SHORT SCRIPT Table Reading – COMPLICIT by Andrew L Schwartz

COMPLICIT was the February 2016 Winning Short Screenplay. 

Watch COMPLICIT by Andrew L  Schwartz:

CAST LIST:

NARRATOR – Sean Ballantyne
LT. HAMMELSTEIN – Sean Kaufmann
CLARITA/MARIE – Kelci Stephenson
SCHEINBERG – Chris Reid-Geisler
SGT. SACCO – Jarrid Terrell
PAP PAP – Sasha Rajamani

Get to know writer Andrew L  Schwartz:

1. What is your short screenplay about?

Complicit is about a former Nazi who goes on the run after he learns he may have to stand trial for his past transgressions.

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

This story focuses on a very real and relevant question that we as human beings need to face: has too much time passed for these men to be held accountable for their actions?

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

Morally challenging.

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

The Return of the King or The Departed.

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

I have been working on Complicit for over half a year. It has gone though many rewrites, and I have explored many different ways to examine character arcs.

6. How many stories have you written?

Over the years, I have written many stories. Currently, I have written three complete screenplays in my canon.

7. What motivated you to write this screenplay?

I read an article about a 94-year-old former Nazi who was tried and convicted for war crimes during WWII. I decided to dive deeper into this phenomenon and write a story about it.

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

Writing the perfect ending.

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

I am passionate about collecting and listening to vintage vinyl records, particularly from artists such as The Beatles, Bob Dylan and The Band.

10. What influenced you to enter the festival?

What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received? I entered this festival because I believe the opportunity to have my script read by professionals is invaluable. It gives life to the words, and will help me fine tune the nuances of the story. When I received my initial feedback, I was nervous because the script was deemed good, but still needed one solid rewrite in order for it to be included. So, I hit the drawing board unsure of where the new rewrite was going to take me, but in the end it worked out.

11. Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?

Get as many people as you can to read your script. Encourage your peers to offer advice, and always listen to the council of those closest to you. When it comes time to write a new script, WRITE IT. Practice discipline when you write and finish your script before moving onto the next project.

 

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Director/Producer: Matthew Toffolo
Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne
Editor: John Johnson