Author: festreviews

Screenwriter Kristine Spindler Denton (WHAT ARE BEST FRIENDS FOR?)

festreviews Uncategorized

Watch the Screenplay Reading:

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?
A woman who ran away from her past discovers that you can’t, as it catches up to her and drops off a 5 year old on her doorstep which forces her to grow up, face her past and move forward more honestly.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?
Romantic comedy drama-ish

3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?
It represents a bi-sexual woman without the focus being on her sexuality. It’s a great story about understanding that everyone has a different perspective and situations can be complicated.

4. How would you describe this script in two words?
Growing Up

5. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?
It’s Complicated or The Princess Bride

6. How long have you been working on this screenplay?
Years – my partner, Wes Lofgren, and I have been writing it on and off for years in between other projects and work.

7. How many stories have you written?
I have written 3 scripts, 2 books and am writing another, and I have a blog.

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

9. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
Getting the characters right. My daughters are both in the LGBTQ+ community and I wrote this for them. They deserve to have characters that make them feel seen.

10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
My company – I Created A Life I Love. I have raised two girls as a single mother and just survived cancer. I am passionate about finding the joy, laughter and love in every day of life. So I started a company called I Created A Life I Love and we have a podcast where we support and celebrate others embracing their uniqueness and creating a life where they are actually having fun and making their dreams come true.

11. You entered your screenplay via FilmFreeway. What has been your experiences working with the submission platform site?
Great, they are very responsive, professional and kind.

12. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?
The feedback was fantastic. It was exactly what I needed and I think it’s a great way for writers to learn and get better.

Screenwriter Sarah Jones (LIMINAL)

festreviews Uncategorized

Watch the Screenplay Reading:

1.  What is your screenplay about?

At its core, Liminal is an exploration of the MANY WORLDS THEORY, examining how our choices reverberate through time, the worlds and lives we are familiar with, as well as the worlds and people that have yet to meet or will never know. 

Liminal unfolds over the course of three decades (1930-1960), centering around an unstable housewife (Adalia) who is has experienced memory loss and is determined to recover her lost memories.  Without consulting her deeply concerned husband, she undergoes an experimental treatment to recover her memories.  The treatment gifts her the ability to communicate with different versions of herself fin parallel universes,.  2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

  •  Thriller/SciFi/Drama/Romance

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

  • Fresh and unique twist on parallel universes & doppelgängers 
  • Strong female protagonist drives the narrative
  • Has a little bit of everything – drama, thriller, horror, romance, sci fi wrapped in a period piece. Who doesn’t like a solid mashup of genres?

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

  • Destabilized reality 

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

  • Three way tie – Pulp Fiction, Inception & The Big Lebowski

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

  •  Ten years.

7. How many stories have you written?

  •  Long stories – probably 4 or 5
  • Short stories -20+ 

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

“High Hopes” by Pink Floyd
9. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

Not enough time in the day/night.  I have a full time job as a recruiter in the tech industry, and simply finding time to sit down, focus and write can be very challenging. 
10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

  • Movies, television, books, music & live theater
  • My family and friends 
  • I love animals (especially cats)
  • Hiking, camping
  • Gardening
  • Traveling (My husband and I have been to Iceland 7 times, and just got married there last year!) 

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

  • Wonderful! I love that everything is in one central location/place so I dont’ have to search google/email 

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

  • LIMINAL is a female driven narrative, and I couldn’t think of a more appropriate festival to send it to for consideration!  I really appreciated the feedback provided, and I was so excited to have a few pages read aloud for a table read! I’ve never had the experience of hearing other people read my pages, so this was really exciting and a great experience. 

Screenwriter Matthew W. Kelcourse (GEMINI WORLD)

festreviews Uncategorized

Watch the Screenplay Reading:

The climate apocalypse and extinction of mankind is about to erupt when a NASA pilot, recalled to lead her crew and precious cargo to an exoplanet 4,000 light years away, must defeat a vengeful enemy that hijacks her ship to be the first colonists on the new world.

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?

