Watch winning stories and movies showcased at the Writing and Film Festival in the COMIC BOOK/SUPERHERO genre: Short, Feature, TV Screenplays. Short Stories. Novels. Stage Plays. Poems. Stories from festival made into movies: http://www.wildsoundfestival.com/comic_book_stories.html
Watch the best of COMIC BOOK Stories from the Festival:
TV PILOT – GOTHAM NIGHTS
June 2013 Reading
Written by Adam Kennedy
SYNOPSIS:
The series follows the journey of Dick Grayson from average student to Robin to Nightwing. In the pilot, Dick, an acrobat during the summer with his parents, begins school at Crestwood Academy, a prestigious private school just down the road from the shuttered and mysterious Wayne Manor. A scholarship student, he is quickly labeled “the circus boy” and is publicly humiliated by the school jock. Offered the chance to get even, Dick gets into an unexpectedly dangerous situation that ultimately puts him on a collision course with destiny.
TV SPEC – ARROW “Second Chances”
March 2015 Reading
Written by Molly Driscoll
SYNOPSIS:
OLIVER questions his mission and family loyalty when DIGG’s former lieutenant RICK FLAG threatens to make MOIRA pay for her unpunished crimes. Meanwhile, SARA visits LAUREL in rehab and ROY struggles with leading a double life from THEA. Back on the Island, Sara warns Oliver of SLADE’S increasing erratic behavior.
SHORT – BATMAN/SUPERMAN FAN Script
March 2015 Reading
Written by Glenn Magas & Dale Fabrigar
SYNOPSIS:
Old heroes, new enemies, and Kryptonite. Batman and Superman may need to come out of retirement to save the world.
BEST SCENE – BIONIC (From Bionic Man TV Pilot)
March 2015 Reading
Written by Craig Glatt
SYNOPSIS:
Steve Austin lands on Air Force One. Jamie loves Austin and of course he knows. Computer Tech Rudy tries to save the world while he mother tries to stop him. And X-5 is all over it!
Watch PARENTHOOD Television Show Reading by Cara Rothenberg:
SYNOPSIS:
Adam and Kristina are skeptical of a girl who seems interested in Max, while a visit from Hank’s sister gets Sarah thinking about giving their romance another try. Amber makes an unlikely friend, and Crosby’s true feelings about Joel and Julia’s separation come to light.
CAST LIST:
NARRATOR – Susan Q. Wilson
KRISTINA/DELIA – Julie McCarthy
SARA/PETER – Erynn Brook
JASMINE/AMBER – Aidan Black Allen
DOUG/JOEL – Brett Kelly
ADAM/OLIVER – David Bronfman
HANK/MAX – Spencer Gatten
CROSBY – Jarrid Terrell
Get to know writer Cara Rothenberg:
1. What is your TV SPEC SCRIPT for PARENTHOOD about?
Adam and Kristina are skeptical of a girl who seems interested in Max, while a visit from Hank’s sister gets Sarah thinking about giving their romance another try. Amber makes an unlikely friend, and Crosby’s true feelings about Joel and Julia’s separation come to light.
2. Why does your TV SPEC fit within the context of the original show?
I think it captures the overall tone of the show pretty well. It’s dramatic and it’s based around serious issues, but there’s also a light heartedness to it. I really tried to study the voices of the characters and how they’ve grown throughout the series. An example of that would be Crosby’s outrage about Joel not forgiving Julia for her infidelity. His wife and growing family softened him and puts things in perspective. But at the same time, Crosby handles the situation pretty aggressively, ultimately staying true to who he is as a person.
3. How long have you been writing?
Since I was eighteen. I grew up writing stories and novels, but as I got older I started to realize that basically all of my writing consisted of dialogue. I started to shy away from stories and got more into screenwriting once I got to college, and haven’t really looked back since.
4. What movie have you seen the most in your life?
That’s tough. I have a bit of an obsessive personality so I have gone through phases with a bunch of movies. I guess it would be a three way tie between The Wizard of Oz, School of Rock and Superbad. I’m really not sure what that says about me.
5. What artists would you love to work with?
Hands down, Jason Katims. He’s the creator of Friday Night Lights and Parenthood, two shows that have made a huge impact on me as both a writer and a person. I love the authenticity of both shows.
6. How many stories/screenplays have you written?
About ten.
7. Ideally, where would you like to be in 5 years?
Staff writer for a TV show.
