Launch Pad Twitter Chat (8.5.14): Sean Costello

Launch Pad Pilot Competition Overall Winner Sean Costello joined us this morning for our first Launch Pad Twitter Chat session. Costello, who started his entertainment career as a magician performing at kids’ birthday parties as “The Great Cosmo!” (hence his Twitter handle), won the LPPC with “Paradise City.” His script focuses on early 1980’s sensationalism and the War on Drugs, as seen through the disparate perspectives of a Sunset Strip coke dealer and the detective who controls him.

In case you missed the session, here’s the transcript of Costello’s Twitter chat:

@KailaOnTheMove: just moved to LA and am a screenwriter any tips on great networking events/workshops to go to?
@TheGreatCosmo1 (Sean Costello): The Writers Guild Foundation has a script library open to the public. They also put on events. Checkout the forums at https://www.tracking-board.com/ — That’s where I met a bunch of writer friends.

@2writestuff: When/how did you know your script was ready to be submitted to contests?
@TheGreatCosmo1: I had people reading various drafts for a year before I submitted. DO NOT RUSH things; get it right!
@JubelGantry: I was a lucky one of them. Sean’s got the goods in abundance. #paradisecitybaby
@Jacoblog: Me too – one of my fav reads from last year.
@TheGreatCosmo1: Meeting Mike on the Tracking Board is exactly what I’m talking about. He’s a badass. Friends.
@2writestuff: People being friends? Or people being coverage services?
@TheGreatCosmo1: Free reads. Script exchanges. I have used coverage services as well.

@Origami_Mami: Hi Sean, how did you hear about the Launch Pad competition? Through the site?
@TheGreatCosmo1: I heard about it in the chat room at Tracking Board. The chat room feature is fun!

@Mark_Tradewell: Do you draw from elements in your own life in your writing, or from outside inspiration?
@TheGreatCosmo1: Every time I draw from my own life, the script is so much better. The “write what you know.” Paradise City was a collection of events I had some personal connection with. Both. I am having more success with things related to my life. However, I don’t sell coke! ;) I think if you’re passionate about the subject matter, that will come through in the writing.

@Jennifersgrand: Do you write features as well? If so, was this your first pilot?
@TheGreatCosmo1:I am working on a feature now as well as a new pilot. This was my 4th pilot.

@MyTrackingBoard: We’ve got @TheGreatCosmo1 here for just a few more minutes if you have any final Qs for him about #screenwriting tweet them to #LPQA.
@TheGreatCosmo1:Write every day. Find your voice. Write a show that you would want to watch. Don’t be boring.
@Jacoblog: GREAT advice, Sean. Especially – don’t be boring. Easy to conceptualize – but so hard to execute.
@TheGreatCosmo1:That’s why we share our work — to keep us on our toes! Thanks for all your help over the past year.
@Jacoblog: It’s been an honor! And thanks for your help as well. SIBERIA wouldn’t be where it is w/o the feedback!
@twolitreian: Sean has been a great source of encouragement with my own writing. Feedback is a must in this sport.
@TheGreatCosmo1: I’m lousy at sports!
@OfSoundnVision: Swapping scripts with Sean, and the notes that came from them, have been helpful and encouraging.

@MyTrackingBoard: And that’s a wrap. A multitude of thanks to @TheGreatCosmo1 for joining us this morning for our first Twitter Chat.
@TheGreatCosmo1: That was fun. I was just getting warmed up ;)
@MyTrackingBoard: We’d love to have you back sometime!
@TheGreatCosmo1: Tracking Board was the place that changed my career. Also, props to Bethany Stirdivant, Dan Scheinkman and Brooklyn Weaver!

Stayed tuned for our next chat session with Silent R manager Lee Stobby!