Screenwriter Interviews
MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Deana Costner
An interview with screenwriter Deana Costner regarding the Writers Place Writing Competition.
Q: What's the title of the script you entered in this contest, and what's it about?A: Kissin' Kuzins -- Perky Margaret and confirmed bachelor James inherit the same acres with the stipulation that the heir who "takes possession" first wins. Unknown to each other and unrelated, they leave Philadelphia to ride the rails to Kansas in 1876. Margaret hires a wagon and goes right out to the land while James lays claim with the attorney who turns chicken-liver and declares only the Circuit Judge can decide the legal heir. Problem is he ain't due for six weeks. Until then they must "share and share alike" the land, house and bed -- of course, Margaret's nailed a board slap down the middle, separating the would-be heirs in this romantic comedy.
During their spell of wait, James learns all about cow raisin' from the gentle Jake and boastful Billy. Sarah, the silent squaw, befriends Margaret and teaches her the woman stuff and how to ride. James and Margaret never find peace as each tries to force the other back to city life. Margaret locks him out to sleep in the bunkhouse. He returns the favor by dressing the old horse in her bonnet and forcing her to sleep on Sarah's earthen porch. Bathing in the creek is a matter of considerable irritation to Margaret. Her flower-painted sign is a plain embarrassment to James. Jealous? Oh yeah! Banker Earl sweet talks Margaret to James' concern, and the custsy of a sweet young Miss gives Margaret heartburn.
A fragile friendship forms in Ellsworth when they travel to purchase cows. It falls apart when James recognizes Margaret as the speech spoutin' suffragette from Philadelphia that caused him pain. The banker freezes their funds when taxes come due, and he won't loosen them without payment of sorts from Margaret. Only when James defends her honor in a barroom brawl do they come to realize the land ain't worth much without each other. But pride holds them apart until the Indian raid drives Margaret into James' arms. He declares his love "for good and always."
A: I saw the announcement in Moviebytes and saw it mentioned in David Trottier's The Screenwriter's Bible.
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: Oh yes! All the deadlines were met and all the awards were delivered. They have been easy to contact and answer immediately.
Q: Were you given any feedback on your script? If so, did you find the feedback helpful?A: I wasn't expecting any. Although since winning they have given me some helpful advice.
Q: Has your success in this contest helped you market your script? Were you contacted by any agents, managers or producers?A: The announcement was just made last month.
Q: What's your background? Have you written any other screenplays or television scripts?A: I have written nine screenplays and am always in the process of revising them. Have ideas for about four more mapped out.
Q: Do you live in Los Angeles? If not, do you have any plans to move there?A: I love to travel to Los Angeles but I live in Florida.
Q: What's next? Are you working on a new script?A: Always!
Posted Thursday, February 12, 2009