8. Describe your process; do you have a set routine, method for writing?
I guess my process is pretty simple: write until you come up with something that doesn’t suck. But still save the sucky drafts so that you have something to laugh at later.
9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
Honestly, not much. Writing sort of consumes all of the passion that my heart can muster. If I had to pick….maybe ice cream.
10. What influenced you to enter the Festival Contest?
The chance to hear my script performed by actors.
11. Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?
I don’t know that I am qualified to give out advice. But I have found what my parents have been saying to me basically my whole life to be really helpful. Don’t listen to the people who scoff when you say you want to be a writer because it doesn’t seem practical or stable. Their jobs are probably super boring anyway. Just tune them out, keep your head up and write.
Deadline: FAN FICTION FESTIVAL
Submit a classic TV show, movie series, or iconic franchise screenplay. https://fanfictionfestival.com/
MOM “Strip Poker and Guilt Trip” TV SPEC Script
Reading of the full screenplay by Micah Goldman and Griff Kohout
SYNOPSIS:
“Strip Poker And Guilt Trips” is a spec script for the series Mom, in which Bonnie tricks Christy into helping her win a poker game.
CAST LIST:
NARRATOR – Susan Q. Wilson
BONNIE – Julie McCarthy
CHRISTY – Erynn Brook
VIOLET – Aidan Black Allen
ROSCOE – Brett Kelly
GABRIEL – David Bronfman
BAXTER – Spencer Gatten
CHEF RUDY – Jarrid Terrell
Deadline: FAN FICTION FESTIVAL
Submit a classic TV show, movie series, or iconic franchise screenplay. https://fanfictionfestival.com/
Watch Original Screenplay Reading of MAD MEN, by M.J. Louis:
CAST LIST:
NARRATOR – Deborah Merrick
DON DRAPER – Christopher Huron
PEGGY OLSON – Kayla Lynn Lewis
PETE/STAN – Matthew Taylor
STEPHANIE/BETTY – Katelyn Vanier
FAYE MILLER – Sidonie Wybourn
LANE PRYCE – Mark Munro
IDA BLANKENSHIP – Judy Thrush
JOEY/MARK – Andrew Farr
PATTY/JOAN – Martha Girvin
BERT/DUCK – Ryan Fisher
Synopsis from writer M.J. Louis:
My spec script is from Mad Men Season four which follows Don Draper as he is forced to leave someone else in charge of creative as the agency tries to win a new account while he faces a family crisis.
This spec script is set between episodes six and seven of season four. In episode six, Don Draper wins a CLEO award for the Glo-Coat Ad. Peggy Olson feels slighted because he did not give her any credit for the work she did on the project. During this episode, Peggy and the art director, Stan, reach a creative block while working on a pitch.
In episode three, Don travels to California to visit Anna Draper, the wife of the real Don Draper. He learns she has cancer, but her sister, Patty, and her daughter, Stephanie, make Don promise to go along with their not informing on her illnes.. He complies and says a tearful good-bye.
In episode seven, Peggy and Stan still do not have a pitch for Don for Samsonite luggage. So Peggy stays late with Don on her birthday. Don and Peggy have explosion encounter while Don learns that Anna has died. As his bond with Anna has changed, his bond with Peggy is stronger.
Deadline: FAN FICTION FESTIVAL
Submit a classic TV show, movie series, or iconic franchise screenplay. https://fanfictionfestival.com/
Watch the Original Performance Reading of HANNIBAL by Ibba Armancas
SYNOPSIS:
Hannibal Lecter’s attempts to leave the country are thwarted when Jack Crawford pulls him into a politically charged case that leaves children robbed of their hands, tongues, and eyes. Meanwhile, successfully framed for Lecter’s murders, Will Graham negotiates how much of himself he’s willing to compromise in order to get back at the man that destroyed his life.
CAST LIST:
NARRATOR – Becky Shrimpton
HANNIBAL LECTER – Scott McCulloch
WILL GRAHAM – John Tokatlidis
JACK CRAWFORD – Donovan Hardy
MASON VERGER – Tyson Vines
ALANA BLOOM – Kassandra Santos
BLANCHE – Amanda Mona Weise
Get to know writer Ibba Armancas
1. Why is your episode just as good as the episodes written for the show?
Hannibal is a thematic, dark, and intelligent show that thrives, very literally, on the devil in the details. Like the best Hannibal episodes, “Honesuki” carries allusions both to the works of Thomas Harris, as well as the classical obsessions of Lecter. From the image of a shrike-gutted starling on B.H.C.I.’s chain-linked fence, to tableaux of living children made into caricature’s of Shakespeare’s Lavinia, to Harris’ famous maroon envelopes penned in Will’s hand instead of Hannibal’s, every scene in “Honesuki” not only connects to what has gone before it, but introduces fresh concepts and cultured horror.
