BPS 406: Unveiling the Art of Screenwriting A Journey with Kristin Overn

There’s a certain magic in the way creativity stirs the soul, and
on today’s episode, we welcome Kristin Overn, a seasoned producer
and the visionary behind the PAGE International Screenwriting
Awards. With a career steeped in the art of storytelling, Kristin
has spent years cultivating opportunities for writers to transform
their ideas into scripts that resonate across the
industry.Kristin’s journey began in the theater world, studying
playwriting and directing at Northwestern University. Her love for
stories soon led her westward, to the bustling hive of Hollywood.
"I’ve always been fascinated by story," she reflects. "It’s the
common thread that connects us all." In Los Angeles, she worked
tirelessly—starting as an assistant and script reader, gradually
earning her stripes in film production.

But her heart’s true calling emerged as she realized a profound gap
in the industry: connecting new writers with emerging
producers.This insight birthed the PAGE Awards, a screenwriting
competition designed not just to showcase talent but to bridge the
divide between raw creativity and industry access. Kristin’s
philosophy is simple yet profound: “Every great script deserves a
champion, someone who sees its potential and helps it take flight.”
Over the years, the competition has grown exponentially, now
receiving over 6,000 entries annually. Its rigorous vetting process
ensures that only the most compelling stories rise to the top—a
beacon of hope for aspiring writers seeking their
breakthrough.Kristin’s candid advice to screenwriters is a reminder
of the industry’s complexity and the persistence it demands. “Find
your voice,” she urges. “Don’t try to be the next Quentin Tarantino
or Diablo Cody. 

Be unapologetically you.” Her anecdotes, drawn from years of
working with writers and producers, illustrate the transformative
power of authentic storytelling—where characters leap off the page
and evoke emotions that linger.The episode dives deep into the
intricacies of screenwriting competitions, the challenges of script
development, and the significance of receiving professional
feedback. Kristin’s passion for mentorship shines as she describes
the thrill of connecting PAGE winners with managers, agents, and
producers who can bring their stories to life. “There’s nothing
quite like seeing a writer’s hard work pay off,” she says, with a
palpable sense of joy.As the conversation unfolds, Kristin’s wisdom
offers not just technical insights but a deeper understanding of
the human connection that underpins all great storytelling. Her
belief in the power of perseverance and the beauty of imperfection
reminds us that the road to success is often paved with lessons
learned from failure.“At the end of the day,” Kristin concludes,
“the stories that move us are the ones that come from the heart.
They’re honest, raw, and unapologetically human.” It’s a sentiment
that echoes long after the episode ends, leaving listeners inspired
to pick up their pens and tell their own truths.

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