Meet our friend, Nancy Kissam, the first place winner of the 2006 Slamdance Screenwriting Competition for her script, Drool. Nancy's an actor/writer who makes her bread by teaching in the L.A.U.S.D. (like yours truly). Although, with Success rappin on her window, her tenure's probably going to be a bit shorter than mine.

Take a look-see at our recent interview-

for the Slamdance screenwriting competition.
NK:Thanks so much, KYJoe.  It's been an incredible honor.

KJ: If you had to use 1 adjective to describe your story what would it be? NK: Here's my logline:  When Anora Fleece accidentally kills her husband, she, her kids and her new girlfriend take a family road trip to go bury daddy.

 

NK: Probably about two months cuz I knew I had the Slamdance deadline and only two months off from my teaching job. I teach English at a middle school. NK: I personally enjoy The Coffee Table in Eaglerock. They have outlets and no one bugs you. Plus the food is yummy. They put golden raisins in their tuna salad.

KJ: When you finished you had to know your script was pretty damn good, right? NK: I had no idea. I'm a perfectionist so nothing is ever good enough. I just knew it was done for now and I had to drive it over to the Slamdance office pronto. NK: None. I thought I kicked ass the first time around so I didn't want to puncture my ego. NK: In September 2006. There was a big e-mail countdown. I was top 500, then top 100, then top 50, then top 10 and then they had a big ceremony where they did the countdown to one. It was truly awesome.

KJ: Did you go out and get wasted that night or what? I sure as hell would have. NK: I called every one of my friends who was rooting for me. Then I had one beer and fell asleep.

KJ: So when you went to Park City, how would you characterize that atmosphere? NK: Park City is always a blast. Fun just floats in the air unless you're a loser - just kidding. I'm sure it was fun for the losers too.
NK: I dunno. I was so busy gawking, I couldn't tell you who was who. But I did chat with Leonard Maltin - he was darling. And Hal Hartley - one of my favorite directors. He was lovely - humble and sweet. NK: Don't the mormons feed pot to their kids?

KJ: How did you feel about your table reading? Must have been exciting. NK: It was fantastic. I had such great actors. You will see a few of them in the future I'm sure. And again, Slamdance was so majorly supportive. I have nothing but stellar things to say about those people. They were my angels and I will sing their praises always. NK: I was lucky. Through Slamdance, I got a fantastic manager and a couple of wonderful producers. I'll direct Drool and we're hoping to get the film done this year in 2007. Just in time for Park City next year. Teaching? Gads. I love those little rugrats but if I get to make stuff for money, how does a dirty girl turn that down?

KJ: Wow! Congratulations again. Please keep us abreast on the developments of your project.

NK: Will do. Thanks.