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:
1. 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.
2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?
Drama, family and history.
3. 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.
4. How would you describe this script in two words?
Emotional, heartwarming.
5. How long have you been working on this screenplay?
I first found out about the story of Sallie in January of 2023 when I visited the Gettysburg battlefield myself. And from that moment on I had been in my head kind of envisioning it in the form of a screenplay, and really thinking it out. I then began putting my idea down onto paper in November. I did not finish it for approximately 5 month. So I began thinking of the story in January of 2023 and finished writing it in April of 2024, so in other words, about a year and 4 months.
6. How many stories have you written?
This is my first screenplay.
7. What motivated you to write this screenplay?
My motivations for writing the screenplay are many. My love for history, particularly Civil War history, my love for dogs, and my love for storytelling. I loved the raw emotion I felt when I first learned of Sallie’s story and wanted to pass that on to other people, and show just how remarkable dogs truly are.
8. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
Without a doubt the number one struggle I had in writing this screenplay was remembering the formatting for screenplays. Remembering to remain in the present tense, no “ing” words, and also remembering not to write in the characters emotions. I’ve been taught that when you write in the characters emotions, you limit the freedom of the actors/actresses, which therefore leads to stale or even forced acting performances. I guess what I’m trying to say is learning to trust the actors was very difficult.
9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
I have been told I have a number of passions. I obviously love the art of filmmaking and screenwriting. In addition to loving film I would also say I am fairly into theater, including plays and musicals. However I would also say I am quite into travel (have been to 25 states as well as 10 countries). I am also a massive history nerd, with the American Civil War being one of my favorite events to study (though I do also love learning about the American Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars WWI, WWII, and the Cold War). I am also a massive basketball fan, and Michael Jordan is by far my favorite athlete of all time.
10. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?
I think one of the factors that influenced me to enter the Feedback festival is the feedback aspect of it. In this line of work, critical and constructive feedback is crucial, especially if you have goals like me, of making it to Hollywood and making films professionally. Also Chicago is one of my favorite cities I have ever been to.
11. What movie have you watched the most times in your life?
The film I have seen the most times in my life is Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar,” the film which taught me that films are more than just entertainment, they are an art form!
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