WRITER PROFILE
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Elephant Kiss
Written by Kristi Barnett
What motivated you to become a writer?
I’ve always enjoyed creative writing since a child. I wrote all kinds of fantastical short stories and read them out to the class. I enjoyed entertaining people with stories, providing an escape. I took my love of writing and my love of film and taught myself screenwriting.
Starting on a blank page is not easy- where does your creativity come from?
I’ve always been a daydreamer, with a big imagination. I can think up fantasy, horror, sci fi etc. It just comes to my head naturally.
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?
I write my own spec scripts with a knowledge of wanting to entertain, to impart a message of some kind via theme, and to provide a commercial story with a unique voice. I always think about the audience and the market when I write. I think about the collaboration that needs to happen and the promotion I’ll need to undertake to get it to market.
What is your dream for this project and what other ancillary revenue do you think it could generate?
Elephant Kiss is unique and stands on its own merit in terms of style. Although the genre is quintessentially family kids adventure, it’s been compared to various children’s films that all have one thing in common… HEART. Poignant, touching, funny, sad, happy, beautiful… I want this story to touch the soul and leave something within that captures the emotion, and leaves an imprint forever. That’s what this story will do and how it will be remembered. Whether it be on a streamer, a theatrical release or through animation or live action; my dream is to have this story be produced so it will reach its intended audience in any way. Ancillary revenue could come through publishing via a book, graphic novel. A book series could be developed with more magical adventures with the kids. Various VOD streamers would love this film as it fits into the family film market. Netflix, Amazon, HBO, Paramount, Disney. They all have streamers that this would be great for as well Pay Per View.
How has your experience been with screenwriting contests for this project so far?
Other than the Capital Fund competition, I’ve only just started entering Elephant Kiss into other competitions. I’ve since won one. It was the Grand Prize Winner of Stage32 Family Feature Screenplay competition. I had various meet and greets with the judges who are studio producers and executives. They loved the project and thought it was the right film for this market and should get made at some point with the right backing and collaboration. There are a few who would love to be involved should it land it the right place.
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?
Elephant Kiss is a story for children 6 -15years with an adult crossover. The story has a female perspective with three girls in the group, yet it should also appeal to empathetic younger boys looking for a sense of empowerment. It’s filled with magical realism, touching and humourous set pieces, fantasy action and appropriate child level danger. Parents will enjoy this film with its message and themes. As a result, the film can reach the wide commercial family market; and although not directly written for it, it could possibly include the large faith based film sector. The film market is looking for family friendly films that not only touch children and adults alike, but are uplifting. Films that take people away from the times we’re in, to bring hope, joy and a sense of wonder about the tough themes children may be facing about loss, grief and finding the power of belief. Elephant Kiss is what we need right now and in the future. This film will stay in people’s heart.
Do you have any website links for your writing, credits, background, etc. that you would like to share?