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10 - PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, April 5,1994 ."Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice' ' : URANJO | ONTRACTING e Custom Built Homes e Additions | e Renovations PortPerry - (905) 985-7287 - John van Belle "Building today, your dreams for tomorrow" Proceeds to ROTARY CHARITIES ANCE TO THE | OLDIES Saturday, June 4th, 8:00 p.m. SCUGOG ARENA PORT PERRY featuring . CHFI'S Tickets available at: : . Port Perry IGA i Irwin Smith Music Tickets: or call: (905) 985-9777 $20.00 per person (905) 985-7351 V's HAULAGE ---- * Trucking * Sand e Gravel ° Limestone * Topsoil * Reclaim Asphalt 986-4917 / vou: 433-7273 * Basement exc. * Trenching * Septic Systems '® Demolition * Grading * Driveways ~ |Springtime Speci Port Perry native Mike Stokes sells first feature screenplay By Kelly Lown Port Perry Star For as far back as he can re- member Mike Stokes had want- ed to write and just recently re- alized a winfall that proved he had the talent as well as the will. The 30-year-old Port Perry native, recently sold his first feature screenplay entitled "Jungleground" to a Toronto producer. After his "agent's cut and the government's larger cut", he re- ceived a cheque for approxi- mately $40, 000. "It was quite a winfall, after a long drought," he said. Mr. Stokes, a graduate of Port Perry High School, received his BA at Trent University and his Masters in film at York Univer- sity . Although he has been writing KELLY LOWN/PORT PERRY STAR Mike Stokes, a native of Port Perry, has 'been writing On complete paint jobs includes: 4 free pinstriping | 4+ most bodyside moulding kits | 4 stone guard 4 rust proofing We use the most advanced products -- such as Urethane primers, base coat clear, paints, etc. ---------------------- oe ------ . oars oP 0A 44 aN $ A hig' fi / A 4 4 li Z : 1) ] A * Parties Special Occasions als. screenplays for the past four years. He recently sold his first feature screenplay entitled "Jungleground" to a Toronto producer. Please see story for more details. * Lunch Specials ° « NN Offer valid on all cars, pickups & vans Manchester Collision 1223 King St., Manchester 985-1036 Mon. to Fri. 8am to 6pm Sat. 9am to 1pm Call Bob Henry, or John Jr. Williamson for more information Manchester Community Hall Port Hwy. 7A Perry af 4 King St. z Prince Albert Side Rd. bY) Manchester Collision constantly for the past four years, this is his first major work to be produced. Mr. Stokes has five half-hour childrens' films to his credit, which have aired on the Global, CBC and YTV television net- works, but this latest coup, i8 what he has been waiting so long for. To say Mr. Stokes was excited when the deal went through, would be an understatement, but he said up until it was offi- cially complete he was not as- suming it was a done deal, de- spite the enthusiasm and gptimism of his friends and fam- ily. ) When it looked like it was done, I tried not to get too excit- ed, until it actually was. I have come close 80 many times," he told the 'Star from his Toronto home. "Jungleground" is an action film about an undercover polic- man who goes into the city to complete a drug bust. The bust goes bad and the policeman finds himself hunted down by the gang members, Mr. Stokes explained. Although it is unusual for a producer to buy a screenplay outright, that is exactly what George Flak, of Performance Pictures in Toronto did with Mr. Stokes' story. Usually produc- ers will pay a little money at a time until itis shot, he said. The movie, which is expected to be shot this summer, remains with the "Jungleground"" name, and although it may change by the time it is produced, he said so far everyone seems happy with the title. Sometimes it takes one pro- ducer's interest in a screenplay to attract others, and "Jungle- ground" may have set the groundwork for the future of Mr. Stokes' career. The screenplay was on the streets for three years before it was bought and when it was sold in March, there were four other companies interested init as well. Much like everything else in life, no one is interested, until someone elseis. "No one wants to be alone when interested in a project," he said. Now, the same producers, who did not get' "Jungleground," are interested in other screen- plays he has written, of which he has "a large pile." "I haven't stopped writing during any of this time," he said. Adding "(my goal) isjust tobe a successful writer." "Jungleground" is categor- ized as an action film, and al- though if Mr. Stokes had his wish he would focus on action and science fiction sceenplays, he is not closing the door on oth- er possibilities. Mr. Stokes has written ro- mantic comedy screenplays, and childrens' films have been good to him. His first short film to be duced, a childrens' fantasy fim. was in 1991-92. Since that time he has had other screenplays go on to be nominated for Gemini awards, and another short- animated film entitled "Attic in the Blue", has won plenty of ac- clamations in the United States. Mr. Stokes has wanted to write his whole life, as well as to be involved in film. 'If I can combine the two in one it is great, and maybe this breakthroughs the first step on that path," he told the Star. AGI: