Katherin Angelina Cooper (Screenwrter)
As a member of The Story Farm, DCTV, and Women in Film and Video, I am a long-tenured writer of screenplays, short fiction, and poetry, with a particular focus in the form of thrillers and horror aimed at millennials and younger generations. My body of work has earned numerous accolades such as finalist, quarter-finalist, and top 10 finishes in various contests, including last year’s Fresh Voice Screenplay Competition and Breaking the Walls Thriller Competition as well as this year’s 13Horror.com Short Screenplay Contest. In September, I will be competing as a finalist in the DC Shorts Screenplay Competition.
Kat is currently completing a Master of Fine Arts in Film and Electronic Media at American University and her fourth feature screenplay.
indieactivity: How would you describe your writing?
Kat: Dark with a purpose. My writing dives into the deepest parts of ourselves and exposes our darkest
indieactivity: How did you get into writing?
Kat: As someone who was bullied as a kid, I often found writing to be a way to escape to an imaginary world. I started writing short stories which often were noticed my teachers.
Does vengeance really dig its own grave? Don’t miss out. Buy your copy of Abandon All Hope now! https://t.co/iYN1Xg1fHh #thriller #occult #religion #horror #vengeance #family #love #friendship #sacrifice pic.twitter.com/MPa3Lvoi0h
— Kat A. Cooper (@Kat_A_Cooper) June 30, 2018
indieactivity: Did you study writing?
Kat: I didn’t initially study writing because it was something that just came natural to me whether it was short shorts or poetry. Pretty sure, based on how I initially write screenplays, I could write a novel to, but that’s on my to do list. However, in 2016 when I become involved in the film world, I took a class through the International Screenwriters’ Association called The Course Craft in Screenwriting taught by Max Timm. This is an online course based on Max’s live course in LA which helps you to complete your first draft with weekly assignments, lessons,, email support, and live Q&A calls every week.
This is how I fell in love with screenwriting and soon after I joined Max’s coaching service called The Story Farm. The Story Farm is a coaching and consultation service that helps writers improve their writing skills. It’s basically a personal trainer for writing.
indieactivity: Do you take courses to improve your craft?
Kat: I am currently studying at American University for Film and Media Arts. if I just want a deep dive on writing, I look through the International Screenwriters’ Association website to find any courses that may interest. However, for the most part I work with Max Timm as a member of The Story Farm since he will be able to give me one-on-one instruction.
indieactivity: How did you get into writing?
Kat: As someone who was bullied as a kid, I often found writing to be a way to escape to an imaginary world. I started writing short stories which often were noticed my teachers.
indieactivity: What is the difference between a screenplay and a play?
Kat: A screenplay is for film and a play is for the theater. Both require different formats when writing one
indieactivity: How do you turn an idea into a play?
Kat: I start with the idea, form a logline that expresses the main character’s flaw, their goal, and their opposition. Then, I turn it into a basic outline of sequences to see if the way the story flows makes sense. From there, I develop a more robust outline that includes scenes and what happens in each to make sure that I didn’t have any scenes that may slow down the action and that it still fits into my genre
indieactivity: What do you do to get an idea into a play?
Kat: My ideas come to me in their weirdest places including the shower or sitting on my porch. However, my most interesting ones come to me in my dreams or shall I say nightmares lol.
indieactivity: Briefly describe a few wrong impressions writers indulge in?
Kat: Lee Jessup actually has a few great articles on what not to do as a writer. If you don’t know who Lee Jessup is, she is a long-tenured mentor for emerging screenwriters in film and television and she also has consulted and instructed for major networks and studios.
Four Things a Writer Should Never Say, Four More Things a Writer Should Never Say
indieactivity: Do you often take courses in writing to increase your craft?
Kat: I am currently studying at American University for Film and Media Arts. if I just want a deep dive on writing, I look through the International Screenwriters’ Association website to find any courses that may interest. However, for the most part I work with Max Timm as a member of The Story Farm since he will be able to give me one-on-one instruction.
indieactivity: What do you do to keep in shape as a writer?
Kat: I keep a notebook or electronic folder of ideas. Anytime I get an idea for a story, I write it down. I am constantly researching to see if there’s anything online that would make for a great story. Also, most importantly, I am always writing. Whether it’s a logline, outline, character profile, or the actual screenplay, I make sure that I am writing something every day.
indieactivity: How do you develop a character in a script to be honest and believable?
Kat: I create a character profile that includes the physical, mental, and emotional descriptions. What the character needs, likes, hates, etc. I just started using Persona which is a software program that helps build a character profile and stores it for you.
indieactivity: What do you want from a director during production?
Kat: In terms of pre-production, if I am asked to rewrite, then I would like to have a clear understanding of what is wanted or is it entirely up to me to reconstruct? Most importantly, I like to have clear and constant communication, so that we are both on the same page. I am here to make the director’s job easier and less stressful by keeping them in the loop..
indieactivity: How do you prefer to work with a director during production?
Kat: Writers usually do not have any say once their screenplay is sold and in production. It just on to the next one.
indieactivity: Do you get offers from Hollywood?
Kat: Not yet, but that is my goal. I am currently working as an independent, as well as working on building my credibility and presence in the industry.
indieactivity: What do you think a writer can do to get into the industry?
Kat: Build their credibility, network, and keep writing.
indieactivity: Who is your favorite writer?
Kat: Spike Lee
indieactivity: Why?
Kat: He pushes the boundaries and leaves audiences with a positive message to look back on. I am often stunned by his work especially those that tackle issues of equality and civil rights such as Blackkklansman, Chi-Raq, Malcolm X, and School Daze. He’s is an iconic writer/director/producer that I believe with be remembered as a legend for years to come.
indieactivity: What advise would you give to amateur writers around the world?
Kat: Don’t let anyone tell you that you aren’t a good writer. With any craft, it takes practice to perfect. Keep writing and learning. It’s not a race. Many of the greatest writers started their career at a point where most would think is past your prime.
indieactivity: Briefly write about my career.
Kat: I’ve written over five screenplays, and currently working on my 6th. I’ve done some freelance editing work for small production companies and served as an editor for a graduate student’s thesis. I’ve appeared on Page 2 Screen, a podcast led by Jeffrey York and brought to you by the International Screenwriters’ Association. As of now, I am building my body of work, networking, and planning to move to LA within the next year or two.
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