as live action with awesome costumes and makeup for Cronkite the monster and Nanny Ulla — the nanny from hell. She is comically unsuccessful at appearing feminine, so I see her being played by a male actor. I can see someone very tall and sturdy like Will Ferrell who knows irony through and through. Or a genius at playing up physical comedy like Jim Carrey.

For Cronkite I picture a comic actor who’s sensitivity is palpable like Zach Galifianakis or Steve Carell.

Leslie Mann or Kristen Wiig are also comedy masterminds who would be perfect as Cheryl.

Really, I’m pointing out people who are willing to play and experiment while being vulnerable and open. I’m game to work with anyone prepared for that, it’s why I love kids so much. They have whole universes of wisdom inside of them and I’m eager to relearn how to be in that place.

6. How many stories/screenplays have you written?

Good Night, Cronkite is my second script. I’ve been awarded a grant from the Colorado Creative Industries to develop my other animated script into a children’s book, which I am in the process of shopping to publishers.

As I said, I’ve spent my adulthood in the fine art world, exhibiting in galleries around the country. (ritaroberts.com) Writing is relatively new. However, I’m the kind of person who absorbs, studies, observes… then I go and do it when I feel like I’ve got it. That’s a wildly simplified version of what actually goes on, but that’s what it looks like after the fact.

7. Ideally, where would you like to be in 5 years?

If anyone is still reading this they’re thinking, “Let’s hope she’ll be done writing these long-winded answers before then!

I plan to continue creating stories for animated or family films which I would also translate into children’s books. Cronkite is Curious George in Monster form. The only difference being that in five years, I’ll have an established film and publishing network to bring my creations to fruition.

I continue to paint, but I also have these characters who want their stories told. In five years, I’d like to have these three modes of creating — fine art, writing and illustration — balanced into a cohesive, whole life of creative expression.

My illustrated character designs can tell their stories in a single image, and that’s what draws people in to love them. (ritarobertsillustrations.com) A similar thing happens on the pages of my screenplays. I want to use this skill so that these characters can be made into toys which become lifelong possessions for children to play with and cherish like friends. That would really be the most beautiful outcome.

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

I like to get my inner self sorted out as much as possible before I write. Sometimes it’s instantaneous, other days it might take a few hours. The goal is to get open to what’s beyond the contents of my own head.

This is kind of a weird thing I do: On the very first attempt at generating a scene or when I need to really elevate a situation into something more imaginative, I write my ideas in a notebook with my left hand. I’m right-handed but my left handed writing is now more legible than my right and activates my brain in a different way.

I also lie down a lot while I write. I try not to stay in one position for very long. I’ll write until I notice that I’ve stopped to think more than once. Then I’ll do something physical. For instance, there’s a huge pile of firewood outside my studio right now. I’ll take a 20 minute break and go stack wood. It’s very meditative, plus it gets blood flowing again so I can go back to writing. Anything rhythmic or repetitive works.

However, if you look in my studio garbage right now you’d guess that all I do in here is eat! And I primarily subsist on chocolate.

When I really get stuck (and I’ve run out of chocolate) I ask Walt Disney what he would do to make the story work. He always tells me. He’s very generous that way. 🙂 Seriously, I never feel like I’m doing the work by myself.

9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

Love, family, nature, kindness, animals, getting healthy and honest in body / mind / soul / environment. People watching. I’m a passionate and fascinated observer of humans and our choices juxtaposed with natural laws. The ways we all rationalize or deny evidence to suit our own agendas. I do it as much as anyone else. Sometimes it’s hilarious and other times just sad.

10. What influenced you to enter the WILDsound Festival?

I had just polished up my first 10 pages and gotten some good feedback on the opening scenes when I learned about the 1st Scene Screenplay Festival. Hearing actors read the words is a very different experience from reading it myself. I imagine that I’ll make changes to improve it after seeing the table read. It’s a truly valuable opportunity!

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

Learn the rules so you can break them skillfully, in an entertaining way. Surround yourself with generous, secure writers who are dedicated to learning and growing as well as helping you expand your skills and knowledge. It also helps if they have a sense of humor. Be devoted to your audience more than your writing. I’m reminding myself of these tips more than advising anyone else.

I recommend Screenwriting U – ProSeries Professional Screenwriting Program. 
GOOD NIGHT, CRONKITE completely came into being within the lessons of the ProSeries.

Thank you to WILDsound Festival and all the actors doing the table read!

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By WILDsound Festival

Submitters reactions to their feedback on their stories. New testimonials coming each month! Watch this month's winning readings. At least 15 performances a month: www.wildsoundfestival.com Submit your script, story, poem, or film to the festival today: www.wildsound.ca

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