winning screenplays

1st Scene Reading of GOD’S LITTLE GAG by Sean Nash

1stscenescreenplay 1st Scene Screenplays, First Scene Script, Matthew Toffolo, Uncategorized, winning screenplays , , ,
GOD’S LITTLE GAG

CAST LIST:

RANDY – Hugh Ritchie
DUNCAN – Peter Nelson
DANNY – Kheon Clarke
MANDY – Mallory Palmer
NARRATOR – Kelci Stephenson

SYNOPSIS:

Genre: Drama, Romance, Action/Adventure, Thriller, Mystery

Plays from the perspective of a bedridden patient who – in the beginning – is unable to communicate his thoughts to the world.

Get to know the writer:

What is your screenplay about?

A rebellious young Carer becomes the keeper of her Patient’s secret, one which could destroy his family, the empire on which their wealth depends, and the government it’s helped control.

What genres does your screenplay under?

Action-adventure, clue-puzzle, political thriller. Romance

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

It should be made because it’s a fun (and funny) emotionally-driven, action-adventure that thrills, entertains and satisfies. What more could you want?!

How would you describe this script in two words?

Evocatively provocative.

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

It’s line-ball between Casablanca, The Searchers, and Some Like It Hot.

How long have you been working on this screenplay?

A couple of years and then some.

How many stories have you written?

15 of my own and 10 with co-creators.

What motivated you to write this screenplay?

I was inspired by feature films Venus and The Sea Inside, as well as by Dennis Potter’s ground-breaking television mini-series The Singing Detective.

What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

Ensuring the characters’ truths trumped my temptation to plot as outrageously as they behaved.

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

Directing, riding motorcycles and (attempting) being in the Now.

What motivated you to submit to the festival?

Hearing others’ interpretations and delivery of your words is always beneficial. The feedback prompted me to listen to an inner voice offering the same advice … which I’d been trying to ignore!

 

SUBMIT your Best Scene Screenplay or TV SPEC Script
Voted #1 TV Contest in North America.		 Screenplay CONTESTSUBMIT your Best Scene Screenplay or FEATURE Script
FULL FEEDBACK on all entries. Get your script performed		 Screenplay CONTESTFIRST SCENE (first 10pgs) Screenplay CONTEST
Submit the first stages of your film and get full feedback!

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

Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne

Editor: John Johnson

1st Scene Reading of THE BURIED MOON AND HER DAUGHTER by Rena Dunsworth

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

 

 THE BURIED MOON AND HER DAUGHTER

CAST LIST:

NARRATOR – Sean Ballantyne
SAL – Hugh Ritchie
BOB – Julian Ford
PRESIDENT – Peter Nelson
STEVE – Kheon Clarke
BEVERLY – Mallory Palmer
JENNY – Angelica Alejandro
MARY – Kelci Stephenson

SYNOPSIS:

Genre: Family, Fantasy, Drama

About a clairvoyant eight year old who strikes out with her ghost friend Debbie to save the buried moon.

Get to know the writer:

What is your screenplay about?

The Moon sees a reflection of her long lost daughter in a pool and comes down to investigate, and is caught in a trap by an evil witch. Her spirit finds a clairvoyant little girl and gives a special rock that can be used to locate her. Sal and her ghost friend leave to save the buried moon, and meet three special helpers on the way. They defeat three evil witches and save the Moon, and the Moon’s daughter (Debbie) is found at long last.

What genres does your screenplay under?

Fantasy, and it should be made because it is a great fantasy story for kids and adults alike.

How would you describe this script in two words?

Great fantasy

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

The Fifth Element

How long have you been working on this screenplay?

Since the summer of 2015

How many stories have you written?

I’ve written two screenplays so far, and I’m outlining a third. I’ve written seven novels.

What motivated you to write this screenplay?

An English folktale called The Buried Moon, which was beautifully illustrated in the last century by Edmund Dulac.

What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

I had a producer intetested in buying it if I could finish it quickly. I finished it, but then she didn’t buy it. At least I got the first draft done quickly.

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

Painting landscapes and women. The women are patterned after Modigliani’s wome

What motivated you to submit to the festival?

I heard that it was a great contest for feedback. I was surprised and honored to be picked as a winner. Great feedback. I added a lot more action in the next rewrite as a result of the feedback I received.

