PODCASTS

Today’s Podcast: Screenwriter Suzanne Birrell (PEARL FISHER)

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Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bj2UD32BCgI

When a precocious mixed-race five-year-old wanders into a fire station with only a backpack and a cryptic note about her missing mother, she has no idea it will set off a chain of events that will reshape her life. The little girl, who refuses to give her name, is sent into foster care and given the name Mariah Foster. Despite her resilience, she often runs away, gravitating toward the fire station where Fire Chief Teresa Cortez becomes a steadfast mentor.

Get to know the writer:

What is your screenplay about?

Pearl Fisher” follows two parallel journeys of loss and ends in the same room.

A precocious 5-year-old girl, abandoned at a fire station by her pregnant mother fleeing abuse, enters foster care and is renamed Mariah Foster, though she continues awaiting her mother’s return.

In a parallel story, Kenny MacCayne, a newly-hired investigator, searches for a wealthy woman’s missing daughter who ran away years ago with Kenny’s previously unknown twin brother.

After Mariah survives an attack involving a cherished pendant, clues from a library volunteer and her distinctive swimming style reveal she might be the missing granddaughter. Skeptical at first, Mariah finally believes the truth when Kenny’s twin brother calls her by her birth name, “Pearl Fisher,” a secret known only to her mother.

. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Drama, Mystery

. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

“Pearl Fisher” is a story of hope and miracles, heartbreak and devastation, and ultimately the reunion of family and new beginnings.

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Today’s Podcast: Actor/Writer Alexandre VU & Director Marc DAVID (PHANTOM QUARTZ)

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Phantom Quartz, 12min., France

Directed by Marc DAVID

Nolan Le, a former DGSE agent, aspires to lead an ordinary life with his daughter after several years of service, but fate intervened differently.

Interview with Alexandre VU (Writer/Actor) and Marc DAVID (Director)

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Today’s Podcast: Screenwriter Maria Pearce (KAM60 The Butterfly Prince)

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Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xYkI__GTug

The butterfly prince is a story of a fictional character K.A.M.60 that attempt to honour the great French astronomer Charles Messier who developed the Messier catalogue and discovered many Messier objects in the sky in particular in the Virgo constellation. In the book K.A.M.60 real name is = Karlex Antoine Messier 60 and he is part of the Messier family. In real life The Messier 60 object is the twin/butterfly galaxies.

Get to know the writer:

What is your screenplay about?

The butterfly prince is a story of a fictional character K.A.M.60 that attempt to honour the great French astronomer Charles Messier who developed the Messier catalogue and discovered many Messier objects in the sky in particular in the Virgo constellation. K.A.M.60 real name is = Karlex Aristoteles Messier 60 and he is part of the Messier family. In real life The Messier 60 object is the twin/butterfly galaxies.

The plot is about jealousy, family feuds adventures and love. The constellations of Libra and Leo that are a couple have declared the war to the Virgo constellation just because of jealousy, they wiped out the Virgo constellation population. The only people left are the Messier family. They decided to send KAM60 (1) of their sons to the planet earth in a quest to find 10 virgins/maidens to married the 10 Messier brothers and repopulated the Virgo constellation again.

K.A.M.60 Embarks in a quest and very interested journey where he not only achieved his goals of find the correct Maidens whom married the Messier brothers, along the way he meets very interesting characters such as Centaurs, witches, Mythological creatures, Gods, zodiac constellations etc. He also lived the most amazing adventures rescuing, helping, curing, advising and even fighting for or with people once he lands in the planet Earth. Also, all the way the constellations of Libra and Leo (the bad guys on this plot) will do something to stop K.A.M.60 to achieve his goals but like a great hero he always defeats them.


Additional, despite that this is a fantasy book most of the heroes KAM60, the maidens etc are based in real people. People that inspired me and that I believe will inspire others. Example of these people are; Charles Messier, Juana Cruz the 1st female Spanish bullfighter, Magdalena Zeger the 1st female astronomer, Marie Jose Perec, the best French female sprinter, ancient civilizations such as the Mayans, the Olmecs, the Dahomey’s, the Vikings, The Amazon female warriors etc.

