Screenwriter Interviews
MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter kevin kraft
An interview with screenwriter kevin kraft regarding the First Fifteen Writing Competition.
Q: What's the title of the script you entered in this contest, and what's it about?A: It's entitled TOPWORLD, and it's a science fiction meldodrama about a 35-year-old social worker who takes on the case of a 15-year-old girl who claims to be an escaped slave from a subterranean civilization. The compelling apsect of the story is the relationship between the social worker (Ron Peterson) and the girl (Ellie) after, in a moment of depseration and survival, she initiates a kind of telepathic bond between the two of them. As they flee from her overseers to a refuge she calls "Freeland," it becomes clear that their relationship becomes literally symbiotic--these two literally cannot live without one another! So even if Peterson can get Ellie to safety and away from her captors, will they be able to part and survive? It's full of adventure and heart, something for everyone.
Q: What made you enter this particular contest? Have you entered any other contests with this script? If so, how did you do?A: I wanted to find out if the story even started out well! I had just finished the screenplay, was excited about it, and wanted to enter it in some contests to see how it would do. It's the only contest I've entered TOPWORLD in so far, but I plan to send it out to more as money permits.
Q: Were you satisfied with the adminstration of the contest? Did they meet their deadlines? Did you receive all the awards that were promised?A: So far so good. I did contact past winners to find out their experiences with First Fifteen, so I would have some idea what to expect. Dave Haynes seems to be very receptive and courteous. He did a great job posting my winner's profile on the Tanglewood Films website, too.
Q: Were you given any feedback on your script? If so, did you find the feedback helpful?A: It's still early since my win and I'm still awaiting coverage from the contest.
I'm a full member at the American Zoetrope writer's website, and the response from reviewers to the posting of TOPWORLD there has been encouraging and very exciting. I hope I have a hit on my hands!
A: Not directly, but now, when I send out my queries and manuscripts, I can proudly call TOPWORLD an "award-winning screenplay." We'll see what attention, if any, the contest brings.
Q: What's your background? Have you written any other screenplays or television scripts?A: I started out writing short stories and had some published in small mags and anthologies. Then I started writing novels and have completed four. TOPWORLD is actually my second script. The first was THE W-3 CREW, based upon my novel of the same name, which I'm no rewriting, since I made all my mistakes with the first one.
The sequel to TOPWORLD--TOPWORLD: REVELATIONS is completed as well!
A: No. Nor do I have plans right now. Who knows about the future?
Q: What's next? Are you working on a new script?A: The third installment in the TOPWORLD series (TOPWORLD: RESTORATION) is already in progress. Also in progress: THE W-3 CREW: UNDERGROUND, SQWARK!, a spinoff from the W-3 Crew world, WOEBEGONE, a "science fantasy," and METHUSELAH, a space drama. I seem to excel at science fiction.
Posted Friday, January 30, 2004
