A paranormal story is a work of fiction that explores phenomena and beings that are beyond the scope of scientific understanding. They include elements like ghosts, vampires, werewolves, witches, and other entities that cannot be explained by the laws of nature. They can be set in the real world, but generally includes elements that defy scientific explanation.
Mainly what this contest does is give exposure to the writer. They will be able to obtain a solid agent, plus get notice by producers looking for writers like yourself. NOTE: The writer will always own 100% rights to their story. The only thing we do is help the writer. Either with notes on their next draft, or gain exposure by having their story showcased at our festival.
Get FULL FEEDBACK on either the 1st chapter or entire novel book from our committee of Professional Writers, and Writing Consultants. Get your novel performed by a professional actor at the festival.
NEW OPTION: Or, just submit for an actor performance reading transcript of your novel (any 5 pages of your book). Great way to promote the sales of your book if you’re already published. (see examples on the video playlist below)
:The Feedback Romance and Relationship Festival was such an amazing festival experience. Great communication from the jump. The feedback video provided by the audience was incredibly thoughtful and done with real care for the film. It is so great to hear people who actually took the time to find meaning in your work, and share their insights to what the film meant to them, it’s why we do what we do.
Not only do they provide great feedback to the filmmaker but they give you opportunities to share your vision of the film with a written and podcast interview. It gives an independent filmmaker the opportunity to market their work and showcase the dedication it takes to make a film. It was a great honor to be selected and honored at this festival. I will certainly be submitting when we make the next film!”
RESURRECTION UNDER THE OCEAN, 3min., Turkey, Experimental Directed by Serkan Aktaş “Resurrection under the Ocean” is about the resurrection of a man who was helplessly sinking to the bottom of the ocean, after falling to the bottom of the ocean, with a symbolic narrative.
Get to know the filmmaker:
What motivated you to make this film?
“Making Resurrection under the Ocean was driven by a deep personal and creative desire to explore themes of human resilience and transformation in the face of adversity. The ocean has always been a powerful metaphor for the unknown, for both the depths of the human experience and the mysteries that lie beyond our comprehension. I wanted to create a story that reflected the fragility and strength of life, much like the ocean itself—where vast, powerful forces exist beneath the surface, often unseen. The inspiration also came from my fascination with the idea of rebirth. In many ways, the ocean represents a kind of infinite possibility, a place where life can be both created and destroyed. This duality resonated with me on a personal level, and I wanted to explore the transformative power of human experience, especially in the face of environmental change and the shifting tides of society.
The film also stems from my love of storytelling that combines both the physical and emotional realms. The underwater setting allowed me to visually convey feelings of isolation and survival, while also diving deep into the psychological effects of confronting the unknown. Ultimately, Resurrection under the Ocean is a reflection on human survival, connection, and renewal, all set against one of the most powerful and mysterious forces in nature.”
What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
“Watching the audience react to Resurrection under the Ocean in the feedback video was both humbling and exciting. It was incredible to hear their thoughts and to see how the film connected with them. The feedback was deeply insightful, and I was moved by the emotions it evoked. It reassured me that the story resonated with people, and it reinforced my passion for filmmaking.”
America fears the penis, and that’s something I’m going to help them get over.
Television is much more difficult because at every moment the network can force you to change things based on their belief about what would make it popular. You’re in a constant debate with a gun at your head, and the gun is cancellation. So it’s hard to win the arguments.
My wife tends to challenge me when I’m working on the female roles. She beats up on me about making sure they have the proper amount of depth and not just be there to serve the men. Obviously my wife makes me laugh a lot but she doesn’t see herself as a funny person. In fact, she gets mad at me if I say “How do we make this funny?” She just wants to make it real.
I’ve had movies bomb with terrible reviews, I’ve had movies make a lot of money with terrible reviews, I’ve had movies get good reviews and make money. And I like it best when the movies do well and the reviewers like them. I love magazines and film critics, so I eat it up. I’m not one of those people who says “I never read anything”. I generally read all of it.
To write for someone who thinks rich people should not be regulated and are deeply concerned about the poor is delusional. As someone who makes a comfortable living, I can clearly state that wealthy people cannot be trusted.
I know it sounds cliché, but to give back is important. Sometimes we’re given so much, we need to do something for other people. I think that’s really important.
I love comedy. There’s just something so great about making people laugh. And for me, too, whenever I laugh, it just makes me feel so much better just watching a great comedy.
When I’m not working, I love going to the beach. I am from Florida, so I definitely love the beach life. I love horse-back riding. Just to go out to a barn, it’s fun. It’s kind of like a get-away from the city. And also, I love animals.
My desire is to stand up and brush myself off when I make mistakes and ask for forgiveness.
I love to ride horses, hike in the woods with Juliette and appraise Longhorns.
My desire is to be a forgiving, non-judgmental person.
My desire is to let go of my ego and let in His direction.
The ranch was raw land when I bought it and, for better or worse, I have designed every aspect of it from the corrals, the arena, to the barn, to the house.
I wrote my children’s book because I believe there are children that are hurting and may need to know that there is love out there for them- God’s love.
I have an amazing spouse; we’re a team. He works, and I work, and we sort of do this dance with each other so that we can be present to our kids. But I think the whole ‘balance’ thing is an illusion; we just embrace the imbalance.
I have a sweet tooth. I love dessert, and if somebody makes me one, I’m going to have it.
My husband is from Finland, so every so often I’ll throw a Scandinavian-themed party.
When I’m not at work, I put deep conditioner in my hair and wear a baseball cap. I’ll just roll around on the off-days with goop in my hair, and then just rinse it out.
I am a huge theatre geek.
What you learn from studying acting is that you have to have the courage to just make strong choices.
I honestly think I’ve gotten taller since I started doing Pilates. And my posture is totally different – no more slouching!
Festival Reviews 