There are also some interesting twists in the story such as the inclusion of fake/false Maidens, the Emerald ring that determines which are the real maidens/virgins, the butterflies tattoos and character names (most maidens have a butterfly name and of course all of them must have a butterfly tattoo, like KHAM 60 also had one) there is plenty of adventures, magic, mysteries, suspense, drama, mystic, action, Love, friendship, team work etc Plus the stunning locations around the world where all these adventures occurs.

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Today’s Podcast: Filmmaker Lucas Haviland (PAGES IN THE WIND)

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PAGES IN THE WIND, 14min., USA
Directed by Lucas Haviland
As Bailey sits in the park, he starts to reminisce about his journal entries over the past month. Through flashes to these entries, Bailey and his boyfriend, Gavin, experience the various intricate elements of their relationship. All the while Bailey takes in the environment around him in the present day. When his best friend, Corrine, stops by to surprise him, they start to catch up on the past week. Bailey quickly remembers that his entries might be less realistic than he wants them to be. And that his roommate, Gavin, will probably never be the man he needs in his life.

https://www.instagram.com/havilandfilms/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

The film’s exploration of romantic love and the lengths someone would go to experience it are rooted in my own thoughts surrounding the lack of that kind of love in my life. The exploration and need to put an image to these thoughts and showcase yearning is what drives my motivation in making this film. All to answer the question: To what lengths will someone go to feel love? Seeing and working on the creative projects of my friends and classmates, this motivation was kept alive and continued to grow until the final results of the film that was screened at this festival.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

Going into the audience feedback video, I was nervous solely because of my perfectionistic tendencies and the miniscule things I wanted to try to change. This quickly changed to excitement and general appreciation for the thoughts, praise, and constructive feedback from the audience. It was reassuring to hear about parts that I was hesitant about being well-received by the viewers and for the themes to come across even in the ambiguity of the film.

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Today’s Podcast: Screenwriter Aaron Huckleberry (THE TREE WITH NO HEART)

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In war-torn Syria, a troubled woman, her idealistic son, and her mentally challenged cousin take in a wounded Western aid worker, unknowingly igniting a chain of deadly consequences that forces them to confront their pasts, their beliefs, and the brutal realities of survival.

Watch the best scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzQEhUvZHwM

Get to know the writer:

What is your screenplay about?

The need to face one´s worst fears if any redemption or peace are to be found.

What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Drama.

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

It deals with the many traumas and desecrations of war, it delves into the divisions and differences from which conflicts spring and it evokes the love and common humanity that is our only hope.

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Today’s Podcast: Screenwriter Michael Kezele (AFTERLIFE ANONYMOUS)

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Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnDAMmKGiJc

A gay ghost haunting a West Hollywood house, along with his dysfunctional Grim Reaper friend, help a straight cop solve crimes.


Get to know the writer:

What is your screenplay about?

It’s about a gay ghost haunting a West Hollywood home, inhabited by a psychic cop, in which the gay ghost and his dysfunctional grim reaper friend, helps solve crimes.

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

I wanted to enter the Toronto film festival because it’s one of the best out there. I was really surprised at my feedback. It was good. Even though I knew the script was good, you don’t expect it.

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Today’s Podcast: Filmmaker Parker Fenady (I DIDN’T LIKE YOU)

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I DIDN’T LIKE YOU, 12min., USA
Directed by Parker Fenady
As Emilia and Maxine spy on their best friend’s first date, they come to realize the chemistry might not be between the couple they anticipated.

https://www.instagram.com/parkerfenady/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

For me, this story was always the one. It’s my opener—my “Hey, this is me. This is what I’m about” piece. Coming of age can feel electric, like you’re catching lightning in a bottle as you live it. This is a first love story—a rush in every sense of the word. More than that, it’s about all the little moments that once made you feel out of place, suddenly dissolving in an instant. It’s about the euphoria of finally feeling at home in your own skin, independent of anyone else’s opinions. That was this story for me.

At the same time, I was drawn to how naturally this story fit into the short film medium. That feeling of transience—of being thrown right into something before you’ve had time to make sense of it—mirrors the experience of coming of age itself. It rarely has a clear start or finish, and it’s almost never a clean break. The short form captures that immediacy, that fleeting intensity. And beyond that, it’s a fun movie. Bringing a little slice of fun into the world felt like a nobe idea.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

To be honest—it was completely surreal. We’re just starting to show the film to audiences beyond those directly involved, so seeing how it’s landing is incredible.

