Watch the Winning August 2017 1st Scene Screenplay:

Genre: Thriller, Crime, Drama

CAST LIST:

Narrator: Val Cole
Jonah: Allan Michael Brunet
Hank: Ryan Yusep

Get to know the writer:

What is your screenplay about?

The story is about two people from opposite ends of the spectrum; ones from money and the other has struggled. They absolutely love each other but that love gets tested when they are both abducted and forced to procreate knowing that their baby will be sold on the black market. This time held captive will test their resolve, their love and their understanding of one another. It is more about them, than the situation they are in.

What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Drama and Horror

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

Because so few “horror” films take the time to focus on the characters. Usually in dark thrillers or horror it is about the killer, and how he will kill next and how shocking that can be. We never really get to know anything about those that are the ones going through the ordeal. I want to make something that people will say that is messed up, but at the same time know, that this happens in real life. Human Trafficking is a billion dollar industry.

How would you describe this script in two words?

In-Tense!

What movie have you seen the most times in your life?

Probably Goonies. I grew up on that and it will forever stand the test of time.

How long have you been working on this screenplay?

After I wrote and directed the short film and won some festivals, I was asked if there is a feature version of this and at that time, there wasn’t. So, I hunkered down and went into it and so, its been about 4 years now that I have been working on it.

How many stories have you written?

That is an odd question, I mean, I have been writing short stories, and poems and lyrics my whole life. So, not sure how many. Screenplays though, I have written 4 and currently on my fifth.

What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?)

Wow, um, there are so many and to me music is mood, so depending on my mood. Gosh! Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi to Proud Mary by CCR. Um, lately I have been on a Rush kick, anything Rush is amazing. Temples of Syrnx is a masterpiece.

What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

The biggest was writing it so that it is a character study and still horror which is what I like to write the most, or very dark dramas/thrillers. Trying not to give into what society/studios wants in horror films now, the high speed, Paranormal, Insidious and Annabelle’s. Those are fun, and all, but they are built for the scare moment. That thing that makes you jump, which is fun, but I want people to walk out of the theater going, that is F’ed up man, but also feel like there is more to life than what we are currently doing. The will to survive through adversity is amazing and the only way you can really get down to that, is writing characters that people can identify with, watch them go through something horrific and come out better people for it.

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

Love travel, during my 14 years in the military I travelled everywhere, even places I didnt really particularly want to go, but I still made the best of it. Since I got out, I continue to travel whenever I can. Trying new foods, and seeing what this amazing world has to offer. It is a shame there is so much violence that doesn’t allow for the freedom of travel everywhere. One day maybe, I have hope.

You entered your screenplay via FilmFreeway. What has been your experiences working with the submission platform site?

Its ease. Withoutabox required way to much work for a short film or a screenplay. Its good to have all that other works done, like pictures, sketches and a look book, but that should be shown if your script or short film gets some looks by a potential investor or purchaser of your script.

What influenced you to enter the festival?

What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received? It’s true, the first 10 to 15 pages are the make or break of a script, if it doesn’t grab the reader, by page 20 they are already not interested so, submitting to something like this to see if the opening grabs a reader is so important. I am surprised there are not more festivals that do this. About the feedback, some good notes. All notes are good, even the ones you don’t quite understand, because it is the note behind the note which is, something about a particular area took the reader out of it and you don’t want that. You just have to learn which notes to implement and which ones to really think about. All of them should be looked at. Being so close to your story, outside eyes always see something that you cannot see.

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Producer: Matthew Toffolo http://www.matthewtoffolo.com

Director: Kierston Drier
Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne
Editor: John Johnson

Camera Operator: Mary Cox