Screenwriter Interviews
MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Jan Pena-Davis
An interview with screenwriter Jan Pena-Davis regarding the IL/Chicago Writing Competition.
Q: What's the title of the script you entered in this contest, and what's it about?A: The title of my script is The SHOESHINE GUY. It's the story of an unlikely friendship between two men: one rich, white, and prosperous; the other black and poor dreams of becoming a musician. A chance encounter and a love of jazz nurtures a friendship that lasts a lifetime...at least for one of them.
Q: What made you enter this particular contest? Have you entered any other contests with this script? If so, how did you do?A: Actually this was the first and only time I entered this script in any kind of contest and ironically, on a dare from my son! The story is loosely based on my friendship with a woman I call my 'Fairy-Godmother'. I figured if I couldn't make it at home so-to-speak then I better keep my day job!
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: When I received an invitation to attend the announcing of winners, my grandson was hospitalized and I couldn't go. My son went in my stead and the contest administrators were kind and generous enough to give him the news realease and reschedule a time for me to pick up my trophy and prizes. Everyone was incredibly professional yet down to earth!
Q: Were you given any feedback on your script? If so, did you find the feedback helpful?A: I did recieve feedback although I stayed true to my idea and didn't make any of the suggested changes. Either you got it or you didn't!
Q: Has your success in this contest helped you market your script? Were you contacted by any agents, managers or producers?A: Sadly, I wasn't contacted by any producers or agents with this script but, based on this writing sample, I have another script with a producer who's trying to secure financing.
Q: What's your background? Have you written any other screenplays or television scripts?A: I teach high school English and Spanish and I'm an avid reader so combine that with my interesting students, and voila, I have more material than you can imagine! So to answer your question, I have more scripts!
Q: Do you live in Los Angeles? If not, do you have any plans to move there?A: I live in Chicago now but attended UCLA in the long ago past and I'd return in a heartbeat for work!!!
Q: What's next? Are you working on a new script?A: Actually, I'm working on a novel and a teenage/coming of age script...when I'm not grading papers!
Posted Thursday, December 18, 2003
