KEVIN HARPER
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 PictureKEVIN HARPER
Where do you live?
I live in Queens, New York.

Your script stood out among hundreds of others. What was the inspiration for your story and why did you write a script instead of a short story or a novel?
Queue 5 was all about the human element. We all think we know someone until we don’t. We also have no idea what happens when we die so, I’m hoping to encourage people to do better while they’re still here, while entertaining them at the same time. As for Leila, writing strong, relatable woman excite me. Gilmore Girls is my inspiration for this topic. It is one of my top five favorite shows of all time. When I was younger I read books all day, everyday. Now, I watch tv all day everyday when I’m not writing. Connecting to the audience through my writing is a great way to communicate to them.

How long did it take you to write your script...and what is your writing process? Do you outline...use index cards...white board...or just start with FADE IN?
Leila was written over a nine day span while taking two days off. Queue 5, I would say about three weeks total. I had to make some adjustments when I decided to connect Hans and Dino’s storylines. I just started writing last year so I don’t know much about the benefits of index cards or white boards. It’s all written in my head. While watching the scenes play out a few times in my head and when it all makes sense I start to write.

What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
My ultimate ambition is to have three of my shows aire in the same year along with my movie. Taylor Sheridan had five shows that aired in 2024, I know that it’s possible.

Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
Shonda Rhymes will always be in pole position, in the fast lane. Creating a show that’s been on air for over twenty years will probably be difficult to accomplish again by another. She has a beautiful mind and incomparable vision. Taylor Sheridan should be at the top of everyone list. He’s a prime example that writers should write what’s on their minds and good writing makes good actors look great, which often leads to great entertainment. I also love how David E. Kelly disappears for a little while then comes back with ideas like Presumed Innocent. His ability to tell a story with insane amounts of depth and characters with so many layers should be studied.

What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
Game of Thrones is my favorite show of all time. If given a choice to take one show with me on a desert island as a cast away, Game Of Thrones would be my choice.

What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
Writing a good story could get you into the quarterfinals. Great formatting will get you to place higher. If you’ve placed as a finalist you still lost. Second is the first loser so get back on the laptop and figure out why you didn’t win. If you win, congratulate yourself for about an hour and then go write something better.

What else are you working on that the world needs to know about? (be sure to include any links you want the world to check out)
I’ll be entering my 4th written pilot this May, into many competitions. Right now, you can stream all six episodes of my writing and directorial debut, CJ’s Grill, free on Tubi.