interview

Winning FAN FICTION Screenplay: WELCOME TO CRYSTAL LAKE (Friday the 13th), by Mike Meade

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Genre: Horror, Crime, Thriller

When corrupt developers come to Crystal Lake with plans to build a new lakeside resort they run into one unexpected problem, Jason Voorhees.

CAST LIST:

Narrator: Val Cole

Frank: Kris Hagen
Elias: Peter Nelson
Sean: Nick Wicht
Tom: Mike Ruderman
Marta: Carina Cojeen

Get to know the writer:

What is your screenplay about?

Welcome to Crystal Lake is about a group of corrupt developers that come to town with plans to build a new lakeside resort, but when they take things too far by trying to force Elias Voorhees off of his property, his son Jason violently intervenes.

What genres does your screenplay fall under?

I’d say it falls firmly into the slasher sub-genre of horror.

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

I think this screenplay should be made into a movie because the Friday the 13th fans (including myself) are dying for the next film to be made, but we want it done right. To me, that means creating a story that is new and fresh, while keeping the same tone and feel of the original films. I think Welcome to Crystal Lake succeeds in doing that and also has the potential to be expanded into an even better feature film.

How would you describe this script in two words?

Classic Jason.

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

That’s a hard one, but if I had to say which Friday the 13th movie I’ve seen the most times it would have to be Part 6, followed closely by Parts 4, 5, and 7.

How long have you been working on this screenplay?

I had the original idea almost two years ago, but didn’t actually write it until recently. By that time the story was so clear in my head it didn’t take long to finish once I got started.

How many stories have you written?

I couldn’t say for sure since I’ve been writing since I was a kid. But as far as screenplays go, I’ve written six shorts (including one I co-wrote) and am working on my third feature right now.

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

Fade to Black by Metallica. It never gets old no matter how many times I listen to it.

What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

Just finding the time to actually write it since I was already working on other projects.

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

I’ve been into martial arts since I was about ten years old, so that’s probably the biggest thing. I also like taking my Jeep up into mountains while my hound dog rides shotgun and going camping.

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

I’ve had a great experience with FilmFreeway. Before I started submitting my stuff through them, I’d have to email each individual contest or festival, attach whatever file I needed, didn’t have my payment info saved, etc… Basically, it was a big hassle. With FilmFreeway it really just takes a few clicks and I’m done, plus it makes it super easy to keep track of all my submissions in one place. +

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

I really wanted to write a Friday the 13th script, but was afraid it might never be seen or read by anybody, especially since I couldn’t sell the finished product. But then when I discovered this festival I thought I’d go ahead and give it a shot and I’m glad I did. When I received the initial feedback I was mainly impressed with how in depth it was. They had obviously taken the time to really read it and understand what I was going for.

 

****

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

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

Camera Operator: Mary Cox

Fan Fiction Screenplay: Star Trek Deep Space Nine: Power Loss by Jennifer Renner

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Watch the July 2016 Winning Fan Fiction Screenplay.

Star Trek Deep Space Nine: Power Loss by Jennifer Renner

SYNOPSIS:

Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Action, Fantasy

Synopsis: Episode 32.5 of the TV series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The station welcomes visitors from a planet in the Gamma Quadrant that allows only women to hold positions of authority.

CAST LIST:

NARRATOR – Brandon Knox
BENNI – Susan Wilson
SORYA/KIRA – Meghan Allen
DAX/LELA – Courtney Keir
ODO – Julian Ford
BASHIR/QUARK – David Guthrie
SISKO/RISHTA – Sean Ballantyne

Get to know the winning writer Jennifer Renner

1. What is your TV Fan Fiction screenplay about?

Deep Space 9 welcomes visitors from a planet in the Gamma Quadrant that only allows women to hold positions of authority.

2. Why does this episode fit into the context of the show?

The episode uses a futuristic setting and the unique perspectives of the characters to discuss a social issue. One of my favorite things about the whole Star Trek phenomenon was the ability to look at potentially controversial issues under a new and intriguing light.

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

Existential exploration.

4. What TV show do you keep watching over and over again?

Star Trek: TNG

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

I worked on this screenplay for about three months.

6. How many stories have you written?

I’ve written many short screenplays and three feature length screenplays.

7. What motivated you to write this screenplay?

I love the different personalities in DS9. The topic of gender has been in the spotlight recently and using the voices of DS9 seemed a good way to explore this issue.

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

I don’t have much experience writing for TV, so that was fairly new to me. I also wanted to do justice to the Star Trek universe and it is a complex place to navigate. Use the term “warp coil” when you specifically mean “warp nacelle” and you’ve lost all credibility.

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

All things film! From theory to shooting and editing, to just a lot of viewing, I enjoy it all.