SUBMIT your Best Scene Screenplay or TV SPEC Script
Voted #1 TV Contest in North America.		 Screenplay CONTESTSUBMIT your Best Scene Screenplay or FEATURE Script
FULL FEEDBACK on all entries. Get your script performed		 Screenplay CONTESTFIRST SCENE (first 10pgs) Screenplay CONTEST
Submit the first stages of your film and get full feedback!

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

Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne

Editor: John Johnson

Winning 1st Scene Screenplay – CRIME CYCLE by Donald R Brown

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

Watch the October 2016 Winning 1st Scene Screenplay.

CRIME CYCLE
Written by Donald R. Brown

SYNOPSIS:

Genre: Crime, Thriller, Horror

A seemingly all-American family regularly rent out their guest home as a game to satisfy their urge to kill, but when their most recent tenants arrive they have a new set of plans in store for the sadistic bunch.

CAST LIST:

NARRATOR – Michelle Alexander
MADELINE – Katelyn Varadi
ABIGAIL – Julie C. Sheppard
NATHANIEL – Gabriel Darku
JOSEPH – Rikki Wright
NEWS ANCHOR – Sandy Kellerman

Get to know the winning writer:

What is your screenplay about?

Crime Cycle is about a seemingly perfect All-American family that regularly rents out their guest home as a game to satisfy their urge to kill.

What genres does your screenplay under?

It’s a thriller/horror film.

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

Because it captures the essence of race relations in our country today. It’s thought provoking. It’ll help people realize how close we really are to finding ourselves in a reality similar to the one in my script.

How would you describe this script in two words?

Overwhelmingly realistic

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

The Wizard of Oz

How long have you been working on this screenplay?

4 months

How many stories have you written?

9

What motivated you to write this screenplay?

Hollywood. I wanted to write a script that demanded the attention of everyone from studio heads to agents and script readers.

What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

Trying to find an end to enhancing the script. I’m a perfectionist, but at the same time I know there’s no such thing as the perfect screenplay. Struggling with that dynamic is always tough.

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

Reading. Movies. Anything that keeps my mind occupied. I try to have a real zest for life.

Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?

Persistence is crucial. You’ll probably fail over 100 times before you even get your first taste of success. Always be writing something.

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

Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne

Editor: John Johnson

Winning 1st Scene Screenplay – NIGHT WIND TO BAHIA by Thomas Thorpe

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

Watch the October 2016 Winning 1st Scene Screenplay.

NIGHT WIND TO BAHIA
Written by Thomas Thorpe

SYNOPSIS:

Genre: Thriller, Mystery

Night wind to Bahia is a thriller about an ailing, penniless nobleman searchng for his wife when he uncovers a blood transfusion plot to kill Brazil’s eight-year old prince, Dom Pedro II. Having secured a vial of Cholera immunizing blood, he must choose either to save his own life, obtain reward for reviving the future leader or rescue his wife from the conspirators.

CAST LIST:

NARRATOR – Michelle Alexander
WILLIAM – Rikki Wright
ELIZABETH – Sandy Kellerman
CHARLES – Gabriel Darku

Get to know the winning writer:

What is your screenplay about?

Following a shipwreck, a nobleman searching for his wife uncovers a plot to kill Brazil’s eight-year old Prince with a blood transfusion 60 years before blood typing.

What genres does your screenplay under?

Historical, mystery, thriller, adventure, suspense

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

adventure, mystery, romance
Brazil: a seldom used panorama…
slavery: exploitation or individual freedom…
cholera: seven pandemics, two-million lives…
In the spirit of: Mutiny on the Bounty, Passage to India, Amistad
Based on true events

How would you describe this script in two words?

Historical Epic

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

Jaws, Star Wars, Pride and Prejudice

How long have you been working on this screenplay?

Wrote the book in 2009, Screenplay in 2011

How many stories have you written?

Seven published historical thrillers of the Darmon Mystery Series. Four screenplays.

What motivated you to write this screenplay?

Adapted from Fair Wind to Bahia, fourth book of the Series.

What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

Translation from the literary to the scripted format.

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

History, space exploration (I managed NASA’s Mars Global Surveyor Mission), astronomy (I taught at Glendale College), golf and most sports.

Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?

Never stop writing, marketing and getting attention for your work.

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

Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne

Editor: John Johnson

Sept. 2016 Winner: OLD BONES by Dermott Hayes

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

Watch the September 2016 Winning 1st Scene Screenplay.

