David McKenna '91

Screenwriter and Producer

David McKenna '91

David McKenna ’91 is screenwriter and producer. He worked as executive producer of E-Ring. He used the screen name Zachary Long for Bully.  McKenna wrote or played a major/minor part in such films as S.W.A.T. and E-Ring television episodes.  He is perhaps best known for writing American History X and other novels such as The Trials and Tribulations of Earl.  His third film, Get Carter, was a remake of the 1971 cult film that starred Michael Caine. The updated version stars Sylvester Stallone, Caine, Miranda Richardson, Rachael Leigh Cooke, Mickey Rourke, and Alan Cumming. David is married to his wife Marcy, who is an entrepreneur. They have three children: Jack, Colin, and Courtney.

Tell us the highlights of your professional career.  What are your proudest achievements?

As a screenwriter, I was able to make six movies in six years including Blow, American History X, SWAT and Get Carter.  Finally getting the opportunity to work with movie industry professionals I had admired when I was younger was truly magical.

What’s your favorite college memory?

My college experience allowed me to learn most about life, including developing friendships, handling responsibilities on my own and learning how to be in a relationship with a member of the opposite sex. As a member and eventually President of the SAE fraternity, I had the opportunity to lead men and be responsible for completing administrative functions. Our fraternity had numerous examples of members who became very successful in their business endeavors.

Who was your favorite professor and/or what was your favorite class?

I had a philosophy class where the professor would have us write papers instead of giving us Scantron tests.  And he would make us rewrite these papers over and over and to this day it’s one of the few things I remember.

If you were to give current SDSU students some advice, what would you say?

Don’t major in business. Major in something where you can get an actual education while improving your writing and communications skills. These skills are what ensure success in whatever field you attempt.

What are you currently reading?  What’s your favorite book?

My favorite book is The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. Another book I recommend and enjoyed is Winning Everyday by Lou Holtz. As a writer, the last thing I want to do is read!

What is your passion?

I love to coach youth sports including football, baseball and basketball. Teaching young kids to come together as a team is very rewarding. 

What is your motto?

“He who says he can and he who says he can’t are both usually right.”

If you won the lottery, what would you do with your winnings?

I would first want to make sure my family is secure. My wife and I helped found the Lighthouse Guild which has raised more than $1million for abused children in Orange County. We would continue to support the Guild’s efforts. One of our children has a genetic disorder called Williams Syndrome so I would dedicate resources to help treat and hopefully one day eradicate it.

Which trait do you value most in your friends and colleagues?

Loyalty and generosity.

If you knew you could not fail, what would you attempt?

I would want to be a singer.

Joe Passaretti completed the interview with Mr. McKenna in Newport Beach on April 12, 2013.