First Scene Script

June 13, 2018 – 1st Scene Screenplay Testimonial

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From the Screenplay DISCORDANT, by Ferdinand W. Gernandt

The fact that I could ‘win’ a reading of my script that was a big drawing card. Loved the initial feedback and implemented it right away. It was really helpful.

Watch the Winning Screenplay:

Genre: Drama, Thriller

A teenager tracks down a famous composer whose unorthodox methods will unlock award-winning compositions from his twin sister, not knowing he kills his students and steals their music for his own stardom.

CAST LIST:

Tall Guy: James Murray
Mila: Cassandra Sirois
Narrator: Val Cole
Casey: Fabio Abreu
Cashier: Nick Wicht

Watch the May 2018 1st Scene Script Winners

1stscenescreenplay 1st Scene Screenplays, First Scene Script, Matthew Toffolo, winning screenplays , ,

ACTORTHE THINGS WE MISS – LGBT 1st Scene Screenplay
May 2018 Reading
by Bonnie Brookby

ACTORTHE GREAT ADVENTURE OF THE BENTLEY GIRLS – FAN FICTION 1st Scene Screenplay
May 2018 Reading
by Elisa Herrman

ACTORTRIGGERS – 1st Scene Screenplay
May 2018 Reading
by Robert J. Sawyer

ACTORTHE PAPER PRINCESS – ANIMATION 1st Scene Screenplay
May 2018 Reading
by Stephanie Barnes

ACTORWAVERLY RIDING – FEMALE 1st Scene Screenplay
May 2018 Reading
by Carla Miles

ACTORTHE FIRST A.I. PRESIDENT – FANTASY 1st Scene Screenplay
May 2018 Reading
by Bernard S. Smith

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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

1st Scene Script Reading of TRIGGERS, by Robert J. Sawyer

1stscenescreenplay 1st Scene Screenplays, First Scene Script, Uncategorized, winning screenplays , , ,

 

Genre: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Action/Adventure

After an experiment to cure PTSD goes awry, one of fifteen people is now able to read the President’s memories — and the race is on to find out which one it is before national security is blown all to hell.

CAST LIST:

Susan: Jane Smythe
Daryll: Rais Moui
Narrator: Hugh Ritchie
Jerrison: Scott McCulloch
Manny Cheung: Tim Paul McCarthy

Get to know the writer:

 1. What is your screenplay about?

After an experiment to cure PTSD goes awry, one of fifteen people is now able to read the President’s memories — and the race is on to find out which one it is before national security is blown all to hell.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

A present-day science-fictional thriller.

3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

It’s a fast-paced thriller with an African-American lead and some thoughtful social commentary.

4. How would you describe this script in two words?

Exciting; relevant.

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

2001: A Space Odyssey.

6. How long have you been working on this screenplay?

Three years.

7. How many stories have you written?

44 published stories; 23 published novels, including Hugo Award-winner HOMINIDS.

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

“Yesterday” by the Beatles — a song about memories and regret, very apropos of TRIGGERS.

9. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

Honestly, the Trump administration: it’s almost impossible to tell a story about a fictional president these days when truth is stranger than any fiction!

10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

Paleontology.

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

Very convenient; fast and easy.

12. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?

Glad to see a Toronto-based festival. The initial feedback was excellent and useful.

******

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

Director: Kierston Drier

Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne

Editor: Kimberly Villarruel

Camera Op: Mary Cox

 

Watch the April 2018 1st Scene Script Winners

1stscenescreenplay 1st Scene Screenplays, First Scene Script, Matthew Toffolo, Uncategorized, winning screenplays , ,
ACTORDISCORDANT – 1st Scene Screenplay
April 2018 Reading
by Ferdinand W. Gernandt
ACTORINDIAN COUNTRY – 1st Scene Screenplay
April 2018 Reading
by Troy Kelly
ACTORSANDS OF LANIKAI – 1st Scene Screenplay
April 2018 Reading
by Greg Blair
ACTORFEAR OF THE DOPPELGANGER – 1st Scene Screenplay
April 2018 Reading
by Jonah Jones

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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

DRAMA 1st Scene Screenplay – DISCORDANT, by Ferdinand W. Gernandt

1stscenescreenplay 1st Scene Screenplays, First Scene Script, Matthew Toffolo, Uncategorized, winning screenplays , , , , , , ,

 

Genre: Drama, Thriller

A teenager tracks down a famous composer whose unorthodox methods will unlock award-winning compositions from his twin sister, not knowing he kills his students and steals their music for his own stardom.