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

I was excited about the prospect of receiving feedback to improve my writing. The feedback I received offered many helpful suggestions, both in terms of my writing in general and as a piece in the DS9 universe. I’m definitely glad I entered this festival.

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

Although I don’t feel qualified to give advice, I would say to try writing as many different types of works as you can. From one-act plays to feature screenplays to poetry to just a really well-written email, there are so many ways to express yourself well through writing.

*****

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

Editor: John Johnson

Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne

June 2016 Fan Fiction Screenplay Winner

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Watch the June 2016 Fan Fiction Screenplay Winner. 

Submit your Fan Fiction Screenplay to the Festival: https://fanfictionfestival.com/

SPACE 2099  by Kevin D  Story (Based on the television series Space  1999)

SYNOPSIS:

Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Action, Fantasy

CAST LIST:

NARRATOR – Kelci Stephenson
JOHN – Geoff Mays
VICTOR/CARLOS – Julian Ford
HELENA/TANYA – Tee Schneider
ALAN/GERARD – Nathan Bragg
DAVID/TONY – Sean Ballantyne

Get to know the winning writer Kevin D. Story:

1. What is your TV Pilot screenplay based on the television show Space: 1999 about?

John Koenig, the commander of Moonbase Alpha, must prevent a terrorist group, led my an old adversary, from taking over a nuclear refinery.

2. How does this future remake fit into the context of the original TV show?

The screenplay is a re-imagining of the original pilot episode.

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

Action/drama

4. What TV show do you keep watching over and over again?

There’s more than one: Space 1999, Battlestar Galactica (the original and re-imagined), Star Trek (TOS, TNG, DS9, VOY, ENT), Babylon 5, Stargate (SG-1 and Atlantis) and Farscape.

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

It took about four months to finish the first draft, which was 137 pages. It took another two months to whittle it down to just under 100 pages. I’m still polishing it.

6. How many stories have you written?

I currently have two feature length scripts and a one-hour television pilot. I’ve also written two episodes of Space 2099 that would take place after the events of my pilot script. I’m currently working on a comedy feature.

7. What motivated you to write this screenplay?

I’ve been a fan of Space 1999 ever since I was six years old. Ronald Moore’s re-imagining of Battlestar Galactica demonstrated to me that Space 1999 could undergo a similar makeover.

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

The biggest obstacle was trying to figure out how the Moon would breakaway from Earth’s orbit that sci-fi fans would perceive as feasible.

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

Keeping up with current events is important to me because it helps me to understand the world at large, which helps with my writing.

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

I found the festival’s website as I was looking for screenplay contests that I could enter. I was impressed with the testimonials from past contestants. Watching a couple of past readings also had an impact. The feedback I received was incredibly helpful.

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

Never give up. Writing takes time, patience and research. Enter into as many contests as possible, especially ones that offer quality feedback, like the Fan Film Festival.

***
Director/Producer: Matthew Toffolo

Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne

Editor: John Johnson

Fan Fiction TV Spec: SPACE 2099 by Kevin D Story (Based on the television series Space 1999 )

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Watch the winning Fan Fiction Screenplay for June 2016.

SPACE 2099  by Kevin D  Story (Based on the television series Space  1999)

SYNOPSIS:

Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Action, Fantasy

CAST LIST:

NARRATOR – Kelci Stephenson
JOHN – Geoff Mays
VICTOR/CARLOS – Julian Ford
HELENA/TANYA – Tee Schneider
ALAN/GERARD – Nathan Bragg
DAVID/TONY – Sean Ballantyne

Get to know the winning writer Kevin D. Story:

1. What is your TV Pilot screenplay based on the television show Space: 1999 about?

John Koenig, the commander of Moonbase Alpha, must prevent a terrorist group, led my an old adversary, from taking over a nuclear refinery.

2. How does this future remake fit into the context of the original TV show?

The screenplay is a re-imagining of the original pilot episode.

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

Action/drama

4. What TV show do you keep watching over and over again?

There’s more than one: Space 1999, Battlestar Galactica (the original and re-imagined), Star Trek (TOS, TNG, DS9, VOY, ENT), Babylon 5, Stargate (SG-1 and Atlantis) and Farscape.

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

It took about four months to finish the first draft, which was 137 pages. It took another two months to whittle it down to just under 100 pages. I’m still polishing it.

6. How many stories have you written?

I currently have two feature length scripts and a one-hour television pilot. I’ve also written two episodes of Space 2099 that would take place after the events of my pilot script. I’m currently working on a comedy feature.

7. What motivated you to write this screenplay?

I’ve been a fan of Space 1999 ever since I was six years old. Ronald Moore’s re-imagining of Battlestar Galactica demonstrated to me that Space 1999 could undergo a similar makeover.

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

The biggest obstacle was trying to figure out how the Moon would breakaway from Earth’s orbit that sci-fi fans would perceive as feasible.