A NASA firebrand challenges personal loss, inner demons, and a vengeful wartime adversary to unite her crew on a perilous journey for humanity to thrive on a new world.
Discovering climate change is beyond the point of no return, an international coalition builds a transport ship to send a small crew and 2,500 passengers on a 4,000 voyage to reach Gemini One, an exoplanet thought to be Earth’s “twin”. With all the potential dangers on such a long flight, it turns out that mankind has much to learn about humanity cooperating to save mankind.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

It is an action/sci-fi/thriller with important lessons about our environment, our humanity, family, friendship, and true sacrifice.

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

What we are doing to our environment is beyond excuse and Gemini World would be a fun, attention-grabbing ride about the consequences of ignoring all the warning signs.

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

Pursuing survival.

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

Star Wars: A New Hope

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

From first draft to final is approximately 5-6 months.

7. How many stories have you written?

Since March, 2021, I have 4 final drafts and 2 others in creation stages.

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

MJ: Black or White

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

None.

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

Golf and keeping the Trump Cult from destroying America.

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

Typical competition entry platform; nothing special.

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

I was advised to enter by someone familiar with the script who appreciated the underpinning theme re: climate change.

Screenwriter Bethany Yoder (BOB’S BURGERS spec)

festreviews Uncategorized , , , , ,

Watch the Screenplay Reading:

Title: Boby’s Burgers: Word to the Pennywise

After Louise trades 1000 Pennies for a $10 bill, she discovers that rare pennies can be very valuable. She enlists Gene and Tina to hunt down her traded pennies, but finds something more valuable than money. Meanwhile Bob and Teddy challenge the notion “you are what you wear.”

Get to know the writer Bethany Yoder:

1. What is your screenplay about?
Word to the Pennywise is a spec script set in the Bob’s Burgers’ Universe. The episode largely follows Louise, Gene, and Tina as they run around Wonder Wharf trying to find “Mr. Penny Man,” someone that Louise believes is in possession of a very rare penny. During this episode, Bob and Teddy also start questioning their clothing (and ultimately life) choices.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?
It would fall under comedy / family / and animation.

3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?
Oh gosh, fun question. Being any part of the Bob’s Burger’s Universe would be amazing. This is a TV episode spec, but I think it does a good job of capturing the voices of the characters and placing them in situations that fit the kind of chaos that the Belchers go through on a weekly basis. Kate and I are big fans of Bob’s Burgers’, and I think we were able to capture actions and events in an episode that other Bob’s Burgers’ fans would enjoy.

4. How would you describe this script in two words?
Endearing Mayhem

5. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?
Probably either Die Hard (1988) or Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941). I do like those movies, though neither of them are my favorite. I just happened to have seen them a lot.

6. How long have you been working on this screenplay?
A couple of weeks.

7. How many stories have you written?
About 10 short stories, a short screenplay, two spec scripts, and I’m working on finishing two TV pilots.

8. What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?)
Is it weird that I have to check my playlists for this? I think, maybe I have favorites depending on what I’m doing or what mood I’m in. I guess one I always go back to is the Allegretto from Beethoven’s 7th symphony (which is featured in my favorite movie 🙂 – The Fall (2006)).

9. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
Well, this was my first TV spec script, and I don’t have a formal education or background in film. I spent a lot of time trying to educate myself on standards, and reading a few scripts and, of course, watching a lot of film / tv. But actually trying to make sure everything was formatted correctly, and told a story that made sense, but wasn’t like a procedural manual was at times frustrating.

10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
I do love all things film / cinema. I write posts on Vocal that analyze what I call “the Shot of the Movie,” which is basically asking the question, can a film have imagery that lasts well beyond the film, itself. I’m a big linguaphile and enjoy learning languages and reading (usually older literature, or at least that’s the kick I’m on right now). Games or trivia that involve movies – I’m also there.

11. You entered your screenplay via FilmFreeway. What has been your experiences working with the submission platform site?
You know, I really like FilmFreeway, but I’m still updating things or getting used to all the features they can provide. It’s been great being able to write your own logline and summaries, enter contests, and see in real time where you sit with competitions. Also the email notifications are nice.

12. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?
I’m a new screenwriter, so I’m always looking for opportunities to 1) practice, 2) get feedback, and 3) potentially get exposure or network. I was scrolling along on FilmFreeway and came across this contest. I thought it was so cool how we could take an existing show and try to write for that world. I really love creating stories, but I think it’s a great opportunity to practice writing spec scripts where you already have the full world, you just have to see if you can write in it. Since I’m not formally educated in screenwriting, I was really excited about the ability to get feedback. I thought the feedback was really helpful. I really appreciated all the compliments and the critiques allowed me to go back and analyze where I could make my writing stronger.

