Watch the Screenplay Reading:

Get to know the writer:

What is your screenplay about?

Depraved is a slasher that takes place at a college campus. A serial killer stalks the campus mutilating their victims while two detectives work tirelessly to try and identify the culprit. More and more bodies mount up until we end with a shocking twist that no one will see coming.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

The screenplay is a horror falling under the slasher category.

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

Depraved should be produced because it is different to other slasher movies out there. The film moves away from the stereotypical ‘serial killer identity’ and takes us in a new direction that is rarely seen in the horror genre. It explores themes that while present in the real world are rarely shown on screen. It also breaks a number of the trends and clichés seen in most slashers. Depraved is a fresh new take on the genre and will appeal to lovers of horrors as well as being more inclusive of groups who seldom have pivotal roles within the slasher genre. The script has already garnered interest within the industry with people reaching out to me about it.

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

Slasher revitalized.

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

Probably the first Scream movie. I’m a huge fan of the Scream franchise but the first one is definitely my comfort film.

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

I’ve been working on it for around six months and so far it has already gained a lot of positive feedback and results from putting out into the industry.

7. How many stories have you written?

I’ve been writing all my life in various forms, I have ideas for sequels to Depraved and have written some other screenplays including, comedy, horror-comedy, hard hitting drama and dramady.

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

That’s a hard question, I have a very broad taste in music with my top two artists being Taylor Swift and Eminem, If I had to choose I would say my favourite song would have to be ‘Look What You Made Me Do’ by Taylor Swift. It has a personal translation for me so it’s kind of become my power song when I need a boost.

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

With this script in particular as it has a mystery of who the killer is I had to almost write it backwards. I needed to know the story inside out and know which scenes would have a call back later in the script before I could sit down and write it so I ended up writing the end sequence first. It was also challenging as I was living in an unsafe home at the time of writing it which presented a number of obstacles to working.

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

Being a good mother to my son and showing him that dreams can be achieved if you work at them is definitely a big passion of mine. I’m also passionate about raising awareness of issues that are still very taboo in today’s world. I’ve lived through domestic abuse and I’d love to one day be in the position to do something that would help people who have suffered from this particular issue as there just isn’t enough help and support out there for people.

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

I use FilmFreeway for most of my submissions, I find it to be very user friendly, the platform is quick to update you on any changes to your submissions and it’s accessible to the masses as there’s no fees outside of the competition entry fees. FilmFreeway is usually my first port of call when looking for competitions or festivals to submit my work to. I feel that if the competition is hosted on a reputable platform like FilmFreeway it gives you more confidence that your work and your entry are going to a legitimate competition or festival.

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

Depraved has been gaining traction since I started putting it out there, I’ve had people from the industry reach out to me and the script got me a job writing on another film however I can’t talk about that as I’ve signed an NDA. Given the successes the script has been having I decided to enter and see how it was received. The feedback I received was very encouraging and I was pleased that the readers picked up on the subtle elements within the script as well as the occasional nod to existing horror films.

“Michael Rognlie and E.E. Tallent’s The Need is a horror short about a withdrawn young man who feels universally unwanted. Others pay the price for it. Written by Kennith Darling, the 15-minute film showcases his inner workings just when he is once again on the brink of behavior that he may not like but compulsively commits.”

Review by Victoria Angelique:

The short film, THE NEED, is a familiar tale of an obsessed man who cannot overcome the ghosts of his past as fear cripples him. David has the belief that the next relationship will be different, but evidence shown through the use of props proves he is unable to change his personality. The sins committed against former girlfriends continue to manifest in the form of being haunted to prove that David will always be different from other men. 

The sound design is phenomenal as David chooses to pursue a new conquest when his deceased girlfriend appears to him. Her voice is distorted, an echo apart from the rest of the world. It’s quickly made clear that she is not simply an inner demon, but a woman that David has murdered. The creepy tone of her voice combined with dramatic makeup shows that this man is a seasoned killer and not simply a misunderstood man that just happens to be eccentric. He is dangerous. 

The character of David is clichéd, but that’s what makes the film captivating. The audience knows these characters well from cinema and television. They need to be caught, but rarely are so that they can move on to their next kill. The use of finger bones of multiple girlfriends shows that David’s obsession always wins through his desire to be different. 

This short film is a combination of YOU meets SILENCE OF THE LAMBS. David kills through cannibalism like Hannibal Lecter, but stalks his prey like Joe. He appears to be a nice guy, though his dark secrets will always linger until he is inevitably caught for his crimes. He appears like a sympathetic character, which is why he will be able to continue to get away with murder.

