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Outlander: Richard Kahan Chats on Twitter!

Richard Kahan, Outlander’s Writer’s  Assistant and writer of one of my favorite S2 episodes, Untimely Resurrection, chatted with fans last night on Twitter. He talked about other projects he’s got in the works, including a producing credit for the David Lynch/Harry Dean Stanton project Lucky, scheduled to debut in 2017. (Variety gave this synopsis: Lucky follows the spiritual journey of a 90-year-old atheist — played by Stanton — and the quirky characters that inhabit his off-the-map desert town. He finds himself at the precipice of life, thrust into a journey of self-exploration.)

Q My son is seeking a writer’s position/recent NYU grad – what is the best way to  land one – very competitive and feels he must to go LA.
A VERY competitive. I’d say LA is a must – apply for internships and look for Writers’ PA positions, hope to work your way up. Good luck to him.
Q He is working as a PA now, but really wants to be a writer.
A Sounds like he’s on the right track! Tell him to always be writing as well – any spare time (which is minimal as a PA!)

Q Ron was saying season premiere would be spring 2017. Has that changed?
A I haven’t heard anything definitive about when we premiere.

Q Use three words to sum up differences between S2 and S3.
A ADVENTURE. FUTURE. BIG.

Q I have my own reasons, but WHY ON EARTH are you vegan?
A I’m an animal lover. So I don’t eat them. Plain and simple.

Q If a fork were made of gold would it still be considered silverware?
A Dinnerware, pal. Dinnerware.

Q Is writing the focus now? Or will you ever think about acting again?
A Writing and producing are the focus for sure. Never say never though…

Q Now a producing credit! Writing is over acting. Writing over producing? Reverse? Why?
A Very excited about producing! The two go hand in hand – writing and producing.

Q You must be so excited about your producer role. Talk about it!
A Finishing a film I’m producing called “Lucky.” (Ira Steven Behr is one of the other producers.) Incredible opportunity to work with giants! Harry Dean Stanton, David Lynch, Ed Begley Jr. The film is beautiful – SO PROUD!

Q What is your favorite childhood memory?
A Maybe tobogganing in the snow, then hot chocolate? Pretty sweet.

Q Sounds wonderful. We used to go tobogganing as kids, but ours was on the water. I’ve never seen snow and I hope to ONE day! (this fan is from Australia)
A I’ve seen enough snow in my life for ALL OF US!

Q What has been the biggest surprise since your Outlander journey began?
A How far reaching the books, and now the show, is/are, and how passionate the fans are!

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Q If you could write for any show currently on  television, which show would it be?
A Good one! Wow… hard question… we’re in the golden age of TV… have to be Better Call Saul. BRILLIANT WRITING!

Q Will I be able to see Lucky in Europe? Do you know the dates? How’s your new project “Thirty Days with My Father” going?
A We’re very hopeful … this film definitely has a European sensibility, so feel there’s a big market for it there!

Q Have you read Outlander scripts? From 1-10 how good are they? What’s your favorite? Is there anything you can tell us?
A The ones I’ve read so far… definitely some 10s. Great eps ahead!

Q What kind of scenes do you like to write most?
A Writing a lot of dramatic scenes lately, definitely fun. Love heated conversations and interesting dialogue. Quirky humor’s fun too.

Q If you could go through the stones and could choose, what era would you prefer to visit?
A Maybe the ’20s or ’30s. New York or Paris? The fashion! The hats! The booze!

Q Have you read a book that you love to see adapted to screen? It seems to be very popular with movies right now.
A Thirty Days with My Father – doing the adaptation now! Knew The Light Between Oceans would make a great film – beat me to it!

Q When you wrote your ep. 5 Outlander script did you have any idea how satisfying it would be to fans to see BJR humiliated?
A Had it feeling it might be!

Q What scene are you looking forward to the most in s3?
A I mean… reunion is pretty great! Also all the ship fun.

Q If you could have had a guest appearance on Outlander would you have been a Highlander or a Red Coat?
A Highlander for sure!

Q You know most of us are wanting more Jamie & Claire love scenes! Your wrote one great that was cut. Will you use it?
A Not mine to use, but those of you that know Voyager know you’re in for some great J/C scenes!

Q What drew you to writing TV as opposed to a book?
A I was an actor for many years, reading so many scripts – mostly TV, some film – fell in love with the process.

Q If you had to pick a favorite Outlander character aside from Jamie & Claire, who would you choose?
A Murtagh’s great! And who doesn’t love Angus?!

Q Why is it said that am alarm clock is going off when it’s really coming on?
A Only so many hours in the day to explain things to you, my friend…

Q Was it hard to break into getting to be a writer or did being in the industry help or hinder?
A Working in the industry helps, but the biggest help was having an incredible mentor, Ira Steven Behr, take me under his wing!

Q How did you find a mentor? Did you work with him before or did he hear about you/ Seems to be who you know in the industry?
A He hired me as an actor on The 4400 about 13 years ago, so we’ve known each other a long time.

Q Is there still any chance of another season? Desperately wanting to bring back The 4400!
A Really hard to say… but it would be a blast! Fingers crossed!

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Q Why did you stop acting? Is it not possible to write and still act here and there?
A It’s possible, but I got to a place where I didn’t NEED to do it any more, and wanted to pour 200% of my focus into writing.

Q Where do you see yourself in 10 years in your professional career?
A Continuing to write and produce, going back and forth between film and TV. And having my own production company!

Q Have you worked with any of the newest cast members yet?
A No, but hearing great things!

Q Would you like to come to an Outlander convention and hang with the fans? Would be cool, right?
A I would LOVE to! Let’s make it happen!

Follow me on Twitter: @OutlanderTIBS, @ErinConrad2 and @threeifbyspace
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