Short Film Script – SANCTUARY CITY by Stephanie Annis

 

Genre: Animation, Adventure

Zen Ben is a shy tour guide. After witnessing the injuries of Lily Ladybug and Becky Butterfly, Zen Ben demands repairs. Repairs seem impossible after Queen Lee tricks Zen Ben with an opportunity to win the Philanthropy Awards.

CAST LIST:

Slick Rick: Tim Paul McCarthy
Lily Ladybug: Jane Smythe
Narrator: Hugh Ritchie
Queen Lee: Georgia Grant
Zen Ben: Scott McCulloch
Vicky: Lara Amersey

Get to know the writer:

 1. What is your screenplay about?

Sanctuary City, an animation story, is set inside a butterfly sanctuary. A young overseer, his sanctuary charges, and the painter/janitor come together to raise money for sanctuary repairs. When the administrator chastises, challenges, and sabotages the overseer the true higher power assists.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Metaphysical Philosophical Animation

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

The hope of this spec script is to create enough interest in order to develop a complete screenplay filled with both metaphysical and philosophical life lessons for the next generation of children watching animation theatre.

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

Civic Pride

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

The Secret

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

This script was developed during my MFA program. The complete spec script final draft was my 2017 thesis.

7. How many stories have you written?

I’ve written more than I can count. I’ve published two novels, an auto-biography, and a short book of poetry. My column in the Review-Journal & Las Vegas Business Press from 2014-2016 included the stories of varied executives and their paths to success. And, I’ve completed several scripts including the, single page, award winning comedy ‘Dab A Duck Tape’. I’m proud to say that I was also graced with the title “Best New Writer” in August 2017 at the Action on Film Festival after submitting ‘Sanctuary City’ as my submission.

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

Eminem, “Lose Yourself”

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

I was hospitalized due to exhaustion and a Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis. Living with Crohn’s Disease since I was 18 I believe I have more lives than a cat. Surviving nearly 20 surgeries inspires me to pursue this project until it’s completion.

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

I love my family, studying, and practicing yoga.

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

It’s been a good experience as an introduction to the industry.

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

I loved my first experience with wildSOUND. They performed my one page script ‘Dab A Duck Tape’ in August 2017 when I won the Festival for Comedy through a FilmFreeway submission.

 

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

Director: Kierston Drier

Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne

Editor: Kimberly Villarruel

Camera Op: Mary Cox