American Gem 2007 Short Screenplay Competition - DAMNED YANKEE

2008 CONTEST

ENTRY FORM

RULES

AWARDS

Sponsors


			*American Gem Short Screenplay Competition*

| ENTER ONLINE | RULES | AWARDS/PRIZES |

2007 WINNERS

Sixth Place Winner

Cindy L. Keller
of Belleville, MI

Screenplay
DAMNED YANKEE
Horror

Biography:

Cindy hails from the metro Detroit area, and was strongly influenced by the 60's monster movies, and also by Stephen King.

She has been a semi-finalist in a few contests, and a winner of the Hellfire's Short Horror Competition.

Interview

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

after I wrote a poem titled, "Night of Nosferatu". It was published in two magazines, and I was told that it should be incorporated into a movie. There was a click in my brain, and the screenwriting light began to call out to me.

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

when I let someone read my work, and the reader says they like it, and don't have any questions.

My inspiration to write DAMNED YANKEE.......

came about when I wanted to write a zombie script. I don't know what really inspired me, but I knew I didn't want just an ordinary zombie script. I wanted something really strange.

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FilmMakers Magazine: What inspired you to write?

Cindy L. Keller: Geesh... It could be anything that catches my eye a certain way.

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

Cindy L. Keller: I purchased a copy of The Screenwriter's Bible, and joined a writing group.

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

Cindy L. Keller: Damned Yankee took three days to write, and another couple days doing the rewrite.

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

Cindy L. Keller:

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

Cindy L. Keller: I do believe screenplay contests are important for aspiring screenwriters. It's a way to get recognition for all your hard work.

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

Cindy L. Keller: I entered The American Gem Screenwriting Competition because it is for short scripts, and the prizes are outstanding compared to other competitions.

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

Cindy L. Keller: I wouldn't urge writers to read a certain scripts. I would urge them to read a variety of scripts, especially in their genre.

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

Cindy L. Keller: Besides screenwriting I am passionate about my children and grandchildren. They are the best things in my life that I had a part in creating.

FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter and Why?

Cindy L. Keller: I don't have a favorite screenwriter, but two pop to mind, Clive Barker and Quentin Tarantino.

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

Cindy L. Keller: Hard to say, but I do like how Rob Zombie puts things together.

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

Cindy L. Keller: Put me on the spot... I have three. Quentin Tarantino, Chevy Chase, and George Clooney.

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

Cindy L. Keller: Yes. Read a lot. Strive to make each character unique. Listen to everyday conversations to improve dialogue. Join a writing group.

FilmMakers Magazine: What's next for you?

Cindy L. Keller: I've dusted off an old feature of mine, and am in the process of doing a rewrite.

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

Cindy L. Keller: I'll be writing, writing, and doing more writing. Hopefully I will have a feature produced by then.

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