The Destruction of Jane is a campy, over the top, erotic, outrageous comedy which follows Miss Jane Parker to the African Jungle where it all began. Witness Tarzan and Jane’s first encounter, in what now has become a rather heralded expedition in the African Jungle, and one of our greatest love stories.

Project Links

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Review by Andie Karvelis:

The story of Tarzan and Jane has been captivating audiences for decades. Usually it’s an adventurous, heartfelt, sometimes brooding and dark tale. How incredibly refreshing to see this over the top, campy, fun comedy from the mind of Paul Pecorino! Paul also portrays Jane and does ( in his words ) a bunch of other things.

The first thing you can’t help but notice is this gorgeous cinematography! Eric Paulsen went above and beyond as Director of Photography. He’s responsible for all the creative camera shots, the drone footage, ADR and handling sound. He’s like a one man filmmaking army! This team of filmmakers has everyone wearing multiple hats and they all did such an amazing job.

I have to commend David Mitsch and Vera Stromsted for their costuming and make up skills because they are superb! Drue Pennella directed and edited The Destruction of Jane and he must’ve had a blast doing it. Drue got such great performances from Rob Eco, who plays Tarzan and Paul Pecorino as Jane. It was so much fun to watch them interact with one another.

Something I thought was a bit of filmmaking genius was the addition of going black and white and using these old time text cards, kind of what they used in silent films. It really helped sell the comedy as did the music!

All in all this is a quick, fun, well thought out story that will get you laughing. Be sure to stay for
the end credits too

Watch the Screenplay Reading: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/pride

Noah is a self destructive Drag Queen. Ethan is a closeted, quiet College professor. But the chemistry is instant. Together they must overcome their issues so they can have their happily ever after.

CAST LIST:

Narrator: Elizabeth Rose Morriss
Noah: Hannah Ehman
Velour: Julie Sheppard
Chase: Geoff Mays

https://www.facebook.com/EliotAshtonCam
https://www.twitter.com/EliotHutchins
https://www.instagram.com/eliothutchins

Get to know the writer:

What is your screenplay about?
Pride is about teo damaged people who meet and have an instant attraction but realize they need to work on themselves first. Nosh is a drag queen party boy who is the embodiment self destruction, Ethan os a closeted, self loathing gay college professor.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Romance, drama, lgbt

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

Because its message is rarely shared. Most gay films are about found family or family rejection. This piece is about two people who love each other and recognize that being healthy is important, self love is vital. They inspire each other to be there best possible selves. And Noah is hysterical!

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

Love story

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

I’m actially a horror fan so event horizion, Constantine and in the mouth of madness.

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

About six months. I’ve been writing gor 35 years so its kind of a glow for me.

7. How many stories have you written?

Probably 100

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

I couldn’t even pick a genre. I love music, I sing in a trans chorus and i have about 50 dong on high totation, but a million I love

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

I had a motorcycle accident. I flipped over a car twice and was hospitalized for two weeks, the bedridden for four months. I damaged my left had in addition to other injuries and couldn’t type or write.

10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
Everything. Life is amazing and everything in it is a gift. I love music, and justice and helping others, nature, art, science. What’s not to be passionate aboout?

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

This was my first feature entry. I previously won with a short piece called Judgment. It’s really easy to use and has everything in one place. I love it and pay for gold membership.

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

Flipping over a car twice, honestly. It was a revelation on life being short. I always wanted to be a professional writer and you can’t do that if you don’t put yourself out there. It was so nice to see the feedback. It was very positive and the changes recommended made the piece much stronger.

Watch the Screenplay Reading:

Based on the best-selling book about Officer Sam Harris, a bomb squad leader, and her team of experts as they race against the clock to save innocent live from a serial bomber, including their own. Our lead also happens to be a lesbian , navigating her way through a male dominant culture, inspired by the author’s real life experience as a lesbian in law enforcement.

CAST LIST:

Narrator: Steve Rizzo
McKenzie: Hannah Ehman
Harris: Julie Sheppard

https://srichey147387.wixsite.com/inspirationaldreamer
https://www.facebook.com/garcia.lightemup.9
https://mobile.twitter.com/samkat429
https://www.instagram.com/samkat429/

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?

