Home Base: Los Angeles, CA
Bio: I most recently wrote, produced and directed the documentary Jobriath A.D., which chronicles the life of ‘70s glam rock musician Jobriath, the first openly gay rock star. The film was released theatrically in January 2014. Last year I created the online comedy series Wallflowers, which chronicles the lives and loves of a Manhattan support group for people who can’t get dates. After a successful first season on Blip TV, the show was acquired by the new Broadway-based web channel Stage 17, where Season Two premieres in March 2014. I attended NYU receiving both a BFA and MFA in filmmaking from the Tisch School of the Arts. My first feature film, 24 Nights, was made as my graduate thesis and went on to play in over 60 festivals worldwide, winning seven audience awards before being acquired by TLA Releasing in 2001.
Press coverage: Jobriath A.D. – http://dangerousminds.net/comments/interview_with_jobriath_a.d._director_kieran_turner
Wallflowers- http://www.serialoptimist.com/interviews/web-series-spotlight-wallflowers-15389.html
Spec Script Portfolio:
Gilmore Girls: Who’s Afraid of Emily Gilmore. It’s mother against daughter when Richard and Emily are forced to take refuge at the Inn after a botched home repair strands them in Stars Hollow for the week.
Cold Case: Shooting Star. When a look-alike claiming to be the reincarnation of dead rock star Jeremy Walsh, the team reopens the 1975 case.
Nightlife: Pilot. A fictional re-telling of the mythical Studio 54 and the creatures of the night that made it come to life.
Why I Write: I love to tell stories, especially for and about those who I think are underrepresented. It’s not always the easiest thing to do and I can’t say I’m terribly disciplined at it, but when the compulsion rears its head, I have to follow it.
What Inspires Me: Other good work. Unfortunately, I don’t see too much of it these days, but it’s a challenge to me in the very best, most positive way. If there are those out there doing great work and getting it made and seen, then I want to join in with my own voice. Seeing bad material succeed does nothing but make me never want to write again.
My Brand: First and foremost, I want to tell stories about the LGBT community in non-stereotypical ways, which I still don’t see happening very much, especially from within the community.
Video clips:
Trailer for the documentary Jobriath A.D. https://vimeo.com/44007304
Episode One of Wallflowers: https://vimeo.com/61466628
My Process: I have to write in order. I can’t skip around, I can’t move on to something else until I’ve solved the current problem I’m having. It may not be the final solution, but I have to come up with something that at least satisfies for the time being. Depending on what I’m writing, I’ll do an outline first, but I do need to have the bones, even if they’re just in my head.
My writing schedule: I have none. I am horrible about discipline. If I want to get something done, I have to create an outside deadline for it. But I also think that pressure helps bring out my best. Seriously, creating a deadline that you yourself are not in charge of works wonders.
Actions I’ve taken to further my career: I have never been successful putting my fate in others’ hands. Everything I’ve done, from the two feature films I’ve made to the web series- I’ve done them myself. I haven’t waited for anyone else’s green light. I’ve gone that other route and it’s caused nothing but frustration. I know it works for others, but it hasn’t for me, so if I want something to happen, I figure out how to make it happen. I think it’s finally beginning to pay off, but we shall see. I’m not afraid to do it again if no one comes knocking.
What’s worked- I love taking classes in things I’ve never tried before. I love to challenge myself. Sometimes I find I have an aptitude for it, sometimes not, but I love to learn. What I find doesn’t work are any kind of seminars where you listen to panels and have one-on-ones with industry professionals. You have nothing they want and most times they don’t really want to be there. Spend that money elsewhere.
Produced Credits:
Wallflowers (2013- ): creator/writer/director. Weekly comedic web series (12 episodes, 12 mini-sodes)
Jobriath A.D. (2014) writer/producer/director. Feature documentary about 70s glam rock musician Jobriath
24 Nights (2001) writer/producer/director. Romantic comedy about a 2 year old slacker who still believes in Santa Claus.