OLD BONES
Written by Dermott Hayes

SYNOPSIS:

Genre: Fantasy, Crime, Drama

We lose our soul when we bury the dead without dignity and for the sake of manna. Two brothers are caught in a dilemma of conscience, to lose their jobs or their souls.

CAST LIST:

NARRATOR – Steve Rizzo
COSTELLO – Steve Mitchell
SEAMUS – Randy Baumer
JOHN – John Fray
VOICE – Dan Cristofori

Get to know the winning writer:

What is your screenplay about?

It’s about devalued morals and the cheap currency of souls. People put so little value on their souls, they will trade them for a job and diminish the world they live in, as a result.

What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Contemporary Film Noir Drama

How would you describe this script in two words?

Dark Satire

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

Casablanca

How long have you been working on this screenplay?

Six months

How many stories have you written?

59, that I can lay my hands on, probably a couple of hundred.

What motivated you to write this screenplay?

It began as a short story when I read about a change in the city rules regarding significant archaeological finds in building sites of the old city. I wondered what would happen if, in a competitive environment, something was found but hidden and then destroyed, to avoid costs and delays. Then I thought, given the type of locations being excavated and the changing face of Dublin, in terms of population and religions and changing social profiles,well, what if?

What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

It was a completely new experience for me so I had to learn on the job, how to adapt my own story and then think in a new medium, film, and how a screenplay involves, at all times, action and movement. The Wildsound feedback was very helpful in those terms.

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

Film, luckily enough.

Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?

Learn to put some distance between you and your work. It makes it easier to absorb and use criticism to your advantage.

***

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

Editor: John Johnson

Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne

 

Sept. 2016 Winner: CHASING THE WIND by Corean Strong

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

Watch the September 2016 Winning 1st Scene Screenplay.

CHASING THE WIND
Written by Corean Strong

SYNOPSIS:

Genre: Crime, Mystery, Drama, Thriller

A high flying, arrogant female homicide cop is assigned a serial killer case that thrusts her into a downward tailspin. She struggles to close the case due too eerie connections she cannot explain.
CAST LIST:

NARRATOR – Steve Rizzo
TONY – Dan Cristofori
ALLISON – Norma Dawn Dunphy
WILLIE – Kaleb Alexander
JONATHAN – Steve Mitchell
MOM-DONNA – Heather Dicke

 

Get to know the winning writer:

What is your screenplay about?

“Chasing The Wind” is about a tough female detective aspiring to become Chief of Police is assigned to a serial killer case and finds herself in a downward tailspin because she feels a eerie connection to the case.

What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Psycho -THRILLER

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

The screenplay has elements of many emotions( empathy, fear, joy love etc). There is lots of action and surprises. The audience will enjoy the ride that this movie will have you on as the case is being solved. The twist at the end is good.

How would you describe this script in two words?

COMPELLING THRILLER

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

BABY BOOMER

How long have you been working on this screenplay?

1.5 years

How many stories have you written?

16

What motivated you to write this screenplay?

I took a writing class at a local library for TV but my writing turned out to be more suited for screen.

What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

Building a very strong protagonist, keeping the middle pacing

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

I am a Christian. I am very passionate about music. I am the choir director for 3 choirs at my church. I write, produce and direct christian stage plays that are touring over the Northeast.

Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?

Don’t give up. Keep the Faith!

***

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

Editor: John Johnson

Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne

 

Watch the August 2016 1st Scene Script Winners

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

Submit your First Scene to the Festival: http://firstscenescreenplay.com

Watch the August 2016 1st Scene Script Winners:

Kabul  by Vince Masson

CAST LIST:

NARRATOR – Julian Ford
FAHRAN – Shelly Antony
KOSHAN – Jonathan Shaboo
HASRA – Mark Sparks
KASTI – Kayla Lakhani

****

Halfway  by Lukas Hassel

CAST LIST:

NARRATOR – Julian Ford
RUSSELL – Shelly Antony
MOLLY – Alicia Payne

***

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

Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne

Editor: John Johnson

1st Scene Screenplay – Kabul by Vince Masson

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

Watch the August 2016 1st Scene Screenplay Festival.

Kabul  by Vince Masson

CAST LIST:

NARRATOR – Julian Ford
FAHRAN – Shelly Antony
KOSHAN – Jonathan Shaboo
HASRA – Mark Sparks
KASTI – Kayla Lakhani

Get to know the winning writer:

What is your screenplay about?

