Interview - Screenwriter Stacey Garratt

Stacey Garratt wrote the Comedy competition winning screenplay, BIGGER IN TEXAS:
48 year-old Julia thought it was menopause. Surprise... she’s pregnant. Whoops. To get around Texas’s anti-abortion laws, she and her best friend, Diana, travel to get an abortion in Minnesota under the guise of hitting up their 30 year high school reunion.

It’s a mix of OBVIOUS CHILD and ROMY AND MICHELLE’S HIGH SCHOOL REUNION with BRIDESMAIDS.

After the competition win, we spoke with Stacey about the story and the journey to this win.

How did you first become interested in a career in screenwriting?
I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in writing, but it wasn’t until college that I honed in my focus on writing for film and TV.

Who or what inspired you to write this particular story?
No joke, I started writing this when Roe v Wade was overturned on my birthday. (Worst. Gift. Ever.) I wanted to see a film that goes beyond the teen pregnancy narrative and normalizes abortion for women who are already mothers.

What movies or filmmakers would you consider your greatest influences as a screenwriter?
I grew up on 80s and 90s comedies and Iindies, so I always feel comfy in that sensibility. For this script, Thelma & Louise, Fast Times At Ridgemont High, and When Harry Met Sally were in the VCR in my brain.

How much planning and outlining went into your process of writing this script?
I spend a lot of time outlining and do a few versions before I start in. I've been passionate about the topic of reproductive justice for a long time, so the research phase was one of the quickest I've ever had. Once the outline was locked, the actual writing process took only three weeks.

What advice would you give to aspiring screenwriters who are working their first script?
Get feedback on your outline before you go to script. Not only is it a good habit to get into, but you’ll be able to troubleshoot fixes much easier.