The true story of the trials and tribulations of Dred and Harriet Scott’s fight for freedom and the Supreme Court decision that changed America.

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?

It’s based on the true story of the trials and tribulations of two slaves from Missouri in the 1800s, Dred and Harriet Scott, and their legal fight for freedom in the Supreme Court.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

History – all of the characters and facts are real. The creative part came with trying to fill in the gaps on the lives of Dred and Harriet.

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

The story touches on one of the most impactful Supreme Court rulings in US history. Not only did the outcome contribute to the the sectoral division that lead to the Civil War, but it also was the basis for the introduction of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution which guarantees citizenship for anyone born in the United States, yet there’s never been a movie about it.

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

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

Not including Holiday movies … The Untouchables

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

After doing the research, “Beings of an Inferior Order” actually came together fairly quickly (for me). About 3 months.

7. How many stories have you written?

Three. My last one was also an historical screenplay (based on the true story of British secret committee that ran double agents during WWII). My first one was a comedy about a washed up rock and roller who finds his life turned upside down when his one hit wonder unexpectedly becomes a viral hit on social media. The one I’m working on now is a true crime story about the biggest unsolved mass murder in Alberta’s history.

8. What motivated you to write this screenplay?

There is a current challenge by the Trump administration to make changes to the federal law relating to the 14th Amendment (restricting birth right citizenship) and there were a number of reference to the Dred Scott case from the 1850s. It really peaked my interest so I did more research on the story and felt it would make the basis of an interesting story.

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

There is a lot of academic resource material on the court case, but very little on Dred and Harriet themselves. Being an “old white guy from Canada” I wanted to bring them back to life in the most respectful and tender way that I could. Also, the language and dialogue of the 1800s was a huge challenge for me.

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

I love sports.

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

The WildSound festival is very unique in that it feels very personalized. I’ve entered it before and I found the feedback and communication from the organizers to be excellent, and I wasn’t disappointed this time. You can tell a good festival when the quality is consistently good regardless of the number of submissions received.