CAST LIST:

Tall Guy: James Murray
Mila: Cassandra Sirois
Narrator: Val Cole
Casey: Fabio Abreu
Cashier: Nick Wicht

Get to know the writer:

 1. What is your screenplay about?

LOGLINE: A teenager has to befriend a famous composer whose unorthodox methods will unlock award-winning compositions from his twin sister, not knowing the composer kills his students and steals their music for his own stardom.

SUMMARY:

Casey thought he was defending his sister – he didn’t mean to put her boyfriend in rehab.Autistic and difficult, Casey intends to do anything to redeem himself in her eyes. He befriends a notoriously brilliant music teacher who says he can ensure Casey’s sister will realize her musical aspirations.

But the teacher’s unorthodox methods harbor a deadly secret.

Despite his brutal approach, Casey’s sister falls in love with the enigmatic teacher. However Casey keeps digging until he unravels the sinister truth behind the teacher’s own musical success – he kills his gifted students and claims their work as his own.

Does Casey have what it takes to save his sister from this maestro psychopath?

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Psychological Thriller

3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?
It deals with topics around co-dependant relationships / the darker side of being an artist / the challenges involving Aspergers.

4. How would you describe this script in two words?

Refreshing and unpredictable

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

Avatar / The Matrix

6. How long have you been working on this screenplay?

Approx 10 Months

7. How many stories have you written?

Nine Screenplays (features)

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

Peter Bence – ATTENTION / Pentatonix – DAFT PUNK

9. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

Getting CASEY’s character as true as possible. He has Aspergers and to make him sound true on the page, required a lot of research.

10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

Directing film / stage

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

I only have great things to say about FilmFreeway. I will be launching a new feature THE LOFT HOUSE, I directed / wrote myself in the next two weeks via FilmFreeway.

12. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?

The fact that I could ‘win’ a reading of my script that was a big drawing card. Loved the initial feedback and implemented it right away. It was really helpful.

******

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

Director: Matthew Toffolo

Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne

Editor: Kimberly Villarruel

Camera Op: Mary Cox

Winning 1st Scene Screenplays for March 2018

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Watch readings of the winning screenplays performed by professional actors:

ACTORMYSTERY 1st SCENE Screenplay – THE COLD SLEEPER
March 2018 Reading
by John Lucas Bowman
ACTORANIMATION 1st SCENE Screenplay – MARIE’S JOURNEY
March 2018 Reading
by Keith Famie
ACTOR1st SCENE Screenplay – CHILDREN OF THE DUST
March 2018 Reading
by John McCarney
ACTORFANTASY 1st SCENE Screenplay – ENTANGLED
March 2018 Reading
by Sharon Powers
ACTORTHRILLER 1st SCENE Screenplay – THE BLUE ROOM
March 2018 Reading
by Victoria Mitchell
 

ACTORTV 1st Scene Screenplay – TOUCH
March 2018 Reading
by Robert Cox
ACTORTV Best Scene Screenplay – WHAT THE HELL
March 2018 Reading
by Melissa Willis

******

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

Director: Matthew Toffolo

Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne

Editor: Kimberly Villarruel

Camera Op: Mary Cox

Winning 1st Scene Screenplays for February 2018

1stscenescreenplay 1st Scene Screenplays, First Scene Script, Uncategorized, winning screenplays , ,

Watch readings of the winning screenplays performed by professional actors:

ACTOR1st Scene TV Screenplay – JAKOB’S COVE
February 2018 Reading
by Travis Darkow
ACTORCOMEDY 1st Scene TV Screenplay – CHARACTERS
February 2018 Reading
by Chris Harris
ACTOR1st Scene TV Screenplay – FAT VS EVIL
February 2018 Reading
by Alex Sheldon
ACTORTHRILLER 1st Scene Screenplay – FORTY WINKS
February 2018 Reading
by Mitch Moldofsky
ACTOR 1st Scene Screenplay – THE PLAYLISTS
February 2018 Reading
by Michael Kotsiros
ACTORLGBT 1st Scene Screenplay – DELIVERY GIRL
February 2018 Reading
by Katherine Grant Krieger
ACTORROMANCE 1st Scene Screenplay – SOMETHING LIKE FATE
February 2018 Reading
by Matt Huntington
ACTORHORROR 1st Scene Screenplay – THE VILLAGE SLEEPS
February 2018 Reading
by Chloe Bellande

