MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Sandra Boos

An interview with screenwriter Sandra Boos regarding the Kay Snow Writing Competition.

A: The title of my script is KATIE. It's about a woman who returns to the States from relief work in Africa to learn she's inherited the historic tobacco plantation she grew up on -- a house she hates and wants no part of. As she plans to sell the property, strange events begin to occur in the house that lead to the long unsolved disappearance of Katie, a young African-American woman, which, in turn, ends up leading to the revelation of the untimely deaths of many enslaved Africans who lived on the property during the Emancipation. And the clues are coming from beyond the grave. Based in part on historic (though tragic) events. My script won first place last year (2007).

A: The Kay Snow is a local (Portland, Oregon) contest, which is run by Willamette Writers, an organization that I greatly respect. My screenwriting teacher recommended that all of her students enter. I'm glad I listened!

A: I was very happy with all aspects of the contest! And the awards that were promised? My certificate and check were presented at the 2007 Willamette Writer's Conference at an awards banquet. It was one of the best nights of my life. Mike Rich ("Finding Forrester")was one of the speakers that night. Talk about inspiring! Another part of the award was to have a portion of my script read aloud by professional actors at a Willamette Writers meeting. I take the other one back -- THAT was the best night of my life! I know now how what it's like to walk two feet off the ground! The feeling was unbelievable.

A: No, but it hasn't discouraged me! A lot of heart and soul is in that script, and someone will recognize that eventually and hopefully do something with it. Though the storyline may be somewhat tragic, it is also inspirational, and has provoked some heavy-duty emotional responses in those who have read it.

A: Not yet. I did manage to pitch this script at the conference last summer, and got some pretty positive feedback... and then the writer's strike came.

A: This is my seventh feature-length screenplay. It's really the first one that I've put out there, though. Part of my (ongoing) background is in a high school setting, where I act regularly as a community consultant for students writing films -- which, I must say, has been an awesomely rewarding experience!

A: I live in Milwaukie, Oregon, but hey -- if opportunity comes a knockin'...

I would move to L.A. if I were asked to, but for now, I'm planted.

A: I am definitely working on a script that I'm super excited about. It's about a man who has done something unspeakable and has caused many innocent people to lose their lives, and how he learns to deal with what he's done. (I'm picturing Dennis Quaid for the lead.) So far, it has gotten excellent feedback, and I hope to have it completed in the next few weeks. I have three more projects lined up for when I finish this one, though. It's going to be a busy year!

Posted Friday, May 23, 2008