About

writer

Debra (Dee) Ott

Writer. Geek. Oh, and sometime amateur photographer.

I moved from Seattle to Los Angeles four years ago to attend the Screenwriting program at the University of Southern California. I graduated with my M.F.A. in 2008 and have since worked as a Web content editor and copyeditor for USC. I’ve also worked as a contract copyeditor for Privateer Press in Seattle and freelance writer for Facts That Matter publishing.

I’m lucky to have the time to pursue my passions, and continue to write screenplays that indulge and explore my interests in: sexuality and gender; computers, science and technology; the mythological and supernatural. I hope to work within “indie” cinema for the foreseeable future, and perhaps later branch into mainstream films and television.

The last several years have been dedicated to finding and honing my voice as a writer, while developing the confidence to honor it and let it be heard. I haven’t touched the brass ring yet. But I’m getting there. And I’m not giving up.

Awards, Publications, & Productions

• Barnes and Noble coffee-table book series. Writing reviews and chapter introductions for series of books covering the stars of classic Hollywood cinema. To be published 2010.
• Sundance Screenwriters Lab: Advanced to top 10% of consideration, 2008.
• Austin Film Festival Teleplay Competition: Second Round runner-up, 2007.
• Preuss Award and Mary Pickford Scholarship, USC, 2006-2007; 2007-2008.
• Writers Digest Annual Competition (Playwriting): Honorable Mention (top 100), 2005.
• Western Washington University: One-woman show produced, 2001.
• Bellingham Herald, Bellingham, WA. Theater Reviewer, 2000-2004.