MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter John Alarid

An interview with screenwriter John Alarid regarding the Moondance Writing Competition.

A: A KODAK MOMENT is a “what if” conspiracy thriller about a grandfather and grandson team of conspiracy theorists and a fiery female “want-a-be” journalist efforts to publicize their discovery of a 43-year-old roll of film which reveals the truth about JFK’s assassination. When a NSA Agent learns about the films existence, the United States Attorney General and the Illuminati themselves are quick to move in to prevent the photos' publication.

A: I entered my script in the Moondance competition because they claim that they promote the winners' and finalists' material as well as make an effort to help find an agent, get it sold and/or optioned.

According to the Moondance folks if you win or are a Moondance finalist, you get promoted to ALL of the production companies listed on their website. This is what made it a very enticing competition to enter.

In my opinion, a grand prize like this is far better than winning some cash, especially if one obtains representation and/or sells their screenplay.

A KODAK MOMENT was a Finalist in the 2006 World-Fest Houston International Film Festival.

A: I was extremely satisfied. Elizabeth English did wonderful job with the administration of the festival. The folks working the festival were friendly and very attentive. All deadlines were met accordingly.

At the awards ceremony, I was presented with a lovely Moondance plaque. I now patiently await the results of the Moondance promotional efforts. Hopefully, someone will be interested in material and offer representation and/or a deal. I'll keep you posted.

A: I didn't get any notes or anything like that on my script, although, there was an option to receive notes on your material for a price. I selected not to but I was told that I had a great story and a well-written script.

Acknowledgement like that definitely encourages one to keep on pursuing the dream.

A: So far, I have not yet been contacted by anyone on the Moondance list of companies. I believe it may be too early yet.

Being one of the Moondance Columbine Best Feature Screenplay winners has provided me with a little more clout. I have made dozens of quiries marketing myself a Moondance Winner and have received a couple of responses to submit my script A KODAK MOMENT.

At time marches on, more will be reveal. I'll keep you posted.

A: I am a television news journalist and I edit news stories for the evening news for NBC and KNBC News. I have written six screenplays and one manuscript.

My script AND SO IT IS, a dramatic supernatural thriller about a 9/11-widowed father who regains his faith when he discovers that his prayers create instant results and media attention, just recently won a Bronze Remi Award for Dramatic-Original Screenplay.

A: I live in beautiful downtown Burbank, California. I guess you can call it Los Angeles.

A: My intentions are to turn this KODAK MOMENT into an opportunity that will lead me to representation and/or the sale of my material.

I am currently working on two projects.

THE HOPI ANT PEOPLE is an action adventure thriller rich in Native American values about a team of U.S. Marshals ordered to track down a Native American fugitive on the Hopi Indian Reservation who accidentally accessed top-secret files exposing the biggest government/military cover-up in history – the existence the Hopi Shrine and the Hopi Ant People.

SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL is a present day sci-fi thriller about a struggling 47-year-old television news reporter who makes International news when her abduction by benevolent aliens is caught on tape. She learns that a race of aliens known as the Lufiercians has secretly infiltrated the White House and plan to take over the world and to enslave mankind. It’s up to her to save mankind.

Thanks.

John Alarid johnalarid@sbcglobal.net

Posted Wednesday, June 21, 2006