Screenwriter Interviews
MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter David Kane
An interview with screenwriter David Kane regarding the Moondance Writing Competition.
Q: What's the title of the script you entered in this contest, and what's it about?A: The title is "Boat People". I'm very proud that it has recently been announced the winner of best screenplay and the recepient of their prestigious Seahorse award.
Log: In 1975 during the fall of Saigon, and with the help of an American soldier who was left behind, a talented violinist-turned-refugee, vows to make it to Carnegie Hall to honor her mother's memory.
My father in-law was Uan Ngoc Pham, South Vietnam Navy Commander for 14-years, and his and my wife's memories I have written this heart stopping action adventure. Dedicated to all the Vietnamese Boat People for having the strength and courage to sacrifice everything for their freedom.
A: I've heard that this international screenwriting contest is well respected in the industry and is considered within the top 5 in the country.
The following are all the awards "Boat People" has achieved.
1st Place — Moon Dance International (2008)
3rd Place - WriteMovies International #16 — (2007)
3rd Place — Cynosure Screenwriting Awards - (2007) Finalist — Story Pros (2008)
Finalist — EXPO - (2007)
Honorable Mention - Filmmakers Intl. — (2006)
A: So far so good. I'm actually flying out to attend the event this weekend to Boulder, Colorado.
Elizabeth, their director had been wonderful and had phoned me personally to give me the news.
A: Here's actual feedback from one of the judges:
"It's Memiors' of a Geisha meets Gladiator.
This is a well-constructed script. You have a good command of structure and pacing, your action descriptions are tight and impart just enough information, and your dialogue is generally taut and snappy. You've clearly researched the history of Vietnam, and the historical detail detail is well-incorporated. You know how and when to tighten the screws of narrative tension, and you have some good set pieces: the pirates attacking the boat, the 'lottery' to determine which soldier will be executed. You give My-Linh a backstory that's designed to evoke an emotional response from the audience (her ambition to realise her mother's dream of performing in America), and she's an appealing character - vulnerable,, but with a core of inner strength. I liked how you smoothly handled the transition from the use of subtitles to the use of English: the close-up on the monk's mouth as he tells My-Linh she must look for the shepherd. It both adds impact to this utterance (which will resonate through the script) and neatly establishes for the audience that we'll be hearing the 'translation' of what's being said from now on.
Best of luck in the competition."
A: This is yet to be determined but I remain positive and excited on the opportunities to come resulting this win.
Q: What's your background? Have you written any other screenplays or television scripts?A: Yes. I've written another award winner called "Finding Heart", a drama which recently won first place in Gaffers International contest.
Log: A young black man with a bright future as a wrestler gets drafted into the Vietnam War and winds up coming home alive, but unable to wrestle. To find his true destiny, he must first cope with his new life and learn to wrestle with his limitations.
A: I currently live in Orange County, CA.
Q: What's next? Are you working on a new script?A: I'm actually working on three scripts.
I have recently met with a person who knows Bob Yari and am trying to get some of my other projects completed so they too may be considered for production consideration.
Most importantly, I am so very grateful to MovieBytes for this wonderful site. It is because of you I am able to find these contests and pursue my dream of being a working screenplay writer.
With Respect and Thanks,
David Kane
Posted Monday, August 25, 2008
