American Gem 2006 Short Screenplay Competition - COOKIES

Sponsors

Sixth Place Winner

Kent Young
of Louisville, KY

Screenplay
COOKIES
Drama/Comedy

Biography:

Kent Young is thirty-three years old, and he was born and raised in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. He moved to Louisville, Kentucky when he was twenty years old to attend the University of Louisville, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. It was at the University of Louisville that he met his future wife, Jill, to whom he has been married since for six years. They do not have children at this time, but hope to in the near future. He works as a health insurance claims investigator, and pursue his dream of screenwriting in his spare time. His first experience in the film business was writing and producing student films with friends. Currently, he is in negotiations to sell his first screenplay.

Interview

I knew I wanted to be a screenwriter.......

When I saw too many bad or mediocre movies, and truly feel like I could do better

I know I've succeeded.......

if I believe I have given my best effort.

My inspiration to write COOKIES.......

was the isolation and loneliness I experienced while recuperating from a back injury.

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FilmMakers Magazine: What inspired you to write?

Kent Young: When I learned Tarantino wrote Pulp Fiction while working in a video store.

FilmMakers Magazine: How did you prepare yourself to write your first script?

Kent Young: I read several scripts to learn the proper format and technique in writing a screenplay.

FilmMakers Magazine: Is this your first script and how long did it take you to write COOKIES?

Kent Young: This is not the first script that I have written. I wrote the first draft of Cookies in about five days.

FilmMakers Magazine: Do you have a set routine, place and time management for writing?

Kent Young: Because I work 9-5 during the week, most of my writing takes place on the weekend. However, if an idea comes to me, I will try to start writing immediately.

FilmMakers Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests are important for aspiring screenwriters and why?

Kent Young: Yes I do. Any opportunity to have professionals in the film industry read your work, it is a good idea.

FilmMakers Magazine: What influenced you to enter the American Gem Short Script Competition?

Kent Young: It was a highly recommended contest when I researched on line.

FilmMakers Magazine: What script would you urge aspiring writers to read and why?

Kent Young: Pulp Fiction. It proved to me that were no limitations, and to an extent, no rules when writing a screenplay.

FilmMakers Magazine: Beside screenwriting what are you passionate about and why?

Kent Young: I love Blues music and history. I have a great interest in the past, and examining how much the world has changed, and how it has not.

FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter and Why?

Kent Young: Charlie Kaufman. He can write the most bizarre stories, yet they somehow do not seem absurd.

FilmMakers Magazine: Name the director you would love to work with and why?

Kent Young: Wes Anderson. He is able ability to create his own unique worlds on film more than any other modern director.

FilmMakers Magazine: Name the actor you would love to work with and why?

Kent Young: Bill Murray. Not only is he just about the funniest person on the planet, he has developed into a great actor over the years.

FilmMakers Magazine: Any tips and things learned along the way to pass on to others?

Kent Young: Do not be afraid of rejection or criticism.

FilmMakers Magazine: What's next for you?

Kent Young: I am working on a feature length screenplay called Happy Hours. I am also in negotiations to sell my first screenplay.

FilmMakers Magazine: Where will you be five years from now?

Kent Young: I will be writing screenplays for a living, but all I hope for is to be satisfied with whatever I am doing in general.

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