Watch the 1st Scene Script Reading of SOMBRA:
CAST LIST:
NARRATOR – Jason J. Thomas
Reagan – Maya Woloszyn
Whisper – Brett J. Kelly
Mira – Holly Sarchfield
Mrs. Solis – Danielle Nicole
Get to know writer Claire Wasmund:
1. What is your screenplay about?
Sombra follows a young woman named Genesis who, after a series of setbacks, wants to get her life back on track. When she needs money for school, she takes the night shift in an Alzheimer’s ward at a nursing home, only to discover that her estranged grandmother is one of the residents. When residents begin dying, Genesis must find a way to get her grandmother out.
2. Why should this script be made into a movie?
Sombra is a terrifying story with a protagonist who is haunted on multiple levels; she’s haunted by her upbringing, she’s haunted by business mistakes, she’s haunted by debt collectors, she’s haunted by an ex boyfriend, so it’s more than just a “creature” tale. It’s a story of failures, and desired redemption. It’s also written for a diverse cast with female leads.
3. How long have you been writing stories?
I remember writing and creating stories (that I often forced my younger brothers and friends to perform) since age five or six. For a little while I got sidetracked because I was told it wasn’t a realistic way to make a living, but I’m so pleased to have returned to it.
4. What movie have you seen the most in your life?
I was a preteen when “Titanic” came out… so there is your answer and explanation all in one. Since then I think I’ve tried to even out the numbers with “Rocky” and “When Harry Met Sally”.
5. What artists would you love to work with?
There are so many great actors out there. I love fearless artists like Claire Danes and Colin Farrell. I think the cast of “The 100” is a great ensemble. Young actresses like Aimee Carrero and Allison Scagliotti.
6. How many stories/screenplays have you written?
I’ve written two webseries, a television pilot, an animated feature, another horror film, and a dramedy. I have other stories sitting around in various stages of completion.
7. What motivated you to write this screenplay?
After I moved to Los Angeles to go to school, the big US crash of 2008 happened. I had trouble finding a job writing or in film, so I took a job working with Alzheimer’s patients. During a night shift at the Alzheimer’s ward I realized how alone I was, and how much I had forgotten what my original purpose of being in Los Angeles was- and then I thought about all of the people I was caring for who had forgotten similar things. I thought about the horrors of the disease itself and having who you are stripped away from you. The experience always stuck with me, and years later I decided to make it into a screenplay.
8. Describe your process; do you have a set routine, method for writing?
Usually I get an idea or a theme and think on it, I free write, I talk out loud and irritate my boyfriend for a month or so. Then I put all the main plot points down along with my opening image. I’ll think on those for a bit longer, then usually do what I call a vomit draft, where I just try to write the full script as quickly as possible so I can “see” my idea. I take a week or two off from the vomit draft, and then try to come back with fresh eyes to see what scenes are on the right track. I gut a lot of scenes, but usually they inspire and make me rework something much better.
9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
I love directing, and I enjoy working in reality TV.
10. What influenced you to enter the WILDsound Festival?
Your support of artists. I always see you guys posting and encouraging people. You do more than just “sit in judgement” of films and scripts, you offer much appreciated feedback.
11. Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?
I think most people don’t know how much time and thought actually goes into writing and they can be pretty dismissive towards the profession. For people who don’t grow up around entertainment things like placing in a festival, getting something optioned, getting an article published, etc don’t mean much unless it’s a “best seller” or a “blockbuster”. Not everyone is going to understand your victories, and some people might unintentionally tarnish them, but try to forgive them. The more you hold on to snubs, the less likely you are to share your work. Always stay your own greatest ally.
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Deadline: FIRST SCENE (first 10pgs) SCREENPLAY FESTIVAL Get it performed at the festival. Full feedback
http://www.wildsound.ca/firstscenescreenplaycontest.html
– Submit the first stages of your film, get it performed at the festival, and get full feedback!
WATCH past 1st Scene Festival readings:
WILDsound Festival 