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

Keeping up with current events is important to me because it helps me to understand the world at large, which helps with my writing.

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

I found the festival’s website as I was looking for screenplay contests that I could enter. I was impressed with the testimonials from past contestants. Watching a couple of past readings also had an impact. The feedback I received was incredibly helpful.

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

Never give up. Writing takes time, patience and research. Enter into as many contests as possible, especially ones that offer quality feedback, like the Fan Film Festival.

***
Director/Producer: Matthew Toffolo

Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne

Editor: John Johnson

 

Fan Fiction TV Spec Reading of MAGNUM P.I. by Lew Ritter

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Watch the March 2016 Fan Fiction Screenplay Winner.

Watch MAGNUM P.I.: Chrysanthemum Table Reading:

CAST LIST:

NARRATOR – Val Cole
MAGNUM – Rob Notman
ALLISON – Alicia Payne
T.C./SIMONSEN – Ucal Shillingford
HIGGINS/RICK – Kari-Michael Helava

Get to know writer Lew Ritter:

1. What is your Magnum PI screenplay about?

In the 80’s a computer whiz and former army buddy, fakes his own death to stop the theft of a then state of he art super computer. Chrysanthemum.

2. How does this episode fit into the context of the TV show? What season would this episode be in?

Probably early in the series.

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

Fast paced.

4. What TV show do you keep watching over and over again?

Gotham or Sleepy Hollow.

5. This is a very tight, emotionally engaging and fun screenplay. How long have you been working on this screenplay?

I did an early draft in the late 80’s and then made some changes based on the comments from the Festival readers.

6. How many stories have you written?

About seven scripts including a pilot for a series about the seventies called Turbulence.

7. What motivated you to write this screenplay?

Homage to a great show. It had humor and great story lines. I loved the characters including Higgins.

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

None really, it practically wrote itself. I did some research and tacked on an ending where the friend is off to meet Bill Gates, then an unknown computer guy at the time.

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

Teaching. I am a teacher at local charter school.

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

Very accessible. Fee was reasonable. Above all, I got the feeling that the reader was knowledgable about scripts and made great suggestions for polishing the script.

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

Keep writing. Be prepared to write for a number of years before you get good.

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

DOCTOR WHO “The Time Cuckoo” by David Gilbank & Paul Renhard

WILDsound Festival doctor who, fan fiction, genres, interview, matthew toffolo, tv crime, tv drama, tv show, Uncategorized, watch stories, wildsound festival reviews, winning scripts, winning stories, writing festival , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Submit your Fan Fiction Screenplay to the Festival: http://fanfictionfestival.com

Watch the Fan Fiction Table Reading “The Time Cuckoo”

CAST LIST:

NARRATOR – Amaka Umeh
DOCTOR – Hugh Ritchie
AMY – Victoria Urquhart
NELSON – Julian Ford
VENTRILLIS – Sean Ballantyne
REGAZZA – Mohogany Brown
HARDY – Isaac Alfie

Get to know writers David Gilbank & Paul Renhard:

Matthew Toffolo: What is your Doctor Who screenplay about? 

David Gilbank & Paul Renhard: The Doctor is forced to kidnap Lord Nelson by an alien race who believe Nelson’s battle skills will help them win a war that has been raging for centuries.

Matthew: Where does this episode fit into the context of the series? 

David & Paul: It was written for Matt Smith and Karen Gillan. Although I’m pretty sure with a bit of tinkering, we could adjust to suit Doctors past and present.

Matthew: Your screenplay ends with a twist and a setup to a future conflict with the Doctor. Do you have episode 2 and beyond of your Doctor Who universe written or outlined? 

David & Paul: Not yet but it’s on our list of ‘things to do’. We’re currently in pre-production on a screenplay that we wrote about sport and love. That’s right a love story mixed up in a sport story. Think Rocky meets Pretty Woman and Love Actually. Or Slapshot in Love. Or something like that. We did it for the money.

Matthew: Who is your all-time favorite actor who played Doctor Who? 

David & Paul: Tough one – it would come down to Tom Baker or Jon Pertwee and we’d probably for Baker just because of The Seeds of Doom! Or Pertwee in the Planet of the Spiders. We did like Davis Tennant too.

Matthew: Who is your favorite non-Doctor character in the series? 

David & Paul: The Daleks. Every hero has to have his or her antagonists and the Daleks are just the best bad guys in fiction. Also liked Mike Yates, Sgt Benton and The Master (particularly Roger Delgado – Moriarty Deluxe). Also have to say I (Dave) loved the Tomb of the Cybermen. A beautifully written adventure with a claustrophobia akin to Alien (made some 10 years later). I love the way the old series (60’s and 70’s in particular) had to rely on storytelling to make up for the sparse FX and miniscule budgets.

