MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Jean Hunter

An interview with screenwriter Jean Hunter regarding the Cinema City Writing Competition.

A: "Serena's Thunder" is the story of a newly-orphaned young girl who bonds with her estranged grandfather while they train an unwanted mustang for a prestigious Native American Heritage Race.

It's a journey of healing, both emotionally and physically, and forgiveness and acceptance and love, both for the two-legged and four-legged.

Home is where the horse is in "Serena's Thunder."

A: Actually, when I first read about this competition, I was instantly intrigued that Suzanne DeLaurentiis was running this. I knew the name, but didn't know she had put together a film festival that included a screenwriting competition. And what also makes her festival/comp unique is that included in the black-tie, red carpet Awards Ceremony is a benefit for war veterans. This is one caring woman.

Besides "Serena's Thunder" taking home the Best Screenplay Gold Oscar (we call him Oscar Jr.) my noir thriller "Lady Jazz" made the finals.

A: Satisfied does not even begin to describe my "satisfaction" with CCIF. This is a professionally executed competition headed by caring professionals who are very active in the industry.

What an honor and thrill it was when my award was presented to me at the gala by Oscar-nominated screenwriter and CCIF board advisory Mr. Stephen J. Rivele.

A: The feedback I received was not on paper but by the actions of Suzanne and her producing partners shopping "Serena's Thunder" to major studios and networks. We're anticipating a great outcome.

A: Right now it's rather frustrating becuz the impending SAG strike, economy and of course the Christmas holidays have impacted the industry. There's no doubt in my mind that there is a big light at the end of the spec tunnel and the script will be recognized. I'm a firm believer in "good comes to those who wait."

A: "Serena's Thunder" is market-wise my third script, but I've been writing for so long that I've accumulated scores of scripts that may never see a coverage reader's eyes. I am currently also marketing "Lady Jazz." My suspense thriller "Slade" is under option.

A: Not right now, but I'm only an hour's plane ride away.

A: I'm polishing a drama crime noir and piecing together a contemporary suspense thriller. And I'm playing around with the possibility that "Serena's Thunder" could easily be adapted to a young adult novel and/or TV episodic Disney/Nick-type series. The sky's the limit, who knows? All I'm very certain of is--I've been writing for so long it's a given this is what I'm on this earth to do.

Posted Wednesday, December 10, 2008