Nick Schenk
Nick Schenk | |
---|---|
Born |
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States | November 12, 1965
Occupation | Screenwriter, producer |
Partner(s) | Jena Ramsay |
Nick Schenk (born November 12, 1965) is an American screenwriter. His script for the 2008 film Gran Torino was named "Best Screenplay" by the National Board of Review in late 2008.[1]
Life and career
Nick Schenk graduated from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 1989. During the mid-1990s, Nick played the character of Butch the Janitor on the television series, Let's Bowl, during its initial syndicated run. He went on to be a writer for the series during its run on Comedy Central from 2001-2002. He also made appearances in small roles during this time.
In 2007, Nick Schenk was a writer and producer for Bodog Fight (the mixed-martial arts competition television show) when his screenplay for Gran Torino was optioned by Jenette Kahn. When Clint Eastwood read it, he not only decided to direct and star in it but he also insisted that not a word be changed by the studio. Subsequently the only script changes made were to tailor it to the location where it was shot (Michigan) as opposed to Minnesota where it was originally set.[2]
References
- ↑ Awards: Best Original Screenplay. - National Board of Review of Motion Pictures.
- ↑ Yuen, Laura. - "'Gran Torino' a movie made in Minnesota, almost". - Minnesota Public Radio. - January 8, 2009.
Further reading
- Tapley, Kristopher. - PAGE TO SCREEN: "Gran Torino" by Nick Schenk. - InContention.com. - September 9, 2008.
- Covert, Colin. - "A Twin Cities writer's 'Gran' slam". - Star Tribune. - January 8, 2009.
- Schein, Louisa. - "Eastwood’s Next Film Features Hmong American Cast: Exclusive Interviews From the Set of 'Gran Torino'". - AsianWeek. - October 3, 2008.