MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Luke Yankee

An interview with screenwriter Luke Yankee regarding the ScriptVamp/Attention Grabber Writing Competition.

A: The name of my script is THE LAST LIFEBOAT. It's the untold story of J. Bruce Ismay, the chairman of the White Star Line at the time of the sinking of The Titanic. After saving many people's lives, as the ship was going down, he got into the last lifeboat and saved himself. As a result, he was branded a coward and made the scapegoat for the sinking of The Titanic for the rest of his life. No matter how much money he gave to widows' relief funds, he could never wash the blood off his hands. Since April 15th, 2012 is the 100th anniversary of the sinking of The Titanic, it is very timely as well.

A: I read on Moviebytes that this contest offered wonderful feedback and coverage. I had just finished the script when I submitted it. They were right. The coverage I received, even before winning was incredible - and very thorough.

A: I was told my awards would arrive in a few weeks, so I have not yet received them. Whenever I email the people at Scriptvamp with a question, they usually respond with an hour or two. They are always very cordial and helpful.

A: I had the idea for the script for about a year before I put anything down. Then (and I don't necessarily recommend working this way), I wrote what I considered the key scenes in the script, then played "connect the dots". I have been working on it for about seven months now. Not sure how many drafts, but at least five. I am really pleased with it and I am delighted with the feedback I am getting on it so far.

A: Final Draft 8.

A: A scary question for most writers! I go through fits and starts. Sometimes I write for hours, at other times, I'm lucky to get a word out, let alone a page. I have signs in appropriate places over my desk saying, "Don't get it right, get it written" and "The worst thing you write is better than the best thing you didn't write." Lately, however, I am on a roll. I am writing a few hours every day and really loving the process. I want to hang onto this feeling as long as I can!

A: Walking the dog or going for a drive usually helps to clear my head. Sometimes, I just have to do something else for awhile and then come back to it.

A: I am a published author and playwright and I have been a theatre director for most of my life. My memoir about growing up as a showbiz kid, JUST OUTSIDE THE SPOTLIGHT was published in 2006 and my first play, A PLACE AT FOREST LAWN was published the following year. I have a play that has won some awards, THE JESUS HICKEY, which was produced last summer in LA starring Harry Hamlin. I have written a screen adaptation and I am currently talking to several producers about a film deal. I have several TV specs and a pilot which have won other contests and competitions.

A: I live just outside of Los Angeles, in Long Beach. I love being near the water, but I spend my life on the freeway. It's a trade off.

A: I have at least four different projects in various stages at the moment. Since my background is in the theatre, I am toying with adapting THE LAST LIFEBOAT as a play as well. It'd be tricky, as it's a big, epic story. It would have to be done on a bare stage with minimal props and a small cast playing lots of different roles. It could be fun. I am also rewriting one of my pilots as a feature and working on two new TV pilots. It's an exciting time!

Posted Thursday, February 17, 2011