Even the title is loaded with reference and metaphor. “Honesuki” pays homage to season two’s “Kaiseki” (which had only just been announced when the spec was written), but also foreshadows Will’s transformation from victim into predator. In season one, episode titles were based off French dishes, presumably alluding to people Hannibal killed, served, and ate. My season two concept was that all titles would be based on knives, and be representative of Will’s ascension from hunted to hunter, as well as Hannibal’s transformation from chef to butcher. Within the script itself, Hannibal uses a Honesuki while preparing fish (an animal commonly associated with Will), while having a conversation with Alana Bloom that not only introduces the Japanese influences of his past, but discusses ancient knife-making as a metaphor for what he has done to Will Graham, and why.
My spec stays true to the twisted flavors of the show, while introducing it’s own set of gruesome specifics. As the episode draws to a close and a noose begins to tighten around both the necks of Hannibal Lecter and Jack Crawford, “Honesuki” leaves readers shocked, satisfied, and anticipatory for what will happen next.
2. How long have you been writing screenplays?
I started writing screenplays in 2010, and have pretty much never stopped.
3. What movie have you seen the most in your life?
Honestly, probably The Lion King. As a kid, I wore out the tape. That, or The Secret of NIMH. As an adult probably Thank You For Smoking, Pan’s Labrynth, and Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang. I was always more of a reader than a watcher growing up, so while I do keep up with movies these days, I don’t tend to do a lot of repeat viewings unless a piece has a ton of nostalgia value or really moves me.
4. What artists would you love to work with?
Too many! I’m a writer/director, so I’ve got a list of actors as long as my arm that I’d be over the moon to work with. Idris Elba, Natalie Dormer, Gina Torres, Danny Pudi, James Callis, Enver Gjokaj, Christina Hendricks just to name a few, and of course, I think both Mads Mikkelsen and Hugh Dancy are absolutely phenomenal. As for directors, Steve McQueen, Quinton Tarantino, Joss Wheadon and Bryan Fuller; all for very different reasons.
5. How many stories/screenplays have you written?
I’ve written five feature screenplays (and a half), the Hannibal spec script, am in the middle of writing an original pilot, and have about twelve short scripts. When I was sixteen I wrote a pretty terrible novel, and a lot of self-indulgent science fiction. I always believed if I wrote enough quantity, eventually, I might end up hitting quality.
6. Ideally, where would you like to be in 5 years?
In a perfect, magical universe I’d love to be working as a show-runner, directing another feature film, or writing for groundbreaking television. I truly believe in the power of stories, and want a chance to bring as many of them into the world as possible.
7. Describe your process; do you have a set routine, method for writing?
I tend to write a detailed outline that includes character arcs, structure arcs, thematic arcs, and motifs, then sit down and bang out a ‘draft zero’ where all the flaws can percolate to the surface. Then I yammer someone’s ear off about it, shoot out a couple more drafts, rinse and repeat until the structure and characters read the way I want. Then I make a dialogue and prettification pass, get some actors/friends together for a read, and call it done. Nothing is ever as good as the first time I get to write ‘the end’ though.
8. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
How to choose! Well, I was raised by a group of historical sword-fighters, so I’ve always loved history, battle theories, and how old-school political intrigue continues into the present. As I sci-fi nut, I also try to keep on top of Space X/NASA/space missions in general, and any theories or breakthroughs that might mean I can finally get that flying car or fight through that horrifically awesome dystopia. Physics of the Impossible by Michio Kaku is a favorite read of mine.
That said, people are probably my biggest passion. Everyone’s got a story, everyone has some sort of adventure to take you on, and getting to figure out who and why we all are is something I work on everyday.
9. What influenced you to enter the WILDsound Script Contest?
I saw the WILDsound contest literally on the last day to submit, which happened to be the day I finished the final draft of my Hannibal spec. If felt like kismet, so I did it.
10. Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?
Never stop living. I know a lot of writers who get caught up in the minutiae of creating a perfect piece, and stop accruing new stories and the passion with which to feed them. If you can seek out the interesting stories in your own life, they can’t help but enrich your writing.
