VPL plots a series of great Writer in Residence programs this fall
Award-winning screenwriter and director Ken Hegan named VPL’s 2019 Writer in Residence
VANCOUVER, B.C. – Vancouver Public Library is proud to announce that award-winning writer, and director, Ken Hegan is the 2019 Writer in Residence and the first-ever screenwriter to take on the role.
An accomplished screenwriter, Hegan has written and directed six short comedy films that have screened at over 90 film festivals. As a TV writer, he has credits on over 20 TV series and specials for broadcast. He co-wrote the opening essay for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics (narrated by Donald Sutherland) and the award-winning Superbodies series for the Vancouver and London Olympics. He is also the recipient of three gold National Magazine Awards for Best Humour Article.
“This is such a huge honour! I’m thrilled to work with aspiring scriptwriters and to write original new comedy scripts that I’d love to film right here in B.C.,” says Hegan “I want to get people excited about screenwriting and local movies, and to get film and TV fans excited about coming to the library.”
Hegan has always been a fan of libraries. “My mum worked in Kamloops libraries, and my parents encouraged me to be a voracious reader. Their advice: if you want to be a good writer, you must read everything.”
“The film and television production industry is a rich and vital part of Vancouver’s creative and economic fabric and many Vancouverites have a passion for scriptwriting,” says Chief Librarian Christina de Castell, "Having Ken as our writer in residence supports local aspiring scriptwriters to develop their skills and add their stories to the creative tapestry of our city.”
This fall, Hegan will lead several scriptwriting workshops and offer one-on-one consultations with aspiring screenwriters. He will also host several film screenings, script readings and a podcast for emerging scriptwriters in partnership with the First Weekend Club, the Cold Reading Series and top local screenwriting programs.
When he isn’t guiding others on how to write, Hegan will be working on his next projects – Brewed, a TV comedy series about the self-destructive staff of a hipster brewery, and Goners, a crime-comedy feature film that tells the terrifying tale of a survivalist podcaster who races to save his family from monsters and his own terrible 'lifesaving' advice on Halloween night.
VPL’s Writer in Residence program was created in 2005 and is in its 15th year promoting Canadian writing and literature to Vancouverites.
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Join Ken Hegan as he kicks off his residency with the Canadian Film Salon, a series bringing together Canadian film, filmmakers and the people who love them. This salon features a screening of Entanglement with filmmaker Jason James and special guests on Tuesday, Sept. 17; 7 p.m. at the Central Library. This event is in partnership with First Weekend Club.
Emerging writers who would like a one-on-one consultation with VPL’s Writer in Residence must apply to be considered. Details on upcoming sessions and submission requirements are at vpl.ca/writer.
About Vancouver Public Library
Vancouver Public Library (VPL) has been dedicated to meeting the lifelong learning, reading and information needs of Vancouver residents for more than 100 years. Our vision is an informed, engaged, and connected city. Our mission is a free place for everyone to discover, create and share ideas and information.
Last year, VPL had more than 6.4 million visits with patrons borrowing more than 9.8 million items. A 2018 Insights West survey found that 95% of Vancouver residents agreed “VPL is one of the most valuable services that the City of Vancouver has to offer.”