Short Film Review: CLAIRE. Sci-Fi/Fantasy. Directed by Paul Ambe Ngang

festreviews Movie Review, Short Film Movie Review

Synopsis:

Committed to getting his crush to love him, Mark uses an AI to snoop into her private life; but when the AI unexpectedly develops love for him and spite for her, he must choose the AI or lose everything.

https://www.instagram.com/claireshortfilm/

Directed by Paul Ambe Ngang

Review by Victoria Angelique:


The short film CLAIRE is an allegory for how dangerous the reliance on technology can be, especially AI, when it takes over and ruins lives. The socially awkward in society, especially teenage boys like Mark, can quickly become creepy when they use Artificial Intelligence to learn how to not only help friends cheat on tests but also to get the girls they romantically desire. AI turns Mark from a likable character into a stalker. 

The AI system, Claire, is designed with amazing graphics. Director, Paul Ngang, crafted an amazing film from a story that shows how dangerous AI could eventually become in this world. Mark doesn’t mean to harm Lila or anyone else, but Claire reads his intentions wrong. He is such a social misfit, that it doesn’t even register that Claire spying on Lila is morally wrong as he continues to watch the girl. Claire is able to distract him in the brief moments he asks by showing Lila showering. 

Predictably, things do go wrong as Claire attempts to understand complex human emotions that an entity without a soul could not possibly comprehend. The AI system becomes anthropomorphized as she becomes obsessed with Mark. Claire becomes dangerous, even willing to kill if that’s what it takes to keep Mark to herself. If she was human, at some point her conscience would’ve advised that doxxing the boy wasn’t how to get him. Being a computer makes it where she attempts to understand humanity and fails miserably. 

The ending of the film, CLAIRE, is left open with many questions left unanswered. It could be turned into a feature film that aims to destroy the AI system that is now too dangerous for this world. She is willing to blackmail, hack and destroy anyone that gets in her way. This leaves the one question remaining, can Claire actually be destroyed?

Feature Film Review: ARMERALD. South Korea LGBTQ+ Film

festreviews film festival reviews, Movie Review , , , , , ,

Synopsis:

19 year olds NOMOU, ZINGER AIR, HOSU, SEEK each have personal stories related to their aerophobia which doesn’t allow them to get on flights. In their efforts to overcome their fear, they meet SUPER TALLER, their aerophobia therapist also with the ability to teleport. He offers one person who finds the most beautiful emerald a teleport to anywhere of their choice. With a time-limit of only a month, who will win the race towards a teleport and what kind of growth will they go through on the journey?

Directed by Lee Guiom

Review by Victoria Angelique:

The futuristic film ARMERALD by director Lee Guiam is a psychedelic trip that is full of special effects combined with music videos. The opening scene pulls the audience right in with a challenge utilizing award worthy effects to give the characters that are afraid of flying a chance to learn how to teleport.

A futuristic vibe is given from the very first frame of a bulky airplane flying through the clouds. The plane is not of this world, but seems like a mixture of dystopian and innovative technology. This continues when Super Teller is introduced, his costume and stylized nails appear like he came from another planet. The other characters having normal props, such as contemporary cell phones, makes the film seem like only within the teleportation facility is the world different.

The songs and dance sequences sets the film apart, further confusing the audience as it seems to force the narrative into random music videos. It gives the illusion of trying to decipher what is real for the characters and what is in their minds, as if the entire feature could be elaborate daydreams of people desperately needing to escape reality.

READY PLAYER ONE meets NOW YOU SEE ME with touches of ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW is the best way to describe ARMERALD. The competition for the emerald follows the clichéd trope of destroying spirits and relationships with the desperate desire for humanity to win. Super Taller puts Nomou, Zinger Air, Hosu and Seek through countless mind games, yet their friendship prevails. They eventually learn what the true meaning of the emerald is, able to retain the true treasure in each of their lives.