Watching people engage with the film in such an intimate way was so special. I never fully imagined this part of the process, so I’m just trying to stay present and take it as it comes.

When watching the audience feedback, I kept thinking: yes, girl, she gets it. She’s eating in her textual analysis. Seeing the audience pick up on the subtlety and layers beneath the surface was incredibly rewarding. It made me realize the impact of every small choice, bringing me right back to the edit. It’s a testament to all the unseen, often tedious collaborative work that went into it—work that wouldn’t have been possible without Luke, Cooper, and Alexis, who were with me every step of the way.

Working with Alexis, Katelyn, Yasmeen, and Nate was truly a masterclass for me as a director. They’re all so brilliant, talented, and dedicated. They are the heart of this project, each in their own way, and I’m just so excited to be able to honor and showcase their work. This is a performance-driven piece, and seeing them get their flowers makes me feel incredibly proud.


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Today’s Podcast: Screenwriter Chase Yancey (SALLIE)

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Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_gq-ueaUbU

When the paths of the 11th Pennsylvania Civil War regiment and an American Staffordshire Terrier pup intertwine, the men of the 11th’s lives are changed in ways they never could’ve predicted.


Get to know the writer:

What is your screenplay about?

It is about a dog named Sallie who is the mascot of the 11th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment of the Civil War. We follow her throughout the entire war and see the war through her eyes as she forms bonds and relationships with the men of the 11th. It is also based on a true story.

What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Drama, family and history.

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

This screenplay should be made into a film because it shows war from a unique perspective that not many others see very often, the point of view from a dog. It also demonstrates why dogs are man’s best friend, how they are willing to be there for us during our darkest moments.

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Today’s Podcast: Filmmaker/Actor Elisabet Johannesdottir (BIRTHDAY BLUES)

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Birthday Blues, 9min,. Luxembourg

Directed by Elisabet Johannesdottir

A couple on the rocks struggles with honesty, leading the woman to make a fateful decision.

https://www.instagram.com/eliisms/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I became pregnant with my son a month after Roe Vs Wade was overturned, and it gave me a lot of room for thought about women’s rights and the immensity of the choice of motherhood. To me it is a private decision that I wanted to examine in the microcosm of an expiring relationship.


In 2021, I had written a full-length play about a decade-long relationship which starts at their last meeting and works its way back to their first date. I always felt this two-hander of mine could have cinematic potential, so I adapted the first scene of the second act to the screen, where she is pregnant and struggles to break the news to her partner.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was so excited to hear their thoughts. Such gratitude to resonate with and move people with my storytelling. I felt deeply seen and appreciated.

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Today’s Podcast: Screenwriter Nicole Sell (Echoes From The Veil)

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Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWRdffz8UBM

Newly widowed father, Daniel Lambert, grapples with his skepticism of the supernatural as he moves into a charming old house with his four children, seeking a fresh start after the untimely passing of his wife. The family struggles to adapt to their new life, each of them finding their own way to cope with their grief. However, his teenage daughter, Leila, longing for a connection to her late mother, turns to a séance, hoping to bridge the gap between the living and the dead. Unbeknownst to her, the séance inadvertently opens a portal to a sinister realm, inviting a malevolent spirit into their home. As inexplicable events begin to unfold, David’s disbelief in the paranormal is tested, forcing him to confront his deepest fears to protect his children and reclaim their home.

http://www.instagram.com/echoesfromtheveilmovie

Get to know the writer;

What is your screenplay about?

My screenplay, “Echoes from the Veil” is about a newly single father, Daniel Lambert, who moves his 4 children into a new house after his wife dies suddenly and tragically while at work. His second oldest daughter, Leila, wants to try to connect to her mom one more time but she ends up opening a portal and causing havoc on her entire family. The bigger problem is Daniel is basically the definition of a skeptic, so there’s a logical explanation for everything, so everything that goes on not only tests his beliefs but it tests his relationship with his children.

What genres does your screenplay fall under?

It’s a drama/horror film.

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

It’s not your usual “bump in the night” scary story. It has heart, it deals with not just the paranormal aspect, but it goes through everyone’s way of coping with a sudden loss. You want to see this family succeed at staying together, but at the same time you’re terrified at what’s actually trying to tear them apart.

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