An Interview with Kevin Ploth on His Award-Winning Script
Kevin Ploth’s latest script, The Giant, has emerged as a powerful and critically acclaimed force in the entertainment industry. This crime drama pilot, already won with numerous awards and recognition. This subject deeply personal to Kevin Ploth, a veteran himself. We had the opportunity to go deeper with the writer, actor, and filmmaker behind The Giant, exploring the inspiration behind the project, his unexpected journey to success, and the powerful message he hopes will resonate with audiences.
The Genesis of a Giant: Drawing from Life and Service
“The GIANT has been burning in my soul since my family member Robert LeBlanc gave me the idea back in 2013,” Kevin Ploth shares, his voice resonating with a deep sense of gratitude. He also extends a special thanks to Julie C. LeBlanc, stating, “the GIANT & ARTIMIS owe everything.” This foundational spark was then ignited by Kevin Ploth’s own experiences in the U.S. Army. “I am also drawing from my U.S. Army service,” he explains, “I created this half-hour crime drama series to shine a raw, unflinching light on the heroes among us: sheriffs, deputies, and everyday guardians who wrestle their demons while keeping the line between order and anarchy intact.“
The narrative unfolds in a tightly-knit town under siege from a wave of crimes. At its heart is Sheriff Clay “Giant” Walker, a towering lawman embodied by Kevin Ploth himself, who is burdened by a haunted past. “This isn’t just a badge-and-gun story,” Kevin Ploth emphasizes, “it’s a journey of redemption, where Giant and his diverse team confront external threats and systemic biases, uncovering a tragic truth that hits close to home.”
Overcoming Adversity: The Uphill Battle for Recognition
The success of The Giant on the awards circuit has been a triumph, but Kevin Ploth is candid about the arduous path that led here. “No, I did not expect the script would have so much success and recognition,” he admits. “And actually, in the beginning, I was met with heavy criticism for my severe dyslexia from several producers whom I have done a lot for.”
Like many successful screenplays that were initially overlooked or met with rejection, The Giant also faced its share of setbacks. Despite this, Kevin Ploth stayed firm in his principles. “It has had a tougher journey than people realize,” he admits. Rather than engage with the drama, Kevin made it clear he wasn’t going to chase approval, beg for support, or waste time on those who didn’t value the work. His response was blunt and unapologetic. This unwavering resolve defines Kevin Ploth’s approach: “Always uphill and kicking doors down. Keep on keeping on.“
The Enduring Message: Embracing the Cycle of Growth
Beyond the crime and redemption, The Giant carries a profound philosophical and societal message. Kevin Ploth draws a powerful parallel to ancient wisdom, describing the show as a modern Western crime thriller TV pilot, perhaps best encapsulated by the phrase, “High Noon meets Twin Peaks.” He elaborates on its central theme: “The message of Kevin B. Ploth’s The Giant… centers on the cyclical and interconnected nature of life’s journey.”
Quoting a pivotal line from the script, Kevin Ploth states, “…we begin where we end and end where we begin…“
This “Buddha-like sentiment,” as he terms it, underscores the idea that both personal and communal growth is an endless loop. “It urges audiences to embrace patience, temperance, and collaboration amid challenges like ego, sabotage, and industry hurdles,” Kevin Ploth explains.
The story, deeply personal to Kevin (who has dyslexia and faced rejection for its script), also promotes supporting veterans and first responders, reflecting ARTIMIS Theatrical Productions’ mantra of hiring those who serve as “not only right, but the only smart thing to do.”” Through its authentic, diverse cast and narrative of resilience in a small-town thriller setting, The Giant encourages future viewers to reject isolation, to value “the we” over “the me,” and to find meaning not in linear success, but in the ongoing, transformative journey of life. As The Giant continues to rise, its powerful message of interconnectedness and resilience, resonates deeply with audiences and the industry alike.
KEEP UP WITH KEVIN PLOTH & AWARD WINS!
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2432070/
Filmfreeway: https://filmfreeway.com/KevinBPloth
