Artist Initiative

1. I completed my screenplay CHICKEN DAY, and it is currently under option by NEW GLOBE FILMS. They intend to shoot the film in Minnesota in 2014. As stated in my grant, having time to help build my body of work has been frustrating. Through the grant, I was able to complete the work and get in into the world. My instincts were confirmed: when I write what I love, people respond. Also, by hiring eleven actors for the reading, each actor was able to expand their craft through training, rehearsal, and the experience of a public reading. The opportunity gave them a chance to expand their resumes. Also, the actors read in front of a director who was interested in casting for the film roles. 2) My screenplay won the McKnight Award and was part of the Emerging Narrative series in New York City. These awards, combined with the option agreement, are a strong confirmation that I have achieved the goals I established in the grant request. 2: 1. Completing the work, growing my portfolio, putting my work out into the world, all amazing achievements during this process and due to the generosity of this grant. In addition, the public reading helped others Minnesotans to engage in the work. The actors read in front of an audience of more than 40 community members. A brief Q and A after the reading gave the audience members an opportunity to ask questions of both the writer and actors. 2. A headcount was taken of audience members who attended the reading. My hope is that, after the film is produced, many more Minnesotans will have the opportunity to see the work.