******

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

Director: Kierston Drier

Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne

Editor: John Johnson

Camera Op: Mary Cox

TV PILOT 1st Scene Script – FAT VS EVIL, by Alex Sheldon

1stscenescreenplay 1st Scene Screenplays, First Scene Script, Matthew Toffolo, winning screenplays , ,

Genre: Sci-Fi, Comedy

In a world where superheroes are as common as garage bands, plus size retail worker Iris gains awesome powers she wants nothing to do with.

CAST LIST:

Bette: Andrea Meister
Rancor: Charles Gordon
Narrator: Carina Cojeen
Iris: Kerrie Lamb
Jake: Rob Notman
Commander: Jarod Terrell

*****

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

Director: Kierston Drier

Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne

Editor: John Johnson

Camera Op: Mary Cox

ROMANCE 1st Scene Script – SOMETHING LIKE FATE, by Matt Huntington

1stscenescreenplay 1st Scene Screenplays, First Scene Script, Matthew Toffolo, Uncategorized , , , ,

 

Genre: Drama, Romance

A brainy teen turns to horoscopes and psychics to predict her future after surviving a car crash. But nothing could prepare her for finding and falling in love with her soul mate – who just happens to be her best friend’s boyfriend.

CAST LIST:

Old Man: Charles Gordon
Father: Sean C. Dwyer
Narrator: Carina Cojeen
Erin: Andrea Meister
Lani: Kerrie Lamb

Get to know the writer:

What is your screenplay about?

Something Like Fate is about friendship, loyalty and trusting yourself. The main character, Lani, finds herself in a love triangle with her best friend and is confused about what to do and whom to be loyal to.

What genres does your screenplay fall under?

It would fall under the Young Adult category. It is based on a YA novel of the same name by Susane Colasanti.

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

The story has a very positive message for teen girls. It is a realistic, contemporary teen drama, with authentic characters, conflicts and a very satisfying (yet not trite) conclusion.

How would you describe this script in two words?

Empower Yourself

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

E.T. the Extra Terrestrial.

How long have you been working on this screenplay?

Two years.

How many stories have you written?

I have written 5 screenplays. One of which was named as a finalist in a screenplay contest in October 2017.

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

Back in Black by AC/DC.

What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

I wrote the screenplay and sent it to production companies and even got two meetings in NYC and LA. They had notes for me to change the story in certain ways that altered the story fundamentally. I found ways to address the essence of their comments without changing the core of the characters or the faithfulness to the novel it is based on.

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

I love watching documentaries, especially about nature or science breakthroughs.

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

I find it very easy to submit via FilmFreeway. I’ve done about 4 submissions and would recommend it to any screenwriter.

What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?

I felt it was important to get more feedback on this latest version of the script. I agreed with the feedback I received and plan to address it and resubmit.

*****

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

Director: Kierston Drier

Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne

Editor: John Johnson

Camera Op: Mary Cox

Watch the January 2018 1st Scene Script Winners

1stscenescreenplay 1st Scene Screenplays, First Scene Script, Matthew Toffolo, Uncategorized, winning screenplays ,
ACTORDRAMA 1st Scene Screenplay – SCUPPERNONGS
January 2018 Reading
by Lynne Ashe
ACTORCOMEDY 1st Scene Screenplay – THE WRECKERS
January 2018 Reading
by Kristy Leigh Lussier		 ACTORACTION 1st Scene Screenplay – ZOMBIE CRUIZE
January 2018 Reading
by A.K.A. Smith
ACTORHORROR 1st Scene Screenplay – RED LIGHT
January 2018 Reading
by Dempsey Tillman & Ted Dewberry		 ACTORCRIME TV 1st Scene Screenplay – KILLING MOSES
January 2018 Reading
by Ricardo M. Fleshman
ACTORLGBT 1st Scene Screenplay – FALLING STAR
January 2018 Reading
by Katie L. Marshall		 ACTORDRAMA 1st Scene Screenplay – PREY FOR THE DAY
January 2018 Reading
by Richard M. Kjeldgaard

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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