Matthew: What TV show do you keep watching over and over again…besides Doctor Who?

David & Paul: The Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy TV mini-series – Alec Guinness as George Smiley. Perfect telly. I also loved Callan. Edward Woodward as a deadeye killer with a whiff of conscience was mesmerising. Loved the rebooted Battlestar Galactica. That story deserved to be re-made and those guys did it. Spectacularly written and wonderful acting. One of the best TV series ever made, scifi or other. I’m also re-watching The West Wing again. It’s like revisiting old friends. Aaron Sorkin has the IQ of Skynet.

Matthew: How long have you been working on this screenplay?  

David & Paul: About three months.

Matthew: How many stories have you written? 

David & Paul: Loads. We wrote a SciFi horror screenplay in 2010 called ‘Cull’ that won several screenwriting awards around the world. Think Soylent Green meets Alien. Its horrifying but a wild ride. We’ve also written several TV series, usually involving gangsters and aliens. We’ve just made a short film that is being well received. We’ve also written a ghost/horror screenplay which is currently doing well on the festival circuit.

Matthew: What motivated you to write this screenplay? 

David & Paul: We just love Doctor Who and the creative possibilities are infinite! We are ambitious writers and thought we could write something pretty exciting.

Matthew: What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay? 

David & Paul: A 9 to 5 job and, clashing personalities. Fortunately Dave is pretty obsessive and is pretty driven to complete projects. Dave finishes. Paul rewrites. Dave changes it back. They argue. They don’t talk for a week. Paul changes it back, Dave sulks. Paul thinks he’s got his own way. Dave sneakily changes it without Paul knowing…and voila a perfect writing team.(I didn’t know you did that!) (Just joking) (Really?) (of course) (I knew it!) (here’s a bottle of Johnny Walker. Drink it now) (Ok, but I will be checking in future) (sure you will, Drink…drink…driiiiink) (I love you) (shut up).

Matthew: Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

David & Paul: We both love making films! So far we’ve only had the resources to make short films, but watch this space! Dave loves cricket, physics, Rugby League (Brisbane Broncos), Evolutionary archeology, history, carnivorous plants, digging holes and road rage. Paul likes writing and nothing else.

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

David & Paul: We’re always on the lookout for festivals to enter and this is the only one we know of that would let us enter a script based on an existing TV franchise. It’s always great to receive constructive criticism of your work, it’s the only way to make your writing better.

We accept we probably tried to cram too much into the episode, but we just couldn’t help it!

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

David & Paul: We’re really not in a position to offer advice, as we’ve never had anything made, barring our own short films, which are of varying quality. However, the only sage advice is to write! Just start writing, anything. The more you write the better you get at it. We’re both advertising copywriters during the day and we’ve learned that anything down on the laptop screen is better than nothing at all. Also listening to music and listening to the voices in your head is good. Unless they tell you to rob a bank or overthrow the government.

—

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

 

 

 

 

 

Watch the Winning 1st Scene Screenplay Reading: DIETRICH DANZIG

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Deadline TODAY: FIRST SCENE (first 10pgs) SCREENPLAY FESTIVAL Get it performed at the festival. Full feedback
http://www.wildsound.ca/firstscenescreenplaycontest.html

– Submit the first stages of your film, get it performed at the festival, and get full feedback!

Watch the First Scene Script Reading of DIETRICH DANZIG by John Pisano-Thomsen:

SYNOPSIS:

A 95-year-old Pink Triangle survivor recalls his romance with a Nazi Officer’s son in 1935 that led to his interment at Dachau.

CAST LIST:

NARRATOR – Susan Q Wilson
Dr. Bitten – Todd Dulmage
Ziggy – Barry Minshull
Zaki – Rob Young
Pearce – Jacob Klick
Emma – Alissa DeGrazia

Get to know writer John Pisano-Thomsen:
http://wildsoundfestivalreview.com/2015/02/22/interview-with-screenplay-winner-john-pisano-thomsen-climactic-scene-dietrich-danzig/

Learn more about the Pink Triangle:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pink_triangle

Watch HANNIBAL TV Show Original Screenplay Reading

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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 DOCTOR WHO Fan Fiction Screenplay Reading by Mark Renshaw

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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/

Watch sneak peak teaser of the DOCTOR WHO video on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/p/4zIURiOOio/

2 BROKE GIRLS Original Screenplay Reading – Watch Now!

WILDsound Festival 2 broke girls tv show, fan fiction, interview, television screenplays, tv comedy, tv sitcom, tv spec , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Watch the Performance Reading of 2 BROKE GIRLS:

Script titled “And the Sick Horse” by Greg Wayne

SYNOPSIS:

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?

Cutting carbs is the easiest way to lose weight.