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I knew I wanted to be a screenwriter........
after discovering the satisfaction I received
by moving, encouraging and inspiring others, with the stories created from my
imagination.
I know I've succeeded........
after making it to the Filmmakers finals on my
first completed screenplay and having my second completed screenplay receive
an Honorable Mention.
My inspiration to write FINDING HEART.......
was from a man named Keith Lowden, who I worked
with on a loading dock with for several years. Like William Heart, he was an
African American wrestler who won the state championship and lost his Olympic
dreams to Vietnam.
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FilmMakers
Magazine:
What inspired you to write?
David Kane: Finding Heart, is a story, which deserved to be
told. It is a metaphor for all of us, trying to find our own destiny
in life. My favorite line is when Ms. Bee has a conversation with one
of her students that asks her the question, “How do we find our
destiny”. Her response is, “You don’t my dear boy, it finds you…”, and
to me, this is where my own personal life is at.
FilmMakers Magazine: What did you do to prepare yourself to write your first script?
David Kane: I read many books on wrestling and the Vietnam War
to get as close to the period as possible. I also consulted field
experts along with several Vietnam veterans. If your going to write a
period piece, you have to make certain you know all the details of
that time and era.
FilmMakers Magazine: Is this your first script and how long did it take you to complete?
David Kane: Yes and since I am presently only able to write on
a part-time bases, it took me about 3 years.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you have a set routine, place and time management for writing?
David Kane:
I do not have a set routine and I write usually by inspiration so it
takes me longer to craft a script then most, however my second script,
Boat People, was also recognized by Filmmakers as an Honorable
Mention. That only took me 2 years to write so I must be improving my
skills.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests are important for aspiring
screenwriters and why?
David Kane: They serve as a doorway into an industry, which is
otherwise impossible to break into. Placing in a screenplay contest
not only gives you self-validation that you are not wasting your time,
but also opens the doors for you. When you are able to tell a producer
you have a script that they should look at, and then you tell them
it’s placed in a contest like Filmmakers International, they instantly
know its better than most.
FilmMakers Magazine:
What influenced you to enter the FilmMakers International
Screenwriting Awards?
David Kane: I had heard nothing but positive things in the
professional way they host their contest. Now being a recognized award
winner, I must agree with those comments I heard.
FilmMakers Magazine: What script would you urge aspiring writers to read and why?
David Kane: I find reading a well-crafted script like David
Twohy’s Fugitive, at its early draft stage, is a tremendous help in
understanding layers, pacing and structure. These are important to
understand before expecting to win contests or make a sale.
FilmMakers Magazine: Beside screenwriting what are you passionate about and why?
David Kane: Inspiring others to be go for their dreams.
FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter
and Why?
David Kane:
Sylvester Stallone. He writes a
brilliant story like Rocky and then fights for the right to play the
lead even after the producers had bigger talent in mind. You have to
appreciate his courage and tenacity.
FilmMakers Magazine: Name the director you would love to work with and why?
David Kane:
Three words… “Sir Steven Spielberg”.
What can I say, the man is royalty to me… His movies and his unique
ability to tell stories is amazing. Not to mention, he is willing to
take chances on screenplays he believes in. An example would be the
Color Purple and Schindler’s List, both prime examples of the guts
this man has to film the best stories and not necessarily the most
popular ones.
FilmMakers
Magazine: Name the actor you would love to work with and why?
David Kane: Russell Crowe, because he is exceptional at
portraying conflict and struggle which I include in many of my
stories.
FilmMakers Magazine: Any tips and things learned along the way to pass on to others?
David Kane: Hire script consultants to help you with your work.
Their notes and advice will ultimately help you to be a better writer.
FilmMakers Magazine: What's next for you?
David Kane: I have already begun my next spec, which is a
Thriller and I hope to have it entered into next years Filmmakers
contest.
FilmMakers Magazine: Where will you be five years from now?
David Kane: Ha… That’s an easy one. Receiving the Academy Award
for best screenplay. |