The screenplay is about two young boys growing up in Kabul, Afghanistan, during the early days of the American occupation. When they grow up, their lives take two very different paths when one becomes a Taliban fighter, and the other, an Afghan Army soldier.

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

In addition to being simply entertaining, I think it offers a perspective that hasn’t been portrayed in mainstream American cinema before. This is important because it allows us to connect and empathize with people we may have pre-conceived notions about, or

How would you describe this script in two words?

Tough sell.

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

City of God. It changed my life.

How long have you been working on this screenplay?

It took just under a year to write, with some small revisions here and there for about a year or two after.

How many stories have you written?

Stories? Hundreds. Screenplays? Maybe a dozen.

What motivated you to write this screenplay?

The desire to express a point of view of this conflict that’s different than the one that’s been presented to us by large studios.

What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

The research involved, i.e.: Afghan customs and traditions, politics, and Military accuracy.

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

History, Movies, Psychology.

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

I submitted on a whim, actually. I had all but moved on from Kabul, and had no intentions of submitting it anywhere, but something about the reception of WILDsound captured my attention.

Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?

I’m in no position to be offering advice. Sorry.

***

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

Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne

Editor: John Johnson

1st Scene Screenplay – Halfway by Lukas Hassel

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

Watch the August 2016 1st Scene Screenplay Festival.

Halfway  by Lukas Hassel

CAST LIST:

NARRATOR – Julian Ford
RUSSELL – Shelly Antony
MOLLY – Alicia Payne

Get to know the winning writer: 

What is your screenplay about?

“Halfway” is about those couples who fall in love, but then after a while if the relationship starts to fail, fall in in fear. Fear over what might happen if they choose to leave. The script shines a light on how and why people commit to mediocre lifelong partnerships.

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

It’s a movie that asks the tough questions in a fresh and revealing way. It’s funny, harsh, upsetting and claustrophobic all at once.

How would you describe this script in two words?

Confrontational. Fresh.

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

Cabaret. (30 +)

How long have you been working on this screenplay?

From conception to final draft – little over 2 years.

How many stories have you written?

Seven.

What motivated you to write this screenplay?

Observing friends and family make choices out of fear – choices elongating a pain that could have been prevented by courage.

What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

Dramas are tough to get produced, and I kept questioning myself as to why I wouldn’t just focus on a horror script or some “sexier” genre. In the end, I simply had to write “Halfway.”

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

My acting career, my filmmaking trajectory, nature, my husband and family, human rights, politics, life…

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

I liked the way you described your festival on FilmFreeway. The feedback was mostly spot on.

Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?

Discover what you are passionate about as an individual and write to that. Figure out what your point of view is as a person, and make sure that comes through in your writing. Know WHY you are writing something.

***

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

Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne

Editor: John Johnson

Watch the July 2016 1st Scene Script Winners

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

Submit your First Scene to the Festival: http://firstscenescreenplay.com

Watch the July 2016 1st Scene Script Winners:

SENIOR PRANK by Shiv Sudhakar

SYNOPSIS:

Genre: Comedy

A group of cunning high school seniors must outwit their principal in order to pull off the ultimate senior class prank.

CAST LIST:

NARRATOR – Val Cole
AL – Dan Cristofori
CARL – David Occhipinti
FRAN – Viktoria Napolenova
ALFRED – Michael Gaty
GUS – Mark Boutros

*****

NINE SCARS by Kelly Crawford

SYNOPSIS:

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Thriller

A teen romance thriller that takes place in a world in which everyone has nine lives. In this world of nine lives, an aspiring football player must risk all of his lives to rescue his girlfriend from the ruthless leader of a gambling syndicate who’s trying to fix the college football championship game.

CAST LIST:

NARRATOR – Val Cole
KEITH – Dan Cristofori
PRINCIPAL – David Occhipinti
ROBBIE – Michael Gaty
MATT – Mark Boutros
JAMIE – Viktoria Napolenova

*****

CATCH! by Jerry Nield

Genre: Biography, Comedy, Drama

Synopsis: Could David really defeat Goliath?

CAST LIST:

NARRATOR – Val Cole
ACTON – Dan Cristofori
OLD MAN – David Occhipinti
JIM – Michael Gaty
TOM – Mark Boutros
ELLEN – Judy Thrush

****

Director/Producer: Matthew Toffolo
Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne
Editor: John Johnson