Amanda J. Bermudez – October 2016 SHORT Screenplay Winner

THE MIDDLING CLASS
Written by Amanda J. Bermudez

SYNOPSIS:

Genre: Drama, Romance

Complicit in her own observation of the contemporary middle class, a woman viciously seduces a prosaic housewife whose husband is a hostage overseas.

CAST LIST:

AMAL – Rikki Wright
MARJORIE – Gabriel Darku
NARRATOR – Sandy Kellerman

Get to know the winning writer:

What is your screenplay about?

The project is basically a short, sexy, unfriendly treatment of the contemporary middle class. In the story, an older woman viciously seduces a prosaic housewife whose husband is being held hostage overseas. Ultimately, the story is about humiliation, self-discovery, and mediocre desperation.

What genres does your screenplay under?

Drama, romance, dark comedy… the usual.

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

I’d like to see this work made primarily because it’s a decently original and incisive. Secondarily because it will be incredibly cheap to shoot.

How would you describe this script in two words?

Electrifying boredom.

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

The Sting.

How long have you been working on this screenplay?

The screenplay was written quickly, but the concept has been brewing for some time.

How many stories have you written?

Not nearly as many as I’d like.

What motivated you to write this screenplay?

You meet these people, everywhere but especially in West LA, who are jonesing for the drama. People who would throw reality under the bus for a quick hit of feeling interesting, adorable, whatever. And it’s very human, but it’s also violent. This film is really just a quick flirt with that moment, of choosing the immediate over the real.

What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

The truncated format is a bit limiting, but no major hardships were endured.

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

Passionate is a strong word, but I’m pretty damn into boxing, late ’90s Chuck Klosterman essays, making music (albeit more often listening), and single malt scotch.

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

If you don’t have something worth writing, don’t. There are enough words in the world. When you write, make it count. Read great writers. And relax your investment in public opinion.

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Director/Producer: Matthew Toffolo http://www.matthewtoffolo.com

Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne

Editor: John Johnson