WRITER PROFILE
It’s always great to get together with a large group of writers and investors and keep up to date on what’s new, the screenplay contest, any recent deals, new dealmaker contacts, agents or managers that are looking and simply encouraging everyone to keep going after every dream in this difficult industry. For the hard working writer we want to do as much as we can to continue the exposure and word of mouth in the investment circles of the industry. Another way we do this is with writer interviews that we send far and wide and showcase at all possible meetings and markets.
We want to encourage your writing spirit, motivate you and again give you the accolades you so deserve.
The White Witch Of Rose Hall
Written by Shaunia McKenzie
I am a visual artist who express with multiple mediums, photography happens to be one and studying photography in art college heightened my appreciation for cinematography. Coupled with a love for stories, story telling and an active imagination led me to want to tell stories through film, from my imagination to moving photography.
Starting on a blank page is not easy- where does your creativity come from?
My creativity comes from telling myself the story in my mind’s eye complete with the moving imagery, then I pen it down as close to how I’ve imagined it.
Do you write projects knowing that so many other factors need to happen to get it to screen and does that come into your project creation?
Yes, I write projects thinking of how the story may be perceived and the process of how it may get from idea to project. I think of location, finance and the casting process and possibilities that may play out.
What is your dream for this project and what other ancillary revenue do you think it could generate? Please include script title in reply.
The White Witch Of Rose Hall, it is a historical cultural folklore told orally for centuries in my home country, Jamaica. There so many possibilities as to how this story has evolved over time, many distinct points of the story is a staple and remains unchanged. My dream would be for a project like this to create interest in stories from the Caribbean and Caribbean storytellers, it could bring fresh perspectives to old and new stories to the world. There is much interest in brand Jamaica, and a movie project would be a great attraction to see and experience another side to the culture.
How has your experience been with screenwriting contests for this project so far?
My experiences have been interesting as expected of life’s journeys. There’s been a mixture of results from, no recognition to some recognition. The recognition have encouraged re-edits, re-writes and the continuation to write.
If you could stand in a room full of investor partners looking at many projects what would you like them to know about you and this project?
I would like them to know that this project, though telling a familiar story is coming from a fresh perspective of an old Jamaican folklore. It is told with the delicacies of the story teller having first hand knowledge of the Jamaica’s cultural quirks and unique color.
Do you have any website links for your writing, credits, background, etc that you would like to share?