Watch the Fan Fiction Reading of DOCTOR WHO “My Doctor”:
CAST LIST:
NARRATOR – Sean Ballantyne
MARK – Peter Nelson
MATT SMITH – Andrei Preda
DAVROS/THE MASTER – Jason Martorino
CUSHING/TROUGHTON/MCGANN DOCTORS – Scott Beaudin
TENNANT/PERTWEE/BAKER DOCTORS – Cole Reid
AMY – Meghan Allen
WENDY – Julie Burris
Get to know writer Mark Renshaw:
1. What is your screenplay about?
My Doctor is a special episode of Doctor Who starring almost every incarnation of the famous Time Lord; up to and including Matt Smith. It also features some of his most notorious adversaries, such as the Daleks, Cybermen and The Master.
It begins in a normal every day setting, with an average guy called Mark (me!) eating his breakfast. In bursts Matt Smith in character as the Doctor. Mark is a huge Doctor Who fan, so he thinks this is all a prank, until the Doctor shows him a very real and extremely impossible TARDIS.
Realisation soon hits home, this is no ordinary situation. Mark is in very real danger and the only person who can save him is a fictional mad man in a box.
2. Why should this Dr. Who fan script be made into a movie?
I think this would make the quintessential Whovian adventure. It celebrates everything about Who, both classic and modern. I poured every bit of my admiration, respect and enjoyment for the show into this script. I wanted to write something long-term fans would really appreciate but also people new to the show would enjoy.
I believe this would make a fantastic audio, animated or even live-action production.
3. How long have you been watching Dr. Who? Have you seen almost (or every) episode?
I started watching in the Tom Baker years and I’ve seen pretty much every episode since. I’ve also gone back to watch some of the earlier episodes starring Jon Pertwee, Patrick Troughton and William Hartnell. I even love the old Doctor Who movies starring the legendary Peter Cushing.
4. What movie have you seen the most in your life?
Star Wars – A New hope. There was a point in my childhood I was watching it every day.
5. What artists would you love to work with?
I’d love to team up with Steven Moffat and Russell T Davies to co-write the ultimate Doctor Who movie. I’d also love to work with Joss Whedon. I really admire his writing and the characters he creates. Oh and yeah, If JJ Abrams wants any help with Star Wars or for me to take over Star Trek, tell him to gimme a call!
6. How many stories/screenplays have you written?
I’ve been writing as a hobby for many years, so I’ve written lots of short stories and scripts; some fan fiction but mostly original material. I’ve recently finished writing my first original feature called The 12 Step Killers and I’m currently working on a sequel to American Werewolf in London, just for fun and because the idea popped in my head. I have to write whatever pops in my head otherwise it drives me insane.
7. What motivated you to write this screenplay?
When Steven Moffat produced the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who, he said something about the fan’s desire to include every incarnation of the Doctor in the special episode was impractical and impossible. I took that as a challenge. I know he includes a shot of all the Doctors at the end of the anniversary special but I felt they could have done more.
Also, as a fan I wanted to take part in the celebrations and was disappointed the BBC didn’t offer any opportunities for fans to participate. So I decided to write this just for myself. It was my way of joining in the celebration of fifty years of my favourite TV show.
8. Describe your process; do you have a set routine, method for writing?
I have very little time to write, due to this annoying thing that keeps on getting in the way called life. So I have developed a process that works for me. Once I get an idea, I flesh it out in my head during the week. I have conversations with the characters and work on each scene mentally. I’ve found the best time for this is at the gym.
The idea is to have 10-15 pages worth of material ready to go. Then, when I get a few spare hours, I’ll seal myself off from the world, prepare an enormous cafetiere of coffee, fire up some inspirational soundtrack music, pound away at my keyboard and see how far I can get.
Some weeks I don’t get any time to write but as long as I keep on writing when I do, it all adds up and stops me going mental.
9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
I love stories. I love hearing them, reading them, watching them. I love music and art, anything which touches me emotionally and spiritually. I’m passionate about anything which helps me appreciate the here and now more.
10. Who is your all-time favorite Dr. Who and why?
Just like in the script, Tom Baker is my Doctor. He’ll always have the most special place in my heart but I really grew attached to Matt Smith. I do like Peter Capaldi a lot, he’s becoming an epic Doctor but I still miss Matt Smith.