This one- hour serialized action thriller, based on the bestselling book, Light ‘Em Up, Officer Sam Harris, a bomb squad leader, and her team of expert’s race against the clock to save innocent lives from a serial bomber, including their own. Our lead also happens to be a lesbian, navigating her way through a male dominant culture, inspired by the author’s real life experience as a lesbian in law enforcement.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

It’s a crime action drama that is also LGBTQIA+

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

It should be made into a TV Series because This high-energy crime drama contains explosive scenes and police chases that drive this action-packed thriller. Set in modern AZ, The show highlights Female Empowerment, Unity and Leadership with characters facing unique challenges showcasing women and people in the LGBTQIA + community as everyday heroes in roles we typically don’t see.

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

Alluring,exciting

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

Aliens

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

7yrs

7. How many stories have you written?

1.5 but outlines for 7

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

My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark by Fall out boys

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

Finances, my wife was in a really bad car accident

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

Drawing, Painting

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

Incredible, I have never had a festival reach out even though I wasn’t selected to help me succeed as much as this festival has. The meeting with the consultant, the table read and best scene has been so helpful and encouraging.

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

I believe I saw it on film freeway or was invited through a social media platform, I thought the feedback was good but it helped much more doing the one on one meeting because some of the feedback was, I feel self explanatory or very apparent in the script and gave the impression that it was not fully read.

Watch the Screenplay Reading:

A sixteen year old receives an old car as a birthday gift from his stepfather. When he drives it for the first time, he realizes it isn’t powered by conventional gasoline – but instead, an engine of pure evil.

http://www.vanstralenwrites.com/https://twitter.com/vanstral

CAST LIST:

Narrator: Elizabeth Rose Morriss
Jim/Radio: Sean Ballantyne
Billy: Steve Rizzo
Abby: Hannah Ehman
Taylor: Julie Sheppard

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?

Engine of Evil is about a belligerent 16 year old who receives a car for his birthday. Only instead of being ecstatic like most 16 year olds would be to receive such a gift, he doesn’t appreciate it. Little does he know that what powers the car is anything but ordinary – instead, it’s an engine powered by pure evil.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Horror-Comedy!

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

As a huge fan of cars (and evil car movies like Christine), I feel like “possessed car stories” are a bit absent of late. For many people, cars are integral to their daily lives. We even develop relationships with them to some extent, learn their quirks, and come to understand their personalities. And we probably remember the very first car we ever owned – it’s a significant milestone, at least it was for me. I’m actually in the process of developing this short script into a full length feature, and I want to explore the aspects of the relationship one has with their vehicle – except the key difference is the vehicle has its own thoughts and opinions as well. And they may not come with the best of intentions…

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

High-octane absurdity! Hopefully that counts as two words.

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

The Matrix, hands down. I distinctly remember the first time I watched Neo waking up in the real world. 9 year old me was terrified, but I couldn’t look away. You just can’t beat the late 90’s aesthetic, the soundtrack, the raw and visceral fight choreography. And of course, Keanu Reeves. I still watch it multiple times a year – it’s one of my comfort movies.

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

I started writing this while I was in film school for my horror class, so probably about 6 months (including the time I’ve put into turning it into a feature). As soon as I saw that I’d be concluding my last term with a horror class, I knew that I wanted to write a script about an evil car. I didn’t realize it was going to become a horror-comedy until I started writing it.

7. How many stories have you written?

I’ve written a handful of scripts – a “horror-lite” spec script for The Mandalorian, a TV Pilot, a Silent Hill-inspired video game script, and a full length horror-thriller feature. But before I started writing for film, television, and video games, I was trying to be an author. I’ve finished my first book but there’s still a lot of work to be done on it.

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

That’s a tough question! It’s probably “Everything In Its Right Place” by Radiohead, but “A Perfect Drug” by Nine Inch Nails would come in close second.

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

Surprisingly, not too many! Writing this script was such a fun process. I think the biggest obstacle was probably stepping out of my comfort zone and trying my hand at writing a bit of comedy. I’m a horror writer through and through, but I think injecting a bit of comedy into it worked out well overall.

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

When I’m not writing, I love playing video games, watching television and movies, and hanging out with my wife and our two cats, Fox and Scully (yes, we are X-Files fans). I also love cars – especially my 1989 Toyota LE Van.

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

Film Freeway has been wonderful to use. Once you upload your screenplay, the platform makes it incredibly easy to submit your screenplay to as many festivals as you want. The reviews for each festival give the screenwriters a clear picture of what to expect, and the ability to search for festivals by genre is super useful – and that was how I found out about Horror Underground!

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

I wanted to introduce Engine of Evil to the world! And I hope to come back with a full length screenplay in the near future. The feedback touched on all aspects of the script and was concise and great to read.