|
I knew I
wanted to be a screenwriter.......
I knew I wanted to
be a screenwriter........ When I was sitting on a beach on a Greek
island and every time I closed my eyes I pictured myself sitting at my
computer in my tiny apartment writing a script.
I know I've
succeeded.......
If I can make a
living writing.
My inspiration
to write SON OF A..........
came from the savage exploitation of "patriotism" for selfish gain.
*****************************************************************
FilmMakers
Magazine:
What inspired you to write?
Ken
Kristensen: I fell at love with reading at a very young age. Writing came
naturally after that.
FilmMakers Magazine: How did you prepare yourself to
write your first script?
Ken Kristensen:
My preparation for the first script I ever wrote was an unconscious
process--I'd found the pdf of the script for The Stunt Man on the dvd.
I
love the movie and so I printed out the script and read it a few
times. Studying that screenplay gave me the confidence to tell the
story I wanted to tell at that time.
FilmMakers
Magazine:
Is this your first script and how long did it take you to write
SON OF A...?
Ken Kristensen:
Wrote the first draft in a few hours. I've written many scripts over the
last five years. This is probably my 15th short film script.
FilmMakers
Magazine:
Do you have a set routine, place and time management for writing?
Ken Kristensen:
I like to write
outdoors if possible, or in cafes. Usually I'm most prolific when I'm
reclining on the front porch. I can write any time of day, but the
most productive time is late in the day or at night when the tide is
low on
distractions like email.
FilmMakers Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests
are important for aspiring screenwriters and why?
Ken Kristensen:
Putting yourself
in competition with others drives you, gives you deadlines, forces you
to re-evaluate flawed work.
FilmMakers Magazine: What influenced you to enter the
American Gem Short Script Competition?
Ken Kristensen:
It had respectable
credentials, some prize money, not too expensive to enter.
FilmMakers
Magazine:
What script would you urge aspiring writers to read and why?
Ken Kristensen:
One of the most
complex scripts is "JFK" by Oliver Stone---amazing. It blends so many
genres, tackles important issues, and is masterful in its handling of
exposition.
FilmMakers
Magazine:
Beside screenwriting what are you passionate about and why?
Ken Kristensen:
My family and friends
-- it's the stuff that shapes me and my work.
FilmMakers
Magazine:
Who is your favorite Screenwriter and Why?
Ken Kristensen:
Alvin Sergeant. His range of
work blows my mind, from Paper Moon to Ordinary People to Spider-man
2. He understands relationships from all walks of life.
FilmMakers
Magazine:
Name the director you would love to work with and why?
Ken Kristensen:
Tim Burton. His style,
the combination of darkness and humor, is something that fits much of
what I write, and he does it at a higher level than any other
director.
FilmMakers
Magazine:
Name the actor you would love to work with and why?
Ken
Kristensen: Tom Hanks. The power
of his presence on screen makes everything around him better.
FilmMakers
Magazine:
Any tips and things learned along the way to pass on to others?
Ken Kristensen:
Keep writing and if no
one wants to produce it, do it yourself. Put your work out there for
people to read and watch. The internet is the great equalizer. And
don't spend years on one script, move on. The more scripts you write
the more you develop your voice.
FilmMakers
Magazine:
What's next for you?
Ken
Kristensen:
I'm
raising financing for one of my low budget features and sending out my
latest feature to actors and producers. Meanwhile, I'm starting a new
feature.
FilmMakers Magazine: Where will you be five years from
now?
Ken
Kristensen: Writing,
directing and producing for a living. |
