Screenwriter Randall Jahnson will discuss how his exposure to the punk rock and independent music scene of LA in the early and mid-’80s armed him with a sensibility, an aesthetic, a DIY work ethic that infused his writing with a vision and authenticity that producers, agents, and studios yearned to find. This unique drive has subsequently led to a variety of interesting projects and work, including penning the feature films DUDES, THE DOORS, and SUNSET STRIP and the bio-pics of Timothy Leary and Dionne Warwick – and face time with Johnny Cash, June Carter, and Mick Jagger among others.
How is Randall’s aesthetic relative now? Answer: because we presently are in the midst of a dynamic fiercely-independent paradigm. In fact, Portland now reminds Randall of LA in the early ’80s – for all the best reasons, and he is happy to be here contributing to the burgeoning film scene. Rock and pop music continue to be a force in the film industry – everything from song licensing to subject material – which is ironic given that the traditional music biz is in the toilet.
Randall will lead a workshop that is part discussion and film history. He will show film clips, music videos – and talk about how they influenced his work; and how he integrated these elements into his screenplays.
About Randall Jahnson
Randall Jahnson has been a working screenwriter for 28 years.
He's had close encounters of the professional kind with such film-making talent as Steven Spielberg, Oliver Stone, Jonathan Demme, Alec Baldwin, and Penelope Spheeris. Among his credits are Dudes, The Doors, The Mask of Zorro, Sunset Strip, and episodes of the HBO series, Tales from the Crypt. He also wrote the epic Western video game, Gun, which was voted Best Story at the 2005 IGN Video Game Awards.
Way back in the 1980s he made music videos for the Minutemen, Black Flag, Henry Rollins, and Stan Ridgway. He also started an independent record label that nearly drove him insane.
In 2007 he moved to the Portland area where he continues to write and teach.
**POWFest Festival Passes do NOT apply to workshop admission. Please purchase this admission seperately.**