11. What influenced you to enter the Fan Fiction Festival? Was the feedback you received valuable?
I wrote My Doctor for myself. As unsolicited fan fiction I knew the BBC couldn’t entertain even reading it, so I never thought I could do anything with it until I came across this fabulous festival. I looked through the website and saw some of the fantastic TV episodes and movies from all sorts of famous franchises and thought, why not give it a go? I’m so glad I did.
The feedback I received was incredible. The guy reviewing seemed to really understand not only scripts but Doctor Who and good, well-rounded stories. The feedback really helped me to write a new draft.
12. Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?
Never stop writing. Never stop believing in yourself. Never stop challenging yourself. Write out of your comfort zone. Write things that scare you, write things that are difficult.
Write even if you only have one hour a month, never let excuses stop you. Never let that little demon that whispers in your ear ‘Why even try? Just give up!’ persuade you to stop.
Let your writing be your art, your message to the world, your legacy. Let your words cut deep, your dialogue speak volumes and make every single element of your script mean something; even if it only means something to you.
* * * * Deadline: FAN FICTION FESTIVAL
Submit a classic TV show, movie series, or iconic franchise screenplay. https://fanfictionfestival.com/
When Chestnut falls ill, the girls are forced to become phone-sex operators to pay for his treatment. Meanwhile, Oleg and Earl coach Han in preparation for a big date.
CAST LIST:
NARRATOR – Gennalee Gordon
CAROLINA – Lex Kilgour
MAX – Stefanie Terzo
OLEG/GELO – Neil Bennett
HAN – David Poon
DR. HUNG – Danielle Nicole
EARL – Rob Green
WOMAN – Hannah Drew
HIPSTER #1 – David Occhipinti
HIPSTER #2 – Paul R. Whitaker
Get to know writer Greg Wayne:
1. Why would your TV SPEC be a perfect episode for the original show?
I think it captures the tone and voice of the series, and explores the topic of equine bowel obstruction in a unique way.
2. How long have you been writing screenplays?
About four years.
3. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Barry Lyndon or Happy Gilmore
4. What artists in the film industry would you love to work with?
Mickey Rourke
5. How many screenplays have you written?
One feature, one short, four sitcom specs, and a bunch of sketches.
6. Ideally, where would you like to be in 5 years?
Writing for television or film.
7. Describe your process; do you have a set routine, method for writing?
I procrastinate until writing becomes less painful than not writing.
8. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
Very little.
9. What influenced you to enter the WILDsound Script Contest?
The chance to have the script read by actors.
10. Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?
Watch the Performance Reading of SOUTH PARK “Follow Your Dreams” by James Tison:
SYNOPSIS:
Motivated to follow his dreams by a flamboyant mascot, Cartman borrows money from Sallie Mae to attend a musical theater academy, but soon learns that student debt comes with a treacherous toll.
CAST LIST:
NARRATOR – Susan Q. Wilson
CARTMAN – Jarrid Terrell
KYLE – Spencer Gatten
STAN – David Bronfman
FAIRY/BUTTERS – Brett Kelly
SHEILA – Erynn Brook
MRS. CARTMAN – Aidan Black Allen
SALLIE MAE – Julie McCarthy
Rhoda becomes the Hempel Catalogue Department’s new creative director. She has a brilliant idea requiring use of the WJM newsroom and begs Mary to ask Lou for permission to do a photo shoot there.
CAST LIST:
NARRATOR – Gennalee Gordon
MARY – Danielle Nicole
RHODA – Hannah Drew
MURRAY – Neil Bennett
LOU – David Occhipinti
PHYLLIS – Lex Kilgour
BESS – Stefanie Terzo
TED – Paul R. Whitaker
PHOTOGRAPHER – Rob Green
Deadline July 10th: FAN FICTION FESTIVAL
Submit a classic TV show, movie series, or iconic franchise screenplay. https://fanfictionfestival.com/
CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM “The Transplant”, TV Spec, by Mark Melara
SYNOPSIS:
When Jason Alexander gets a hair transplant, Larry calls him out as a traitor to the bald community. After some strange occurrences Larry begins to suspect there’s some kind of bald club that is conspiring against him. Meanwhile Jeff agrees to represent Jason while Leon becomes Larry’s assistant.
CAST LIST:
NARRATOR – Frances Townend
Larry – Charles Gordon
Jeff – Neil Kulin
Leon – Kaleb Alexander
Jason Alexander – Rob Salerno
Paula – Alicia Payne
Waitress – Julia Vally
Susie – Jacqueline Brown
FAN FICTION Film and Writing Festival 