MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter David Anthony

An interview with screenwriter David Anthony regarding the Kairos Prize Writing Competition.

A: "John, The Revelator" is the story of a scripture quoting orphan boy with AIDS who persuades his doctor to take him home despite objections from the doctor's wife. This is an uplifting family drama, ripe with humor and wit, that should appeal to everyone, regardless of their beliefs. John, an orphan boy with AIDS, wants more than anything to be part of a loving family before he dies. What he gets instead is a family about to self-destruct. With time running out, he uses God, humor, and reflection to reset their course and teach them the true meaning of family.

A: It had all the elements that make for a great career catalyst. Reading by 5 studios, substantial prize money, publicity, etc.. I also wanted to support a contest that promoted spiritual values. It's very difficult to get a script read in Hollywood that promotes Christian values. It's funny and sad really. I remember the great epics of the past that highlighted aspects of the Bible, epics that went on to win numerous Oscar nominations and awards, but today, Hollywood won't even touch those types of scripts. If a film gets made today that deals with Biblical values, it's self-produced. In this contest, I saw the opportunity to get my script into the hands of studio executives. I didn't expect to win, but by the grace of God, it happened.

A: I was satisfied with the administration of the contest. All deadlines were met and prizes awarded as promised.

A: In my case, the only feedback given was that it won the contest. That was enough for me. I'm not sure any other feedback would have mattered after that.

A: It has helped me market my script, but as of yet, I have not been contacted by any agents, managers, or producers except those I have solicited. I did have a conversation with a development executive at Warner Bros who read the script, liked it, but said it was too small in scope for WB and that the Christian element wasn't for them.

A: I studied screenwriting at UCLA Extension and took film production classes as well. In addition, I worked as a camera assistant for a few years. I've written two other feature length screenplays, a sitcom pilot, and a one hour episodic pilot. I love to write and hope to make a living one day soon doing only that.

A: I live about an hour north of Los Angeles. I am planning on moving closer to LA, but just how far will be determined by the type of success I have. If I succeed in writing features, I may stay on the outskirts. If I succeed in writing for television, then I will have to live in the city. I hate the city life, personally, but if that's what it takes, then I'll do it.

A: I am always writing. I've written the first three episodes of my pilot sitcom, and am co-writing another feature script. I do have an idea for an adaption that I'd like to do as a dcumentary, but we'll have to see what develops with "John, The Revelator."

Posted Thursday, May 4, 2006