Here is an interview I had with Frank Zanca one of the creators of StaytunedTV.net. He also a writer who is published I asked him some questions about the process.

1. Was screenwriting one of your goals in writing or do you prefer novels?
Frank: I like writing both screenwriting and novels. Before writing a screenplay I like writing a novel treatment this is done so that I can get into the mind of the characters. Through novel format you can get inside the mind of the characters, because a screenplay only tells you what a character is doing and saying. A novel treatment gives the writer that background information so that he can tell an actor in a movie or series how to react to a certain situation based on the characters past.

2. Is Destiny Horizons your Distribution Company?
Frank: Destiny Horizons is the company that owns my screenplays. It is a company I created it is my label that owns my novels as well. Stay Tuned TV.net is my distribution for internet shows.

3. Can any one submit a comic or story idea to Destiny Horizons?
Frank: Anyone can submit to it, but since I am a writer I probably will not be looking at other people’s screenplays. I will be creating an online store for independent publishers. Once this site is up anything that is self published can be posted here.

4. Did you have an agent when you were first published?
Frank: I did not have an agent for my novels but when I moved to Los Angeles I got an agent for my screenplays. My agent submits my scripts to studios and producers. In LA you can’t submit a screenplay without an agent. Other wise they will throw it in the trash if it is unsolicited. Any budding screenwriter would have to get a referral and then get an agent. He also said if you are a writer, just keep writing. The internet has many outlets to present your material.

5. Who came up with the idea for Stay Tuned TV.Net?
Frank: My producing partner Tim Ryder and I produced a sitcom pilot and instead putting it on You tube we decided to create our own portal which became Stay Tuned TV.net. Tim Ryder is also known for producing That 70s show and Third Rock from the Sun. It’s been on the internet now for two months.

6. Can anyone submit their script projects or short films to the site?
Frank: Were not just looking for scripts we are looking for complete pieces. If you are an independent filmmaker or you have a short piece you can submit to the site and we will divide it up into five minute webisodes. You can also vote for you favorite Stay Tuned TV.Net video.

7. Who funds your shows on Stay TunedTV.net?
Frank: Since I produce my own works the funding for them comes out my own pocket. The four shows I have produced which our on Stay Tuned TV.net are Shadow Raven, Greatest American Hero, Sunset Standup, and Just the Three of Us. Other Producers have had sponsors fund their shows. The budgets for the shows all depend on what kind of equipment you have access to and the talent can be found on the internet and other actors will do it for the passion and love of acting.


8. How did you approach Stephen J. Cannell about doing a New Version of Greatest American Hero?
Frank: I was having lunch with William Katt who stared in original 1980s version and he wanted to know how we could promote the comic and make a few more sales. I told him I could create a web series for Stay Tuned TV.Net, but Stephen Cannell found out and said you can’t do that. So I had to write a proposal saying I will not be making any money on it. When you watch The Greatest American Hero on Stay Tuned TV.Net you will see Stephen Cannell’s name on the site. The Cannell Company said as long as were not making any money and were not affiliated with the Cannell Company we can go ahead and make the show

9. Were you a fan of The Greatest American Hero?
Frank: Yeah I enjoyed watching it as a kid. It was great to see the flying effects on television. It was shot on Blue Screen back then since it was shot on film. On our web series we did it in the same vane.

10. Can anyone submit a script idea to Stay Tuned TV.Net?
Frank: Sure anyone can submit an idea, but since I am a writer I wouldn’t produce it on my own. If the writer has access to funding I would be happy to produce it.

11. Do you think Stay Tuned TV.NET is going to be a future venue for unknown actors and actresses to get their start?
Frank: That is my goal is to make stars out of the actors, the film makers and the writers so they could get recognition. I think the future of television is going to be on the internet. That’s why networks are investing into sights like Hulu because they know eventually in the future were going to be able to watch anything on demand through the internet.

12. Was the idea for a five minute webisode inspired by the old serials?
Frank: Yes the webisode was inspired by the old serials. Back in the thirties and forties you would have an eight to ten minute short that would cliff hang and you would have to come back to the theater to see what happens next. This idea is nothing new and this is ideal for people to watch on their break at work.

Frank was inspired to write after seeing Star Wars. He has written three books and six screenplays.

Anyone that has a production idea can contact Frank at frank@staytunedtv.net.

You can also friend request StayTuned-TV.NET on Facebook.