Screenwriter Interviews
MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Jean Hunter
An interview with screenwriter Jean Hunter regarding the Epiphany Writing Competition.
Q: What's the title of the script you entered in this contest, and what's it about?A: "Lady Jazz" - "L.A. Confidential" meets "The Cotton Club" when a 1940s jazz singer goes on the run after becoming involved in the murder of a black LAPD Homicide Detective's twin brother.
We've all had dreams, but Vivian ("Lady Jazz") and Detective Trenton possessed the fortitude to back them up. But even the realization of dreams brought harsh obstacles - Vivian's belief that her true love, Babe, is also her ticket to bigtime record labels but instead leads her straight into the gutter facing a murder charge - and the blatant racism Trenton endured forcing him into reopening his brother's murder investigation without his department's knowledge.
Love isn't enough and doesn't conquer all is the life lesson Vivian must (and does) learn.
A: I was drawn to Epiphany when I read about Sasha's competiton on "Moviebytes" and entered early. Sasha clearly cares about writers and when she comes upon a script she believes in, she goes all out to achieve the writer's goals.
"Lady" also placed third with Antelope Valley Independent Film Festival and with The Writers Place, finals with WriteMovies (is currently a semi in their latest comp) semis with Screenplay Festival, quarters with ASA/Gotham, FadeIn, Texas Film Institute and an earlier draft made quarters with Nicholls (this year made the top 15% cut) Top 50 Finalist with Red Inkworks, Top 10 finalist with A Feeding Frenzy, and 2nd rounder with Austin.
A: Absolutely! More competitions should pay attention to what Epiphany stands for - genuine respect for the writer, honest feedback (both positive and constructive), timely correspondence (Epiphany actually announced finalists and winners several weeks ahead of time!), immediate payment (received my check within a few days of the announcement) and most importantly RESULTS!!
Q: Were you given any feedback on your script? If so, did you find the feedback helpful?A: I did receive feedback and incorporated a few of Sasha's constructive suggestions into a much stronger polish. Thank you, Sasha!
Q: Has your success in this contest helped you market your script? Were you contacted by any agents, managers or producers?A: What more can I say than within 2 days of being notified I had tied for third place, Sasha contacted me with the exciting news that she had pitched "Lady" to a prominent director/producer and the outcome was "send it!" Thank you again, Sasha!
Q: What's your background? Have you written any other screenplays or television scripts?A: I've been creating my stories since I learned how to grasp a crayon and have seen three short stories in print (bought my first car when I was 17 with the money I earned from selling a jazz fiction piece to the sister publication to "Boy's Life" scouting magazine) I started out writing and illustrating my little dog stories (other kids had lemonade stands, I hawked my stories) My mom bought me my first manuel typewriter when I was 9 and I was off to the races banging out novels (I was sending my work out to New York publishers by 12 and will always appreciate their kind (rejection) letters.) I wrote theatre plays for several years and entered many playwriting contests (but no productions!) I later expanded an (unpublished) novel into a screenplay and I've stayed with that format since.
"Lady Jazz" evolved from my passion for film noir, jazz and interest in crime-related tales. I'm currently deep into a contemporary crime drama with (of course) jazz and noir influences.
A: I moved to Hollywood in the early 1980s to work in the studios (and network!) and actually did temp at Paramount, but returned to the Bay Area (where I grew up) when my grandmother became very ill. I returned to L.A. in the mid '80s and stayed for 5 years. Several factors brought me back to Northern California. I have no problem commuting to L.A. (I'm one hour away on an airplane) and will do so when necessary.
Q: What's next? Are you working on a new script?A: Yes, the above-mentioned crime drama with two more scripts started (but on the back burner for the time being) and another script finished but it needs a solid rewrite before I'll consider sending it out for feedback from consultants I've since developed close contact with. These special people who I now consider friends know who they are and I have thanked them more times than not for their sincere belief in me and my writing.
Posted Thursday, September 8, 2005
