This month Mark Leiren-Young is the Writer-in-Residence at VCC. As well has having office hours, he visits classes on request to talk about his work.
Leiren-Young is a screenwriter, journalist and playwright, and he also performs in a comedy duo called Local Anxiety.
For his novel Never Shoot a Stampede Queen (Heritage House 2008) he won -- drum roll please -- the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour.
My English 098 class enjoyed hearing this very versatile artist and performer talk of his adventures in theatre sports, film, cartoon films for kids, and more. He has written for Reboot, and has created English stories for Japanese anime.
Leiren-Young's mastery of individual voice is evident in his well- known film The Green Chain. After interviewing many in the forest industry, he wrote all the parts and had actors perform them. It is a testament to his skill that on many occasions, this work, a labour of love and a tribute to a dead friend, has been mistaken for a documentary. It won an award in Barcelona.
An interesting job was being commissioned to write for The Anglican Church of Port Alberni. His short film was used to open a synod of 400 clergy members who were split over some challenging issues. "It worked out well," said Mark. "They argued over the film instead of directly with each other."
When asked what inspired him, this writer said things that make him angry, things that make him laugh, and things that stay with him. He wants to write stories that are truthful, real and worth talking about.
Until the end of next week, Mark Leiren-Young remains a member of our college community. His office is in College Foundations, and he has office hours for consultation.
Last Saturday, The Vancouver Sun carried his story about the BC movie industry. It's called "Golden Age Loses its Lustre." His comedy show called Never Shoot a Stampede Queen is coming up at the Arts Club in Vancouver, where it runs from May 9 to 25.
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