Stephen Kayfish

2019-11-01 12:00

SHRIEKFEST INTERVIEW

Stephen Kayfish

Screenwriter

2017 Quarter Finalist, 2018 Finalist & Semi Finalist, and 2019 Quarter Finalist & Finalist with "The Craving"

Stephen Kayfish

What is your name, company name, and URL?

Stephen Kayfish

What is your specialty: filmmaking or screenwriting? If filmmaking, which aspects?

Screenwriter

What are you currently working on?

Currently I have 2 feature screenplays in the works, the first is a political thriller about an ancient evil force who takes the form of a U.S. President. The second is about a young bullied boy who is pushed to the limit of exacting bloody revenge on those who have wronged him.

Who do you consider your mentor and why?

I've followed the three stooges religiously all my life (John Carpenter, Wes Craven, Tobe Hooper)

Why do you think the horror/sci-fi genres have such a large following?

I think most people like them for the same reason I do, they're fun, they're a roller coaster ride of emotions, and they're ballsy.

What do you love most about this business?

I love the idea of creating something out of nothing and I love people are passionate about the art in which they create.

What do you dislike most about this business?

People who are fake or who are not authentic. Honesty and passion are a necessity in my opinion.

I agree! What career accomplishment are you most proud of?

Winning the grand prize at Film Empire and being a finalist at Shriekfest among other screenwriting competitions in the U.S. and abroad. I'm from Edmonton, Canada and it feels great to be acknowledged outside of the country. Now I have to work on a getting a script optioned 😉

It will happen! Any advice you'd like to give to newbies?

There is no formula to success just hard work and perseverance. Learn to love the art and craft of filmmaking and take whatever opportunity you're given no matter what, big or small. Oh and finish your projects if you're a writer. You must finish!

Great advice! Anything else you'd like to say?

Thank you again to Denise and team for this interview and giving us nobodys a place to showcase our work. There is a lot of closed doors in this business.

You aren't a nobody Stephen! Thank you for sharing your tips! It was great chatting!