EP. 1239 – FILMMAKER SIMONE KISIEL (CHANGE MAKERS: THE GLOBAL RACE TO SAVE OUR SEAS)

festreviews PODCASTS, Uncategorized

CHANGE MAKERS: The Global Race to Save Our Seas, 14min., USA
Directed by Simone Kisiel
Advancements in the fishing industry have led to devastating consequences, not just for sea life being hunted to extinction, but for communities around the world who depend on the ocean’s bounty to survive.

https://changemakersfilm.com/

https://www.facebook.com/MagicDogProductions

https://www.instagram.com/magicdogproductions/

Subscribe to the podcast:

https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/

https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Deadline May 28th – Family & Kids Novel Writing Festival

festreviews deadlines, festival deadlines, Uncategorized , , , , , ,

Submit your Family or Kids Book by the deadline.

FAMILY and KIDS Books will always be needed and wanted in our society. If you can write a great family story, then you are definitely on your way to having a great career. This portion of the Writing Festival would like to present at least 20 new works of Family Novels in the next 12 months. Submit your family novel today:

Submit to the Festival today:

Deadline May 28th – Family & Kids Novel Writing 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)

SUBMIT your novel now (both your 1st chapter or full novel accepted) To be eligible for our Writing Festival Events. Submissions take 3-5 weeks for evaluation

Just VOTED one of the top festivals in the world today!

Submit a novel book and get it seen by the world.

A great way to get your words out there, obtain the Agent you’re looking for or just get your story seen by more people. If you win, your story will be seen by 100,000s of people when it’s read online using a top professional actor. It’s a rush you’ll never experience in your life seeing it come to life that way.

Today’s FilmFreeway Deadline: FANTASY/SCI-FI Film Festival

festreviews deadlines, festival deadlines

FANTASY and SCI-FI Stories used to be a fringe market. Now they are in the mainstream now and forever as movies, television shows, and stories in fantasy/sci-fi are a gigantic multi-billion dollar market. This portion of the Film & Writing Festival serves the Fantasy and Sci-Fi filmmakers and writers from all over the world.

Submit via FilmFreeway:

This is a HYBRID film festival (NOT an online festival) with live screenings for the audience feedback video you will receive, plus an optional virtual 2nd showcase to enhance the film’s exposure. Festival also conducts blog and podcast interviews with the filmmaker. We have also started a filmmaker’s WhatsApp group with over 100 joined to date to chat about next project and make contacts etc….

Get your script and story performed by professional actors at the Fantasy/Sci-Fi Festival. WINNING reading every single month!

Get your short or feature film showcased at the FEEDBACK Film Festival and get an audience video. Now a monthly festival taking place in either Chicago, Los Angeles, or Toronto

All festival dates have been updated to private screenings with the same Audience FEEDBACK videos made for the short & feature films, and recorded script readings performed by professional actors for the screenplays. This is our way of showing community over distance so everyone around the world can experience our Audience Feedback videos.

We specialize in showcasing Fantasy/Sci-Fi stories and making sure that when the work is ready, the writer will benefit by at least obtaining a solid agent.

Watch Today’s Film Festival: ACTION/CRIME/THRILLER Festival – May 28/29 event

festreviews Uncategorized , , , , , ,

Go to the Daily Film Festival Platform http://www.wildsound.ca and sign up for the free 7 day trial to watch a new and original festival every single day.

Go to the festival page directly and watch dozens of films:
https://www.wildsound.ca/todays-film-festival/

Watch the Festival HERE:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/may-28-crime-action

See the Full Lineup of Films:

BILLY THE KID, 18min. Italy
Directed by Michele Zampieri
BillyTheKid is a CGI 3D short series. We started the script and storyboard at november 2018. All project is made in Blender.

https://www.wildartworks.it/billythekid/
https://www.facebook.com/Wildartworks

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-billy-the-kid

YARDWORK, 3min,. Finland
Directed by Juha Toivala
Yardwork can sometimes cause tension between husband and wife!

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-yardwork

BEFORE DAWN, 15min., USA
Directed by Ruben Rodas
“A top hit-man gets caught in the middle of a betrayal scheme within his contractors”

http://www.rodasruben.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ruben.rodas.144
https://www.instagram.com/rubenrodas/

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-before-dawn

LAMENT, 15min,. USA
Directed by Jason Chu
When Clint, a former Marine, reunites his old squad for one final job, the operation takes a deadly turn. Now on the run, Clint must unravel the mystery of who betrayed them and why, before time runs out.

Home

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-lament